2018 Firearms for Farming and Ranch Life

 

It’s a new year and that means it’s time to look at the newest options on the market for 2018 rifles and shotguns. If you’re a landowner or earn a living from your farm or ranch, then you should consider expanding your firearm arsenal to cover all potential needs. Before buying a new gun, be sure to take a moment and assess both the setting and needs you require from a firearm so that you can find the best fit for your unique situation.

Some rifle options are better for those who want to also use their new firearm for hunting season, while others are great for long days in the mountains or long days in the truck. If you’re not sure what you need yet then take a look at each suggestion and identify the qualities that appeal most to you and your lifestyle. You’ll find something to your liking from the newest line up of 2018 rifles.

Winchester XPR Sporter Rifle

Winchester’s XPR Sporter bolt-action rifle boasts the advanced M.O.A. trigger system that aims to reduce over-travel and increase shooter accuracy. The XPR Sporter boasts a very traditional look with its handsome walnut stock, yet, still maintains durability and stability. The permanent-cote flat black surface colour not only protects the rifle from harsh conditions but eliminates reflective glare to improve stealth while out in the field.

• Action Length: Short Action
• Caliber: 243 Win
• Barrel Length: 22″
• Overall Length: 42″
• Length of Pull: 13 3/4″
• Weight: 6 lbs 12 oz
• Magazine Capacity: 3
• Barrel Finish: Matte Black
• Stock Finish: Satin
• Barrel Contour: Sporter
• Stock Material: Turkish Walnut
• MSRP: $599.99

Springfield Armory M1A 6.5 Creedmoor

If you’re looking to invest in a new semi-automatic rifle this year then you should truly look no further than Springfield Armory’s M1A Loaded. Why, you ask? Because it happens to be chambered for the oh-so-popular 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridge making it perfect for hunting and long range shots. Depending on where you live you might find this rifle more useful in areas that aren’t densely overgrown or heavily wooded as it is truly a long range precision rifle. If you need to take a predator or game animal down at 1000-yards, the M1A Loaded will surely satisfy.

• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
• Length: 45″ – 46.25″
• Front Sight: National Match .062″ Post
• Rear Sight: NM Grade Non-Hooded Aperture .0520, Adjustable, 1/2 MOA Windage and 1 MOA Elevation
• Barrel: 22″, 4-Groove, 1:8 RH Twist, Stainless Steel NM Medium Weight
• Weight (with empty magazine): 11.4 lbs
• Magazines: 1 – 10 Round, Parkerized
• Stock: Black Precision Adjustable
• MSRP: $2,045.00

CVA Optima V2 LR

If a long-range semi-automatic doesn’t float your boat you should take a look at CVA’s newest premium muzzleloader, the Optima V2 LR. The rifle is fully ambidextrous, equipped with a quick release breech plug, and comes out of the box with DuraSight’s DEAD-ON scope mount and PalmSaver Ramrod. This rifle is durable and extremely comfortable to shoot, a perfect weapon for a day in the mountains.

• Caliber: .50 CALIBER MAGNUM
• 30” Stainless Steel Barrel
• 100% Ambidextrous Standard Stock
• QRBP – Quick Release Breech Plug
• Solid Aluminum PalmSaver™ Ramrod
• Overall Length: 45″ OAL
• DuraSight® DEAD-ON™ One-Piece Scope Mount
• CVA Rifle Case: 48″ SOFT RIFLE CASE
• Total Weight: 7.8 lbs.
• Length of Pull: 14″

Bergara HMR Pro

Bergara introduced the HMR Pro to their line up this year, the workhorse for hunting and long distance use. The HMR Pro features their new TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology that also allows the rifle to be unloaded with the safety on and not lock the bolt handle into a closed position. Bergara’s new long-range rifle is very durable and highly customizable for individual shooter preferences, a great asset to any farm or ranch worker in the field.

• Weight: 9.2 lbs (.22-250 Rem), 9.4 lbs (.223 Rem, .308 Win), 9.6 lbs (6.5 CM), 9.7 lbs (6mm CM)
• Overall Length: 39.5” (.223 Rem, .308 Win), 43.5” (6.5 CM, .22-250 Rem), 45.5” (6mm CM)
• Barrel Length: 20” (.223 Rem, .308 Win), 24” (6.5 CM, .22-250 Rem), 26” (6mm CM)
• Magazine: AICS style detachable, 5 round mag provided
• Muzzle: Threaded 5/8-24” with knurled thread protector
• Stock: Bergara HMR Molded with mini-chassis
• Price: $1715

Browning X-Bolt Micro Composite

If you’re a lady that requires firepower at her day job, check out the X-Bolt Micro Composite by Browning. The rifle’s platform is sized specifically for smaller shooters (petite ladies and youth) making it eligible for Brownings Growth Insurance program so the gun can grow with you. The smaller size will prove more beneficial than you might think, making it much easier to pack in for a long day in the mountains or slide into the back seat of your truck while keeping up with ranch work all day.

• Action Length: Short Action
• Caliber: 243 Win
• Barrel Length: 20″
• Overall Length: 38 5/8″
• Length of Pull: 13″
• Weight: 6 lbs 5 oz
• Magazine Capacity: 4
• MSRP $939.99

Rizzini BR110 Over & Under Shotgun

The Rizzini’s 2018 hunting shotgun model is the BR110 and BR110 Light. Both models are offered in 12, 20, and 28 frame sizes with a simple low-profile receiver making handling a breeze. This over-under is an excellent option if you’re not wanting to spend too much on a new shotgun but want it to meet your standards of high-quality and reliability in the field.

• Gauge: 12, 16, 20, 28, .410
• Chamber: 2 3/4″/3″
• Barrel Length: 26″, 28″, 29″, 30″
• Chokes: interchangeable
• Top rib: .275″ cal., 12/16, .235″ cal., 20
• Drop: 1 1/2″ x 2 1/4″
• Stock length: 14 5/8″
• Weight (lbs.): 12 Gauge – 6.75 lbs., 20 Gauge – 6.25 lbs., 28 Gauge – 5.75 lbs.
• MSRP: $1,999
• BR 110 LIGHT MSRP: $2,149

Henry .17 HMR Varmint Express

Sure, a .22 is a staple for any gun owner, but chances are you already have a .22 rimfire rifle, so you might want to try the Henry .17 HMR rifle. The .17 HMR is the go-to gun for varmints and small game around the farm. You’ll enjoy it’s slick and easy lever action and beautiful stock options in American Walnut as well as it’s legendary accuracy upheld by the long, impressive history of Henry rifles. The muzzle velocity exceeds 2,500 feet per second offering a flatter trajectory and increased accuracy for those skittish varmints that require a bit longer of a shot.

• Caliber: .17 HMR
• Barrel Length: 19.25 inches
• Capacity: 11+1
• Finish: Blued
• Stock Description: Checkered American Walnut
• Length: 37.5
• Model: Varmint Express H001V
• Weight: 5.75 lbs
• Price: $469.99

There are thousands of other rifles that aren’t listed here that would also make excellent homestead weapons. If you’re still at a loss about what gun you would benefit most from you can check out a more extensive line-up of 2018 rifles and the many real life applications they cater too. Good luck this year and happy hunting.

 

Remember you need a firearms certificate issued by the police to possess, buy or acquire a firearm or shotgun in the United Kingdom. You must also have a certificate to buy ammunition.

 

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