First Look: Three New Hunting Rifles on Our Wish List

The banner headlines that always accompany SHOT Show in glamorous Las Vegas, NV have not even hit, yet we’re in the know about several sweet new firearms for 2020. For hunters stashing their Christmas money for the new year’s latest and greatest, here are three serious rifles for the new decade.

Henry Side Gate 45-70

SHOP THE SIDE GATE

Henry’s introduction of the H024 Side Gate rifles marked the greatest innovation in lever-action rifles for ages. Not only does the company maintain its tubular loading gate but also engineered the design to include a much-anticipated side loading gate. Shooters can now load the magazine tube via either option, trumping other lever gun companies loaded solely through the receiver port.

It’s especially helpful–and safer–to unload via the tube without having to cycle live rounds one-by-one through the action. Likewise, topping off a few rounds can be done much more quickly through the side gate. The new design also puts Henry rifles into legit cowboy shooting competition where speed reloads are key.

While the three original calibers — .30-30 Win, .38-55 and .35 Rem — hit home for many nostalgic shooters, many folks clamored for the hard-hitting .45-70, and Henry answered with guns that are beginning to ship in early 2020. If the .45-70 Side Gate announcement isn’t enough, Henry also concurrently debuted the first dual-loading gate shotgun with a .410 bore. All the Side Gate Henry rifles are currently built on the company’s recognizable hardened brass frames with fancy checkered American Walnut stocks. The initial MSRP is set at $1,077.

Browning X-Bolt Hunter Long Range

SHOP BROWNING X-BOLT

There are several new additions to Browning’s long-range rifle lineup, but the most interesting to us is the Black Walnut-stocked X-Bolt Hunter Long Range. While more and more companies seem to head the way of synthetic furniture for practical and cost-saving purposes, the romance and feel of hardwood just cannot be replaced for hunting purists. To that end, Browning seems to have hit a winner by offering the hardwood hunter but with modern features like the adjustable cheekpiece buttstock.

There’s also a detachable rotary magazine, adjustable trigger, short-throw bolt and threaded barrel topped with a muzzle brake. The heavy sporter weight barrels range from 22- to 26-inches, depending on caliber. The rifle weights, dependent upon caliber, hover both right above and below the 8-pound mark. The Browning X-Bolt Hunter Long Range is sure to attract fans of more classically styled rifles who still desire those longer-range hunting features and pinpoint accuracy.

Chamberings tailored to big game hunting include: 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, .270 Win, .30-06 Spfld, 7mm Rem Mag and .300 Win Mag. Initial MSRP range from $1,299.99 to $1,329.99.

Savage 110 Ultralight

SHOP SAVAGE RIFLES

As Savage debuted what seemed like dozens of 110 bolt-action rifle models over the last few years there was one thing seemingly missing – a true ultralight model for serious backcountry hunters. At the dawning of a new decade, the company delivers in a big way with the 110 Ultralight. Savage has teamed up with Proof Research to create a carbon fiber wrapped stainless-steel barrel and Melonite skeletonized receiver all intended to greatly shave weight from the platform. The new Savage Ultralight rifles weighs in at a scant 5.8 to 5.85-pounds, making them a dream to carry at elevation on mountain hunts or through rugged backcountry terrain where every pound counts.

The new 110 Ultralight maintains the incredibly popular AccuFit adjustable stock system and user-adjustable AccuTrigger. There’s also a spiral fluted bolt and 5/8-24 threaded muzzle with a flush fit end cap. The detachable box magazine will hold either two or four rounds, depending on caliber. Chamberings include: .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .280 Ackley, .270 Win, .30-06 Spfld, .300 WSM, 6.5 PRC and 28 Nosler. MSRP at the time of launch, regardless of caliber, will be $1,499.

Conclusion

Whether you dig lever actions or bolts, long-range flat calibers or heavy knockdown power, three of 2020’s hottest new additions are sure to please. It’s all about modern innovation on existing platforms and we’re loving it.

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