Gun Trade News explores the trends emerging with sporting rifles; here are our top picks from a range of hunting rifles
Steyr Arms CLII SX
Built on over 150 years of rifle making prowess, the all new Steyr Mannlicher CLII SX is built for accuracy, comfort and durability. The latest model features a new aluminium bedded synthetic stock, polymer inlays for improved grip and a design that’s perfect for bipod shooting.
And the innovations don’t stop there; for weather protection there’s a Mannox coating as standard. For accuracy the rifle features a unique Optimised Barrel Profile and for safety there’s Steyr’s rolling three-stage safety.
Available in up to 17 calibres and with the option of two different barrel lengths (standard and mountain – as pictured), there is a CLII to suit most situations.
SRP: £1,373.99
Sportsman Gun Centre
01392 354854
sportsmanguncentre.co.uk
Tikka T3X Cerakote
In addition to all the standard features of the T3X Lite, the new limited-edition T3X Cerakote features a super tough stainless matt black Cerakoted barrel and action and a durable ODG synthetic green stock.
Other features include a super smooth Teflon coated bolt and an oversized bolt handle for better grip and easier follow up shots. Only 200 units have been produced for the UK market and it is available in four calibres: .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester and .308 Winchester.
SRP: £1,445
GMK
01489 579999
gmk.co.uk
ATA Turqua
ATA Arms are proud to introduce their first bolt-action rifle: the Turqua. 100 per cent Turkish-made, the Turqua is the latest innovation from one of the industry’s fastest growing brands.
A rifle built to stand out from the crowd, the Turqua features a three-stage safety, a two-stage adjustable trigger and a 60-degree bolt lift for faster loading and follow-up shots.
A free-floating, button-rifled barrel with uniform stock spacing ensures consistent three=shot accuracy of sub-MOA, which is even more impressive when you consider that the rifle retails at under £500.
Completing the package is an ergonomic Turkish walnut stock designed for performance, accuracy and comfort.
SRP: £480
Sportsman Gun Centre
01392 354854
sportsmanguncentre.co.uk
Sako 85 Carbon Wolf
The Carbon Wolf is undoubtedly the star of the Sako range. Combining RTM material technology shared with the Carbonlight and features pioneered in the Black Wolf, this hyper-adjustable rifle will give you a perfect fit and grip alignment as well as less weight. Simply the ultimate Sako for your sporting needs.
SRP: £3,615
GMK
01489 579999
gmk.co.uk
GRS Bifrost Black
The GRS Bifrost is made from glass fibre reinforced composite material. The grip and forehand area have a rubber surface – steady and comfortable in any type of weather.
The Picatinny Rail mounting system integrates into four different positions on the stock, making it easy to mount light, laser, monopod and other accessories. GRS Bifrost is perfect for rugged hunting.
Both stocks feature the unique SpeedLock 2.0 system that makes it easier to adjust the length and height of the stock, and, importantly, to resist recoil from the heaviest calibres, and have an ergonomic grip with an angle of six percent, so your hand is in its most natural position.
SRP: £469.99
Highland Outdoors
0845 099 0252
highlandoutdoors.co.uk
Anschütz 1782
New from Anschütz, the Model 1782. Complex but unpretentious, this is a hunting rifle that in essence consists purely of wood and steel.
It may look simple but it is only when you familiarise yourself with the 1782 that you see it is actually a highly complex rifle with the modern, precision engineering which Anschütz is renowned for.
Available a German or Classic stock, in a variety of popular calibres including .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win, this is rifle made to last.
SRP: From £2,050
RUAG
01579 362319
ruag.co.uk
Strasser RS-14 Evolution
As the name suggests, the RS-14 Evolution is the latest update to the popular RS-14 platform. Based on the excellent Strasser multi-calibre system, the new model features an integrated picatinny rail for greater versatility and a DLC-coating on the trigger for less friction and improved performance.
As with the standard RS-14, the new model retains the modular design concept that allows the gun to be field stripped to its component parts within minutes, and features Strasser’s BEST Barrel Release System.
RRP: £2,698.99
Sportsman Gun Centre
01392 354854
sportsmanguncentre.co.uk
Barrett Fieldcraft
The sporting-profiled Fieldcraft is something of a departure for Barrett, more known for their tactically styled rifles. The 6lb rifle features an ultra-precision barrel.
For rigidity and to prevent corrosion and weakness, the bolt handle is attached to the bolt using a T-groove, fitted and pinned into place. All models come with a crisp single-stage adjustable Timney trigger, with a hand-laid carbon fibre stock, unyielding and lightweight.
The charcoal-grey Fieldcraft is designed with a top-loaded four-round magazine and a two-position safety, available in the following calibres: .243 Winchester, .22-250 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Remington, .308 Winchester, .25-06 Remington, .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield and 6.5×55 Swede.
Threaded barrels are available in 18” models only. Each rifle comes with an accuracy guarantee of sub-MOA, as tested by Barrett field staff.
SRP: £2,712
Edgar Brothers
01625 613177
edgarbrothers.com
Mauser M18
Dubbed ‘The People’s Rifle’, this release brings Mauser quality to a universal price point. The Mauser M18 continues in the ‘House of Mauser’ tradition; robustness and accuracy are delivered via a sub MOA performance guarantee, a cold-forge hammered barrel and a crisp, adjustable trigger.
With a UK SRP of £559, the M18 was announced by Mauser at IWA in 2018 as being ‘the ultimate rifle for all men at all times’ – in the past 18 months it has gone on to establish its reputation as The People’s Rifle. Blaser Sporting are the UK distributors for Mauser along with Blaser, Sauer and Minox brands. These brands are all offered via selected dealer arrangements.
Now available in the following calibres; .223 Rem, .243 Win, .270 Win, .308 Win, .30-06 Spr, 8×57 IS, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag.
SRP: £599
Blaser
01483 917412
blaser-sporting.com
Browning X Bolt Max Long Range
Shooters looking for an accurate rifle that is tailored for long-range accuracy need look no farther than Browning’s X-Bolt Max Long Range. The adjustable comb allows the shooter to dial-in optimal eye-to-scope alignment — crucial when using large diameter optics and Picatinny rail scope bases with built-in elevation.
Spacers are included to adjust the length of pull and a comfortable, upright pistol grip optimizes finger-to-trigger reach.
Three swivel studs allow the installation of a sling and bipod. The horizontal surface on the bottom of the buttstock sends the rifle straight back when shooting from bags, helping to keep the target in the scope so the shooter can watch for bullet impact.
Bedded into the Max stock is the accurate, award-winning X-Bolt action with matte blued finish that is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. An extended bolt handle makes it faster and easier to operate the bolt.
The hand chambered, fluted, 26” stainless steel barrel includes a removable muzzle brake that is threaded 5/8-24 TPI. A thread protector is included when the muzzle brake is not in use.
Browning
01235 514550
browning.eu
Bergara HMR
The HMR is one of the most popular Bergara rifles for a reason; built to offer a rifle for hunters and competition shooters that can perform in either situation.
It’s outfitted with a Bergara curved trigger, designed to guarantee a crisp, clean pull every time you fire the rifle. The stock features integrated QD flush cup mounts for easy sling attachment, an adjustable cheekpiece, and length of pull spacers to adjust from 14.5” at the longest to 12.25” at the shortest.
The winner of multiple awards worldwide and available in a variety of calibres including 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win.
SRP: From £1,130
RUAG
01579 362319
ruag.co.uk
Zoli Taiga
The Zoli Taiga has many outstanding features that distinguish it from other products in its class. It meets the requirements of both the traditional and modern hunter, and users will be left in no doubt that Zoli has created a truly stunning rifle, with fantastic accuracy, at a brilliant price.
The Zoli Taiga is hand finished at every stage of the manufacturing process, giving the appearance and quality of a custom built rifle, but not at custom-built prices.
Every part of the Taiga has been designed to bring the shooter the best possible engineering excellence. The trigger mechanism has been redesigned by Zoli and uses a clever ball bearing system resulting in an amazing and consistent trigger pull.
Available in two different finishes and a wide choice of calibers, this rifle is perfect for the traditional or modern hunter.
SRP: £2,653 (Rifle Only)
Edgar Brothers
01625 613177
edgarbrothers.com
Sabatti Saphire
The Saphire is the latest hunting rifle to come out of this Italian factory. It features Sabatti’s Multi Radial Rifling (MRR) giving higher bullet speed, less barrel wear and improved grouping. It features a one-piece action, is threaded for ½” UNF with thread protector and has a 2-position safety.
The rifle has a three-lug bolt that gives a reduced lift angle of 60° with feed from a three-shot, single column detachable magazine. It’s a lot slicker than previous models. Available in three stock options; Synthetic Sporter, Synthetic Thumbhole and Grade 4 Walnut.
SRP: From £975
Range Right Ltd
01423 881919
range-right.co.uk
Comments are closed