Long range and precision rifle shooting are garnering lots of new devotees. Last February at the Great Rockies Sports Show in Helena a substantial majority of the visitors to the BRGC booth were interested in our long range program. Those folks came in all ages, and numerous women also expressed interest in the sport. At the monthly practice sessions and registered shoots, attendance is up. With that interest in mind, here are a few new rifles made expressly for precision rifle shooting.
First up, the American Built Arms Howa Precision Rifle. This bolt action rifle is chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, has a 10 round detachable magazine, 22 inch barrel, and is set in an A*B Arms’ MOD*X GEN III Modular Rifle System chassis; MSRP $ 1200.00.
Next in line is the Howa HCR. This 9 pound bolt gun is chambered in six different calibers, has a 22 inch barrel and features a 10 round detachable magazine. The modular stock is infinitely adjustable for shooters of all sizes. MSRP $ 1239.00.
The Bergara B14 HMR is touted as a “jack of all trades” rifle. Useful for precision work, as well as hunting. It is chambered in .308 Winchester, comes with a 5 round magazine and 20 inch threaded barrel, and weighs a bit over 9 pounds. MSRP $ 1150.00.
Browning has entered the precision fray with the Browning X-Bolt Target McMillan A3-5. This is the first chambering of the new 6 MM Creedmoor in the excellent McMillan A3-5 stock. With a 28 inch barrel, 4 round magazine, and weighing 10 pounds 3 ounces this should be a real 1000 yard tack driver. The gun comes with a muzzle brake than can be replaced with a suppressor. MSRP $2800.00.
If you’re looking to step up to big bore power and your wallet is thick with cash then the IWI US Dan Tactical Precision Rifle just might be what you need. This combat-proven precision turnbolt is built on a one-piece, aluminum-alloy chassis. Designed with IWI’s commitment to ergonomics, it promises superior accuracy at extreme ranges and is already in use with the SAS in Syria. Chambered in .338 Lapua, the gun has a 28 inch heavy barrel and a 10 round detachable magazine. MSRP $ 8999.00.
If you are on a bit of a tight budget then the Remington 700 Magpul might be for you. The very accurate Remington 700 is combined with Magpul furniture. This 22 inch barrel bolt action rifle is chambered in .308 and carries 5 rounds. MSRP $ 1175.00.
The Savage Model 10 Ashbury Precision is a gun that I expect with be a very hot seller. Savage Arms partnered with Ashbury Precision Ordnance and Drake Associates to develop a lineup of tack-driving “chassis-style” rifles. The modular, upgradable and reconfigurable chassis features a double-locking, folding shoulder stock, along with an octagonal aluminum handguard. A 24 inch barrel, 5 round magazine, and a weight of 10 plus pounds make this a real bargain precision gun. MSRP $ 1799.00.
Weatherby has joined the battle with the Vanguard Modular Chassis. This turnbolt is chambered in the excellent and popular 6.5 Creedmoor. This gun weighs 8 pounds 8 ounces and comes with a 10 round magazine. My only concern is the short, in my opinion, 20 inch barrel. MSRP $ 1519.00.
Last, but not least, the Winchester XPC. Built off of Winchester’s rigid XPR receiver, this chassis gun features a button-rifled, freefloat barrel with a target crown and threads for mounting a suppressor or muzzle device. The alloy chassis is finished with Cerakote to enhance durability. The XPC is available in .308 and .243 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor. A 24 inch barrel, 10 round detachable magazine, and 10 pound 5 ounce weight should make this a very viable long range rifle. MSRP $ 1598.00.
If you want to shoot tiny groups at 1000 yards or bang a steel target at a mile, one of the rifles listed above will do the job.
Be safe and good shooting,
Colonel Smoothbore
