Part 2: Rifles
Many of you may have already come across the Cx4 Storm rifle that uses the pistol calibers 9 mm, .40 S&W and 45 ACP. This new rifle, the Rx4 Storm, sports two stocks (a standard and collapsible), a picatinny top rail for scope mounting, ambidextrous safety, cross bolt and bolt release. It also has interchangeability of the front stork forward of the magazine well. Carry capacity for this .223 Remington rifle is 10 rounds but there is an optional 30 round mag. One thing I do not like about this rifle is its appearance but what it will lack in its beauty is more than made up for in its features.
CZ is also adding to its 550 rifle line. The new CZ 550 Ultimate Hunting Rifle is chambered in .300 Win. Mag., weighs less than 8 pounds and comes with a minute-of-angle guarantee to 1000 yards. It features a hammer forged blued barrel and a walnut stock. With a price tag at $3450 it's hard to believe this will fly off the shelves.
Some of you may be familiar with Kel-Tec's SU-16 line of .223 Rem. rifles. This year Kel-Tec has introduced its new RFB high efficiency rifle. I've only read about this new rifle but I am really impressed with its features. It is the first rifle by Kel-Tec offered in the .308 Win. round and it is in a bull pup style meaning the magazine is behind the hand grip. It also features a forward ejection system where the fired round is ejected from a small tube at the front of the rifle. This new concept makes for a shorter tilting block breach allowing for longer barrels increasing the velocities downrange. This in turn makes for flatter trajectories, smaller groups and longer ranges. The RFB comes with a choice of barrel lengths from 18" to 32" and a really long picatinny rail accommodating even the largest scope. The next long range sniping tool? Time will tell.
Kimber is entering the tactical rifle market this year with three rifles ringing in price from $1258 to $2497. We'll start with the LPT (Light Police Tactical) with its 24" heavy fluted barrel, over sized bolt handle and black laminated stock with panel stippling. Weighing in at just over 8 pounds this rifle will be highly portable. The next rifle is simply called the Tactical. This time the rifle totes an unfluted bull barrel and a McMillan A-5 stock and the weight is at 9 pounds. Finally, there is the Advanced Tactical where the only real difference is the stock. Still a McMillan A-5 stock but now the length of pull and the comb height are adjustable. Each rifle comes with a bolt on picatinny rail, glass bedding and a trigger pull at 3-3.5 pounds.
Olympic Arms is introducing two new AR type rifles. First is the K30R chambered in 7.62 x 39mm. The second, K68, chambered in 6.8 Rem. SPC round. Both come with a 16" stainless steel barrel with flash suppressor. Both have aluminum receivers machined by Olympic Arms and a M4 collapsible stock. The best bit of information I can give on these fine rifles is the price. The K30R comes in at $846 and the K68 is $905.
The Swiss made SG 550 series rifle has built a reputation for outstanding accuracy, performance and durability for law enforcement and military. Now Sig Arms has made a civilian version for distribution here in the US. The SG 556 features a 16" hammer forged barrel with a 1 in 7" twist rate. It accepts standard AR mags and a two stage trigger system. Compartments for extra batteries are provided in the pistol grip and the adjustable butt stock. Price is around $1300.
Everyone has heard the great things being said of the S&W M&P 15 rifle series. New to the series this year is the M&P 15 PC rifle. Features a full length skeleton stock and 20" stainless barrel. The PC comes with a two stage match trigger and billet aluminum upper and lower. S&W even throws in a soft lined case for carrying. No price yet.
Ruger firearms are known for their durability and design in hunting applications. This year Ruger introduces the new M77 Hawkeye rifle series. Wrap around checkering on the fore end and a new trigger system are just some of the features on this rifle. Includes a new recoil pad designed for more recoil reduction and the LC6 trigger system is suppose to give a crisp, clean break right out of the box. Versions of this rifle include options like stainless or blued, walnut or synthetic stocks and the calibers range from the 204 Ruger to the 7mm-08 Rem. The Alaskan and African versions are chambered for the .375 Ruger.
FN's popular PS 90 carbines are a great tool and the new 5.7 x 28 mm cartridge has caused a lot of controversy and anything that gives the liberal gun grabbers heart burn has my vote. New this year to this line is the PS 90 TR triple rail. Generally, the carbine is the same but the reflex sight has been replaced with three picatinny rails for scopes, red dots and other accessories. Hopefully I can eventually come up with money to purchase one of these.
The Marlin 308MX and 308MXLR lever action rifles are chambered for the new 308 Marlin Express cartridge with a 5 shot tubular magazine. The MXLR features a 24"stainless steel barrel and frame assembly, a black/grey laminate stock and adjustable rear sight with ramped front sight. The MX features a 22" blued barrel and frame, American black walnut and both are tapped for scope mounts.
T/C's new rifle, the Icon, is a wonderful mix of beauty and function. The new Icon has several features that will leave you in awe. This firearm has a button rifled match grade barrel chambered in your choice of 22-250, .243 Win., .308 and the new .30 TC cartridge. Each rifle has an integrated picatinny mount system, interlocking bedding block, full body jeweled bolt, and is CNC machined out of solid bar stock. A removable and interchangeable bolt handle and a 60 degree bolt lift if perfect for scope clearance. There is also a 3 round magazine, high grade walnut stock with elaborate checkering and fully adjustable trigger preset at 3 to 3.5 pounds.
Questions, Comments Suggestions? billy_the_kid43@hotmail.com