January 30, 2021
Each new year dyed-in-the-wool deer hunters wait with bated breath for the arrival of the newest rifles. Well, there's good news, a bevy of new rifles have arrived, and they are ready to hit the market. Here's a sampling of the best new deer rifles hunters will be carrying to the deer woods this year.
Browning X-Bolt Mountain Pro
Browning has been making quality deer rifles for decades. Their X-Bolt line is wildly popular, and the new X-Bolt Mountain Pro will be as popular based on its features. The X-Bolt has a carbon-fiber stock, spiral-fluted barrel and a matching spiral-fluted bolt. This Browning is light, tipping the scales under 6 pounds. A new muzzle brake is said to reduce recoil by a whopping 77 percent. A Cerakote finish in burnt bronze or tungsten distances the elements from this rifle. Pricing starts at $2,399 and the Mountain Pro is available in 6.5 Creedmoor, .30/06 Springfield, and the new 6.8 Western from Browning and Winchester.
MSRP: $2,399 | browning.com
CZ USA 557 Eclipse
The CZ USA 557 Eclipse promises to be a very accurate rifle while keeping the cost of ownership down. At an MSRP of $659, the 557 features a black, glass-reinforced polymer stock which is immune to bad weather, and has a pronounced pistol grip. The high, flat comb is finished with a soft touch surface that offers a great non-slip grip. The Eclipse’s action is built on CZ’s proven push-feed action which is mated to a 20.5-inch cold hammer forged barrel. The Eclipse is available in .308 Win., 30/06 Springfield and 6.5 Creedmoor. Both the .308 and .30/06 have a 1:10 twist while the 6.5 Creedmoor is rifled with a 1:8 twist. The 6.5 Creedmoor model has a threaded muzzle to accommodate suppressors or brakes.
MSRP: $659 | cz-usa.com
Savage 110 Ultralight
Retailing for $1,599, Savage’s new 110 Ultralight is available in KUIU’s Verde 2.0 striking camouflage or standard grey. Notable features include a very trick carbon-wrapped, stainless steel Proof Research barrel. A fluted bolt adds to the rifle’s overall attractive appearance. The mountain rifle is light as the name implies, weighing 6 pounds or less depending on the model. Like other 110 models, the Ultralight comes with the popular user-adjustable AccuTrigger. An adjustable comb and length of pull shims allow for customizing the rifle to the user. A detachable box magazine makes loading and unloading simple, while a melonite coating on the receiver helps with weather resistance and glare reduction. The muzzle is threaded for the addition of a suppressor. The Ultralight is available in .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, 28 Nosler, 6.5 PRC, or .30/06 Springfield.
MSRP: $1,599 | savagearms.com
Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint
The name Springfield Amory has always been synonymous with quality handguns. That handgun pedigree has been passed on to their new bolt action rifle, the 2020 Waypoint. The Waypoint is guaranteed to deliver .75-MOA accuracy. The Waypoint series comes in several models at various pricing, starting at $1,699. Options include various barrels configurations like an all-steel version, or a fluted 416 stainless version wrapped in carbon-fiber. An AG Composites stock anchors the build with a pillar bedded action. A fixed or adjustable comb is available. A TriggerTech trigger is standard and adjusts from 2.5 to 5 pounds of pull. The Waypoint is available in 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC and .308 Win.
MSRP: $1,699 | springfield-armory.com
Winchester XPR TrueTimber Strata MB
Winchester is offering several SHOT Show limited edition XPR rifles which will be available in several finishes and configurations. The TrueTimber Strata MB (shown) retails for $699.99, while the Extreme Midnight MB retails for $749.99, and the Mossy Oak DNA retails for $599. The Strata model features a steel receiver with a Perma-Cote finish. The barrel is precision button-rifled, with a FDE Perma-Cote finish. The bolt action features Winchester’s M.O.A. Trigger System, two-position thumb safety and a bolt unlock button. A composite stock has the Inflex Technology recoil pad system for managing recoil. The XPR TrueTimber is available in a dizzying array of calibers and barrel lengths.
MSRP: $699.99 | winchesterguns.com