SHOT Show 2018: New Predator Hunting Rifles

January 24, 2018 By Mark Kayser

Purchasing a new predator rifle is a big deal. It's your extension to more fur and more fun. Plus, it's a big investment and for most requires some extra thought when you finally do invade your family budget for a new predator rifle. Take a look at these 2018 releases as you consider future purchases.

BERGARA

Bergara has taken accuracy to the next level with its affordable B-14 Hunter and the B-14 HMR released in 2017. For 2018 Bergara has improved the B-14 HMR with the release of the B-14 HMR Pro. New upgrades to the Pro include a Cerakote stainless-steel action to ward off corrosive elements. As suppressors become more common in the hunting world, including Begara's sister company Dead Air Armament, the Pro comes standard with a threaded muzzle. And to enhance the trigger pull the Pro includes a TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology trigger. An adjustable cheek piece, detachable Magpul magazine and integrated QD flush cup sling mounts, and swivel mounts, round out the Pro.

You can purchase an HMR in popular predator calibers like the .22-250 Remington, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor and the .308 Winchester. Rifle weights range from 9.2 to 9.7 pounds and rifles include a sub-MOA target to prove accuracy that Bergara honors with the use of any match grade factory ammunition. All of this is available for $1,715.

REMINGTON

Remington needs no introduction with many precision gunsmiths still relying on the legendary 700 action to build rifles around. New for 2018 Remington introduces the Model 700 PCR. This offering features the Model 700 action teamed with a Teflon-coated anodized aluminum chassis that sets the base for all-weather protection. Mated with a Magpul PRS Gen3 buttstock, Magpul pistol grip and Magpul 5-round detachable magazine guarantees tested fit and functionality for you.

For fast suppressor attachment the 24-inch barrel is threaded and includes a Picatinny rail, oversized bolt know and Remington's X-Mark Pro adjustable trigger for custom feel. The rifle is available in three calibers including the .260 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester. Rifle weight is 10.5 pounds and it retails for $1,199. For that price you get Remington's sub-MOA, out-of-the-box guarantee.

KIMBER

Kimber's new Open Country in Granite or Optifade color is ideal for cross-country predator hunters and those who appreciate one rifle for predators, and big game. Besides being a Kimber, the real value to this rifle is its weight at 6 pounds, 15 ounces. Even with a lightweight design the rifle comes with a sub-MOA guarantee for the two calibers currently offered including the 6.5 Creedmoor and the .308 Winchester. The Open Country comes standard with a threaded barrel, a match grade chamber and an adjustable trigger that comes set at approximately 3 pounds.

Pillar bedding accentuates the accuracy and the action is stainless steel built around a Mauser claw extractor. If you appreciate the full feel of a 3-position safety similar to a Winchester, you'll love the Kimber. Magazine capacity is for four cartridges and this rifle retails for $2,269.

Winchester has a long hunting history and the addition of the 6.5 Creedmoor in the XPR Hunter and Hunter Compact models gives predator hunters another rifle that crosses over into different hunting genres. Not only is the XPR Hunter available in a new caliber, it's dressed up in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country.

The XPR Hunter includes proven ingenuity from the Model 70 with refined manufacturing to create the XPR. Built around a new polymer stock it offers a finish with unmatched grip. A matte blue finish wards off rust and is non-reflective. The barrel is free floated and includes a target crown, plus the M.O.A. Trigger System is advertised as zero take-up and zero creep for outstanding accuracy. Nickel Teflon on the bolt advances a smooth operation and of course corrosion protection. And to accentuate ease in loading the XPR Hunter has a detachable, single-stack magazine constructed of rugged polymer.

You can purchase the XPR Hunter in 12 popular calibers, but for the predator crowd you'll love the new addition of the 6.5 Creedmoor, plus other predator favorites already in production like the .243 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington and the .308 Winchester. All are affordable with a retail price of $599.99.

MOSSBERG

Mossberg continues to produce application-ready rifles and their new MVP Precision bolt action works in the tactical category with crossover for predator hunters. Guaranteed for sub-MOA, the MVP Precision is available in the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 7.62 NATO. The 6.5 Creedmoor comes with a 24-inch barrel and the NATO in a 20-inch. Both barrels are bull in construction, threaded and free floated. An LBA trigger guarantees a crisp release and a Picatinny rail allows you to secure a variety of optics, especially high magnification for long range. If you want help with optic selection Mossberg has teamed with Vortex to offer combo options utilizing the Viper HS-T riflescope.

The MVP Precision is constructed of a matte hard anodized chassis, M-Lok Forend with a LUTH-AR MBA-3 fully adjustable stock for a tailored fit. A 10-capacity detachable Magpul PMAG gives you plenty of rounds just in case you miss. The rifle alone weighs 9.2 pounds minus a full magazine or optics. Best of all the MVP Precision retails for $1,407.

SAVAGE

Savage brings to the predator market the new 110 Predator. The rifle is designed for you with the AccuFit System that gives you four length-of-pull spacers and five comb risers. The stock is synthetic and is available in Realtree Max-1 to melt into the backdrop. You'll also get a good handle on the rifle with soft grip material in the fore-end and pistol grip surfaces.

A matte black barrel constructed from carbon steel helps ward off the elements. To further mate the rifle to your liking Savage includes its popular AccuTrigger that you can set yourself and save money by not seeking out the help of a gunsmith. Rounding out the ease of operation of the 110 Predator is a detachable magazine. Savage doesn't shy from caliber choices. You can order the 110 Predator in .204 Ruger, .22-250 Remington, .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, .260 Remington and the ever-popular 6.5 Creedmoor. The 110 Predator retails for $899. www.savagearms.com