The long-range hunting rifle line-up from SHOT Show 2022 looks more advanced and user-friendly than ever before. (Photo courtesy of Danny Dodge)
January 17, 2022
By Colton Heward
Technological advancements in long-range rifles have made leaps and bounds over the past decade. Several manufacturers are producing true 1,000-yard rifles, while almost all new centerfire rifles can consistently pop a volleyball at 500 yards.
Now, just because the rifle is capable, does not always mean that the shooter is. No matter the situation, but especially when settling your crosshairs on an animal, always be confident in the shot you are taking and know your own limitations.
With that said, let’s take a look at some of the new long-range capable rifles being showcased at SHOT Show this year.
Browning X-Bolt Speed Long Range Browning’s new X-Bolt Speed Long Range builds upon the popular X-Bolt Speed model and incorporates several features to aid long-range shooters. This rifle utilizes an ergonomic, sporter style composite stock and an easily adjustable comb, allowing up to one inch of height adjustment. Seated in the stock is a fluted, sporter contour barrel with a sharp smoked bronze cerekote finish. This finish is not only appeasing to the eye but protects better than traditional blueing. Also new for this year is Browning’s new Ovix camo pattern which this rifle, along with the Hells Canyon Max Long Range model, will feature. This rifle is built for hunters on the go and carries the same rugged and accurate reliability that we have come to know and trust from Browning’s X-Bolt lineup.
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Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT Christensen Arms announcement of their new Ridgeline FFT rifle turned heads of hunting and gun enthusiasts alike. The action and barrel remain the same as previous Ridgeline models, but the stock received a serious revamp. Using Flash Forged Technology (FFT), a brand-new carbon fiber manufacturing process, engineers at Christensen Arms were able to create a stock that is up to a pound lighter and several times stronger than their current stocks. The result is a rigid, precision-type rifle with a starting weight of 5.3 pounds depending on caliber. Like other Christensen Arm’s rifles, the Ridgeline FFT is backed by their sub-MOA guarantee, making this a serious contender for the long-range shooter. When ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain, the ability to shave weight from your backpack can be a tremendous aid to your personal fatigue. The Ridgeline FFT is available in a variety of chamberings from 22-250 Rem all the way up to 300 RUM.
Nosler Model 21 Nosler’s new Model 21 rifle combines premium components and strict manufacturing tolerances to create a very capable long-range precision shooting rig. The Model 21 action was engineered in collaboration with Mack Brothers and closely resembles their EVO action, with a few Nosler-engineered attributes. Other notable features include a smooth one-piece spiral fluted bolt, carbon fiber McMillan Hunters Edge stock, and an adjustable TriggerTech trigger. All said and done the Model 21 weighs in near seven pounds depending on caliber, making it an ideal choice when weight is of utmost importance. Currently, Nosler is producing the Model 21 in a multitude of chamberings from 22 Nosler all the way up to the .375 H&H. For a more in-depth look at the Model 21, be sure to check out Sam Forbes' Wyoming antelope hunt and rifle review .
Savage Impulse Big Game Savage’s Impulse Big Game rifle was released last year, but still holds true as one of their elite long range hunting rifles. At the heart of this rifle is its lightning-fast straight-pull action. When seconds count, a straight-pull action could mean the difference between smoked backstraps and tag soup. This rifle also features a 1-piece 20 MOA rail machined into the receiver, an adjustable AccuTrigger, and Savage’s AccuStock with AccuFit which allows shooters to easily customize their length of pull and comb height. These features combine to make the Savage Impulse Big Game rifle a very capable long-range hunting weapon.
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Mossberg Patriot LR Hunter The Mossberg Patriot LR Hunter rifle comes standard with features for the long-range enthusiast at an extremely affordable price point. One of the shining points of this rifle is the Monte Carlo stock. The stock features a tapered, flat-bottom forend, dual swivel studs, machined aluminum bedding pillars and a polymer-coated micro-texture finish. Other features of this rifle include an adjustable trigger (2–7 lbs.), fluted and threaded barrel, and oversized bolt handle. This rifle comes in four different calibers — .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 6.5 PRC.
The Bergara Divide For 2022, Bergara is releasing a long-range hunter’s dream. The Divide features the company’s premier barreled action that is perfectly matched the CURE carbon barrel which features cold-bore technology to ensure your first shot counts. The action accepts Remington 700 bases and is set into an AG Composites Carbon Fiber Chalk Branch stock that has an adjustable comb for a perfect fit for any shooter. For added customization, the rifle features a TriggerTech adjustable trigger. The action is AICS compatible to accommodate detachable magazines of all sizes and the barrel is tipped with an Omni muzzle brake to reduce recoil. What’s more, this rifle is finished in a custom erosion rogue camo. Right now, this rifle is available in four of the most popular cartridge options on the market: 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, and .300 Win Mag.
