Guns Illustrated 2011. Dan Shideler
Rimfire
SHOTGUNS
Autoloaders
Slide & Lever Actions
Over/Unders
Side-by-Side
Bolt Actions & Single Shot
Military & Police
BLACKPOWDER
Single Shot Pistols – Flint & Percussion
Revolvers
Muskets & Rifles
Shotguns
AIRGUNS
Handguns
Long Guns
MANUFACTURER’S AND PRODUCT DIRECTORY
RIFLES BY TOM TABOR
If it were possible to lay my hands on the old Savage Model 110 that I hunted with as a youth and place it next to one of the rifles I currently use today, on the surface few people would notice a great deal of difference. But while the basic firearm design concepts haven’t changed significantly in recent decades, the gun manufacturers have without a doubt made significant inroads when it comes to accuracy, performance and dependability. I suppose that is why people such as I get so excited each year when the new models are brought out. No matter what shooting discipline we choose to participate in, we are eager to take advantage of anything that could result in improving our shooting performance. The following is just a sampling of some of the innovative Rifles that are now available to world’s sportsmen.
The new Anschutz Model 1770 represents the first totally newly-designed Anschutz action in over thirty years.
The Italian-made, desmodromic Sabatti SAB92SF side by side Rifle, imported by EAA, blends Old-World charm with a price tag that’s hard to beat.
Author shown with an Asian water buffalo taken in the Northern Territory of Australia with a custom Rifle using a CZ action chambered for .500 Jeffrey.
ANSCHUTZ
The Model 1770 is the latest addition to Anschutz’s hunting rifle line and is currently offered in only .223 Reming-ton. This rifle represents the first time in over thirty years that Anschutz has introduced a totally new action. The design includes a six locking lug, a short 60-degree bolt lift and a single stage match trigger, which is set at the factory to 2.5-lbs. pull, but can be adjusted from 2 to 4.5 lbs. The German style Meister grade stock comes with an oil finish, semi-oval cheek piece, Schnabel forend and rosewood pistol grip cap. The stock is checkered at the pistol grip and forend. The medium weight barrel is cold hammer forged and 22 inches long. Overall length of the Model 1770 is 41.73 inches and the weight without a scope is 7.48 lbs. The MSRP for the new Model 1770 is $2,495.
BENELLI U.S.A.
Benelli is possibly best known for their semiautomatic shotguns, but recently the company has announced a new combat carbine rifle that is not only used and appreciated by the U.S. military forces but now can be the centerpiece of an effective home defense plan and in some cases for hunting and target shooting. The new MR1 fires the 5.56mm NATO (.223 Remington) and uses the ultra-reliable, battle-proven ARGO (Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated) system. This is the same system developed by Benelli for the M1014 and used for over a decade in multiple conflicts by the U.S. Marine Corps. The ARGO system incorporates a gas port located just forward of the chamber where the gases are hotter and cleaner, resulting in less fouling and more reliable cycling. The stainless steel, self-cleaning piston operates directly against the rotating bolt, thereby eliminating the need for complex linkages. The Picatinny rail allows mounting of both conventional and night-vision sights, while still retaining the capabilities of the metallic-sight. And, an optical Picatinny tri-rail forend kit is available that permits the mounting of a laser sight. The rifle comes from the factory equipped with a five-round magazine, but it will also accept any standard M16 magazines.
Benelli’s new MR1 combat carbine is not only used and appreciated by our armed forces but can now be the centerpiece of an effective home defense plan or in some cases used for hunting and target shooting.
The new Blaser bolt-action, detachable-magazine R8 Rifle blends elegance with versatility.
The new BRNO Effect single-shot rifle comes attractively engraved with high country game scenes on the receiver.
The latest addition to Browning’s A-Bolt is the TCT Varmint with a Bell and Carlson stock specifically designed for shooting from the prone position.
After several years of being out of production, the Browning T-Bolt is now available once again in all sorts of flavors.
CZ-USA’s Model 455 rimfire Rifle. Some consider it a classic, and who are we to argue?
BLASER U.S.A.
For years Blaser has been recognized for their versatile interchangeable-barrel rifles, but the company has carried this trait one step further with their new Blaser bolt-action, detachable magazine R8 Rifle. The R8’s magazine and trigger assembly have been merged together into a single compact module. The magazine buttons are positioned just above the trigger guard. For safety reasons, when you remove the magazine the R8 automatically de-cocks, keeping the cocking slide from engaging. The new Blaser Precision Trigger breaks at a trigger pull of 1-5/8 lbs. with an extremely short release time and does not rely on a spring to reset the trigger after firing. The desmodromic trigger mechanism offers reliability in extreme conditions such as freezing rain and blowing dust. [Editor’s Note: “desmodromic”? No, Tom didn’t just make up that word. It refers to mechanisms that use different types of controls in order to function. Who knew?–DMS] A wide variety of R8 models are available to select from, including even an individually engraved version.
BRNO
The new BRNO Effect single-shot rifle comes with a select walnut stock and is available in full-length style. The rifle weighs only a mere 6-pounds and comes engraved with high country game scenes on the receiver. It also comes with a single set trigger, automatic safety and iron sights and includes the scope base for mounting optics. Currently the Effect is available in .308 Winchester and .30-06 and carries a MSRP of $1,699.
BROWNING
Years ago, Browning’s inventory consisted of only two guns: the Superposed and the Auto-5 shotguns, but today that line has been expanded to include approximately 300 flavors of shotguns alone, about 350 different models