Daniel Defense has just announced the DANIEL H9, a redesigned and updated version of the original Hudson H9 9mm handgun.
Originally announced at SHOT Show 2017 by Hudson Mfg., the Hudson H9 made a big impression. The 9mm handgun had a lot going for it thanks to its unique design, and those who bought one seemed to be pleased with it, but the company unfortunately went under just a couple of years later. Fans of the H9 should be excited then, as Daniel Defense announced at SHOT Show 2024 that it had purchased Hudson’s patents and was bringing the pistol back as the DANIEL H9.
Despite looking nearly identical from the outside, the DANIEL H9 only shares a single component with the original Hudson. This is because of Daniel Defense’s commitment to quality, and while the Hudson H9 boasted a very innovative design, it ultimately didn’t meet Daniel Defense’s manufacturing standards. A few years, a million rounds of 9mm and a lot of research later, the refined DANIEL H9 was born. Now, Daniel Defense is confident that the pistol will share the same reputation of quality as the company’s rifles.
If you’re not familiar with the H9 design, it’s probably best described as a 1911 updated for the 21st century. It keeps many of the same well-loved features of the 1911, like a slim profile, a straight-pull trigger and a naturally pointing grip angle, with modern features like a striker-fire mechanism, an optics-ready slide and redesigned internals that allow the pistol to have the lowest bore axis in its class. That last detail is probably the most significant. Further, the DANIEL H9 is lighter than the original Hudson thanks to its aluminum frame—an update that Hudson had planned on incorporating before going bankrupt.
There’s a lot more that could be said about the H9, both the original concept and Daniel Defense’s redesigned version. This post isn’t for discussing every unique detail, however. It’s for bringing the good news that one of the most interesting pistols to be announced in recent years is not dead. Now in the hands of a large, reputable manufacturer, its life has really just begun. The DANIEL H9 is available now at select dealers and has an MSRP of $1,299.
For more information on the DANIEL H9’s specs, the features that set it apart from other modern pistols and what Daniel Defense did to improve upon the original Hudson, please visit danieldefense.com.
A peak at Midwest Industries’ Premium Lever Action Stock Series, the company’s latest accessories for modernizing your lever gun.
The last time lever-action rifles were this popular, horses were probably still in vogue too. Regardless, new lever gun models weren’t the only thing to be released at SHOT Show 2024, as Midwest Industries announced several new accessories for lever-action rifles as well.
Called the Midwest Industries Premium Lever Action Stock Series, the lineup features more than just stocks. The stocks are compatible with rifles from Marlin, Winchester, Rossi and Henry, and the other new accessories add a lot of potential for customization for anyone looking to bring a lever-action into the 21st century. The new products include ambidextrous stocks with various profiles, G10 M-LOK and grip panels, an M-LOK shell holder, stock spacer plates and more.
Troy Storch, owner of Midwest Industries, said this about the new lineup:
As the company that kicked off the lever action revolution all those years ago, it feels great to get back to redefining what a lever action rifle can be … Adding modern components and accessories shouldn’t force lever action enthusiasts to sacrifice the old-school feel that drew them to the platform in the first place. We aimed to take what makes a lever action rifle great and make it even better, and I think we accomplished that.
The accessories in Midwest Industries’ Premium Lever Action Stock Series are available now.
The author discusses Faxon Firearms' new 700-footprint FX7 action and uses one to build a precision rifle.
There seems to be no limit to the number of variants that can be extrapolated upon using the classic Remington 700 screw spacing. In the past decade, countless actions by dozens of companies, big and small, have introduced their own spin on making a turnbolt action that feeds from AICS mags. The short-action bolt gun is dominant in America and, as a result, there’s a race to make what could be the best one at the best price.
Indeed, in our era, we have seen the actions—not completed rifles—run up a bill in excess of $1,500 … and sometimes even more.
Factoring in barrels, stocks, optics and accessories, you can rack up a build easily exceeding $10,000 for a slight edge in performance against other high rollers (you can at least spend that money on a Barrett M107 if you want to truly dunk on your range buddies, but that’s up to you).
Faxon Firearms sought to change this paradigm and launched what is perhaps the most adaptable, feature-rich action on the market for the price … and the future will only hold more options for their new action at a fraction of the cost of the competition.
Oh, and they have the ability to swap calibers with pre-fit barrels.
The Bolt Gun Of Tomorrow
Bolt-action rifles today are unilaterally descended from the Mauser 1896. Why not the Mauser 98, arguably the most famous Mauser, the Backbone of Hitler’s Wehrmacht? Simply because 1898 actions have a third lug on the bolt—not even the 1903 Springfield, itself a Mauser, can claim true fatherhood of today’s most common actions. The main difference in the operation mode is 1896 actions are cock-on-closing, where today’s guns, and the Mauser 1898, are cock-on-opening. The latter cocking feature has become the predominate mode of fire control, where the lug-free tubular bolt akin to the 1896 action has assumed the role of dominant action style.
Truth told, the 1896 action, as well as the 1903 Springfield, were “overly safe” in terms of construction; the cartridges and associated pressures present in the earlier Mauser designs were all within standard range, and the 1896 locking lugs were plenty even for modern cartridges. Needless to say, there has been a never-ending attempt to increase the strength of the common bolt gun, largely in a move to increase the number of cartridges that can be fired from one action. The short action needed to exceed what Mauser started, and what we see with the new Faxon FX7 action is one of the strongest to date for its size.
The Faxon FX7 action in .308 Win., as it arrived from the factory.
Faxon has dabbled in bolt actions for a little while. Years ago, the company made Ruger Precision rifle barrels as an aftermarket option. They also did OEM work for some companies. The turn came when Faxon partnered with Stiller for the launch of the 8.6 Blackout as a limited first run.
Faxon did an incredible job on the barrel, the cartridge itself I found a bit wanting across the board, notably due to some mathematical snake oil found in the advertising from Q, the company from which the 8.6 Blackout “originated” (JD Jones had the .338 Whisper decades ago, just like he also had .300 Whisper. Rebranding is a hell of a thing, I suppose).
I appreciate Faxon’s enthusiasm for what amounted to a wildcat cartridge at the time, though the overall status and acceptance of the 8.6 Blackout is still in flux. I don’t personally see a glittering future for the conspicuous cartridge beyond boutique end use, though I have been wrong before. Eating crow is a staple diet for gun writers.
The 8.6 RemAge (a name for barrels that used a Remington 700 standard thread but utilized a Savage-style barrel nut for headspacing) style barrels came after, and these products did very well with consumers. The question then came up, “What if we did this our way? A high-quality product without breaking the bank?”
It was decided that Faxon would make their own actions in 2022. It was kept relatively quiet and was released with excitement at SHOT Show 2023. The product line was launched to include rifles, barreled actions and pre-fit barrels. Every core component is made in-house, from the bolt to the action body.
Note the two small screws holding the trigger hanger plate to the receiver. You won’t need to pound your pins out with a punch like other 700 actions: The heavy lifting is done for you. In fact, this was the easiest trigger install the author ever accomplished.
The products consist of a strong 416 body and 4340 bolt, easily able to withstand modern ammunition. The design was meant to keep price manageable but offer a feature-rich end-product to include an integral recoil lug and optics rail, 70-degree six-lug bolt (wow!) and Remington 700 compatible trigger options. In short, it would be the strongest, most variable action on the market at a savings compared to other options.
But Faxon didn’t just settle here: They also wanted the smoothest action and went to great length to provide the user a satisfactory experience in overall operation. The smoothness, they felt, has to be there, and they achieved it. They focused in on the handling experience and not just high-performance function. I, personally, enjoy this approach.
Actions will include trigger pins, though they’re laid out very differently than in typical 700-footprint actions. The trigger cassette, in this case a Timney Hunter model, is held in by a separate part entirely as opposed to being pinned to the receiver directly, as is done with most 700 clone actions. You will use a Phillips (in the age of Hex bits?) driver to remove two tiny screw on a plate. This plate has contained pins that enable you to attach it to the trigger of tour choice. This plate is then screwed back down to the action.
In the name of full disclosure, I experienced a bit of wiggle when the firing pin was down/action open, and it made me nervous initially. The wiggle isn’t a worry, and I put several hundred rounds of .308 Win. through the complete rifle prior to taking it hunting … with zero issues. Of note is that the stock itself will keep this separate plate section flush to the action. I was worried it would be an issue, but I tested it with shims to be sure that there was no chance for this novel trigger installation setup to create an issue.
The Magpul folding chassis makes for a compact package for easy transport.
Two finishes, polished DLC and ArmorLube matte finish, are currently being offered. I’m unsure what time will bring on the finishes of the future, but I hope that they are as diverse as the options currently available on Faxon’s other products. I’m not a “tactical” guy or mall ninja, and I like bold, interesting finishes on my guns: I’d love to see a Faxon barreled action in rainbow DLC or gold in the future.
Faxon plans to offer barrels for their actions and others: Pre-fit, RemAge and profiled blanks coming in 6.5mm, 8.6mm and 7.62mm as main launch calibers. Short mag and .223 bolt-face actions may yet be forthcoming. Short action will be the primary offering, options in long action and rimfire are being considered.
Also of note, not all the short-action offerings will be caliber compatible: Expect .308-bolt face options to be barrel compatible … but not able to cross over to options using the .223 bolt face. Stand-alone actions will be shipping quarter four of 2023 (at press time barreled actions will likely be shipping already). I eagerly await what may come from Faxon simply as a hobby builder. I take pride in assembling my own guns, and I love that I can now add bolt action complete builds and barrel swaps to my list.
The Faxon FX7 Action Build
The rifle I elected to build was to be one that fit in a backpack, namely an Eberlestock Gunslinger 2. This is an excellent pack that, while heavy for a three-day pack, is ideal for transporting a rifle hands-free. I used the progenitor of this pack over a decade ago for coyote and deer hunting, and I am pleased to be using the modern variant for the same animals, plus a ram I put down.
The finished build readily fits into the rifle sleeve of the Eberlestock Gunslinger two-pack.
I chose a stock I’ve used from time to time on these pages, the Magpul 700 Pro, to give me a reliable base and folding stock capability. The overall length of the finished rifle, with suppressor removed, was just over 28-inch folded, truly backpack concealable. I wanted to make a gun that was not only packable but functional for the role of hunting at medium range, while not sacrificing compatibility with modern ARCA and optical systems.
In short, I wanted a gun that was able to take game at all reasonable ranges using advanced support gear while at the same time being reasonable in weight and accuracy. I did accomplish this, but I do feel that I still could have saved a few pounds. Call it a prototype if you want, but I think that the 18-inch, medium contour .308 Win. with a 10X optic can accommodate 95 percent of all hunting in America.
Suppressing a Medium Weight Barrel
There has to be some discussion on the weight ratio to barrel length when talking suppressors. Ideal barrel length for a .308 Win. rifle is 18 to 20 inches in all platforms; you don’t give up much going to 16 inches, and I’ve gone as short as 13.5 inches, but as far as reason is concerned, the 18- to 20-inch range is categorically ideal for weight to velocity. For field use, the objective should be hearing-safe suppression for 300-yard shots on a kill-zone-sized 10-inch plate. This doesn’t seem unreasonable, but so few hunters or shooters ever shoot this distance enough to know how a rifle and cartridge perform.
Accuracy with all .308 Win. loads tested was excellent, all shooting ½ MOA at 100 yards. There was really no difference between all Remington, Federal and Hornady factory loads ranging from 150 to 180 grains. My own handloads consisted of Lapua brass and Hornady 168-grain BTHP match bullets over Hodgdon Varget powder. In total, I fired seven factory loads and three handloads, and I’m exceedingly pleased with the accuracy this barreled action delivered.
The SilencerCo Omega 36M is a great can, but it is on the heavy side if you’re using all the bells and whistles. It’s possible to convert this can to be lighter, but the QD function is really nice for transport to help reduce overall length. The Armageddon Gear cover helps reduce mirage and also keeps you from burning your hands.
This article features a SilencerCo Omega 36M with .30-cal. endcap and Armageddon Gear suppressor cover. This is a heavy can that can handle up to .338 Lapua Mag and everything in between, and while super quiet in .308, it does show some vertical stringing when warmed up. If you plan to hunt with the Gunner profile barrel, be aware of the weight of your suppressor and what it does to your point of impact. In my case, the gun shoots 2 MOA high unsuppressed, which is over a half MIL of elevation difference between suppressed and unsuppressed. I do have the option to swap barrels later on as Faxon pre-fits become available, but I sort of like my results using the light barrel as featured here. If, by chance, they come out with a fluted 16-inch M24 profile barrel in .308 Winchester … well, I’d be interested.
U.S. Optics And A Reasonable Scope Layout
I originally began using U.S. Optics a half-decade ago, and I’ve always been impressed with their custom quality. After using their Foundation 5-25X in MOA for years, I contacted the company to send a more compact optic in the same line, but in a max 10X in MIL/MIL. I wanted it in OD green with an integral bubble level and illumination … and they delivered.
The US Optic featured here is a custom build that the author specified. It’s a solidly built, if not overbuilt, optic that provides a host of features and is very rugged. There are more features packed in than can be taken advantage of by a midrange backpack .308 Win., but they are there if you need them.
I used this optic on various projects for the past year before it found a final home on the new Faxon action. For .308 Win., there’s no better partner than a high-end optic ending in 10X. It can accomplish everything the cartridge has to offer to its effective distance. I like the U.S. Optics I have here for its raw function on a functional rifle, no other notes required. It gets the job done.
Closing The Bolt
I find that what Faxon delivered here is emblematic of what is to come of 700-footprint actions. I love that the company offers an incredibly strong, smooth action, and I love that there’s the ability to field future cartridge designs, thanks to the versatility of the action’s six-lug bolt.
In my time with their new bolt action, I’ve seen it perform very well … and I think you will be as well should you order one.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the February 2024 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
The Gun Digest team has seen a lot of cool stuff at SHOT Show 2024 this year, but here are just a few highlights.
It’s that time of year again, and just about every big name in the gun industry has congregated in Las Vegas to display their latest products at SHOT Show 2024. We’ve seen a lot of great stuff so far, much of which will be covered more extensively later on. In the meantime, here are a few highlights that caught our eye.
Henry Lever-Action Supreme
Lever-actions have been extremely popular lately, especially modernized ones, though the pinnacle of the concept that has likely generated the most hype is the modernized lever-gun chambered for .223/5.56 that feeds from AR magazines. Bond Arms announced one of these at last year’s SHOT, and it was very well received. It’s yet to be released, however, and Henry has just thrown its hat in the ring as well.
Called the Henry Lever-Action Supreme, it features more traditional lever-action aesthetics than Bond Arms’ model thanks to its wood furniture, but Henry’s is still fully modern where it counts. Namely, they’ll be available in both .223/5.56 and .300 BLK, will feed from AR mags and will feature Picatinny rail on top for mounting optics. MSRP will be $1,400.
Black Rain Ordnance BRO-MATCH
A release that should have long-range and precision shooters excited is the BRO-MATCH from Black Rain Ordnance, the latest addition to the company’s bolt-action line. Featuring the DERECHO 3-lug action, a 60-degree bolt throw and the ability to swap barrels at home, the company says that the rifles are ready to deliver sub-MOA accuracy.
It’s available chambered for either 6.5mm Creedmoor or 6mm Creedmoor, but both versions will feature the MDT ACC Elite Chassis System, a TriggerTech Diamond Rem 700 Flat Straight Adjustable trigger and a BRO-TEMPEST Self-Timing Muzzle Brake. MSRP is $4,499.
RISE Armament Watchman XR In 22 ARC
Another one for the long-range crowd is the new Watchman XR model from RISE Armament. Chambered for 22 ARC, this rifle will be the most precision-oriented gun in the company’s Watchman AR line.
It appears that it will share a lot in common with the existing Watchman rifles that are chambered for .308 Winchester and 6.5mm Creedmoor, including features like their high-performance barrels, slim handguards with both M-LOK and Picatinny rail and upgraded RISE components incorporated throughout the build. MSRP is $2,099.
Daniel Defense PCC
Daniel Defense has also been making waves with its new pistol-caliber carbine, named the DDPCC. Chambered for 9mm and featuring a blowback action, Daniel Defense has added a hydraulic buffer to make the gun as smooth-shooting as possible.
It will feed from CZ mags, be available as both a rifle and SBR and should have an MSRP of about $2,000, but an official price is yet to be confirmed.
SAR9 Gen3
Finally, a quick look at the latest iteration of the SAR9, now in its third generation. Pictured is the SAR9C, the compact model, but these will be available in other sizes including sub-compact, full-size and competition.
Whichever size you choose, all are loaded with modern features like optics-ready slides and are available in a variety of colors. MSRP starts at $479.99.
The best thing about having a Glock 19 is that everyone makes Glock 19 holsters. The worst thing about having a Glock 19 is everyone makes Glock 19 holsters. Figuring out which one is worth spending money on is the devil's own job.
What are the best Glock 19 holsters? We're going to go over what you should look for, common features to be aware of, picking a holster for a specific use and the 10 best examples that are actually worth spending money on.
What Any Glock 19 Holster Has To Do
We all know what a holster has to do: hold the gun securely and cover/protect the trigger guard. These days, Kydex holsters are usually the way to go, but leather can be acceptable as well. More on that later.
Material costs for modern polymer holsters are minimal; what you're paying for is the molds and the detail work.
Here's what you look for:
Minimal, if any, gap between the holster mouth and the back of the trigger guard. There should be no way anything can touch the trigger itself.
The edges of the holster should be rounded or buffed so there are no sharp edges, and there should be no excess material. This is especially true for an IWB holster.
As for leather, quality leather holsters are now and always will be viable, look for vegetable-tanned full-grain or top-grain leather. Cowhide or steerhide is fine, but bullhide or horsehide is better.
Also, if considering a leather Glock 19 holster, look for a reinforced holster mouth. This prevents the holster from collapsing on the draw and prevents the leather at the mouth of the holster from curling in with wear.
Finally, it’s best to look at established brands with a known reputation for quality products, not Facebook ads. Now, let's talk about features and use cases.
Matching Your Glock 19 Holster To Your Needs
Understand what you're going to use a holster for, then choose accordingly.
If you're going to carry the gun concealed, an IWB holster is your best choice. OWB concealment, while feasible, is less optimal. If you carry strongside, get a holster optimized for it, or a holster designed for appendix carry if you carry that way.
Plenty of quality holsters will do both.
Look for a secure belt attachment. Standard FOMI clips kind of work but snap loops, RCS Overhooks, DCC Discrete Carry Clips or Monoblocks are far more durable.
Appendix carriers should also look for a relatively flat profile, especially if they add foam, wedges or pillows to the holster. It's also a good idea to make sure the holster is compatible with (or comes with) an appendix carry wing/claw.
A carry wing/claw can be seen on the left side of this Henry Holsters Spark. Wings/claws help with concealment by forcing the grip of the pistol closer to one's body.
As for OWB holsters, there are a lot of options, so keep in mind what you plan on using one for. A competition shooter has different needs than a police officer.
For OWB concealment, look for a holster that has a high ride height and a minimalist profile. It has to ride close to the body so the cover garment can conceal it.
For duty use or open carry, active retention is a must. For patrol officers, Level III is usually required; almost everyone else is most likely perfectly fine with Level II. Purchase a quality holster from a proven supplier to militaries and police departments.
Do not open carry in public without active retention. Gun grabs happen and you don't want to wind up on the news for it.
Look for solid, sturdy belt loops; the thin wing-style loops on many holsters are known to be fragile. Paddles are best avoided as few are sturdy enough for more than occasional use.
As to optics, only worry about a red dot sight hood with a duty holster, otherwise opt for an optic cutout.
On the subject of weapon lights, make sure a light-bearing holster is compatible with your light before purchasing. The more popular your light, the easier it will be to find a holster for it; models from Steamlight and SureFire are the most common.
So, start with a quality holster made from quality materials, then match the features to what you are going to use the holster for.
Based on the above criteria, here are our picks for the 10 best Glock 19 holsters for different uses and carry methods.
10 Top Glock 19 Holsters:
Best Budget Concealed Carry Holster: Dark Star Gear Apollo IWB
The Dark Star Gear Apollo is a Kydex IWB with premium features at a working man's price, suitable for strongside or appendix carry.
The holster comes with two Raven Concealment Systems Overhook clips and an optic cut. Appendix carriers can add a Dark Wing or supply their own Mod Wing, making it compatible with the PHlster Enigma system. Ride height and cant are adjustable as well.
The only downside is there are no light-bearing options. MSRP starts at $49.99 before options, but it's frequently on sale for $39.99. Better holsters for less money don't exist. // darkstargear.com
Best Leather IWB Holster: Milt Sparks Summer Special 2
A faithful recreation of the Bruce Nelson Summer Special IWB, just slimmer and with a lower profile than the original.
It’s available in vegetable-tanned roughout cowhide or grain horsehide leather with a sweat shield for comfortable carry and a sight channel to ensure a reliable draw. The holster mouth is reinforced with a leather strap over a spring steel band.
The belt attachment is dual leather snap loops at the FBI cant angle, though a straight drop (and optics cut) is available on request. Prices start at $165. // miltsparks.com
Best Duty Holster: Safariland 6360 ALS/SLS Level III Duty Holster
The Safariland 6360 is one of the most street-proven duty holsters in current use.
The 6360 comes as a Level III mid-ride belt holster, but attachments (including their quick-release systems) are plentiful. Wraps can be added to change color and the holster can be ordered in light-bearing and optics-compatible configurations with the 6360RDSO series.
Prices start as low as $85, but can get as high as $180 to $250 depending on options. // safariland.com
Best Range And Competition Holster: Comp-Tac International
A simple, slim Kydex OWB with a competition cut, so it's already optics-ready. The base model comes with a belt loop attachment, but plenty of alternatives are available from Comp-Tac or the aftermarket. Retention and cant angle are adjustable to preference, and a light bearing option is available as well.
The basic model starts at $74 in the popular color options, but you can get it for as little as $44 if you don't mind it in purple or red. // comp-tac.com
Best OWB For Compensated Glock 19: C&G OWB Covert
A simple Kydex pancake OWB with an optic cut, straight walls and an open bottom, allowing most compensators to be holstered. If you have a comp on your 19 for competition or range use with no light, this gives you everything you need and nothing you don't.
Sturdy belt loops and adjustable ride position, with over 20 color/pattern choices, optional sight channel for suppressor height sights and more. MSRP starts at $69.99. // candgholsters.com
Best Light-Bearing Concealed Carry Holster: JM Custom 2.5 Claw/3 IWB Holsters
The 2.5 Claw and 3 IWB holsters from JM Custom are basically the same holster, just optimized for different things.
Both are offered for a Glock 19/19X/45 and are compatible with most popular lights, including Streamlight TLR-1, -7 and -8 models, the SureFire XC1 and X300 and the Modlite PL350. You have your choice of belt attachment, including loops, DCC Monoblock clips and more. A red dot sight cut is an option as well.
The 2.5, the AIWB model, includes a Modwing and can be upgraded to be compatible with the PHlster Light Bearing Enigma as well as DCC Discrete Carry Clips/RCS Overhooks.
The 3 IWB starts at $70 and the 2.5 Claw at $85. // jmcustomkydex.com
Best OWB Concealed Carry Holster: Kramer Vertical Scabbard Holster
(non-Glock holster model pictured)
This is Kramer Leather's version of the Askins Avenger style, also designed by Bruce Nelson. A high ride height and trailing belt loop put the gun high on the belt and snug to the body, perfect for OWB concealment, which is why it was a favorite of competition shooters and detectives for decades.
The holster throat is reinforced, unlike most pancake holsters. You have your choice of black or mahogany horsehide, or black vegetable-tanned cowhide and a forward rake/FBI cant or a straight drop angle. MSRP is $160 for cowhide and $171 for horsehide. // kramerleather.com
Best Chest Holster: GunfightersINC Kenai Chest Holster
The Kenai Chest Holster uses a Kydex pancake holster designed for use with a chest harness, with rivet attachment points to take the adjustable nylon web straps. It's relatively simple, yet rugged.
Multiple options are available, including colors, light-bearing capability and optic cuts. MSRP starts at $159. // gunfightersinc.com
Best IWB For Roland Special Or Fauxland Special: Henry Holsters Spark AIWB/IWB
The Henry Holster Spark has an open bottom and straight walls, allowing any Glock 19/17/34 with a TLR-7, TLR-1 or Surefire X300 light to be holstered, including those with a compensator. The comp will just stick out the bottom a little. An optic cut is standard.
It can be ordered with dual snap loops or dual DCC clips and comes with a Modwing (removable if desired) and is compatible with the PHlster Light Bearing Enigma. MSRP starts at $95. // henryholsters.com
Best Sidecar Holster: Tier 1 Concealed Axis Slim
For those who want a sidecar, the Tier1 Concealed Axis Slim solves the classic issues associated with them. The holster and mag carrier are joined by bungee cable, allowing the holster to flex for comfortable carry.
Dual overhook clips (DCC and UtiliClips are available as add-ons) an optic cut, mid-length sweat guard and configurable concealment wing are standard features. Light-bearing and threaded muzzle compatibility can be added as well, and the holster is available in a host of colors.
This small buyer’s guide looks at a spread of some of the best .17 HMR rifle options on the market.
The .17 HMR is a relatively new cartridge in the grand scheme of things, but its attributes made it an instant success upon its introduction. While it still may be somewhat of a niche cartridge mostly appreciated by small game hunters, it has secured its place in the rimfire market and isn’t going away anytime soon. Short for “Hornady Magnum Rimfire”, .17 HMR is really just .22 WMR necked-down to a .17-caliber projectile. The result is a very small bullet with a high velocity and very good accuracy. As a velocity-dependent cartridge, its benefits are best exploited out of something with a rifle-length barrel, but there are a few different kinds available.
How We Made Our Picks:
We took a look at the .17 HMR rifles on the market and compared each of their features, prices and overall utility to determine which would best serve most shooters. There are other great models out there, but based on our time behind these guns and rimfire rifles in general, these are our top five picks of the currently available options.
Very accurate, ideal for precision shooting and varmint control
Highly-adjustable chassis
Threaded muzzle
Cons
On the heavy side, not the best field gun
Expensive
The majority of available .17 HMR rifle options are bolt-actions, so this category had the stiffest competition. There are many good bolt-action .17 HMR rifles made by many different manufacturers, but at the end of the day, we feel as though the Ruger Precision Rimfire was the best all-around option. It’s reasonably priced compared to other similar quality bolt-actions in this caliber, but also has some features that most of its competitors are missing. Besides being well-established as a solid, reliable and accurate rifle, Ruger’s precision model includes several features that should be appreciated by hunters, plinkers and competitors alike. The Ruger’s chassis comes with an adjustable precision-style stock that should provide better ergonomics than any of the traditional stock models out there. It also has an adjustable trigger, a free-floated handguard, a threaded barrel and includes a 15-round magazine. For the price, this is one solid, feature-rich .17 HMR rifle.
There aren’t too many semi-auto .17 HMR rifle options to begin with, so this choice wasn’t as difficult to make. One of .17 HMR’s original shortcomings upon its introduction was that it was notoriously unreliable out of autoloaders, so when Savage succeeded in making the first reliable model with the A17, it was regarded as a big deal. The A17’s best trait is its reliability, but it is otherwise a mostly standard sporting rifle. It feeds from a 10-round rotary magazine and also includes an adjustable trigger.
Best Lever Action .17 HMR Rifle: Henry Varmint Express
Good middle ground on speed between bolt-actions and semi-autos
Accepts scopes and has fiber optic sights
Cons
No threaded muzzle
Wood stock is handsome but not as durable as polymer
Other companies have made .17 HMR lever-actions in the past, but as far as I know, Henry is the only company that has any still in production. While that makes them somewhat of the de facto winner in this case, it doesn’t mean the Henry Varmint Express is a bad rifle. Henry is well-regarded for their rimfire lever-actions, and their .17 HMR models are no different. These certainly won’t be the most practical option for hunting or competing, but they probably will be the most fun to shoot and look the coolest while doing it. Henry has a few variants available depending on your style and budget, but they should all be solid shooters that add some historical charm to this relatively new cartridge. It also has a leg up in terms of capacity and speed compared to most bolt-actions available.
If you want the least expensive .17 HMR rifle you can find, you’d be hard-pressed to do better than the Mossberg 817. This is a very basic bolt-action rifle, but the word on the street is it can still perform where it counts. Its plastic stock likely isn’t the most durable, but it certainly is lightweight. The action isn’t the smoothest out there, but it cycles and is accurate enough for .17 HMR to be appreciated when fired out of it. It feeds from 5-round mags and has provisions for mounting a scope, so if you need the cheapest varmint-slayer you can find the Mossberg 817 can still be a very decent option to look at.
Best Non-Budget .17 HMR Rifle: Alexander Arms Tactical
This is another one of the few semi-auto .17 HMR guns out there, and it’s simply too expensive to be our pick for the best semi-auto .17 HMR rifle category. For those whose rimfire budgets accommodate this rifle, however, it is still worth considering. The Alexander Arms Tactical’s biggest draw is its AR-15 manual of arms and modularity. As the only AR-based rifle in .17 HMR, those who want to fire this zippy rimfire in the most tactical way possible are limited to this model. Capable of accepting most standard AR-15 furniture and accessories, this rifle could be configured in several different ways. Its biggest downside is it’s pretty damn expensive for a rimfire that won’t be any more accurate or reliable than many of the other options on this list. For those dedicated to the AR platform who want to clear their property of varmints in style, the Alexander Arms Tactical in .17 HMR is probably the best tool to do it with.
Shadow Systems has just announced the MR920P and the XR920P, two new integrally compensated 9mm pistols.
Shadow Systems makes some pretty sleek pistols. Gun Digest has published several reviews on the company’s guns, all of which left the author impressed. Those reviews will be linked at the bottom of this post, but here we’ll be looking at the company’s two latest models—the compact MR920P and the crossover-sized XR920P.
Firstly, the standard Shadow Systems MR920 and XR920 pistols have been available for some time. The addition of the “P” suffix on the new models is what indicates that they’re integrally compensated. The MR920 is equivalent in size to a Glock 19 and the XR920 is a crossover pistol with a Glock 17-sized frame and a Glock 19-sized slide and barrel. One of the most impressive aspects of the new models is that their compensators only add one-half inch to their overall lengths. This means both pistols should be able to fit most existing Glock 17 holsters.
The compensators are also touted for their reliability, so much so that even some police agencies have adopted compensated Shadow Systems pistols. The company says that the comps were designed to function properly with standard springs and a variety of different bullet weights, and users tended to report a significant reduction in muzzle rise when shooting the MR920P and XR920P. Further, Shadow System’s compensators are quick-detach, something that both allows for easy maintenance and eliminates the need for a threaded barrel. This also means that these models should be legal in states with bans on threaded muzzles.
The Shadow Systems MR920P has an MSRP of $1,269 and the XR920P has an MSRP of $1,293.
Smith & Wesson has just announced the Model 1854 series, the company’s first line of lever-action rifles.
If you haven’t been paying attention to the gun industry these past few years, lever-guns are back in a big way. This recent trend has resulted in multiple manufacturers that are not typically associated with lever-actions taking a stab at the concept, and now Smith & Wesson is among them with their announcement of the Model 1854 series. Smith & Wesson says that the Model 1854 series is a tribute to the company’s history, as in 1854 founders Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson patented their first lever gun. While the new Model 1854 is very different than the Volcanic, the company says that the rifles will share the same incredibly smooth actions and impressive craftsmanship that its revolvers are known for.
The Smith & Wesson Model 1854 series is initially launching with two variants, but the differences are mostly cosmetic. The standard variant, like many lever-actions being introduced today, sports many modern features and prioritizes function over form. The Limited Edition Model 1854 rifle naturally forgoes some practicality for prettier, wood furniture instead. Regardless, both models are chambered for .44 Remington Magnum, feature 19.25-inch barrels and have a 9+1 capacity. Further, both models have Picatinny rails on their receivers for optics, XS Sights ghost ring/gold bead sights, threaded muzzles, large loop levers and flat triggers. All 1854 models also feature side loading gates and side ejection.
As mentioned, the Limited Edition Model 1854 is the more attractive of the two, as it ships wearing high-grade walnut furniture and a black PVD finish. Conversely, the standard model has black synthetic furniture and a stainless finish, but the forend has M-LOK slots for mounting accessories as well.
Mark Smith, President and CEO of Smith & Wesson, said this about the new lever-actions:
Today, as we proudly unveil the Model 1854 Series, we embark on a journey that pays homage to this timeless design. Meticulously crafted, these rifles fuse the classic craftsmanship of the iconic lever-action with modern engineering to deliver a platform built on reliability and performance. Our new Model 1854 rifles are a nod to tradition and a testament to Smith & Wesson’s legacy as an American firearms manufacturer,
MSRP for the standard Model 1854 is $1,279 and MSRP for the Limited Edition Model is $3,499.
Economical over/unders and side-by-sides … might as well ask for bargain diamonds. Except for these 10 affordable double-barrel shotguns that definitely buck the trend.
Crisp autumn air in your face, the crunch of dry grass underfoot, the sound of pounding wings filling your ears — bird season is unparalleled bliss. Even more so if you’re in the corn stubble or cattails with a shotgun you’re truly proud of.
For me, this has generally meant heading afield with a scattergun with a couple of barrels and plenty of class — a double-barrel shotgun, in short. Unfortunately, for many budget-minded hunters, side-by-side and over/under options are little more than wistful dreams. A great deal of the engraved steel and high-grade walnut runs more than a down payment on a new pickup truck, in some cases a house. Unless you do your shopping. Which I'm trying to give you a hand with here, offering up nine affordable double-barrel shotgun options fit for your next wingshooting adventure.
What I'm shooting for are doubles that come in at a mark most shooters can afford and are worth the money. Not an easy task. True enough, most don’t have coin finishes or gold quail motifs. But they’re plenty good at knocking birds out of the sky and building memories along the way. In the end, that’s what will make them a classic to you.
But, before we get to that …
Our Selection Process
I've been lucky enough to come into the acquisition of a number of fine doubles over the years, from Belgium Brownings to classic Ithicas — when they were still made along the Finger Lakes in New York. In short, I've had the chance to handle some dang good guns over the years.
While what I'm delving into doesn't fall into the category of the aforementioned shotguns, they have proven themselves solid performers on my shoulder or those of the Gun Digest team. And each of them ticks off all of the following boxes to make them top choices as entry-level shotguns.
Affordability: The guns come in at (or dang near) $1,000 in MSRP
Performance: They shotguns have no mechanical issues and can hit the target
Aesthetics: This is baked in the double-barrel shotgun cake — they've got to look good
Durability: Maybe the guns are heirloom quality, but they're put together well enough to get years of enjoyment
Why A Double-Barrel Shotgun?
Pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns have ruled the roost for more than a half-century, for a logical reason — firepower. Bare minimum, they’re capable of loading up one more shell than a double, which potentially gives you one more goose in the bag or shot at a particularly wily rooster. Not to mention, in most circumstances, they’re a heck of a lot cheaper than over/unders and side-by-sides.
So why revert to old technology? There are plenty of reasons, but to my mind, the double-barrel shotgun's edge boils down to four factors:
Reliability: Doubles have few moving parts, so there’s less that can go wrong. Overall, they're more impervious to the elements, so there is little worry about fouling. And they’ll never misfeed. This adds up to a gun that's ready the second you flush a bird. Additionally, they're easy to maintain. And if you do, your double-barrel shotgun — even an inexpensive one — will likely outlive you.
Flexibility: There’s no worry about if a low-brass load will cycle through your double-barrel. It will shoot anything that fits its chamber. Plus, you can choke each barrel differently, giving the option for a looser pattern for close shots and a tighter pattern for more distant ones.
Shootability: While not a hard-and-fast rule, double-barrel shotguns — particularly over/unders — are much better balanced than semis and pumps. In turn, you have a more responsive gun at your disposal, something easier to swing and follow through with, which (fingers crossed) should add up to more birds.
Tradition: Honestly, this reason outdoes the others for me. While there are many fine pumps and semis out there, plum few bring the nostalgia of a double-barrel shotgun in the field — even an economy model.
What You Should Know About Budget Doubles
If you’re looking to buy American, this isn’t the class of shotguns for you. Even if it sports your favorite gunmaker’s name across the receiver, it was most certainly made somewhere else. Most likely Turkey.
It’s the go-to country for economy shotguns presently. And has a mixed reputation for the quality of its products. Some shooters swear they’re tough as wang leather and the best deals going. Others claim they’ll fall apart if you narrow your eyes in their general direction. I've found the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
If you’re shopping for a reputable brand, most likely they’re going to demand quality assurance from the factory from which they import. They don’t want their good name tarnished, so they’ll keep tight reigns on how the guns are made. More fly-by-night operations, selling guns at rock-bottom prices (below what’s shown here) … well, those might require a wee bit more consideration.
A “trust, but verify” mentality is a good way to approach a budget double-barrel shotgun purchase (honestly, any gun purchase). I would suggest not going in and just buying something off the shelf. Go over the gun with a fine-tooth comb. Make certain it looks well manufactured — the machining is smooth, removable chokes fit properly, each barrel fires and there are no flaws in the stock. A good warranty isn’t a bad thing to have backing up the gun either.
Also, if at all possible, get out and test shoot the model you’re interested in. Not only will this give you an idea of how the gun functions, but you’ll also see if you even like it in the first place. If you don’t feel you’re qualified to do all this, employ a more gun-savvy buddy to give you a hand in your evaluation.
Certainly, these guns aren’t going to put you in the poorhouse if you get a lemon. That said, this is your cold, hard cash, so don’t flush it down the drain.
The fine points out of the way let’s get to the good stuff.
Best Double-Barrel Shotgun
Weatherby Orion I
The original Orion was a Japanese slogger, a real smooth smoothbore. The reboot of the over/under is Turkish, but from all accounts keeps the Orion’s reputation intact. I really like this gun.
First off, the double-barrel shotgun cuts a sharp profile, with an A-grade walnut stock, Prince of Wales grip and deeply blued metal. Its vented rib, matte on top to cut glare, is a nice touch, too. Though, I do have a nit to pick with the stock's gloss finish — then again, this is Weatherby, it's kind of expected.
More important than looks, the Orion I is well made — most certainly up to Weatherby standards, with a tight fit and excellent machining. The all-steel receiver gives the gun a bit of heft — the 7-pound neighborhood — yet it’s not enough to make it unpleasant on long hunts. And it’s responsive — quick to the shoulder, in part thanks to its Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad’s Speed-Mount heel, which reduces snags.
Weatherby moved the barrel selector to the tang safety (it use to be on the trigger), but has retained the ejectors. It’s available in 12-gauge only, however, you do have the choice between 26- and 28-inch barrels. Inflation has kicked the gun over our ceiling, but not enough for us to take it off this list. It still has plenty to offer at this price point.
Back by popular demand, CZ reintroduced its popular side-by-side, this time going by the handle of Bobwhite G2. But the new-old double-barrel shotgun isn’t a spitting image of its former self.
It still boasts the same striking profile, including a straight English grip, ample walnut and double trigger. But, CZ cleaned up some of the shotgun’s internals making it all the sweeter to shoot. In particular, it floated the firing pins, redesigned the sear and implemented a coil spring to activate the hammers. I also appreciate the English-style double triggers, which really gives the gun a feel much higher than its pricepoint.
Though it’s not all peaches and cream, the gun isn’t actually Czech or American-made. You guessed it, Turkey — but with what appears to be plenty of oversight from CZ. The Bobwhite G2 is available in 12-, 20- and 28-gauge, and is outfitted with a 28-inch barrel in each case. It comes with five chokes and, depending on gauge, weighs in at 5.5 to 7.3 pounds.
MSRP: Starts At $799
TriStar Trinity
TriStar has a knack for marrying affordability, function and style. Nowhere is this more apparent than in its Trinity line. Where else in the world of double-barrel shotguns can you find a 24-carat gold inlay standard in a $855 gun?
Starting there, the Trinity is an exceptionally good-looking over/under. In addition to the inlay, the gun pops thanks to heavily engraved motifs on the polished steel receiver giving it a timeless look. Sure, it’s production-acid engraving, but it doesn’t take away from its beauty. Particularly with the Turkish gun wearing a fine stick of oil-finished Turkish walnut, with plenty of checking on the grip and forearm.
Well made and kept to tight tolerances, thanks to CNC manufacturing, the Trinity locked up well for me and appeared to have a quality steel-to-wood fit. And it has some likable extras. Vented top and middle rib, tang safety and chrome-lined barrels are all standard, as is a select single trigger and bright fiber-optic bead. Furthermore, it’s available in the resurgent 16-gauge, as well as the more common 12- and 20-gauges — 3-inch chambers across the board. Beretta choke compatibility as well.
The 555 has Stevens’ name, but not Stevens’ place of origin. That means it’s Turkish — which can be good or bad news. Luckily, in this case, it’s the former. The 555 is well built and a performer, with a tight lock-up and responsive on the shoulder. It also has little extras not often found at this price point. The Schnabel fore-end is one such example.
The aluminum receiver has a steel reinforcement insert — over the firing pins — giving the double-barrel shotgun some added durability. The 555 is light, too — a hair over 6 pounds in the 12- and 20-gauges, 5 ½ in 16, 28 and .410 — making it not only nimble on the swing but also a joy on those long days in the field. The safety doubles as the barrel selector and its trigger is good enough for a much more expensive gun. Walnut, checkering and removable chokes are all there too. Not a bad package at all.
At this point, economy side-by-side is almost an oxymoron. However, Stoeger pulls it off pretty well with the Uplander.
As for its overall profile, the Brazilian-made gun is fairly traditional, boasting double triggers and a nice stick of A-grade Walnut. But, for the most part, it’s plain as a gray November day, with little embellishment outside a smattering of checkering on the standard grip and fore-end.
However, Stoeger gives you some choice of configuration on this double-barrel shotgun, with 26- and 28-inch barrel options available on its 12- and 20-gauges. The 28-gauge and .410 are purely 26-inch barrel affairs. It features a tang safety — as it should be — removable chokes and extractors standard.
The Upland Field tends toward the heavy side, creeping up on 8 pounds and the action of the one I toyed with was a bit stiff out of the box. But for the money, those are minor complaints.
Over the years, Pointer has kicked a firm toehold in the affordable shotgun market. There’s a simple reason for this. The Turkish import, sold through Legacy Sports International, over-delivers in about every way. Its Field Over/Under is a testament to this. Long on ornamentation, walnut and performance, the double-barrel shotgun punches well above its entry-level price.
It’s very much an all-around gun, despite its name and case coloring on the receiver. At 7.5 pounds, it's suited for long upland hunts where excessive weight is noticeable but proves hefty enough to manage a well-timed double at the range. Sticked in walnut, the oil finish is on target as is the laser checkering on the fore and pistol grip, giving the gun excellent handling. And the 26-inch chrome-lined barrels are there for the long haul and capable of devouring anything you feed them—a 3-inch chamber.
The belle of the ball, however, is the trigger. By no means is it akin to something you’d find on a $6,000 legacy gun, but for its price range, I've found few in its class that compare to its responsiveness.
Other notables include vented rib, fiber-optic front sight, extractors and single select trigger. It’s also available in three gauges—12, 20 and .410—and ships with five chokes. The one bone of contention, the factory-installed recoil pad is a bit thin, but that’s a minor complaint.
The sun does not rise and fall exclusively on the Model 500 at Mossberg. Quite right, the company is known for its wrought-iron tough pump-action, but its double-barrel shotgun more than holds its own.
Now if the Silver Reserve seems familiar it should. Released in 2021, the shotgun is new, but in essence, a revamp of another Mossberg model we loved and will miss—the International Silver Reserve II.
So, what’s changed? Namely aesthetics. The gunmaker has opted for a plain-slate matte silver receiver, giving the over/under a more working-class look—no big shakes in a field gun. This brought me down some, given the International definitely cut an attractive profile. Also gone, the ported barrels trap modes. However, Mossberg has retained many of the favorite features of the original double-barrel shotgun and added two new gauges to the mix.
To the latter point, the Turkish-made gun is now available in 28-gauge and .410 bore, in addition to 12 and 20. As to familiar assets, 28- and 26-inch barrel lengths—depending on the gauge—a slim and highly manageable boxlock and extractors. The trigger tends heavy, and some of the frills are gone, but the International Silver Reserve is still among the best values out there.
This barely makes the cut per this post's price limit but I feel it's well worth the money. The Turkish-made (who saw that coming?) double-barreled shotgun has some nice refinements making it among the top in this class. This includes some understated, yet nice engraving, laser-cut checkering on its walnut stock, Prince of Wales grip, mechanical trigger, tang safety, ejectors and 8mm flat-vent rib.
The fit is genuinely good. Not best-gun quality, but it was more than enough to satisfy me and certainly any first-time double shooter or a hunter who might go a little rough on his or her gun.
CZ doesn’t hold back on this line, offering it in 12-, 20- and 28-gauge, with the option of a 26- or 28-inch barrel in 20-gauge. The Redhead Premier comes with five chokes and in its larger gauges can handle 3-inch shells. If you’re looking for more than a bargain out of a double, it’s difficult to outdo what CZ offers here.
A quick look at 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge, aka 6.5 PRC, an accurate, flat-shooting long-range cartridge.
Introduced in late 2017, Hornady’s 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC) was designed to be accurate, shoot flat and shoot long from a compact case utilizing moderate powder charges. The 6.5 PRC produces high velocities for target shooting with performance well beyond 1,000 yards.
The round enters a suddenly crowded field of similarly dimensioned cartridges, including the 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5×55 Swede, .260 Remington, 6.5x57mm, 6.5-284 Norma, 6.5-06, 6.5 Remington Magnum and .264 Winchester Magnum, to name a few. Obviously, 6.5 designates the bore diameter, which, technically is 0.2559 inch in diameter, but this new round fires 0.264-inch-diameter bullets, as do the other 6.5mm cartridges.
It was created by necking down the .300 Ruger Compact Magnum case, which, if naming conventions for similar neckdowns were followed, it could have been called the 6.5 RCM. To our eyes, it competes most directly with the 6.5-284 Norma. The 6.5 PRC fits in short or medium actions with a standard magnum bolt face (0.532 inch). It features a long cartridge case neck and 30-degree shoulder.
General Comments
The 6.5 PRC case is 2.030 inches long. Loaded with Hornady’s 143-grain ELD-X bullet, cartridge overall length measures 2.955 inches (according to final SAAMI specs), slightly longer than the 2.825-inch length for the 6.5 Creedmoor. Its case capacity is about 28 percent more than the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 6.5 PRC will push a 143-grain ELD-X bullet to about 2,960 fps. This is 260-fps faster than the Creedmoor, an increase of about 8 percent. The neck length is 0.272 inch, and barrel twist rates seem to favor 1:8 rifling.
At rollout, rifle makers chambering the 6.5 PRC included Christensen Arms, Fierce Firearms, GA Precision, Gunwerks, Hill Country Rifles, Horizon Firearms, McRee Precision, Montana Rifles, Proof Research, Savage, Sauer, Stuteville Precision, Seekins Precision and Trident Armory.
Initial loads include the Hornady 6.5 PRC 147-grain ELD Match (81620), which delivers 2,910 fps and 2,910 ft-lb of energy at the muzzle. To get a 100-yard zero, the round would start +1.5 inches above the muzzle. Then, at 100 yards, the 6.5 PRC would produce 2,645 fps/2,283 ft-lb. At 200 yards, those readings would be 2,518 fps/2,069 ft-lb and -6.5 inches drop. At 500 yards, it would produce 2,275 fps and 1,689 ft-lb and -36.5 inches of drop. The 6.5 PRC 143-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter (81621) load has muzzle stats of 2,960 fps/2,782 ft-lb and 500-yard stats of 2,248 fps/1,604 ft-lb, with -36.2 inches of drop at the longer distance.
Kimber has just announced the KDS9c Rail, a new variant of the 9mm KDS9c that now features an accessory rail.
Kimber released the standard KDS9c in April of 2023, a pistol that Richard Mann described as a modern take on the 1911 in his review for Gun Digest. He walked away impressed, as did many others, but some shooters wanted the ability to mount a weapon light on the pistol. Kimber has just answered these requests with the announcement of the KDS9c Rail.
The KDS9c Rail model is virtually identical to the standard variant besides a few details. That means the pistols are still single-action-only hammer-fired 9mms with aluminum frames, steel slides and a 15-round capacity with flush-fit mags. All other features such as the optics-ready slide were also retained. The primary difference, obviously, is the inclusion of an accessory rail. For those who were only interested in one of these pistols if they could mount a light or laser to it, now you can. TXC light-bearing holsters are already in the works for the KDS9c Rail as well.
The other changes present on the KDS9c Rail include an ambidextrous safety, new grip scales with more aggressive texture and the inclusion of an extended 18-round magazine alongside the 15-round mag. Further, the new railed models are available with either a black or a two-tone dark gray/black finish as opposed to the original options of black or stainless. The final difference is that the new model also demands a higher price.
Everett Deger, Director of Kimber Marketing, said this about the new pistols:
When we started shipping the KDS9c in July of 2023, the most requested addition was for a rail and ambidextrous safety, and we listened to those requests. This line extension is a testament to providing the features and attributes that Kimber customers expect and modern firearms owners are looking for. The KDS9c Rail delivers on all of these latest concealed carry attributes and is machined, assembled and finished by American workers in Troy Alabama.
Kimber says that the KDS9c Rail will begin shipping at the end of January and will also be available with 10-round mags for ban states. MSRP is $1,903 for both color variants.
The author tests out the Marlin 1895 Dark Series, a .45-70 Gov’t lever-action with a tactical twist.
If you want to get opinions on rifles, go to a deer hunting camp. As I’m writing this, I’m sitting in a deer camp at the Lowrance Ranch in Truscott, Texas. This is mostly flat, open country, and you’d expect those who live, work and hunt this ground to be partial to a bolt-action rifle chambered for a flat-shooting cartridge. Given that, you might be surprised what the ranch hands there said about the Marlin Dark Series 1895 when I showed them a picture of it.
I limited these deer hunting cowboys to a one-word description of the Dark Series 1895. One old timer, who’d just showed me a photo of his pride and joy lever gun—a Winchester Model 71 chambered in 348 Winchester—described it as the “terminator.” Another ranch hand/hunter in a cowboy hat rambled something about a modern take on the lever gun, but when I pinned him down to one word, he called it “awesome.” Two other fellers agreed that “rugged” was the best description for this rifle. These were experienced deer hunters, right?
First, Some History
There’s no question that the new Dark Series rifle from Marlin is a modernization of the traditional lever action rifle, but what exactly does that mean, and whether you call it “modernized” or not, is all this modernization a good thing? To answer that, we have to go back in time a few years to 2019 when “Green” Marlin first introduced the Dark Series of traditional lever-action rifles.
New (post 2020) Marlin lever action rifles are made in Mayodan, North Carolina.
First, and for clarification, “Green” Marlin describes the period when Marlin was owned by Remington. The new Ruger owned Marlins are “Red” Marlins, because when Ruger took over Marlin in 2020, they turned the Marlin logo Ruger red. And finally, the original North Haven, Connecticut, Marlins, are “Blue” Marlins to match the color of the logo when they were manufactured there. The 2019 Green Marlin Dark Series rifles were nothing more than an all-black version of the 336, 1894 and 1895 models, with an XS Sights lever rail installed.
These guns were well received, but they were not enough to save Marlin—or Remington—from bankruptcy.
The Details
The first rifle in the new Green Marlin Dark Series is the Model 1895, but Marlin says a Dark Series Model 336 and 1894 should be out sometime in 2024. The only similarity these new rifles have to the originals are the name, base model numbers, a half-cock hammer, the now common cross-bolt safety and their color. Marlin has substantially changed just about everything else, and these changes have altered the look, but more importantly the user interface.
Probably the most notable modernization is the absence of a wood forend. In its place, there’s a 135/8-inch anodized aluminum handguard with M-Lok slots around its circumference. In addition to the multitude of M-Lok slots, on the front end of the handguard, there’s two QD sling swivel sockets. The rifle is also fitted with a nicely contoured midsize finger lever, and the lever and bolt are finished in black nitride. The other important metal parts have a graphite black Cerakote finish.
The lever rail, as it’s often called, substantially enhances the versatility of the Marlin Dark Series 1895.
The buttstock has also been modernized and is made of nylon-reinforced polymer, and it reattains the traditional shape. However, at the wrist, there are textured, removable grip inserts and a thick rubber recoil pad. The buttstock is dished out in the center where you’ll find three M-Lok slots. At the top rear of the buttstock, there’s a steel QD sling stud on each side, but this stud is also there to allow for the attachment of a polymer comb riser that comes with the rifle.
This snap-on riser for the comb on the butt stock of the 1895 Dark Series rifle raises the comb to allow for a good cheek weld when shooting with an optical sight.
The rifle’s muzzle is threaded at 11/16×24, and it comes with a radial port break. But if you’re like me and despise these noisy abominations, you can unscrew it and replace it with the thread protector that comes with the rifle. Just behind the muzzle break is a high-profile fiber-optic front sight that’s encased inside a circle of Tritium for optimum visibility in low light. Further back on the barrel you run into the front of a 23-slot, 11¼-inch rail that extends all the way back to the receiver where you’ll find a fully adjustable ghost ring sight.
The rifle ships with a radial port muzzle break, but it can be easily removed, and a thread protector or suppressor can be attached.
Interface Maximized
Because user interface is so important to a rifle, let’s delve into it. The buttstocks on traditional lever-action rifles and this new Dark Series are configured to best allow you to maintain a good cheek weld while using open sights. The problem comes when you mount a riflescope. This requires you to raise your cheek from the stock, and this complicates fast action and accurate shooting.
To solve this problem with the Dark Series, Marlin has configured a snap-on polymer cheek piece that’s held in place by the two QD sling swivel studs and the detent in the dished-out portion of the stock. This riser will allow you to get a good cheek weld when shooting a low-mounted optic.
When was the last time you saw a factory stock traditional lever gun that could be so easily adapted to a tripod?
The sight/optics rail also improves user interface. The integral ghost ring that’s paired with the high-visibility front sight is ideal for snap shooting at close range. And the rail will allow for the mounting of a traditional riflescope, a scout scope or a variety of red-dot sights. I tested the rifle with a Leupold VX-Freedom intermediate eye relief scope mounted just so the ocular bell was forward of the ghost ring sight. With QD rings, this allowed for easy on and off and near immediate access to the open sights.
The handguard also helps with user interface. It helps cut total rifle weight somewhat but more importantly its M-Lok compatibility allows for the attachment of a light or laser, which would be ideal for hunting feral hogs. I mounted a Spartan Precision bipod attachment to the bottom of the rail, which allows for interface with their excellent tripod or their super lightweight bipod.
Up until now, this has been something that was very difficult to do with a traditional lever gun. I also liked the ability to attach a QD sling swivel to the handguard, and the fact that I could sling up tightly with a shooting sling without the point of impact shifting. This shift in point of impact is something that’s common with traditional lever guns when you snug up tightly with a shooting sling.
Marlin’s new Dark Series 1895 lever-action rifle in .45-70 Government.
Nothing’s Perfect
It’s rare that I test a new rifle and like everything about it. This is partly due to my taste in rifles, but also partly because some rifles are just not made all that well. I’ve tested every new Marlin rifle that’s been produced since Ruger took ownership. Personal taste aside, I’m confident in saying these Red Marlins are the best Marlins ever made. Still, I had two complaints with the new Dark Series rifle.
The first was with the trigger. The triggers on all of the other Red Marlins have been somewhere between good and excellent, but the trigger on this rifle had just a little hitch right at the beginning of the press. From the bench, it was easy enough to manage but it did interfere a bit with off-hand shooting. It also broke right at 5 pounds. In my experience, this is the exception as opposed to the rule with these new Red Marlins. If it was my rifle—and it just might soon be—I’d send it to Jerry Dove at Dove Guns for some trigger work. With just a bit of TLC, this trigger would be just fine.
The other issue was with the snap-on polymer comb. First, it was a bit tedious to get the comb to snap in place. On the other hand, when installed it locked on solidly with no movement or shifting at all. However, while messing with it—possibly a bit rougher than I should have been—I broke off one of the flanges that holds the comb in place. Surprisingly, this didn’t interfere with a solid fit, and Marlin had me another comb in the mail the next day.
Traditional Versus Modern
Through the years, Marlin and even Winchester have tried to modernize the lever gun, usually with the introduction of new, flatter-shooting and harder-hitting cartridges, like the .307 Winchester or .308 Marlin Express. Though initially these cartridges created some buzz, they were by most measures, commercial failures.
Notes: Reported muzzle velocity (VEL), standard velocity deviation (SD) and muzzle energy (ENG) were established by firing 10 shots over a chronograph with the screens 10 feet from the muzzle, and the average accuracy was established by firing three, five-shot groups with each load from a solid rest at 100 yards. *Tested at 50 yards and excluded from average
Admittedly, I’m a lover of the traditional lever-action rifle and traditional lever-action cartridges. Also, admittedly, I don’t think this rifle looks very traditional. However, I do think it’s very well configured to appeal to the modern shooter or to any serious big-game hunter.
The way Marlin has designed the new Dark Series rifle, it’s ideally adapted to do anything a hunter could think about doing with a lever-action rifle in .45-70. In fact, it will allow a hunter to do things with a traditional lever action rifle that were nearly impossible before. I think the Texas cowboys I’ve been sharing camp with are mostly right.
This is an awesome looking and ruggedly built lever-action rifle, that in .45-70 is suitable for hunting and terminating anything on Earth. Now let us patiently wait for the Model 336 and 1894 Dark Series rifles. With apologies to AC/DC, you could say these new rifles are “back in black.”
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the February 2024 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Silencer Central and Buck Commander have partnered to release the BUCK 30 by BANISH, an affordable .30-caliber suppressor for deer hunting.
There were a lot of exciting guns to shoot at CANCON Georgia 2023, as companies brought out everything from suppressed belt-fed machineguns to the latest tactical PCCs and carbines. That said, much of what drew the longest lines was far more fun than practical. Conversely, Silencer Central’s lane was showing off an unpresuming new can, but this humble black tube will certainly prove far more popular in the real world than anything that was on the muzzle of an M240.
Called the BUCK 30 By Banish, this .30-caliber suppressor was a collaborative effort between Silencer Central and Buck Commander. If the name didn’t give it away, this can was designed with deer hunters in mind. There are plenty of .30-caliber hunting suppressors on the market, however, so what sets the BUCK 30 apart?
For The Everyman
It has to be said up front, one of the most attractive aspects of the BUCK 30 is its price. With an MSRP of just $699, it’s tied for the least expensive .308 suppressor currently listed on Silencer Central’s website. You’d be hard-pressed to find a cheaper can for sale that’s not rimfire-only.
Versatility
Speaking of calibers, Silencer Central’s BUCK 30 is rated for everything from .17 HMR to .300 Winchester Magnum. For a hunter on a budget, that’s an excellent feature, as it allows you to be a one-can-man even if you regularly go after a variety of game using rifles chambered for different cartridges. While the suppressor may have been dubbed BUCK 30 with deer hunting in mind, it could obviously serve you equally as well when chasing other species.
For maximum compatibility with different platforms, the BUCK 30 also features a variety of mounting options. When ordering one from Silencer Central, you will have to choose a thread pitch for direct mounting to a muzzle. These pitches include 5/8×24, 1/2×28, .578×28, 11/16×24, 3/4×24 and M16x1RH.
For those who would prefer a quick-attach mount or improved cross-compatibility between several rifles, the BUCK 30 also uses the industry-standard HUB mounting system.
In The Field
As a suppressor designed for hunters, by hunters, the BUCK 30 checks every box that makes a suppressor good for field use.
The top quality that any hunting suppressor can have is the ability to reduce the sound level of a shot to hearing-safe levels. This is because wearing ear protection while hunting isn’t just annoying, but it can potentially be dangerous too. While the use of suppressors for hunting has really only just started to become normalized, cans like the BUCK 30 will help push the trend in the right direction. That’s better for everybody, whether they hunt or not.
Since the BUCK 30 will purportedly reduce the report of an 18-inch .308 rifle to just 131 dB, well below the hearing-safe level of 140 dB, it accomplishes this handily. I shot a rifle with the BUCK 30 installed at CANCON and it definitely proved quiet enough that you could leave your muffs or plugs at home when taking a similar setup into the field.
Suppressors that get taken on a hunt are more likely to get banged up as well, so durability is another factor to consider. The BUCK 30 has a tubeless, laser-welded stainless steel construction that should help it survive in the field.
One downside to hunting with a suppressor hanging off your muzzle is the added bulk and weight. So, naturally, good hunting suppressors try and minimize this as much as possible. The BUCK 30 achieves this as well, though it isn’t the shortest or lightest .308 can on the market. It has an overall length of 6.9 inches, a diameter of 1.54 inches and a weight of 13.8 ounces, making it just small enough to not be too noticeable when installed. Given, I didn’t haul the setup for miles through the backcountry, but handling the rifle with the BUCK 30 at CANCON was enough to tell that it wouldn’t be a major burden to do so.
Could it be even shorter, lighter and less cumbersome? Theoretically, sure, but not without sacrificing sound reduction performance or increasing its cost. Silencer Central aimed for the sweet spot between all these attributes with the BUCK 30, and the company definitely hit the mark.
Parting Shot
To be completely honest, after sending some rounds through a BUCK 30 at CANCON, I wasn’t shaking with excitement. But who would be? This is a very practical suppressor with a singular goal in mind—hunting—and we were shooting at steel. That said, I did walk away impressed.
The can is perfectly hearing-safe, is light and handy enough to not be very noticeable on the muzzle and it does all this for a very attainable price. For anyone who hunts in a state where the use of a suppressor is legal, the real excitement of the BUCK 30 will come after you use one to drop your first deer without your ears ringing or having to listen to the muffled sounds of nature through your ear pro.
If you still hunt with muffs on, there’s probably not a single better piece of kit you could get to improve your experience.
More On Suppressors:
The Suppressor: How They're Made, How They Work, And How To Buy One
A look at Lehigh Defense and its attempts to perfect the art of bullet technology and ballistic innovation.
Sometimes, it’s necessary to have the backstory to appreciate a product. I think that’s especially true with Lehigh Defense … where bullet evolution seems to be happing faster than anywhere else. Under the watchful eye of Bill Wilson—yes, the Bill Wilson of Wilson Combat—Lehigh Defense is taking the mono-metal bullet to places it’s never been.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. For me, this story starts in West Virginia, with two hillbillies trying to create a bullet for a .50-caliber short-action rifle cartridge.
France To West Virginia
In 2006, I was approached by fellow West Virginian, Mike Cyrus. Cyrus had designed a short-action .50-caliber rifle cartridge capable of launching a 345-grain bullet at 2,700 fps. His problem was that there were no .50-caliber bullets capable of withstanding impact velocities that high. I showed Cyrus the French designed GPA bullet and detailed my experiences with it. I felt that if Cyrus could create a similar bullet, it would be ideal for his cartridge.
Cyrus’ short action .50-caliber rifle cartridge that he and Lehigh Defense developed a bullet for. (Shown next to a .22 LR cartridge.)
The GPA bullet is a mono-metal bullet with a broached hollow point. When it impacts animals, fluids are forced into the hollow point. This causes the bullet to fracture, and the result is the separation of four petals. Sometimes the petals will break from a Barnes Triple Shock mono-metal bullet, but when this happens, much like they did with the old Winchester Fail Safe bullet, the petals just fall away and are left in the bullet’s path. Because the fracturing on the GPA bullet occurs almost immediately, the petals retain velocity and drive forward and outward from the path of the bullet shank. This creates massive tissue destruction and hemorrhaging.
Cyrus liked the idea, and, working with Lehigh Defense, they created a bullet. It wasn’t long until Cyrus was back at my range to test it … and the results were amazing. The bullet delivered a controlled dispersion of shrapnel that left a wound cavity of immense proportions. The break-away petals created their own wound tracks and the base of the bullet drove incredibly deep. Cyrus worked with Lehigh to tweak the design and I took Cyrus’ .50-caliber cartridge and those bullets to Africa, where they impressed the hell out of a professional hunter.
Cyrus soon went to work for Lehigh Defense to develop other bullets, conduct testing and to produce load data. He became an integral part of company and moved to South Dakota in 2017 when the company relocated. That year Cyrus also came to Africa with me, and we tested multiple Lehigh bullets on a variety of critters. My son even used a 270-grain .375-caliber version of the Controlled Fracturing bullet that had evolved from Cyrus’ early work to take an African buffalo.
This African buffalo was taken at 100 yards with a .375 Ruger using a 270-grain Controlled Fracturing bullet from Lehigh Defense.
Enter Wilson Combat
Lehigh Defense makes a lot of unique mono-metal bullets, and we’ll get to them shortly. But it was Lehigh Defense’s Controlled Chaos bullet that caught Bill Wilson’s attention.
In late 2021, Wilson Combat purchased Lehigh Defense. Wilson felt solid copper bullets would be the future and that Lehigh Defense was on the forefront of that technology. An avid hunter, he has probably killed more feral hogs than anyone I know, and he was impressed with the Controlled Chaos’ radical terminal performance. He also felt that the Lehigh’s Xtreme Defense bullet was changing how many people think about self-defense handgun projectiles. Wilson relocated Lehigh Defense to Clarksville, Texas, not too far from his home.
And this is where the circle completes. Cyrus was lost in this shuffle, but it wasn’t long until he and Wilson connected, and Wilson learned the value that Cyrus had brought to Lehigh Defense before the sale. Wilson brought Cyrus back to Lehigh Defense to assist with bullet testing, load development and, just as importantly, to handle customer questions and technical support. But what’s also interesting is how bullet development at Lehigh Defense works.
Responsive Engineering
Because of how Lehigh Defense bullets are machined, they can do very small runs and test them; a bullet can be tweaked and tested multiple times in a day. Wilson can take a new design and shoot some feral hogs in the morning, report his findings and the bullet can be modified before the day is over. The final product is not just a result of just testing in various mediums, it’s thoroughly vetted on wild game.
A 270-grain Lehigh Defense Controlled Fracturing bullet out of a .375 Ruger was used to take this massive black bear on Vancouver Island.
Cyrus is embedded in this process. He shadows Wilson’s work and is in constant contact with the factory to make suggestions based on what he sees on paper, on the chronograph and during terminal performance testing. Cyrus was recently on my range showing me the subsonic and supersonic bullets they’ve been developing for the new 8.6 Blackout cartridge. Before he left, he was on the phone with Clarksville, tweaking things.
During that visit, Cyrus also showed me their new Tipped Controlled Chaos bullet. With its better ballistic coefficient, it retains energy better and delivers flatter trajectories. Like the 8.6 Blackout bullets, it’s still under development but should be available in 2024.
Smart Bullets Getting Smarter
This story is slanted a bit to highlight the work and contributions of a fellow hillbilly and friend, but Cyrus and his work with Lehigh Defense has been my main window into the company. Today, Wilson is adding to the Lehigh Defense story and, according to Cyrus, since acquisition, Wilson has substantially enhanced the performance of several of the bullets Lehigh Defense offers.
A 125-grain, .30-caliber Maximum Expansion bullet fired from the .300 HAMR cartridge.
Of course, I cannot just end it here. You need to have an idea of the totality of Lehigh Defense’s smart-bullet product line. So, here’s a rundown of some of their best bullets, available as components or in loaded ammunition from Lehigh Defense, Wilson Combat and several other ammunition manufacturers. I’d suggest you give some of them a try.
Controlled & Xtreme Controlled Chaos Bullet
This is an all-copper mono-metal bullet designed to fracture during penetration. The fractured copper shrapnel is then propelled outward and forward from the bullet path. The base or shank of the bullet remains at bullet diameter and penetrates extremely deep, most often exiting. A version of this bullet built with softer copper is called the Xtreme Chaos and it works the same, but the nose of the bullet shank slightly deforms to create a larger diameter penetrating hole.
The Controlled Chaos bullet and the wound-enhancing shrapnel it creates almost instantly after impact.
Tipped Chaos Bullet
This is nothing more than an all-copper mono-metal bullet designed to fracture during penetration, just like the Controlled Chaos. The difference, however, is the polymer tip that’s inserted into the bullet’s hollow point cavity. This tip increases the bullet’s BC, helps with retained energy down range and flattens trajectory.
Tipped Controlled Chaos bullet. Notice the shrapnel that breaks away to form additional wound tracks, leaving the base/shank of the bullet to penetrate.
Controlled Fracturing Bullet
This is a more controlled version of the Controlled Chaos bullet. The difference is that the shrapnel is reduced to large petals that do not bend or break part. The petals separate soon after penetration and radiate outward from the main bullet path, creating havoc and destruction in their wake. Where this bullet is most applicable is with subsonic loads. No other bullet from any manufacture can match it in terms of subsonic terminal performance. It’s ideal for cartridges like the .300 and 8.6 Blackout.
This version of the Controlled Fracturing bullet is designed for subsonic application and will upset at extremely slow velocities.
Maximum Expansion Bullet
This is a deviation of the Controlled Fracturing bullet, and similar to the Extreme Chaos bullet it’s built from slightly softer copper. This allows the petals on the bullet to remain attached similar to the Barnes Triple Shock. This bullet creates massive tissue destruction but with less penetration than the Controlled Fracturing bullet. It’s suitable for handgun and subsonic applications, and Wilson is working to develop tipped versions for high velocity rifle cartridges.
This is a 118-grain 9mm version of the Lehigh Defense's Maximum Expansion bullet.
Xtreme Defense Bullet
This is an all-copper, non-deforming approach to a self-defense bullet designed to deliver penetration between the FBI’s optimum 12- and 18-inch range. A non-deforming/expanding bullet might seem counter to conventional wisdom, but the concept is valid. This is partly because the lack of bullet upset prevents the potential for penetration interference from intermediate barriers and partly because, due to the large flutes near the bullet’s nose, wounding is enhanced through high-velocity fluid transfer.
Underwood loads Xtreme Defense bullets for many handgun cartridges. Those deep flutes use hydraulic fluid transfer to damage tissue.
Xtreme Penetrator Bullet
An alteration of the Xtreme Defense bullet, these bullets are designed to drive deeper. They’re suitable for both handgun and rifle cartridges and are heavier than comparable Extreme Defense bullets in the same caliber. They also have smaller flutes to help maximize penetration, and the X-shaped nose design will punch through as opposed to skid on bone. These bullets create much more damage than conventional round nose bullets.
Underwood ammo offers ammunition loaded with Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator bullets for many cartridges. Notice the wide X flat point in the bullet’s nose.
Wide Flat Nose
Very similar to a hard cast bullet, the advantage of a solid copper flat nose solid is that the bullet’s nose will not deform, chip or break, and this contributes to the bullet’s ability to penetrate very deep and straight. Buffalo Bore loads these Wide Flat Nose bullets in their Dangerous Game line. I watched a hunter in Africa absolutely hammer a buffalo with one from a .45-70, and one was all it took.
Buffalo Bore loads Lehigh Defense Wide Flat Nose bullets for a variety of dangerous game cartridges.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the February 2024 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Vortex has just expanded its popular Venom riflescope line with the addition of the 1-6×24 SFP and the 3-15×44 FFP.
Since the Vortex Venom riflescope line was launched with the Venom 5-25×56 FFP in 2021, it’s proven to be quite popular. Why? Like most of the company’s products, the scope hit a sweet spot between performance and price, with most users agreeing that the former outweighs the latter. That said, a 5-25×56 optic is only useful for certain applications, so now the Venom line is expanding with two new optics that will be more suitable for carbines and mid-range shooting—the 1-6×24 SFP and the 3-15×44 FFP.
Vortex Venom 1-6×24 SFP.
Despite being described as an entry-level carbine LPVO, the Venom 1-6×24 SFP has a lot going for it. Featuring an illuminated reticle and true 1-6x magnification, the scope can do quick work at short ranges while remaining capable of accurately reaching out. The SFP AR-BDC3 reticle helps with this as well, as its markings can keep you on target out to 650 yards. Other specs worth mentioning include its 30mm tube, its 24mm objective lens, its overall length of 10.3 inches and its weight of 19.5 ounces. The scope comes with a throw-lever, making magnification adjustments even faster and easier, and the package ships with a sunshade, lens covers, a lens cloth, a CR2032 battery and the appropriate hex wrench. MSRP is $449.99.
Vortex Venom 3-15×44 FFP.
Next is the Vortex Venom 3-15×44 FFP. Built on a 34mm tube and featuring a 44mm objective lens, this model was clearly designed to fill the gap between the new LPVO and the older 5-25×56 Venom. It uses the EBR-7C for a reticle and it’s available in either MOA or MRAD, and as an FFP scope, the subtensions will accurately scale to all magnification levels. For rapid adjustments, the scope also features Vortex’s RevStop zero system, exposed elevation turrets (windage turrets are capped) and an included throw lever. Each scope will also ship with a sunshade, lens covers, a lens cloth and a hex wrench. Other notable specs include its length of 13.3 inches and its weight of 28.8 ounces. MSRP is $649.99.
I had the opportunity to try out both of these optics while visiting the Vortex headquarters in Wisconsin last December, and they left me equally impressed. Whether you’re in the market for a new LPVO or something that can reach out a bit further, either would be worth checking out.
What makes a modern hunting rifle? A little competition influence, some military sniper inspiration and an infusion of manufacturing technology.
In conversation, you’ll find that people have a rather rigid idea of just how much “modern” can go into a gun … or what accessories could or should go on a rifle to make it suitable for a given task. There tends to be an idea of “this is a hunting rifle, this is a target rifle, and this is a sniper rifle” among most riflemen.
Today, all the lines are functionally non-existent. That might hurt to hear, but it’s true.
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been told that it isn’t fair to the deer to use what I have, but as I will soon address, everything I’m using has been done before: We’re just now seeing better ways to interface these otherwise disparate species of gear.
Right now, we’re in an era of refinement and proliferation regarding support gear, and I think the prophecies I spew here and in deer camp will all come true in a matter of a decade or less. What you see as custom guns here in my photography are my actual hunting rifles, and I believe they’ll all be par for the course soon.
In fact, my gear may get antiquated in a short time. Let’s dive in.
What Makes A Hunting Rifle?
There’s no official definition of what makes a rifle a “hunting rifle.” From a purely cultural angle, a Savage 99 is a classic deer rifle. That much can be said of it. If you choose to use this as your main hunting gun instead of something that takes advantage of modern technology, well, you’re not wrong for doing so. However, understand that, by nature, you are at a technological disadvantage as compared to the efficacy of what I generally carry afield.
The author’s straight-wall-case deer rifle, chambered in .450 Bushmaster. The action is a trued Remington 700 with a 20-inch heavy spiral fluted barrel. It wears a SilencerCo Hybrid 46M in Armageddon gear cover. The stock is the excellent Foundation Revelation with Wiebad cheek pad and SAP sling and two-round holder. The rifle is zeroed with 260-grain Remington loads for 150M with the excellent Leupold MK5 HD 5-25X in a Scope Chaps cover.
Am I a “better” hunter for using all this gear? Most certainly not, but I have learned to leverage new equipment to the timeless game. Again, it’s all about the experience you seek.
Now, ask yourself, is the Savage 99 a better gun than a caplock .54 Hawken? Is the Hawken a better gun than a flintlock? Is the flintlock a better gun than a matchlock? Is a matchlock better than a bow … and so on.
Regression for the sake of nostalgia is just that: regression. It’s no sin to take technology to the field; the first man to throw a rock at an animal started this march and, yes, that thrown rock is technology. You can choose to intentionally handicap yourself, but understand that I won’t. I want meat over the fire, same as my ancestors did 10,000 years ago.
And if you really think about it, we’re still throwing said rocks … just a bit faster and farther.
That Savage 99 was high-tech at the time it was introduced. It created a lasting legacy as a classic and eventually fell out of favor, except with some diehards. It’s a great gun, however, a far cry from the muzzleloaders in common use just a few decades prior. There’s no definition of a hunting rifle other than that which you take hunting, be it a Model 70 or Barrett M107.
Rifle Construction Ain’t What It Used To Be
Rifle actions have changed very little since Mauser developed the 1896 action. The Remington 700 did what others couldn’t and reached a saturation level in the market to the point that its “footprint” (body diameter, trigger inlet, and screw spacing) is now the de facto industry standard. Most large companies are concerned with the bottom line, and as a result, there hasn’t been tremendous innovation in things like “stock” stocks over the years. Thus, aftermarket companies began to step in and experiment.
The Manners stock is designed to use an Arca rail. This model came with it installed. It’s a direct installation and representative of what the author believes will become a standard feature on hunting bolt guns within the next decade.
This level of standardization has created market opportunities that would otherwise not exist for a one-off rifle design, particularly in generating repeatable accuracy. Where this has generated the most excitement has been in material innovation in aftermarket stocks. Each of the stocks in this article is a radical departure from those of yesteryear and essentially guarantee of increased performance.
The interface between action and stock used to be wizardry. Today, the art of bedding and installing pillars is all but vacated except in some high-end custom guns. The reason being that, with an aluminum bedding block or internal chassis, there’s no need to bed at all. In 99.9 percent of cases and from direct personal experience, dropping an action in an aluminum stock/modern internal chassis, groups shrink instantly. I don’t even worry about my groups when I build a gun because I know they’ll shoot: Manufacturing, for the most part, has gotten that good.
Of extreme interest to me is the solid Micarta stock made by Foundation Stocks. You will probably recognize this material as being the same as I use on the various Winkler Knives axes, including other tools and knives I use to supplement the guns in my photos. The material has been used for everything from insulation to electronic components housing and is made from cloth soaked in epoxy that is subjected to heat and pressure.
The machining and quality of the Foundation stock is incredible and it, while being a traditional stock layout, needs no bedding or special attention. I took my well-used custom .450 Bushmaster action and bottom metal and literally just dropped them in, tightened down the action screws and proceeded to take a pile of deer with it. I wish they made a version in green linen—that’s my only critique. You can’t ask for a better modern stock.
The author’s lightweight field rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor features a Michigan-made Tuebor Precision titanium action, 24-inch Proof Research barrel, Rearden MFG muzzle brake and Q Jumbo Shrimp suppressor. The stock is the new LRH from Manners. The rifle is zeroed with Black Hills 143-grain loads and wears a Vortex Razor HD Gen 3 6-36X. Accessories are from Wiebad, Scope Chaps and SAP.
Likewise, one of my main bottleneck-cased hunting rifles, a Tuebor Precision titanium action with Proof Research 6.5 Creedmoor barrel, wears a new Manners carbon-fiber LRH stock with internal mini chassis. Again, all I did was drop the action in and tighten it down. This rifle is under 10 pounds loaded and shoots 140-grain Federal Gold Medal Match factory ammo into a truly jaw-dropping ½-inch, five-shot group at 200M. It’s an absolute tack driver, and I did nothing special to it—well, having a 6-36X Vortex Razor on it certainly helps.
As far as chassis designs go, the Magpul Pro folder has been one of my go-to chassis for years. You’ve seen this same chassis in many of my articles, and it has probably housed a half-dozen actions over the past several years. It currently has a Christensen action in it with a USO optic. I put it together for a specific property I hunt where I wanted a 10X max optic with a thick-lined reticle for low light. The aluminum base of the chassis is about as rigid as you can get and, while being a used action I took off a buddy, it drops Sig Sauer 130-grain Elite Hunter loads into a ½-inch group at 100M at 10X.
KRG has been making fine stocks for a while, and their design is also incredibly simple and effective. The stock featured here is on my wife’s 26-inch suppressed .308 Win. While as long as a musket, it’s eerily quiet and can place Hornady 178’s into a ragged hole at 200M. The barrel is by CarbonSix and the action by Curtis. She’s currently waiting on a prototype extended Arca forend for this build.
The Curtis build is a CarbonSix 26-inch .308 Winchester with Rearden MFG flash hider and JK Armament 155 suppressor. It has a USO Foundation 5-25X MOA optic. The rifle has a KRG X-Ray chassis for the Remington short action. It is a great chassis that can be easily customized. Other accessories are by Scope Chaps, Wiebad and SAP.
I trust KRG because they’re affordable and consistent. Twenty years ago, when I was first into precision rifles, I’d have killed for a sub $400 aluminum-based stock when all that was available was the original generation AICS chassis for double that amount.
But, above all, these stocks have the ability to interface with an Arca-Swiss rail. Some are able to do it with an M-Lok adapter, Anschutz adapter or direct integration. The Arca rail is something I will discuss below when talking tripods, however, now is the point for me to make the bet that in a decade all modern hunting guns and virtually anything geared to hunting and field use will have an Arca rail integrated into the stock. This will be less a big deal on AR-type rifles, but for bolt guns, the Arca interface will allow a proliferation of accessories to further enhance performance.
Arca integration is easy on semi-auto rifles. In this case, a short plate is installed flush with the handguard.
Can It
The first thing people usually notice is that all my hunting guns are suppressed: If you can own one in your state, you absolutely should. Pistol cans are fun, and I hunt with them, too, but rifle suppressors are really where it’s at for increasing your effectiveness in the field. So much has been written already, but it’s always worth noting that suppressors not only reduce recoil—when combined with the other accessories you’ll see how effective the entire system can be.
More importantly, what we are seeing now is that most modern factory guns are coming with threaded muzzles. The popularity of suppressors certainly helps, but just 10 years ago threaded models were not the norm. It may seem trivial, but the standardization of muzzle threads is a huge deal. What you put on the end of your barrel can control recoil, mitigate flash or reduce noise—in some cases, all three.
This build was made of parts the author had laying around. The action is a 24-inch 6.5CM Christensen factory action taken off an MPR. It has a Rearden muzzle brake and SilencerCo Omega 36M with Rearden Atlas adapter. The Magpul chassis is a folding model and very strong. The optic is from US Optics, and accessories are from SAP and Armageddon gear.
Tripod Territory
The modern tripod is a recent creation that has had a long evolution. Creating a stable base for precision at distance is difficult and has taken many forms. The most common today is the bipod, but even at that the shooter is something of the third contact point. The rifle is a platform for the projectile—our original stone, if you will. Over the millennia, we’ve become collectively excellent at directing a projectile, and today’s tripods are rugged, stable bases that are vital to a full hunting system.
Shooting tripods are directly evolved from camera tripods and even share their Arca-Swiss mounting interface, but this is a recent development in the gun world. Arca-Swiss camera adapters have been around for decades, and they were developed to address the same thing that they address with guns: stabilizing a heavy object.
Arca-Swiss rails are essentially just a generous dovetail rail with a clamp on the mounting head. During the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and even in the various wars of the 1980s and ’90s, snipers were always trying to adapt new gear to their rifles. Tripods at this time were revised from camera tripods, but these were often fragile and didn’t provide consistency. Rifles were simply set in a V-wedge, sometimes just made of junk.
The Two Vets ball head. This is a fast and rigid clamp system that prevents the gun from slipping out.
In the later War on Terror years, dedicated clamp-style head mounts became popular, but these were difficult to use with the rounded forearms of most sniper rifles and AR-based precision rifles. Various other types of mounts were tried, including QD Picatinny rail mounts, but ultimately the already-established Arca-Swiss started to take over, largely because the tripod heads were already available. A wide range of products are compatible with rifles because of how prolific photography accessories are.
In the past 10 years, tripods evolved from flimsy aluminum photography models to heavy-duty carbon fiber with rugged controls. I believe tripods are going to be the most in-demand rifle accessory of the next decade. The market is growing rapidly, and we are seeing tons of add-ons such as caddies for gear and note-taking, their use on spotting scopes and lightweight models for field use.
Tripods are commonly used with spotting scopes, such as this Vortex.
System Integration
If you view the rifle not just as a rifle but as a part of a larger system, you see how important the interfaces become. I typically have both Picatinny and Arca mounts on my rifles; I don’t like to have my bipod also be attached to an Arca interface because I like to use the lower-profile QD mounts from Atlas Bipods. In general, what you’re looking at is a completely stable bullet-launching platform that you simply have to align and pull the trigger.
When you have a modern optic, you can zero at max point-blank range and then use your reticle to account for drop. I can easily swap between 260-grain Remington loads in .450 Bushmaster to Hornady 395-grain SubX loads without losing zero or guessing. When suppressed, I can keep my awareness on the environment and listen for the impact of my shots on game.
Bipods can be adapted to Arca, M-Lok, Picatinny and sling studs to suit your needs.
The Two Vets “The Kit” tripod stows in my backpack, and it can adjust to any position I need, including prone. The added bipod weight also reduces recoil, and I can stay on target easily. What’s most interesting and useful is that, when the gun is in the tripod, it’s in firing position already. I sit back, relax and glass. This layout is so effective that it’s the only way I hunt if I can help it.
On The Horizon
I estimate that in just 10 years’ time we’ll see a complete renovation of the hunting rifle category. Likewise, I believe we will see advanced materials, such as carbon fiber, continue to become more common on factory guns. This used to be a custom option, but today we are seeing complete rifles with this technology for less than the cost of some barrels alone.
I believe that soon there will be factory guns with carbon-fiber stocks and threaded barrels with Arca-Swiss interfaces for well under $1,000 that shoot as well as custom guns do today. There will be a few more years of teething before things become truly standardized, but we’re on our way to the total blending of competition, military sniper and hunting rifles to where the capabilities will be utterly uniform across the board.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the February 2024 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 excellent concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
