Rifle makers have been very busy in the off-season. Here's a look at what they've been up to.
Feb 1, 2004
The selection of centerfire big-game, varmint, rimfire, bolt-action, semi-auto, single shots and even combo guns is large
and diverse. The new products span the gamut from the budget-priced to the exquisitely expensive.
Browning
Browning's venerable BAR
semi-auto gets an upgrade this year with the addition of the ShortTrac and LongTrac models. These will feature European styling and shim-adjustable stocks to allow custom fitting. Drilled and tapped for scope mounting, neither model comes with iron sights. Weight is reduced via the use of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy receivers with a composite trigger guard and magazine floor plate. The ShortTrac is available in .270 WSM, 7mm WSM, .300 WSM, .243 Win. and .308 Win. SRP: $827. The LongTrac is chambered for .270 Win, .30/06 Springfield, 7mm Rem. Mag. and .300 Win. Mag. SRP: $902. Booth #401. (801-876-2711; www.browning.com)
CZ-USA
CZ is offering two new rimfire bolt-actions in .17 HMR. Built on its proven .22-magnum receiver (five-round magazine), the standard version (SRP: $420) features an American-patterned stock, 3/8-inch dovetail scope-mount bases and no iron sights. The Varmint version features a heavier 21-inch barrel. SRP: $440.
Also new for rimfire shooters is a Mannlicher (full-stock) version of its popular CZ 452 bolt-action .22 LR rifle. The receiver is milled for 11mm scope rings and adjustable iron sights are also installed. SRP: $440.
The CZ 527 American will
be available this year in the .221 Fireball, while retaining all the features of the standard bolt-action model, including controlled-round feeding, single-set trigger and forged square-bridge receiver. SRP: $599. Booth #3295. (800-955-4486; www.cz-usa.com)
Dakota Arms, Inc.
Those looking for the most exquisite rimfire bolt-action on the market may find it in the Dakota Arms Model 22 Sporter. Available in .22 LR, .22 WMR and .17 HMR, it is a rimfire version of the company's centerfire rifles and is available with an extensive list of custom options. With a "base price" of $3,000, it is not for everybody. But for those who absolutely have to have something their hunting buddies don't, check it out. Booth #304. (605-347-4686; www.dakotaarms.com)
H&R 1871
A new .22 rimfire and new Handi-Rifle models highlight the 2004 offerings from H&R. The Sportster SL is a new semi-auto .22 LR with a ten-round magazine, 19-inch barrel, hardwood stock and economical price.
Additions to the Handi-Rifle line for 2004 are: a .22/250 in both a blued sporter barrel and a stainless-steel varmint-barrel configuration, an adult and youth model in 7mm/08, and stainless-steel models in .270 Win. and .30/06. SRP: From $276. Booth #327. (203-239-5621; www.
marlinfirearms.com)
Marlin Firearms
Marlin is upgrading its rimfire bolt-action line with the introduction of the new T-900 series. Available in .17 HMR, .22 LR and .22 Magnum, the T-900 models
feature an improved trigger (three- to six-pound pull) and
a new safety mechanism with
positive click stops at the "Safe" and "Fire" positions.
The Model 1894 Cowboy rifle will now be chambered for the .32 H&R Magnum. The new Model 1894CB-32 features a 20-inch tapered octagon barrel, adjustable Marble semi-buckhorn rear and carbine front sights, straight-grip American walnut stock, a hard-rubber buttplate and a tube loading system. The 10-round tubular magazine now loads through a port in the front of the outer
magazine tube, instead of through a receiver port. SRP: $849.
Marlin's popular Guide Gun will now be offered in .480 Ruger/.475 Linebaugh. The Model 1895RL features a checkered American walnut stock and an 18˝-inch barrel. SRP: $695.
Lastly, the venerable Model 60 .22 LR will be available with a durable "Walnutone" stock finish that simulates the color and grain of high-grade walnut, designated the 60DL. SRP: $224. Booth #327. (203-239-5621; www.marlin
firearms.com)
We require
all participants in interactive areas to accept the terms of the Bonnier Corporation subscriber agreement. Please
read the agreement
before making comments. When you click on the button above to submit your comments, you are indicating your acceptance of and
are agreeing to adhere to the terms of the subscriber agreement.
RELATED ARTICLES
