Best New Rifles This Year

As a manufacturer of fine gun safes, we at Liberty are naturally interested in firearms, hunting, self-defense, and the shooting sports. Every year we look forward to industry events such as SHOT Show to see what new firearms and accessories people have come up with. There are dozens, perhaps hundreds of new rifles announced each year, but many of them don’t ever make it to dealer’s shelves, or aren’t particularly innovative or interesting. So we’ve made a list of some of the new rifles we’re most excited about over the past year or so, and we’re going to let you know what they are and why they should be considered to fill a slot in your gun safe. Let’s get started!

Henry Supreme lever action (takes AR-15 magazines)

Image Credit: GunsAmerica

Henry has become known for making innovative, high-quality, American-made lever-action rifles and shotguns, and the new-for-2024 Supreme model is packed with features that Henry owners and lever-gun fans have been clamoring for. The most notable benefit of this new lever gun is that rather than the traditional tubular, under-barrel magazine, it utilizes AR-15 type magazines in either 5.56x45 Nato/.223 Remington or .300 Blackout caliber. There have been other box magazine-fed lever action rifles over the decades, such as Browning’s BLR, the iconic Savage Model 99, and rare examples such as the Ruger 96/44, but they are either out of production, extremely rare, or don’t accept commonly available magazines. There are also a couple of other recent tacticool lever-actions designed to use AR mags such as the FightLite Herring ($1,299, Coming Soon) and the Bond Arms LVRB ($1,599, Coming 2nd quarter 2024), but from reports we’ve seen, neither appears to be quite ready for prime time. Plus, both are full-on Scary Black Rifle models with rails, modular stocks, and lots of Darth Vader plastic. That’s great if that’s your bag, but many rifle shooters want a more classic, wood-and-steel look and feel to their sporting rifles.

Video: New Henry Supreme - 300blk / 5.56mm Lever-Action Rifle

If you want a smooth-functioning lever-action with tasty, checkered walnut furniture that won’t scare the neighbors but that feeds from commonly available AR magazines, the Henry Supreme is worth a serious look. The Supreme will come with an MSRP of under $1,400 according to Henry spokespeople, which is in line with its competition. The new Henry rifle takes a lot of its design language from the company’s existing Long Ranger line, which are high-quality leverguns but haven’t exactly sold like proverbial hotcakes. We’re betting the new Supreme is going to change that. A new receiver, match-grade trigger, free-floated and threaded barrel, ambidextrous controls including a tang safety and thumb-lever magazine release, and an included picatinny rail for mounting optics round out the notable features. Most impressive is the very smooth, short lever throw and rotating bolt, which Henry perfected specifically for feeding from STANAG magazines, and its sub-MOA capable accuracy (we haven’t personally verified that claim yet, but we look forward to doing so). As noted, the first Supreme models to hit store shelves will be chambered for .223 Remington (with an 18” barrel) or .300 Blackout (with a 16” barrel), but we’re betting there will be additional chamberings offered in the future, and hopefully they will also retain the use of commonly available, industry standard magazines.

Primary Weapons Systems UXR modular rifle

As they say, beware the man with only one gun (as he probably knows how to use it). This axiom takes on new meaning with the new PWS UXR. We are long-time fans of Primary Weapons Systems and their out-of-the box, yet high-quality and functional designs. Their new UXR system brings a new level of modularity to the modern semi-auto rifle market. There have previously been many rifle systems capable of switching calibers from 5.56 to .300 Blackout. But the UXR is exciting because a single rifle can transform from 5.56 to .300 Blackout, to 7.62x39, to 6.5 Creedmoor, to .308 Winchester, and even the hot new 8.6BLK. All in the same rifle! This is unheard of, particularly in a semi-auto platform from a reliable, well-reputed manufacturer.

Video: Video The First Multi Caliber Battle Rifle! Brand New PWS UXR

For the MSRP of $2,650 you can get (when they become fully available) your choice of the base UXR rifle in any of the above calibers, including the serialized upper receiver with trunnion and caliber-specific bolt/carrier assembly. For an additional $575 per caliber, you can purchase conversion kits including a new barrel, interchangeable magwell, and bolt head. Swapping barrels requires only the removal of three screws and takes under 60 seconds. PWS says the UXR has been tested and proven to return to within one-half MOA of zero when swapping barrels/calibers.

Under PWS’s Xchange modular system, bolts and magwells are conveniently marked with either one or two dots for quick compatibility identification. The Xchange fire-control housing, including a folding, adjustable stock, uses AR-15 compatible trigger components and pistol grips (which is a good thing). The stock UXR trigger is an excellent, adjustable TriggerTech unit. The forward rail/forend is also an Xchange-enabled component, so you can swap to SBR-length or DMR-length or anything in between, depending on your choice of barrel length and user preference. Super-cool stuff from PWS, and we’re betting on this new platform doing quite well, especially if caliber conversions remain reasonably priced and consistently available.

Marlin 336 Classic

Marlin firearms had a long and storied history among American hunters and shooters dating back to the 1830s, but unfortunately in the 21st century the original Marlin company fell victim to economic pressures and a corporate acquisition by Remington/Freedom Group, leading to some poor-quality rifles and unhappy customers. Thankfully, in 2020 Ruger purchased the brand and manufacturing rights from the bankrupt Remington firearms company (now also revived under new management) and is manufacturing several improved Marlin lever-action rifle models in Ruger’s Mayodan, North Carolina facility.

This year one of the most exciting offerings from the new Marlin brand is the revival of the famed Model 336 in .30-30 Winchester caliber. The 336 is likely the most famous of all Marlin models, known for most of the 20th century as the everyman’s deer rifle. Though the new MSRP of $1,239 is likely to raise some eyebrows, the quality, fit, and finish of the new Ruger/Marlin 336 is undeniable.

Marlin is careful to allay any concerns about quality on their website, where they prominently feature Improved manufacturing processes create tight tolerances, resulting in a reliable, attractive rifle. Multi-layered quality control procedures, including daily function and accuracy audits and multiple inspections, result in a high-quality product.

Video: The Marlin 336 Classic in .30/30 Win.

Those of us who lived through the sad demise of the former Marlin company and who had to deal with the often shoddy quality control of their products will be happy to pay a little more for the new rifles. And they are selling so well that finding one for MSRP can be a little bit of a challenge.

The new 336 features a forged and CNC-machined alloy steel receiver, lever, and trigger guard plate, and a cold-hammer-forged barrel for accuracy and durability. The new, attractively checkered walnut forend is a bit more slender than the bulky 336es of generations past, but it’s still a pleasantly hand-filling experience, as is the checkered walnut pistol-grip style buttstock. The rifle features traditional, semi-buckhorn iron sights but is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. There’s a soft rubber buttpad and a nice Marlin horse and rider logo on the grip cap as well. We’ve been fans of Marlin for decades and we’re glad to see these classic rifles now being made by a company known for excellent QC and customer service. Hopefully the street price will drop a little as more rifles hit dealer’s shelves.

1895 Trapper .45-70

Another new Marlin we’re super-excited to see return is the 1985 Trapper in the hard-hitting .45-70 Government caliber. The Trapper series was conceived to meet the needs of Alaskan hunting and fishing guides who need to protect their clients (and themselves) from the area’s famed grizzly bears. The Trapper is a short, handy, quick-handling 5-shot lever-action variant of Marlin’s proven 1895 action, made completely out of stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance. The muzzle of the 16” cold-hammer-forged barrel is threaded for a suppressor or brake, and comes with a thread protector. The rifle includes adjustable Skinner ghost-ring sights, which are ideal for quick, close shooting in heavy cover.

The Ruger/Marlin version of the Trapper’s big loop lever makes it easy to use when wearing gloves, but isn’t so large as to be annoying or painful when shooting with bare hands.

The 7-pound weight of the stainless-steel rifle helps tame a little of the serious thump of hotter .45-70 rounds, but make no mistake, you will feel it, despite the high-quality soft synthetic rubber recoil pad.

The forend has been slimmed compared to legacy Marlin rifles and it makes for a better experience. The strong, attractive, gray laminate furniture is also nicely checkered for improved grip. MSRP of the new 1895 Trapper is $1,499. If your quarry is more likely to be deer rather than Kodiak bears, the Trapper configuration is also now offered in a .30-30 caliber Model 336 for the same price.

Knight’s Armament SR-15 KS-1

If you’re a military firearms geek or an AR-15 connoisseur, you’re probably well aware of Knight’s Armament Company. KAC has been building some of the US military’s premium designated marksman rifle systems for decades in the SR-15/M110 platform and offering top-tier SR-16 assault rifles for special forces teams. Their new KS-1 line represents the next generation of their top-level SR-15 rifle system, and the prior rifles and components will be phased out. Upgrades include an integrated trigger guard and fully ambidextrous controls for the first time on their forged lowers. The new URX-6 rail is the most rigid free-floating rail Knight’s has ever offered, and a new rail and nut system will make it easier for armorers. Every component has been upgraded and updated, including the proprietary E3.2 bolt. The premium cold-hammer-forged medium-heavy-profile barrel is fully dimpled for rigidity and weight reduction. Plus, it looks damn sexy.

The KS-1 series doesn’t have an MSRP at the time of this writing but based on the street price of the KAC SR-15 line up to this point, we’re predicting that the KS rifles will list for between $3,000-$4,000. That might sound like a lot, but every KAC component is absolutely the best it can be, and we predict there’ll be a long waiting list for the KS-1 rifles for quite a while.

CVA Cascade LRH (Long Range Hunter)

The Connecticut Valley Arms brand has been around for quite a few decades, beginning as an importer of Italian and Spanish black powder firearms. However, over the past 20 years or so, CVA’s centerfire offerings have gotten better and better. One of their latest rifles is a nice bolt-action in their affordable yet feature-rich Cascade line, called the Cascade LRH or Long Range Hunter. Intended (obviously) for longer-range hunting and/or PRS-type competition, the Cascade LRH offers desirable features at a mid-level entry price starting around $925 MSRP. For that money, you get a free-floated medium-heavy-contour fluted barrel with an included muzzle brake, a flat-bottomed forend with attachments for popular bipods, an enlarged, tactical-style bolt handle, an integral adjustable cheek riser, a semi-vertical grip for reduced trigger reach, and an adjustable length of pull as well. A picatinny rail is mounted from the factory, as is an adjustable single-stage trigger that feels very premium for the money. The Cascade LRH comes in your choice of burnt bronze receiver/barrel with black/bronze stock or the same metal with a Realtree Hillside camo-patterned stock. The LRH is currently offered in several popular long-range hunting calibers, including 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, 6.5 PRC, 7 PRC, 7mm Remington Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, and 300 PRC.

Savage M110 Ultralite Elite

Savage has long been known for making very accurate rifles for the money, but only over the past couple of decades has the brand developed a more high-end reputation as one of the premium factory precision rifle builders. This year, Savage has come out with two new rifles that have caught our attention.

The first is the super-light and packable Model 110 Ultralite Elite. A fusion of the chassis-based 110 Elite Precision and the traditional-stocked 110 Ultralite, the new 110 Ultralite Elite pares all extra weight off the chassis and utilizes carbon fiber extensively. A 20” carbon-wrapped stainless-steel Proof Research barrel is mated to a new MDT carbon-fiber and magnesium alloy folding stock/chassis. Even the enlarged bolt knob is carbon-fiber. The result is a precision-class, factory-blueprinted, chassis-based rifle system that weighs in at a feathery 5.8 pounds (depending on caliber) and folds to a very packable size for shooters undertaking high-elevation hunts or matches. A 20 MOA picatinny rail is included, along with a muzzle brake (the muzzle is threaded) and diamond fluting on the bolt. Like most of Savage’s premium rifles, the Ultralite Elite is equipped with their Accutrigger, which is user-adjustable from 1.5-4 pounds, depending on your preference.

In a wise move, M-LOK slots, QD (quick-detach) cups, and an ARCA-Swiss rail are all incorporated into the forend, along with traditional sling swivel studs if your bipod is set up that way. The M110 Ultralite Elite has an MSRP of $3,299.

Savage KLYM

If your hunting rifle tastes tend toward the more traditional style but you still don’t want excess bulk on your mountain hunts, the new Savage 110 KLYM (climb, get it?) might be the one for you. The KLYM gets the same carbon-wrapped Proof Research barrel and blueprinted 110 action, but mounted in a carbon FBT thumbhole stock with integral, one-button comb adjustment. Savage’s initial marketing touts it as under 6 pounds, but the actual specs show unloaded weights between 6 and 6.4 lbs, depending on caliber. Like the Ultralite Elite, the KLYM is available in .300 Win Mag, 300 PRC, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7 PRC, 300 WSM, and .308 Winchester. The KLYM in standard bolt-action configuration has an MSRP of $2,699, but it’s also available in Savage’s Impulse straight-pull action for $3,299.

Christensen Arms Evoke: Precision on a (moderate) budget

The new Evoke from Christensen Arms intends to lower the buy-in for owning a super-premium brand. While most Christensen Arms’ rifles cost well over 2 grand and several exceed $3,000, the Evoke’s MSRP is a much-more-manageable $899. For that relatively modest entry fee you get a carbon-fiber stock with integral adjustable comb and hybrid-vertical grip, a premium adjustable TriggerTech trigger, and a button-rifled, threaded, free-floated stainless barrel/brake and action with a 3-lug 60-degree bolt. To be sure, at 7.7 lbs without optics the Evoke is no featherweight. However, for bench shooting or position/stand hunting, this may be a benefit rather than a downside, as recoil is noticeably softer with a heavier rifle, all else being equal. If you’re planning on climbing the high Uintas in search of mountain goats, we recommend springing for one of Christensen’s ultra-light rifles (and a gym membership). But for those of us who prefer punching paper or setting up for hunting at the base of a tree, the Evoke provides a sub-MOA, lifetime-guaranteed rifle for a price that will leave you smiling.

Taurus Expedition rifle

Yes, you read that right. Taurus, the Brazilian/American firm known for making budget-friendly pistols and revolvers, is bringing to market a bolt-action rifle suitable for precision shooting, tactical sniper use, and (mostly stationary) hunting. At around $750 street price (MSRP $985) and a hair over 7 pounds, the Expedition looks to offer a lot of desirable features for the money. The rifle has a nifty-looking spiral barrel as a result of the cold-hammer forging process, and it is threaded for muzzle attachments or suppressors. It utilizes a Remington 700 pattern action and trigger, AICS magazines, and a solid, scalloped stock (for shooting saddles) with multiple bipod or accessory mounting options under the forend.

The Expedition looks to utilize a user-changeable barrel nut for easy barrel replacements, and is being offered initially in .308 Winchester, though we’re sure other calibers will soon follow.

SIG Sauer MCX-Regulator

Sometimes, you gotta respect firearms manufacturers who just make unconventional (or downright weird) firearms, and SIG has shown up big time with the new MCX-Regulator. Essentially an adaptation of the excellent MCX (a piston-operated AR-type rifle system with several improvements), the Regulator is being marketed as the next-generation ranch rifle for the 21st century. Since it doesn’t have the adjustable stock or pistol grip of a typical Modern Sporting Rifle or AR-15, the Regulator can potentially be sold in more restrictive states where such features are banned or otherwise undesirable.

Like the more familiar MCX, the new Regulator is an aluminum frame rifle with a gas-piston operating system and an AR-15-like T-style operating handle. The upper receiver, forend, and barrel (the complete upper assembly) are all interchangeable with any compatible MCX lower receiver. However, the Regulator’s lower receiver is entirely new, featuring a Magpul SGA Mossberg 500/590 compatible buttstock with a ban-state-friendly traditional profile. The Regulator has a fully ambidextrous magazine release, safety selector, and bolt catch, though due to the new rear-mounted grip and trigger, the safety is now operated with the index/firing finger rather than the thumb, similar to the FN FiveSeven pistol. The new SIG features a two-stage match trigger, a cold hammer-forged carbon steel barrel, a SIG-designed muzzle brake (which will ostensibly be deleted for some SKUs offered to restrictive states), and is currently available in 7.62x39 and 5.56 calibers. The Regulator offers a clever built-in ARCA Rail (where the magazine would normally be) for easy tripod mounting as well.

Video: Sig Sauer MCX Regulator

The MCX-Regulator blew up the internet when it was first announced, with many critics raging about it being the ugliest rifle ever made. For our part, we like it. We like different, and we like it when manufacturers step outside of the status quo and shake things up a little. Plus, there’s a lot to like about the MCX platform, and if this new rifle allows it to be sold in states where the standard MCX is unavailable, that’s a good thing.

What’s not such a good thing is the new rifle’s $3,000 MSRP. It’s frankly silly, and unless the price comes down quite a bit, we wonder if SIG will end up selling many Regulators. However, if you live in a ban state or have deep pockets, you may be super excited about this new offering.

Beretta BRX1 straight-pull rifle

Straight-pull rifle actions are funky-cool and are coming back into modest popularity over the past few years. Beretta’s new BRX1 features what they call a linear bolt action, 8 or 16 bolt lugs for secure lockup (depending on caliber), and a user-swappable handle that’s easy to switch for left-handed use without the use of tools, which is a nice feature for the lefties among us. Extraction can also be swapped to either side. The BRX1 has a threaded muzzle, a bright-orange, detachable 5-shot magazine, an adjustable trigger, and a bolt-mounted 3-position safety that allows loading and unloading with the safety on. The durable polymer stock comes with an Ultralight buttpad, an interchangeable grip module, and includes spacers for adjusting the length of pull.

The BRX1 is offered in .300 Win Mag, .30-06, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Winchester, and barrels are easily interchangeable. MSRP for this guaranteed sub-MOA piece of Italian performance art is $1,599.

Ruger American Generation II

Ruger shook up the bolt-action rifle world in 2011 with its American series of rifles, which offered nearly astounding levels of accuracy and performance for around $450 MSRP (approximately $624 in today’s Monopoly money). Since then, the American has been offered in multiple calibers and configurations and has been a perennial hot seller. This year, we finally get the Ruger American Generation II, with some nice upgrades to satisfy fans of the line as well as attract new buyers. The Gen II gets a new Cerakote finish, improved feeding from its detachable box magazine, a 16”, 20”, or 22” premium-looking spiral-fluted barrel (in most calibers) with a factory-threaded muzzle and included brake, a new 3-position safety, and an oversized and removable/swappable bolt handle. The new stock features metal sling swivels, an attractive splatter-pattern finish, and adjustable cheek comb and length of pull extension pieces. All welcome improvements, and we’re sure the Gen II American will sell even faster than the original Ruger American line. So far the new rifle is available in Standard (20”), Scout (16”), and Predator (22”) configurations, starting at an MSRP of $729, a modest bump from the basic-black Gen I’s current retail price of $599. For the upgrades and added features, we think it’s well worth it.

Bergara MgMicro Lite

Bergara is a Spanish firearms firm that has become known for providing huge value for the money. This year they released the new MgMicro Lite, a super-premium ultra-light chassis rifle weighing in at just 5.8 lbs. With a magnesium-free-float chassis and a threaded, carbon-wrapped barrel, carbon grip, and carbon folding stock, the MgMicro Lite punches way above its weight class. 5-round magazines are the commonly available AICS pattern.

The heart of the MgMicro Lite, Bergara’s CURE barrel, boasts a center wrap carbon weave designed for directional stability. Bergara says the proprietary unidirectional high-modulus carbon fiber wrapping system ensures this barrel groups tighter than steel barrels in the same weight class. (Plus, it looks awesome.)

The magnesium chassis is an ATOM from XLR and, without buttstock or grip, weighs only 14 ounces in short actions and 15.5 ounces in long actions. When fully equipped with the carbon fiber buttstock, carbon grip, and adjustable TriggerTech trigger, the chassis system’s weight is just 27 ounces. The all-new ATOM features a built-in bubble level, M-LOK slots, and integrally milled ARCA-Swiss rail in the forend. MSRP for this featherweight beauty starts at $3,099 in .308 Winchester, with a slight premium for 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC.

Olympus Arms Vulcan recoilless (long-recoil-operated) rifle

Okay, this one is a bit pie-in-the-sky, but if innovation and uniqueness are what you’re looking for, the Olympus Arms Vulcan may fit the bill. And it’ll be a very large bill, as the current MSRP for this crazy-cool rifle is $6,795. So what do you get for your 6 or 7 racks? A long-recoil operated, .308/7.62x51 caliber semi-automatic rifle with essentially zero felt recoil. Olympus calls their new rifle Recoilless, but fans of military weaponry will recognize that the term is used somewhat loosely. Technically, a recoilless rifle is a man-portable light artillery piece intended to defeat tanks or infantry. In this case, however, Olympus borrowed the term because the Vulcan’s unique long-recoil action (not gas-operated like 99.999% of AR-type rifles) absorbs the majority of the energy produced by firing a round, and the rifle genuinely feels like it doesn’t move when you fire it.

Video: Olympus Arms Vulcan

Similar to John Moses Browning’s Auto-5 shotgun action in concept (as well as the Barrett M82 .50 BMG), in the long-recoil action of the Vulcan, the entire barrel and bolt carrier assembly move rearward together when the cartridge is fired, and when enough energy has been absorbed by the mass and springs of the system, the bolt is unlocked, allowing the extraction of the fired case and the chambering of a fresh cartridge as the barrel returns to its forward position.

In concept, the Vulcan is a multi-caliber, low-recoil, modular rifle that can be configured in a variety of different ways. It is currently offered in .308 Win/7.62x51mm but can be easily converted to fire other calibers (such as .277 Fury or potentially 6.5 Creedmoor) with a 60-second, no-tool barrel change. In addition to its totally unique operating system (among this family of calibers), additional features include fully ambidextrous controls including bolt release, non-reciprocating forward charging handles, an adjustable muzzle brake that can be optimized for different firing rates, and full compatibility with commonly available AR-10 components such as stocks and grips. We hope enough people get excited about the Vulcan to keep this innovative young company solvent and make the rifle a success!

Store all your rifles in a US-made Liberty Safe

So there you have it, our list of some of the most exciting and innovative new rifles this year. If you’re lucky, you might be able to afford all of them, but most of us would be happy with just one (okay, maybe two). But whether you own one rifle or a few dozen, be sure to keep all your firearms and valuables secure from theft, fire, and unauthorized access in a quality US-made gun safe from Liberty. Check out our interactive online catalog, or see them in person at a Liberty showroom near you.