(Photo courtesy of Scott Ergas)
September 28, 2024
By The Editors
The Petersen's Hunting 2024 annual gear guide has a bevy of awesome firearms and ammunition from top-notch manufacturers. Safe to say it was a blast to select our Editor's Choice picks!
Click this link if you are interested in picking up a full magazine print copy of our 2024 Gear Guide which has tons of other gear such as clothing, optics, and archery equipment.
Centerfire Rifle: (Photo courtesy of Taurus) Taurus Expedition
This crossover light tactical/hunting rifle is built on a Remington 700-style action paired with an 18-inch barrel. Chambered in .308, it features a threaded muzzle for easy suppressor compatibility. The forend has a squared middle section designed for optimal clamping in a tripod-mounted saddle. M-LOK slots enable easy accessory additions. The detachable box magazine is AICS-type.
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Rimfire Rifle: (Photo courtesy of Hammerli) Hammerli Force B1
Ever seen how fast Olympic Biathlon shooters function their .22 rifle actions? If so, then you understand the advantage of a straight-pull design. The toggle-style straight-pull Force B1 rimfire is the fastest bolt-action rimfire on the market. Receivers are compatible with match-grade Ruger 10/22 triggers. Quick-change barrels are available in .22 LR and .22 Magnum. Stocks are adjustable for length of pull and cheek rest height. Muzzles are threaded ½-28 for easy suppressor compatibility.
Shotgun: (Photo courtesy of Browning) Browning A5 Hunter 20-gauge
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Here’s one that hunters have been begging Browning for. This light, sleek autoloader with the iconic A5 styling now comes in 20 gauge with a 3-inch chamber. I can’t think of a finer semiauto upland gun. Pick a 26- or 28-inch barrel. Three chokes are included: Full, Modified, and IC. Fine walnut with a gloss finish compliments the high-gloss steel bluing and black anodizing on the metal. Capacity without a plug is 4 rounds of 2 ¾-inch shotshells.
Handgun: (Photo courtesy of Smith & Wesson) Smith & Wesson PC X-Frame .350 Legend
This large-frame, super-accurate revolver houses the insanely popular new-ish .350 Legend straight-wall deer cartridge. It’s got a 7-round capacity, a 7.5-inch barrel and weighs 71.5 oz. Excellent iron sights enable precise shooting, and a top-ported muzzle tames recoil and muzzle jump. Construction is all stainless. The double/single action has an incredibly crisp trigger pull. $1,680; smith-wesson.com
Centerfire Ammunition: (Photo courtesy of Lehigh Defense) Lehigh Defense TME Ammunition
Lehigh Defense, which is owned by Wilson Combat, is offering several new hunting loads with their innovative TME (Tipped Maximum Expanding) bullet, including a 120-grain 6.5 Creedmoor, 155-grain .308 Win. and a 115-grain load for the criminally underappreciated .300 Ham’r cartridge. TME bullets feature high BCs and normally retain nearly 100% of their original weight. Lehigh is also offering TME bullets in these weights for reloaders if you prefer to load your own.
Rimfire Ammunition: (Photo courtesy of Remington) Remington .22 Golden Hunter
Remington’s 40-grain plated hollow point Golden .22 LR bullet has become the gold standard for small game hunting , and their new Golden Hunter load pushes that projectile at 1,255 fps from a .22 LR rifle. You can expect excellent accuracy, reliable expansion and maximum energy transfer from this affordable small game load—everything you need for a full game bag and fun day in the woods. 100 and 550-round ammo packs are available.
Shotshell Ammunition: (Photo courtesy of Federal Premium) Federal Prairie Storm Bismuth Blend
Federal’s Prairie Storm Bismuth Blend loads contain 70% Premium steel and 30% HEVI-Bismuth, providing improved performance at a lower price point than pure bismuth loads. With a density of 9.6 g/cc, the bismuth pellets in this non-toxic load, nestled in the revered Flitecontrol Flex wad, are nearly as dense as lead. Available in 12-gauge (2 ¾ and 3-inch) and 20-gauge (3-inch), Prairie Storm Bismuth Blend is an excellent choice for bringing down upland game.
