As firearms continue to sell at record pace, manufacturers are struggling to keep up with demand for existing models. Nonetheless, innovation continues. We are seeing introductions of MRDS-ready, striker-fired, polymer-frame pistols, including higher-capacity micro-9s. Also hitting the market with some frequency are large-format pistols in both rifle and pistol calibers. And, of course, super-premium 1911s continue to be unveiled at the aspirational end of the market.
With alarmed citizens looking to protect themselves, first-time buyers now seem to comprise a larger part of the firearm consumer base. As all guns may be new to them, some old standbys are moving well. So, what’s the market for sophisticated new designs? Long-range rifle competition and the simple fact that one can never have too many guns.
ArmaLite | Super SASS Gen II
Also available in 6.5 Creedmoor, the Super SASS Gen II is built with precision shooting in mind with features like a stainless steel, match-grade barrel and a two-stage, POF-brand trigger.
▶ ArmaLite TAC brake
▶ Magpul PRS Gen II stock
▶ ArmaLite freefloat handguard
▶ Mil-Spec 1913 Sight Base
Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 43 inches
Weight: 11 pounds, 6 ounces
MSRP: $3,150
(623) 780-1050 armalite.com
Cobalt Kinetics | BAMF Professional Series
The BAMF Professional Series rifle was developed with feedback from law enforcement and competition input and gives shooters three length and two chambering options for versatility in any situation.
▶ Adjustable stock
▶ Upgraded mag well design
▶ Short-throw safety selector
▶ Single-stage adjustable DMR trigger
Caliber: .300 BLK
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 35.5 inches
Weight: 6.5 pounds
MSRP: $2,700
(435) 656-0599 cobaltkinetics.com
Desert Tech | MDRX
Designed around a short-stroke, piston-operated system, this multi-caliber, bullpup-style rifle offers versatility in everything from .223 Wylde to 6.5 Creedmoor. It’s also available as an SBR.
▶ Bullpup design
▶ Bipod included
▶ Multi-caliber compatibility
▶ Short-stroke-piston operation
Caliber: .308 Win.
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 31.5 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 14 ounces
MSRP: $1,889
(801) 975-7272 deserttech.com
IWI US | TS12F
The popular Tavor TS12 semi-automatic bullpup shotgun is now available in flat dark earth and olive drab for those who desire something other than a bland, black home-defense firearm. With its three, five-round, rotating magazine tubes, it packs a fight-stopping 15 rounds of 12-gauge shells on board, making it ideal for home defense.
▶ Two-position gas regulator
▶ M-Lok attachment points
▶ Full-length optics rail
▶ Four sling-attachment points
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 28.3 inches
Weight: 8 pounds
MSRP: $1,399
(717) 695-2081 iwi.us
Leadstar Arms | DMR .308
It’s clear from the name the intended use of this rifle. Offering a host of long-range-friendly options like a freefloat handguard with attachment points for bipods and a custom trigger, Leadstar Arms’ DMR should live up to expectations.
▶ Five-position gas block
▶ Cerakote finish
▶ 17-inch handguard with M-Lok slots
▶ Hiperfire trigger
Caliber: .308 Win.
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 41 inches
Weight: 8 pounds, 11.2 ounces
MSRP: $1,302.62
(864) 979-7464 leadstararms.com
LWRCI | REPR MKII 6.5 Creedmoor Elite SC
If you’re looking for the cream of the crop of AR-pattern rifles for long-range shooting, the REPR MKII in 6.5 Creedmoor should be at the top of the list. From its innovative, piston-driven operation to its side-charging capability to its Monoforge upper receiver, this is one souped-up shooter that promises superior accuracy at great distances.
▶ Geissele SSA-E 2-stage trigger
▶ Magpul PRS stock
▶ 20-position, tunable gas block
▶ Side-mounted charging handle
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Overall Length: 43.5 inches
Weight: 11 pounds, 13 ounces
MSRP: $4,763.40
(410) 901-1348 lwrci.com
Palmetto State Armory | PSA AK-47 GF5
Classic AK-47-style looks combined with upgrades, PSA’s GF5 line offers light-colored wood furniture and the ability to add a scope through a side-mount system. Wanting retro looks doesn’t mean you have to live with old-school tech.
▶ Nutmeg wood furniture
▶ 800-yard rear-sight leaf
▶ Side-mount for scope
▶ ALG AKT enhanced trigger
Caliber: 7.62x39 mm
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 35.5 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 5 ounces
MSRP: $1,029.99
(803) 724-6950 palmettostatearmory.com
Palmetto State Armory | PSA AK74
Sometimes overlooked, the 5.45x39 mm round now has another home in the PSA AK74. Featuring a folding, skeletonized stock along with a caliber-specific muzzle device, this is the perfect addition to any AK collection.
▶ 1:8-inch twist rifling
▶ Traditional AK-74 muzzle brake
▶ Polymer AKM grip
▶ Single-hook, single-stage trigger
Caliber: 5.45x39 mm
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.3 inches
Overall Length: 37 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
MSRP: $1,099.99
(803) 724-6950 palmettostatearmory.com
Rock River Arms | RRAGE 2G
From its six-position telescoping stock to its freefloat, M-Lok-compatible handguard the RRAGE 2G will meet your AR-pattern MSR needs without breaking the bank.
▶ A2 pistol grip
▶ A2 flash hider
▶ Single-stage trigger
▶ Heavy-profile barrel
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 32 to 36 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $860
(866) 980-7625 rockriverarms.com
Winchester | Wildcat 22 SR
Hours of plinking fun are assured when shooting the Winchester Wildcat 22. So how did could the company possibly make it even better? Easy; the latest variant features a threaded muzzle, making it suppressor ready. A knurled thread protector is included.
▶ Lightweight composite stock
▶ Integral picatinny sight rail
▶ Dual ambidextrous magazine releases
▶ Fully adjustable, ghost-ring rear sight and ramped post front sight
Caliber: .22 LR
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.5 inches
Overall Length: 34.75 inches
Weight: 4 pounds
MSRP: $279.99
(800) 333-3288 winchesterguns.com
Zev Technologies | Core Duty Rifle
An intriguing blend of mil-spec and custom components, the Core Duty rifle has the frills you need. The freefloat barrel enhances accuracy, while the mid-length gas system improves reliability. Magpul furniture and Zev enhancements make this an excellent choice for an all-around carbine.
▶ Wedge Lock freefloat M-Lok handguard
▶ Radian Weapons Talon ambidextrous safety
▶ Magpul SL buttstock
▶ Zev Muzzle device
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 34 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
MSRP: $1,499
(805) 486-5800 zevtechnologies.com
