January 29, 2012
By G&A Online Editors
After exhausting ourselves combing the floor of the 2012 SHOT Show in Las Vegas last week, G&A.com can confidently say two things. First, six days in Vegas is way too many. Second, 2012 is going to be a good year for riflemen and women.
This year will see about as much innovation in the gun industry as there has ever been--from zombie-killing AKs with chainsaws attached to a new interchangeable bolt-action platform--and customers are rewarding the manufacturers' efforts with record gun sales.
With all the new rifles on the market it might be easy to categorize them as tacti-cool ARs or hunting-only bolt-guns, but we'll just call them exciting new rifles...in one way or another.
DPMS Tac 2 Carbine VIDEO
DPMS Panther Arms introduced its latest carbine-action rifle at SHOT Show in Las Vegas with the DPMS Tac 2 Carbine. In addition to a lightweight, 16-inch barrel, the Tac 2 Carbine features a full-length M111 handguard, which includes a rail kit that can be mounted anywhere on the rifle's forearm, which allows for vertical grips, lights, lasers or backup iron sights.
Remington Model 700 BDL 50th Anniversary VIDEO
In 1962, Remington introduced the world to the popular Model 700. To commemorate the occasion, the company has introduced the Remington Model 700 BDL 50th Anniversary rifle. Just like the original rifle, the M700 BDL is chambered in 7mm Remington Magnum with an all-satin finish.
Rock River Arms LAR-47 VIDEO
Rock River Arms introduced its brand new LAR-47 rifle at SHOT Show 2012 in Las Vegas. The LAR-47 rifle is your standard AR platform, but good news for you AK fans: It also takes AK-47 magazines. Chambered in 7.62×39, the LAR-47 is fully adaptable with all AR upgrades and features a chrome-lined bore.
LWRC PSD 300 in .300 Blackout VIDEO
If you're looking for a short-range rifle that's quieter than the MP5, LWRC International has the answer with their LWRC PSD 300 chambered in .300 Blackout. LWRC shortened the PSD 300€²s buffer tube to 5 inches to make room for a new proprietary stock. With an 8 1/2-inch barrel, the PSD 300 is equipped with an AAC 51T Blackout flash suppressor. Though designed for shooting subsonic ammo within 50 yards, the PSD 300 is also capable of shooting supersonic rounds at 2,300-2,400 feet per second with a range up to 150 meters. In addition, the gun's revolutionary carrier uses an ACB Advanced Combat Bolt — after 11,000 rounds and no cleaning, the gun still fired great!
Colt LE901 VIDEO
Colt introduced the brand new Colt LE901 assault rifle at SHOT Show 2012 in Las Vegas. Along with fully ambidextrous safeties and mag releases, the LE901 can also easily be converted to a higher caliber — an entirely removable upper assembly means any mounted optics will stay zeroed once removed.
Beretta ARX160 VIDEO
Beretta introduced the Beretta ARX160 at SHOT Show 2012. The company's latest AR platform is already making waves in military arms, as the easily-interchangeable barrel makes suiting the gun for any given mission less of a chore. In addition, the push of a button can alter the ARX160€²s unique reversible ejection, making the rifle suitable to both right- and left-handed shooters.
Thompson/Center Dimension Bolt-Action Rifle Platform
This bolt-action rifle offers easy interchangeability, allowing the shooter to switch barrels in under five minutes, and can handle most cartridges from .204 Ruger to magnums. The T/C Dimension also features a two-position safety and adjustable trigger, as well as adjustable spacers, allowing young shooters to grow with the rifle.
Ruger American Rifle VIDEO Ruger introduced its latest bolt-action rifle, the Ruger American, at SHOT Show 2012 in Las Vegas. The Ruger American features a three-lug bolt, dual cocking cams and a new bedding system called Power Bedding, which uses stainless steel bedding blocks injected in the stock, anchoring the receiver and free floating the barrel, which is cold-hammer forged for improved accuracy. The Ruger American also features the Ruger Marksman adjustable trigger, which features a pivoting trigger safety with a pull weight of three to five pounds. The rifle is available in .30-06, .270, .308 and .243, and retails with an MSRP of $449.
Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 VIDEO Weatherby introduced the next generation of Vanguard rifles at SHOT Show 2012 in Las Vegas, rolling out the Weatherby Vanguard Series 2. The Vanguard Series 2 will feature a match quality two-stage trigger, which is fully adjustable down to 2.5 pounds and provides for a consistent let-off. Select models will also feature the Monte Carlo Griptonite stock, which provides a special pistol grip and forend inserts for improved grip, plus a right side palm swell. The Vanguard Series 2 are in stores now with an MSRP of about $599, though the Deluxe and Range Certified models will price around [imo-slideshow gallery=35],100.
Remington 700 SPS Long Range Rifle VIDEO Remington unveiled it's brand new Remington 700 SPS Long Range Rifle at SHOT Show 2012 in Las Vegas. This heavy-barrel model is chambered in long-action and long-action Magnum — perfect for long-range hunters — with a more rigid stock material for improved accuracy and pillar beds for a free-floated barrel.
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