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From an affordable lever-action .22 rifle to a premium big-game rifle that’s ready for your pith helmet and a month in the African bush, there are a lot of new rifles for 2024. The two big trends that stand out in this year’s crop are familiar and ongoing ones: most of the new-for-2024 models boast features borrowed from the world of long-range competition shooting, and there are now even more options for deer hunters required to shoot straightwall cartridges. We also have a few guns celebrating manufacturing milestones this year.
But what may be the most surprising big-picture development isn’t so much about the rifles themselves as it is about the cartridges they’ll fire. It appears that the glory days of the 30-06 and 270 are now fully behind us. Once the first cartridges chambered in any new rifle, they seem to be forgotten in the 2024 lineup in favor of short-action cartridges, like the 6.5 Creedmoor and 308 Winchester, and the new big boomers, such as the 7mm and 300 PRC. In other words, it’s the end of an era—the beginning of a new one. With that said, let’s look at the latest models.
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Top New Rifles for 2024
Bergara Stoke
Bergara’s new Stoke is a lightweight rifle with a sub-MOA guarantee for under $900. Bergara
Bergara is coming out swinging in 2024, with four interesting new hunting rifles. The least expensive is the Stoke, which is in their B-14 line. It retails for $899, weighs in at only 6 pounds, and comes with a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee. It features a chrome-moly 4140, 16.5- or 20-inch barrel that’s threaded and a compact stock that’s adjustable in ¼-inch increments for length of pull. Most models comes with a hinged floor plate, but the 223 Remington and 300 Blackout versions use a detachable 6-round AICS magazine. With its light weight and out-of-the-box 12.25-inch length of pull, it’s an ideal rifle for a young or small-stature shooter, but given its adjustable stock, it can be a good fit for anyone who wants an easy-carrying and handy rifle. Cartridge options include 223 Rem, 22-250 Rem, 300 Blackout, 243 Win, 308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 7mm-08 Rem.
Bergara Sierra
The Sierra comes with an adjustable comb and muzzle brake for a little a grand. Bergara
The next step up in price among the new Bergara rifles is the Sierra, which is part of the B-14 Wilderness Series. This rifle is available in 11 different chamberings from 22-250 Remington to 300 PRC, and it comes with a threaded barrel that’s either 20 or 22 inches long, depending on chambering. An omni-directional muzzle brake is standard, and the metal work is finished in Sniper grey Cerakote. The stock on the Sierra is fitted with a hinged floor plate and an adjustable comb. Nominal weight is 7.4 pounds. Like the Stoke, it comes with Bergara’s sub-MOA accuracy guarantee and retails for $1099.
Bergara Crest Carbon
The Crest Carbon comes with a carbon-wrapped barrel and 100-percent carbon fiber stock. It weighs just 6.2 pounds. Bergara
The new Crest carbon is basically last year’s Squared Crest rifle upgraded with a whole lot of carbon. For 2024, you get a 20- or 22-inch CURE carbon-wrapped barrel that’s threaded and comes with an omni-directional muzzle brake. The metal work has a Sniper Grey Cerakote finish, the stock is 100 percent carbon fiber, and the rifle feeds from an AICS style detachable magazine. Available chamberings include 22-250 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7 PRC, 308 Win, and 300 Win Mag. For all of this to exist in a 6.2 pound rifle with a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee, you can expect a commensurate price. The suggested retail is $2099.
Bergara MG MicroLite
The MG Micro Lite is the latest version of Bergara’s backcountry chassis rifle. Bergara
Many manufactures are striving to offer a bolt-action rifle that’s well-configured for long-range hunting yet also light enough for deep treks into the backcountry. That’s where the Premier Series Bergara MG MicroLite rifle fits in. It can be had in 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, or 308 Winchester, and its magnesium chassis supports the action and a threaded, 18-inch, CURE carbon-fiber barrel. The AR-style stock folds, the comb is adjustable, the grip is near vertical, and the metal is finished in Graphite Black Cerakote. It also features a Trigger Tech trigger and feeds from a detachable AISC-style magazine. Back in 2022, we were very impressed with Bergara’s Premier MG Lite
, and this rifle promises to be an upgraded version of more-or-less the same thing. The MGMicro Lite comes with the company’s sub-MOA accuracy guarantee and retails for $3099.
Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed Ovix
The great thing the X-Bolt 2 Speed Ovix is that you can choose among four models, each one configured a little differently to best suit your needs. Browning
Browning does a good job of tweaking their rifles to offer several variants of the same model, and the X-Bolt 2 Speed OVIX is a perfect example. For 2024, there are four versions, and they all have a reconfigured receiver with additional bolt guidance, but varying features and identifiers that set them apart. The first is the MB ($1499.99), and its stock has an adjustable length of pull and comb and is available in 12 chamberings, all with a Smoked Bronze Cerakote finish. The second is the SPR ($1499.99) which is a shorter-barreled version of the MB designed to better interface with suppressors. The third is the LR SR MB, which is configured for long-range shooting and has the new higher-capacity Plus magazine system. And finally, there’s the Carbon Fiber SR MB, which features a carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel and retails for $2669.99. All these rifles have threaded barrels.
Browning X Bolt 2 McMillan Stocked Rifles
By the same token, you can choose from three new McMillan-stocked X Bolt 2s. Browning
There are three new X Bolt 2 rifles from Browning that sport McMillan stocks, and like the Ovix X Bolt 2 Speed rifles, these have the reconfigured receiver with additional bolt guidance. Two come with the McMillan Game Warden 2.0 stock, which has an Urban Carbon Ambush finish and a short section of rail fitted to the underside of the forend. Both also have carbon-fiber wrapped barrels, but the SPR version has a 4-inch shorter barrel. Both are finished with in Carbon Grey Cerakote, and they’re available in 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 6.8 Western, 7mm PRC, 300 PRC, 308 Winchester, and 300 Winchester Magnum, with a retail price of $3999.99. The third new Browning X Bolt 2 with a McMillan stock is the Hell’s Canyon McMillan LR SR MB. It has the Game Scout Stock finished in OVIX camo, and the metal has a Smoked Bronze Cerakote finish. The barrel is threaded and fitted with a Hawg muzzle brake and available chamberings include, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 6.8 Western, 7mm Remington Magnum, 7mm PRC, 28 Nosler, 300 Winchester Magnum, and 300 PRC. Retail price is $2599.99
CVA Cascade LRH
The new Cascade LRH is a long-range hunter that doesn’t cost a fortune. CVA
For most of my life, a CVA rifle was a muzzleloader, but the company recently began producing centerfire rifles, and they now offer a comprehensive collection. Their new Cascade Long Range Hunter (LRH) has a lot of features for those who like to stretch the distance—and who don’t want to spend a fortune to do it. Depending on the chambering, the Cascade LRH features either a 22-, 24-, or 26-inch, medium-contour barrel that’s threaded and comes with a radial-port muzzle brake. The synthetic stock has a quick-adjust comb and is available in two color options. A 20-MOA scope rail is standard, and the rifle has a nominal weight of 8.6 pounds. Available chamberings include the 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Remington Magnum, 7mm PRC, 308 Winchester, 300 Winchester Magnum, and 300 PRC. The retail price is $900.
CVA Cascade VH
The Cascade VH is configured specifically for varmint hunting, with a higher-capacity box mag. CVA
The new Cascade Varmint Hunter (VH) is very similar to the Cascade LRH. This rifle features the same adjustable stock, and either a 20- or 22-inch fluted and threaded barrel. The Cascade VH also has a detachable higher-capacity magazine, weighs in at 9.0 pounds, and comes with an MOA accuracy guarantee. It is available chambered for the 204 Ruger, 223 Remington, 22-250 Remington, or the 243 Winchester. At $900 this is a lot of rifle for a serious varmint hunter.
CVA Cascade SR 80
The Cascade SR 80 is the latest Scout-like rifle to hit the market. CVA
CVA is billing their new SR-80 rifle as a Scout Rifle designed for short-range, fast-target hunting. It has an 18-inch threaded barrel that comes with a radial brake, and it’s outfitted with a rear aperture and front post sight. A 70-degree bolt throw, a synthetic stock with an adjustable length of pull, and detachable magazine are standard, and the rifle is available chambered for either 308 Winchester or 350 Legend. I assume the open sights, combined with the forward-mounted Picatinny rail for mounting an extended-eye-relief scope or a red dot, is why CVA decided the SR-80 could be a Scout Rifle, but at 7.3 pounds it’s a bit heavy to effectively assume that title. But, of course, what you call it won’t change how well it shoots or how much fun you’ll have with it. The SR-80 has a suggested retail price of $925.00.
Diamondback DB15 350 Legend
Diamondback’s latest is a lightweight AR chambered for a straightwall hunting cartridge. Diamondback Rifles
Mostly known for their ultra-compact pistols, Diamondback also builds modern sporting rifles in a variety of configurations. In the last few years, the straightwall 350 Legend cartridge has really caught on, and to meet the demand, Diamondback has introduced the DB15 in 350 Legend. It has a 16-inch medium-contour 4150 chrome moly threaded barrel with a 1 in 8 twist that’s fitted to an A3 style flattop upper receiver forged from 7075 T-6 aluminum. It also has a 15-inch M-Lok rail that has anti-slip textured pads, and the lower receiver is also machined from 7075 T-6 aluminum. The rifle has a black hard-coat anodized finish and a Mag Pull CTR stock and MOE K2 grip. It ships with one 5-round and one 10-round magazine, and only weighs 6.6 pounds. Suggested retail is $1111.
John Rigby & Company Big Game Lightweight Rifle
If you want the most beautiful new big-game rifle around and you don’t care what it cost, here’s your next gun. Rigby
John Rigby & Company was founded in Dublin in 1775 and is still going strong almost 250 years later. Their latest rifle is the Big Game Lightweight, and it puts you in mind of a pre-war safari expedition rifle. It’s built on a Mauser M98 Magnum square-bridge action that has a three-position side safety and 5+1 capacity. The 24-inch barrel is as slim as a gemsbok horn, and the Grade 5 walnut stock is a beautiful as a bongo’s hide. Open sights are standard, and the rifle is chambered for the classic 350 Rigby Magnum cartridge, which is suitable for big-game hunting anywhere in the world. At 9.25 pounds, I’d not consider it a lightweight, but it weighs a full pound less than Rigby’s standard Big Gamer Rifle. How much does it cost? Are you sitting down? The suggested retail is £10,950 pounds, which translates to only $13,978.72 American dollars.
Mossberg Patriot 400 Legend
The affordable and reliable Mossberg Patriot now comes chambered for the straightwall 400 Legend. Mossberg
In 2014, I took the first Mossberg Patriot rifle on safari in Africa. Since then, I’ve used Mossberg Patriots to hunt all over the world. A combination of affordability, reliability, and performance has made the Patriot line of rifles very popular with hunters, and for 2024, Mossberg has added the straightwall 400 Legend chambering to the family. Two rifles will be offered, and both will have a threaded 20-inch barrel, a four-round flush-fitting detachable box magazine, and Mossberg’s Lightning Bolt Action (LBA) trigger system. With an overall length of 40.25 inches, the walnut-stocked Patriot in 400 Legend will weigh 7.0 pounds, and the synthetic-stocked version weighs a half-pound less. Suggested retail will be $669 and $484, respectively.
Ruger Anniversary 10/22s
These new rimfires are offered to commemorate Ruger’s 60th Anniversary of the 10/22’s debut and the company’s 75th anniversary of being in business. Ruger
Sixty years ago, the world of rimfire rifles changed when Ruger introduced the 10/22. This affordable and reliable semi-automatic rimfire rifle would go on to raise countless hunters, train millions of shooters, and become one of the most iconic rimfires ever. To celebrate this six-decade anniversary, Ruger has introduced their 10/22 60th Anniversary Model, which features a grey Magpul Hunter X22 stock with an adjustable length of pull and comb height, multiple sling attachment points, and M-Lok slots along the forend. It also features a Picatinny rail with an integral and adjustable aperture sight; a red charging handle and trigger; and a threaded muzzle with a flash suppressor already installed. Suggested retail is $639. To celebrate their 75th anniversary of making guns, Ruger is also offering two other 10/22s. Both are stainless with an 18.5-inch barrel, featuring either a walnut or natural finished hardwood stock. These go for $399.
Smith & Wesson Model 1854
In a surprise move, S&W has introduced a pair of great-looking new lever guns. Smith & Wesson
If you think the lever-action rifle is a thing of the past, you’re wrong. In a move that will surprise everyone, Smith & Wesson has introduced a new lever-action rifle for 2024. The Model 1854 from Smith & Wesson harkens back 170 years ago to when S&W patented their first lever-action rifle, the Volcanic. Two versions of this rifle will be offered, and both will be built on a stainless-steel receiver and are chambered for the 44 Remington Magnum. Both will also have a 19.25-inch threaded barrel, a 9+1 capacity, a large loop lever, an optics rail, and an XS ghost ring rear sight and gold bead front sight. Both have a magazine tube that can be loaded or unloaded from the front, and they’ll weigh in at about 7 pounds. The standard version will have a satin stainless finish and will be fitted with a synthetic stock that has M-Lok compatibility. The Limited Edition version will have a black PVD finish and a high grade walnut stock. Price is not yet available.
Stag Arms Pursuit Carbon
The bolt-action Pursuit Carbon is a modular chassis gun with lots of adjustability. Stag Arms
In 2023, Stag Arms introduced their first bolt-action rifle, which showcased a modern modular approach. For 2024, they’ve basically started with that rifle and added a threaded, 416R stainless-steel, carbon-fiber-jacketed barrel that should cut weight a bit. This is a chassis-style rifle built around a three-lug bolt with a 60-degree throw that has dual ejectors and can be disassembled without tools. The rigid, synthetic butt stock is adjustable for length of pull, has an adjustable comb, and can be removed from the chassis with a single AR-style pin. There’s multiple QD sling-swivel attachment points, a Picatinny spigot, and there’s M-Lok compatibility underneath the forend. The rifle comes standard with a Trigger Tech trigger, feeds from AISC magazines, and the metal parts have a black Cerakote finish. Stock color options are black, tan, and green. The new Pursuit Carbon will sell for $2399.
Stag Arms Stag 10 and Stag 15 Pursuit Carbon
The Stag 15 Pursuit Carbon is chambered for 308 and 6.5 Creedmoor, and the Stag 10 for 223/556, 6mm ARC, and 22 ARC. Stag Arms
Last year Stag Arms also introduced two modern sporting rifles configured for hunting, and we reviewed one
in our recent rifle test. This year, Stag has added a BSF carbon-fiber barrel option to these rifles. The Stag 10 Pursuit Carbon is available in 308 Winchester with a 16-inch barrel and in 6.5 Creedmoor with an 18-inch barrel. The Stag 15 Carbon Pursuit is available in 223 Remington, with a 223 Wylde chamber for 5.56 NATO compatibility, 6mm ARC, and even for the new 22 ARC cartridge. All three will have an 18-inch barrel. Also, all Stag AR-style Pursuit rifles have a Midnight Bronze Cerakote finish and the distinctive leather pad on the comb of the adjustable stock. The new carbon-barrel Pursuit rifles also have an upgraded trigger and a custom leather wrap on the handguard. The Stag 15 sells for $1899, and the Stag 10 for $2499.
The Model 307 Range XP is a feature-rich Weatherby for under $1,200. Weatherby
This Weatherby rifle was launched at last year’s SHOT Show, but it’s only now starting to ship, so we are including it here in case you forgot about it. It’s built on Weatherby’s new 307 action, which has a Remington 700 footprint, and it’s Weatherby’s first new rifle action since 1971. This is a synthetic-stocked rifle with an adjustable comb, available in 12 chamberings, including nine standard and three Weatherby cartridges. It has a spiral-fluted threaded barrel, feeds from a detachable AICS magazines, and barrel length varies from 24 to 28 inches depending on the cartridge. The best thing about this rifle is that it’s a Weatherby and it only costs $1199.
Winchester Ranger
Winchester’s traditionally styled new 22 LR lever gun sells for just $419. Winchester
Of all the lever-action rifles that have or ever will exist, Winchester’s are the most iconic. And while all lever guns are fun to shoot, the most fun is one chambered for the 22 LR. It’s been a long time since you could buy a brand new Winchester lever-action 22. There are some used ones out there, but if you don’t have a grand in your pocket, don’t bother. And now you don’t have to, because for 2024, Winchester has introduced the Ranger, a traditionally styled lever-action rifle chambered for the 22 LR that retails for only $419. The rifle has a walnut stock and forearm, a hard-anodized aluminum receiver, and brakes down into two equal halves.
Bonus Gear: Aero Precision’s New Actions
These three new actions are based on the Remington 700 footprint. SOLUS
Though not complete rifles, these new actions from Aero Precision are included because I was so impressed with their SOLUS rifle I recently tested
, but also because of their Remington 700 footprint, which is compatible with hordes of aftermarket rifle stocks, triggers, AICS magazines, and Savage small shank barrels. The first is a standard long action with a full-length 20-MOA top rail that retails for $974. The other two are lightweight versions of their long and short actions. Both have an interrupted, integral 20-MOA top rail and a fluted bolt body, and they retail for $949. All SOLUS actions have a three-lug toolless, quick disassemble bolt with a 60-degree throw, and the bolt head is interchangeable between a 0.478 and 0.540 diameter face.
