January 24, 2024
By Colton Heward
As we begin the new year, manufacturers did not disappoint, with a smorgasbord of impressive new firearms announced at the recent SHOT Show. Many of the new rifles for 2024 build upon proven track records and incorporate some impressive new upgrades while other manufacturers introduced entirely new platforms. Our ability to blame a miss in the field on our rifle dwindles with each passing year as firearm manufacturers continually produce and improve upon the best factory rifles we have ever seen.
Below are some of our favorite new rifles for 2024.
Bergara B-14 Crest Carbon Strength, rigidity, and precision lie at the core of Bergara’s new B-14 Crest Carbon rifle. The Crest Carbon features a 100% carbon-fiber stock, Bergara’s CURE Carbon Barrel and their proven B-14 action. Cure Carbon Barrel technology bridges the gap between cold bore point of impact and subsequent follow-up shots, giving shooters pinpoint accuracy shot after shot. Other notable features include AICS detachable magazines, Omni-Directional muzzle brake, and a sniper gray Cerakoted finish. Weighing merely 6.2 lbs., the Crest Carbon is ideal for tackling the rugged backcountry. Caliber options include: .22-250 Rem., 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7 PRC, .308 Win., and .300 Win. Mag.
Weatherby Mark 5 High CountryAs the name suggests, Weatherby’s newest Mark V High Country rifle expounds on the Mark V legacy with a lightweight rifle specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of mountain hunting. The Mark V High Country starts at a mere 5.7 lbs. and features Peak 44’s Bastion carbon-fiber stock and a spiral-fluted barrel. Recoil in the lightweight rifle, even with magnum cartridges, is mitigated via Weatherby’s Accubrake muzzle brake and a 3DHEX recoil pad. The Mark V High Country comes in a wide variety of cartridges, several of which are available in left-handed models for southpaws like me.
Advertisement
Browning X-Bolt 2 New for 2024, Browning launched the next generation of X-Bolt rifles, the X-Bolt 2. The lineup features eight models sporting a variety of different stock and barrel combinations to meet your specific needs. Regardless of what model you choose, the X-Bolt 2 features a reconfigured receiver for smoother operation and bolt guidance as well as a redesigned, more ergonomic bolt handle. The biggest improvement, in my opinion, that Browning made with the new X-Bolt 2, is found in the trigger which now features a crisp and adjustable, multiple-lever DLX trigger. The X-Bolt 2 from Browning may be a factory-built rifle, but it fits, feels, and shoots on par with many custom-built rifles toting hefty price tags. Available cartridges vary by model but rest assured, there is a new X-Bolt 2 to fit all of your hunting needs.
Ruger American Generation II Ruger’s newly released American Rifle Generation II brings a host of new features to the proven platform. The first thing shooters will likely notice is a new, ergonomic stock that accommodates a removable comb riser and length-of-pull spacer. Another significant improvement includes a three-position tang safety, allowing shooters to safely load and unload their rifle with the safety engaged. Other features include a threaded barrel with radial muzzle brake, Cerakoted barrel, receiver, and bolt handle, adjustable trigger, and a factory installed one-piece picatinny rail. The original release of American Generation II rifles includes a variety of available cartridges with more set to be released later this year.
Benelli Lupo HPR BE.S.T. Benelli’s Lupo HPR (High Precision Rifle) BE.S.T. rifle is the pinnacle of precision in the Lupo line with a guaranteed .75 MOA 5-shot group. The Lupo HPR features a customizable chassis-style stock allowing shooters to easily adjust comb height, length of pull, and trigger reach. Benelli also treated the receiver, bolt, barrel and muzzle brake with their rust proof, BE.S.T. treatment, giving hunters peace of mind when braving the elements. Other notable features of the Lupo HPR include an integrated 30 MOA picatinny rail, Progressive Comfort recoil pad, and a variety of M-LOK connections on the stock and fore-end to accommodate your favorite slings and bipods. Available cartridges include .308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoor.
Advertisement
Colt CBX Tachunter Colt Firearm’s new CBX Tachunter rifle bridges the gap between competition and field use, providing shooters a lightweight and reliable precision rifle. The CBX Tachunter features a smooth bolt-action, bedded in a gray, synthetic stock, with a vertical pistol grip and two-position tang safety. The CBX Tachunter also features the use of AICS magazines, 60-degree bolt throw, threaded barrel, and three imbedded swivel studs. It is also worth noting the CBX Tachunter rifle carries a sub-MOA guarantee. Available cartridges include 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 WIN.
Savage 110 Ultralite Elite The Savage 110 action has been a staple for hunters and shooters for many years. New for 2024, Savage built upon that tradition with the release of the 110 Ultralite Elite rifle, combining precision and performance into a sub 6-lbs. rifle. The 110 Ultralite Elite features the ever-popular MDT HNT26 chassis paired with a PROOF Research carbon-fiber wrapped stainless-steel barrel. Other noteworthy features of the Ultralite Elite include Savage’s adjustable AccuTrigger, 20MOA picatinny scope rail, fluted bolt, AICS detachable magazines, and an Omniport muzzle brake. Available cartridges include: 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win., 7 PRC, .300 WSM, and .300 Win. Mag.
Taurus Expedition Taurus long known for their handgun manufacturing, has just announced their first bolt-action rifle. The new Expedition line comes featured with a cold hammer forged stainless-steel barrel, corrosion resistant coating on the barrel and action, and a 60-degree bolt throw. It’s built on a 700-series action to allow users to customize their trigger needs. The stock has a built in M-LOK plate and Spartan Precision mounts, while the magazine has an AICS pattern for easily finding aftermarket mags. Initially being offered in both .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor.
