Nine for 09

For this year's crop of deer hunters, there are some interesting new firearms that will surely find their way to camp this season. While some companies have launched entirely new rifles for 2009, refinements upon existing product lines seem more the buzz than radical innovation. But this is a good thing--anytime you can take an existing product, add a needed caliber, refine a stock design or improve the overall function everyone wins. So sit back, relax and see what these nine manufacturers have to offer deer hunters this fall.

Thompson Center
For hunters in love with the wildly successful Icon, but looking for a more affordable price tag, your prayers are answered. For 2009, T/C unveiled the Venture bolt-action rifle. The heart of the Venture is very reminiscent of an Icon, complete with a full diameter, three lug bolt for a non-binding 60-degree throw. To keep costs down, gone is the high polish finish and the integral scope bases, but the detachable magazine, free floated 5R rifled barrel, adjustable trigger and a M.O.A. guarantee all remain--not bad for a street price of under $500. Currently, the Venture is available in a synthetic stock with blued hardware and chambered in .270 Win., 7mm Rem. mag, .30-06 Springfield and .300 Win. mag. All calibers are fed through a single stack, detachable magazine that performs flawlessly. I shot this rifle recently at the range and it was incredible. Excellent trigger, superb accuracy (my test gun put five factory loaded bullets just slightly under and inch) and a solid, substantial feel. (tcarms.com)

Remington
It used to be varmint rifles were derived from the development work done on big game rifles, but in 2009 the reverse is the case with Remington's latest big game offerings. In its bolt line up the model 700 XHR (Xtreme Hunting Rifle) made it's debut for this year's deer season and if it looks familiar, that's because it is. Its lineage stems from Remington's extremely successful 700 VTR (Varmint-Tactical Rifle) introduced last year. Like its little brother, the XHR features a similar triangular barrel however in a magnum contour, synthetic stock dipped in Realtree AP HD with Hogue overmold panels fore and aft. Like several other 700s in 2009 the XHR comes complete with Remington's X-Mark Pro trigger system that comes set from the factory at 31/2 lbs., but can easily be fined tuned at home. Available in nine calibers from .243 Win. to .300 RUM the new model 700 XHR is ideal for deer hunters from coast to coast.

For semi-auto fans, Remington likewise up scaled an existing varmint platform to meet the needs of whitetails hunters. Based on a similar design as their R-15VTR the R-25 sports a synthetic stock, removable four round magazine, free-floated 20 inch button-rifled barrel with a recessed hunting crown, machined aluminum free-floated forend tube and a full Mossy Oak Treestand camo dip job. However unlike the R-15 the R-25 is available in some serious whitetail calibers including .243 Win., 7mm-08 Rem. and .308 Win. (remington.com)

Browning
For 2009 Browning has released the X-bolt Micro into their line up. Even though the letters are far apart in the alphabet, the essence of the X bolt's action shares many similiarities with their time-tested and proven A-bolt design. Sporting a new four screw base-to-receiver mounting system called the X-Lock it ensures solid mounting of even large, heavy scopes. While the action still utilizes three locking lugs for a short 60-degree lift the newly redesigned bolt release is cleverly located on the bolt handle itself making for a clean, user-friendly design. A unique straight feed rotary detachable magazine completes the package. The walnut stock features an Inflex Technology recoil pad to reduce recoil, which is an added bonus in the larger caliber offerings such as the .300 WSM or .325 WSM since the Micro tips the scales at only 6 pounds 7 ounces. Like all X-Bolt rifles, the Micro features the Feather Trigger which can be adjusted from 3 to 5 pounds. (browning.com)

Kimber
Refinements, opposed to radical new designs best describes the 2009 lineup from Kimber. While they haven't strayed too far from their basic 84 and 8400 models (and why would you when you have a Mauser style claw extractor and three position wing safety?), there is a new Classic Stainless 84 M which tips the scales right around 51/2 pounds. It is available in .243 Win., 7mm-08 Rem. and .308 Win. calibers. The combination of a matte stainless barreled action and A-grade, oil-finished walnut with 20 lines per inch hand cut checkering is pretty tough to beat. Utilizing stainless bottom metal and glass bedding in the stock ensures the rifle will shoot as good as it looks. While not a revolutionary design the 84M Classic Stainless is a nice option for those looking for a functional, yet classy rifle that is sure to turn heads in deer camp. (kimberamerica.com)

Ruger
For 2009 small is big news for Ruger, as the M77 is getting a makeover into the successful new Hawkeye platform which essentially packs more punch into a smaller package. Thinner profile stocks, shorter barrels and redesigned LC6 triggers round out the package. Of all the Hawkeye models big woods deer hunters should set their sights on is the M77 Hawkeye Compact. Available in walnut and blue or laminate and stainless steel, the diminutive Compact is offered in several short action calibers perfectly suited to whitetails such as .308 Win. and 7mm-08 Rem. Tipping the scales at 6 pounds and only measuring 35½ inches with a 161/2-inch barrel the Hawkeye Compact is an ideal rifle for deer hunters on the move looking for a fast, lightweight arm. (ruger.com)