Guns 2024
When manufacturers up their game, everyone benefits.
By Eve Flanigan
Firearm consumers are an increasingly educated lot, with many shooters opting for specific guns, chamberings, and features for narrowly defined pursuits and styles rather than one do-it-all rifle, handgun, or shotgun. Today’s manufacturers have met that sophisticated audience by upping their game, offering a broader range of features on familiar but often sleeker platforms than ever before. In the past year-plus, we’ve come to expect to see optics-ready slides on handguns for nearly every budget, and it’s now normal to see a mix of tactical, technical, and traditional features on the same firearm so that every gun owner can have what’s perfectly suited to them. Here is a look at some of the many new models that consumers will want to see in your store in 2024.
Rifles
American Tactical
By their own description, ATI has stepped up their game with the addition of a bolt-action gun to their product offerings. The TRX Bronco is a chassis-built rifle with a folding stock, an AR10-compatible box magazine, and a 16.5-inch barrel. Chamberings include .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor. It weighs 6.9 pounds and has a one-inch MOA accuracy guarantee. Available in black or tan. SRP: $1,499.95. (americantactical.us)
Benelli
The Lupo HPR is designed to set a new benchmark for a factory-guaranteed sub-MOA (3/4-inch, five-shot) long-range shooting and hunting bolt-action rifle. Based on the Benelli Lupo Chassis system, the HPR is chambered for the most popular long-range calibers (6.5 PRC, 6.5 CRD, .338 LM, .300 PRC, .300 WM, and .308 Win.). The new Lupo HPR matches a custom-fit stock system with a heavy-contour straight-fluted CRIO barrel to deliver a long-range rifle that incorporates the function of a chassis rifle with the handling grace and accuracy of a custom bolt-action. (benelliusa.com)
Bergara
The Bergara B-14 Crest series of rifles will be available in two versions. The Crest Carbon rifles feature a carbon-fiber barrel with an Omni muzzle brake and a fluted bolt. Available calibers are .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, .22-250, 6.5 PRC, .300 Win. Mag., and 7PRC. SRP: $2,099-$2,149.
There are nine versions of the B-14 Stoke Compact rifles. Rifles in .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, .243, .22-250, 7mm-08, and 6.5 PRC feature synthetic stocks, 20-inch barrels, a hinged floor-plate magazine, and a Bergara Performance Trigger. Stoke Compact rifles that carry the SP (special purpose short barrel) designation feature 12.5-inch barrels mated to synthetic stocks. Each also features an AICS detachable magazine and a Bergara Performance Trigger. SRP: $899. The rifle also comes with ¼-inch spacers that allow the stock to be customized to the individual shooter. (bpioutdoors.com)
Bilson Arms
Bilson Arms, a Louisiana gun-making company born from oil and gas extraction technology, also made a significant mark on pistol caliber carbine design with their BA-9FC. Like many other PCCs, it’s gas-blowback operated. But unlike any other, its charging handle/bolt-opening device is on the forend. Think pump action shotgun to load the first round or unload before a mag runs dry. Otherwise, the handle does not reciprocate; the action runs in semi-auto mode thanks to the buffer spring. Designer and builder Billy Angers was inspired to innovate after seeing a friend who competes in matches with a PCC lose a high placing thanks to a double-feed malfunction. With the BA-9FC, double feeds can be cleared by racking the forend and not even breaking cheek weld/target focus. SRP: $1,550. (bilsonarms.com)
Browning
The X-Bolt 2 Speed Ovix rifle utilizes a reconfigured receiver that provides a smoother bolt operation as well as a DLX trigger that features a multiple-lever design that optimizes sear weight and trigger movement to provide a more consistent and crisper trigger break. The result is zero creep, zero take-up, and zero overtravel. The trigger is also adjustable down to three pounds on hunting rifles.
The Vari-Tech Stock features a modular grip design that allows the user to swap out a sporter (traditional-style) grip for a vertical-style grip. Furthermore, the stock features an adjustable length of pull (by removing the recoil pad and adding or subtracting moving internal spacers) and an adjustable comb height. Other features include an Ovix Camo pattern, a smoked-bronze Cerokote receiver and barrel, and a fluted, sporter contour barrel. (browning.com)
Chiappa Firearms
The Badger family adds a new member--Big Badger. The Big Badger folding single-shot firearms are offered in three different configurations: 350 Legend, .30-30, or .410 bore. The rifled versions feature a 20-inch threaded barrel compatible with M13.5x1 LH suppressors. The shotgun version features a 20-inch barrel with a fixed fiber-optic front sight and includes three interchangeable Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes. All configurations feature the M-LOK system integrated in the forend along with a top and bottom Picatinny rail for mounting optics and accessories. Each model is equipped with a generous rubber recoil pad, crossbolt safety, and a 5/16-inch steel-rod stock with an adjustable comb. When folded, the Big Badger measures approximately 19.25 inches long by 6 inches wide. (chiappafirearms.com)
Christensen Arms
Christensen Modern Hunting Rifles (MHR) marry traditional hunting ergonomics with modular convenience. Built on a V-shaped mini-chassis, the rifles include an adjustable trigger and carbon fiber-wrapped barrel with a removable stainless-steel muzzle brake. A drop-box mag-conversion kit is optional.
For 2024, Christensen is adding long-action calibers to the line. New chamberings include .300 Winchester Magnum, .300 Precision Rifle Cartridge, 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge, and 7mm Remington Magnum.
Weights begin at 7.6 pounds. Four finish choices are offered. SRP: starts at $3,499. (christensenarms.com)
CVA
The Cascade Long Range Hunter series of bolt-action rifles feature threaded and fluted heavy-contour 4140 chrome-moly steel sporter 22- or 24-inch barrels with a radial muzzle brake. Other features included with each rifle are stocks with an adjustable cheek riser and adjustable length of pull, a 20 MOA Picatinny-compatible rail, Cerakote finish, camo stock with a Soft Touch finish, and detachable flush-fit magazines. Available calibers are 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win., .300 Win. Mag., 6.5 PRC, 7mm Mag., 300 PRC, and 7 PRC.
The Cascade Long Range Hunter varmint rifles are configured similarly, but come with a high-capacity detachable magazine and threaded muzzle. Available calibers are .243, .22-250, 204 Ruger, and .223. SRP: $900-$925. (bpioutdoors.com)
Mitchell Defense
Mitchell Defense is a relatively new veteran-owned/operated manufacturer based in Pennsylvania. Nathan Mitchell holds reliable function as the top priority of his guns, with each model being subjected to a 10,000-round zero-failure test before being approved for final production and sale. His latest model is the Rat Dog pistol-caliber carbine. The name is inspired by SARC (Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsmen) who are renowned for stalwart performance in extreme conditions. The Rat Dog operates with direct blowback action and uses the same silent buffer tube as the company’s carbines. A solid-piece weighted bolt carrier group is key to its reliability. There are four variants, NFA-regulated and not, in the Rat Dog line. SRP: $1,750-$1,860. (mitchelldefense.com)
FN
FN has stepped out with a new chambering of their venerable SCAR design with a limited-production model of the SCAR 17S Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) in 6.5 Creedmoor. This version includes premium upgrades from the SCAR 20S precision line, specifically a two-stage Geissele Super SCAR trigger and precision buttstock assembly with customizable cheek height and length of pull.
The 17S DMR maintains maneuverability thanks to components like a 16.25-inch, cold-hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel and monolithic aluminum receiver. Flip-up polymer sights are included. It incorporates the modern SCAR’s non-reciprocating charging handles for its short-stroke gas piston operating system. The handles are located on both sides for ambidextrous use. Weighing in at 9.5 pounds and 36.8 inches long, the 17S DMR continues the SCAR tradition as one of the larger contenders in the carbine category. SRP: $4,629.
A Modern Sporting Rifle is a brand-new addition to the FN product line. It’s called FN 15 Guardian. This AR-platform direct-impingement-action carbine is chambered in 5.56 NATO. In its design FN set out to create a high-performing defensive carbine at a reasonable price. The 6.6-pound FN 15 Guardian is made for easy handling and has rounded corners and no forward assist to resist snagging. Premium features include 15 inches of free-floating aluminum M-LOK handguard and a 16-inch MIL-B-11595 CMV barrel. The button-broached hybrid-profile barrel has a 1:7 twist and is topped by an A2 flash hider. A 30-round magazine is included. FN promises sub-MOA accuracy from the Guardian. SRP: $999. (fnamerica.com)
Mossberg
Classically styled Patriot rifles offer premium features—such as patented LBA-adjustable triggers, threaded barrels, spiral fluted bolts, streamlined and checkered bolt handles, and four-round box magazines—at a great value. New for 2024 are a pair of Patriot rifles (one with a synthetic stock, the other with a walnut stock) chambered for the 400 Legend straight-wall cartridge. This flat-shooting cartridge is capable of effectively sending its 215-grain bullet at 2,250 fps out to between 200 to 250 yards. These two rifles are obvious choices for deer hunters, but will also be a good option for those who hunt feral hogs as well as bears at close range. (mossberg.com)
Primary Weapons Systems
The UXR Weapon Platform with XCHANGE has been designed to offer both modularity and performance. The XCHANGE buttstock module features a Picatinny/1913/STANAG rail-mount interface. The six-position ambidextrous foldable stock offers adjustable length of pull and QD sling cups, one-inch webbing sling-slot mount, rubber buttpad, and a two-position height-adjustable cheek rest. The fire-control housing module has an interchangeable pistol-grip mount, ambidextrous QD sling cups, and an oversized trigger guard for gloved use. The trigger housing is compatible with most AR15 triggers, and the magazine well uses exchange modules to accommodate 5.56 NATO or 7.62 NATO magazines.
The XCHANGE barrel-exchange system allows the user to swap calibers and barrel lengths rapidly with standard tooling while maintaining repeatability and accuracy, and the ambidextrous three-position rocker valve on a modified long-stroke gas system lets the user select gas settings effortlessly. The evacuation chamber supports suppressed and high rate of fire by removing noxious gasses from the operator’s face and keeping the operating system cleaner.
Available configurations include a large magwell configuration (6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win., 8.6 BLK; a STANAG magwell configuration (5.56 NATO/.223 Rem, 300 BLK, 6.5 Grendel, 6mm ARC; and an AK magwell configuration (7.62x39 and 5.45x39). (primaryweapons.com)
Rock River Arms
Rock River’s XM24 in .308/.338 Lapua is a bolt-action rifle built for precision long-range shooting. The rifle features a 26-inch stainless-steel nitride- and cryo-treated barrel, an oversized bolt handle, and a non-folding MDT ESS chassis. SRP: $5,265.
The RRA .17 HMR features an 18-inch barrel with a threaded muzzle. This gas-impingement delayed-blowback semi-auto takes advantage of a NM Ultra Match two-stage trigger, a Magpul MOE SL-K six-position buttstock, and a Magpul MOE pistol grip. Also included is a 15-inch lightweight aluminum free-floated handguard and a 10-round magazine. SRP: $1,300. (rockriveraarms.com)
Rossi
Rossi strikes a practical chord with their new bolt-action .22 LR, the RB 22 Compact. It has a 16-inch barrel, 10-round magazine, and a short length of pull on the polymer stock, making it suitable for varmint control, recreation, or educating new shooters. A forward-set adjustable rear notch sight sets this rifle apart in the appearance category. At just 3.7 pounds, this rifle is ready to be carried afield even by youth hunters. SRP: $185.99. (rossiusa.com)
Savage Arms
As the name suggests, the 110 Ultralite Elite is a ready-to-carry gun for backcountry hunters that ranges in weight from 5.8 to 6 pounds, depending on caliber. Other weight-saving features include 18- to 20-inch carbon-fiber Proof barrels and a skeletonized carbon-fiber stock. Offered in six popular chamberings. SRP: $3,299.
On the budget side of the 110 bolt-gun lineup (SRP: $629) is the new Trail Hunter. Available in a dizzying choice of 15 chamberings with a textured, forest-green Hogue stock, the rifle boasts such popular features as a threaded barrel, tungsten-color Cerakoted action, sling studs, and Weaver-style bases.
Klym is the name of a new bolt-action sub-series. This line is unmistakable in appearance thanks to a modern carbon-fiber keyhole-style stock, carbon fiber-wrapped barrel, and carbon-fiber forend. SRP: $2,699. The Impulse series sports a straight-pull bolt that can be moved for ambidextrous operation. SRP: $3,299.
Also new from Savage is the A22 Takedown FDE. This .22 LR semi-auto with an 18-inch barrel has easy twist-apart takedown convenience, plus a bevy of storage compartments. A built-in Picatinny rail and sling studs, plus iron sights and adjustable cheek riser, give a shooter a lot of options with this packable gun. It’s fed by a 10-round rotary magazine and has a right-side charging handle. SRP: $479. (savagearms.com)
Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson took their time getting into the pistol caliber carbine market, but when they did, they advanced PCC design. The Response PCC sports tried-and-true Magpul furniture on the rear and a 16-inch barrel up front. At first glance it’s a typical-looking PPC. The difference, though, is in the receiver, which has a fully interchangeable magazine well. This allows the current M&P user to run their own double stack mags in the gun along with its 23-round included mag. Or, change out the trademarked FLEXMAG mag well, and the Response can run Glock magazines. SRP: $799. (smith-wesson.com)
Springfield Armory
Springfield Armory recently introduced two new options for the Hellion bullpup, giving those who yearn for better ballistics with their 5.56 ammo some satisfaction. The new Hellion choices have 18- and 20-inch barrels.
Staying true to the inspiration behind the semi-auto Hellion, the Croatian VHS-2 full auto, the 20-inch barrel Hellion adopts features of the VHS-D2, the designated marksman version of the VHS-2. It sports a ribbed forward area of the barrel to enhance cooling and has an integral bayonet lug. SRP: $2,016, 18-inch version; $2,031, 20-inch version.
Also from Springfield Armory is a brand-new line called Model 2020 Redline hunting rifles. Current models are chambered in 5.56 NATO and .308 Winchester. Redline rifles replicate the classic scout rifle design: short and handy with a forward-set scope/optic Picatinny rail for good maneuverability and maintenance of peripheral vision in brush and other types of cover.
Carbon fiber runs strong in this line. Barrels of Redline model rifles are carbon fiber, floated, threaded, and capped with a recoil-buffering brake. Hand-painted carbon-fiber stocks from AG Composites lend a distinctive look. Length of pull is adjustable from 13.25 to 14.25 inches with included spacers and even longer with separately available spacers. These rifles have guaranteed accuracy from 0.75 MOA. SRP: $2,299. (springfield-armory.com)
Uberti
The Old West meets the modern hunting woods with the new line of 1873 Hunter lever-action rifles from Uberti. Based on the classically styled Uberti 1873 series, these rifles—available in .45 LC and .44 Magnum chambers—add top-mounted Picatinny rails for easy scope or electronic optic integration. Booth #13238 (uberti-usa.com)
Winchester
The new Winchester Ranger lever-action features a 20-inch precision button-rifled chrome-moly steel barrel with target-style crown, a walnut stock with satin finish and straight grip styling, classic carbine-style forearm with barrel band, hooded front sight and adjustable rear sight, and a precision-machined billet aluminum receiver. The 3/8-inch grooved receiver accepts optic mounts and an over-travel adjustment screw helps ensure a clean, crisp trigger. Other features include an easy-to-load tubular magazine as well as a single-screw takedown for cleaning. (winchesterguns.com)
Shotguns
American Tactical
American Tactical has doubled down on revamping their Road Agent side-by-sides. Consumers wanted double-trigger coach guns, and ATI delivered. The Road Agent line is produced in Turkey with in-person oversight from an ATI engineer. Chambered in 12 or 20 gauge with carbon-steel barrels, the new Road Agents have decocking hammers, a feature for which ATI holds the patent. The two new guns have aluminum receivers with ornate scrolling on the outside and three-inch chambers.
There are two length/finish choices. The 18.5-inch model has black finish and standard walnut furniture. The Prime has a 26-inch carbon-steel barrel with a shiny, nickel-tone aluminum finish and premium walnut furniture. SRP: $599.95. (americantactical.us)
Benelli
Known as the leader in advanced shotgun technology, Benelli continues to push the maximum performance boundaries with the all-new Advanced Impact barrel system available in the Benelli Performance Shop Ethos line of semi-auto shotguns for 2024. The Advanced Impact technology centers on revolutionary new ballistic contours within the barrel bore that combine with the equally new Advanced Impact CRIO choke tubes to boost downrange shot column energy and velocity for up to 50-percent deeper penetration compared to existing barrel technology. (benelliusa.com)
Browning
A 20-gauge A5 joins the line this year. Features include a gloss-finish Turkish walnut stock that is shim-adjustable for length of pull, cast, and drop; gloss black anodized receiver finishing; three Invector-DS choke tubes; the Inflex II recoil pad; and a fiber-optic front sight. In addition, this new 20 gauge also boasts Browning’s Speed Load Plus, a feeding system that sends the first shell loaded into the magazine directly into the chamber, as well as the A5’s famous Kinetic Drive system that results in consistent, reliable function with a wide variety of loads and under the full extremes of weather, temperature, moisture, and grime. (browning.com)
Franchi
Franchi ramps up its popular Affinity 3 series semi-auto shotgun line for 2024 with the addition of the Affinity 3 Sport-Trap model. Developed as an entry-level shotgun for competitive sport and trap shooting, the Affinity 3 Sport-Trap hosts Franchi’s Evolved Ergonom-X stock system (which includes adjustable drop, cast, and LOP) along with a 30-inch barrel chambered in 3-inch 12-guage, barrel porting for reduced muzzle flip, and oversized bolt controls with a beveled loading port for smooth and efficient operation on the line. (franchiusa.com)
Charles Daly
The CD Defense Hydra 902 Bullpup/AR combo shotgun features an upper chambered for 3-inch 12-gauge shotgun ammo and attaches to interchangeable lowers—one in a bullpup platform, the other in an AR platform. This uniquely designed combo gives shooters the ability to convert between these two very popular platforms.
The barrel length is 18.7 inches and is covered by an aluminum barrel shroud with a top and bottom Picatinny rail perfect for mounting optics and accessories in addition to the already attached angled fore grip. The Hydra 902 features Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke threads and includes three choke tubes (IC, M, F). Both lowers are equipped with an adjustable comb and a generous rubber recoil pad. The Hydra also includes adjustable flip-up sights along with two five-round magazines. (charlesdaly.com)
Mossberg
Turkey hunters will see four shotgun combinations specifically designed for them this year. These new turkey/optic-ready combos in three gauges offer hunters improved eye alignment and faster target acquisition. Designed with receiver cuts that accept low-profile direct mounting of Shield RMSc-pattern sights, each shotgun also comes outfitted with a Holosun HS407K micro dot sight for straight-out-of-the-box hunting convenience. Model 500 versions will be offered in .410 bore and 20 gauge. In addition, the stock on the Super Bantam uses one-inch spacers to extend length of pull from 12 inches to 13 inches. The 835 Ulti-Mag is available in 12 gauge. It also features an overbored barrel designed to reduce pellet deformation and help create uniform, dense patterns.
The new 940 Pro Waterfowl Optic Ready model is a 12-gauge 3-inch autoloader that features a 28-inch AccuChoke-compatible vent-rib barrel equipped with a HiViz CompSight front fiber-optic sight. An extended X-Factor Modified choke tube and flush Full and Improved Cylinder chokes are included. Metal surfaces (receiver and barrel) wear a weather-resistant Cerakote finish in Patriot Brown, which naturally blends with the Mossy Oak Vintage Shadowgrass camouflaged stock and forend. Rounding out this package is aggressive Mossberg signature texturing on the forend and stock; sling swivel studs; 5-round capacity; optic-cut receiver; drilled and tapped receiver; and ambidextrous safety. SRP: $1,210.
The new 940 Snow Goose Optic Ready is available in two versions—one with a 13-shot capacity (for areas where capacity is not restricted), the other with a five-shot capacity. Both are 12-gauge 3-inch fowling shotguns with 28-inch barrels. The vent-rib barrel is topped with a HiViz CompSight front fiber-optic sight and comes equipped with an extended X-Factor Modified and flush Full and Improved Cylinder choke tubes. Battleship Gray Cerakote finish is featured on the receiver and barrel with complementing TrueTimber Viper Snow camouflage covering the stock and forend. Other features include aggressive Mossberg signature texturing on the stock and forend; sling swivel studs; optic-cut receiver; drilled and tapped receiver; and top-mounted safety for ease of use by right- or left-handed shooters. SRP: $1,285. (mossberg.com)
Retay Arms
Turkish manufacturer Retay Arms released a new semi-auto 20 gauge that brings modularity normally associated with rifles to the shotgun category. It’s called the Gordion Compact.
The Gordion Compact has a choice of 24- or 26-inch barrels. While the frame is full size, it’s shipped with a shortened stock that includes adjustable length of pull. Adjustments can be made with a screwdriver, adding or subtracting .25-inch shims from the buttstock. Length of pull ranges from 12.5 to 13.5 inches. The stock, purchased separately, can also be changed out for a full-size. There are no plastic components in the Gordion Compact’s receiver, trigger, or trigger guard, and the shotgun is outfitted with Retay Arms’ Inertia Plus bolt system that prevents out-of-battery malfunctions and is quieter than most. Seven finishes, including several camo patterns, are offered. SRP: $899-999. (retayusa.com)
Savage Arms
The Stevens 560 line consists of semi-auto scatterguns made with hunting in mind. The new line includes full-size and compact models, all in 12 gauge. Barrel lengths are 26 or 28 inches. Three chokes are included. The barrel is hard chrome-lined. Other features include a lightweight aluminum-alloy receiver, manual safety in the trigger guard, oversized controls, and a raised ventilated rib with mid-bead rear sight and fiber-optic front sight. The stock is Turkish walnut. SRP: $499. Booth (savagearms.com)
Handguns
European American Armory
The Girsan Witness 2311 is a double-stacked 1911 built to compete at an affordable price. This state-of-the-art semi-automatic pistol boasts a sleek design with ergonomic space-age grips, optic-ready slide (RMS/RMSc), accessory rail, multiple barrel lengths, calibers, and model configurations. In an industry where quality often comes at a premium, the Witness 2311 stands out as a true game-changer. EAA and Girsan understand the importance of providing high-quality firearms accessible to a wider audience, and that’s why the Witness 2311 is priced competitively at a starting price of $999. (eaacorp.com)
FN
FN has expanded its rimfire interpretation of their popular 509 platform. The 502 is chambered in .22 LR and is now offered as the 502 MRD, a sporty, optic-ready, single-action gun made for extended range practice. Its package includes two 10-round magazines and plates for mounting most brands of micro optics. Conveniently, most 509 holsters are also a fit for the 502 MRD. SRP: $469.
On the larger side of the spectrum, FN released what they call “big bore” choices of the original 509 design. The 510 MRD is chambered in 10mm and has 10- and 15-round mags. The 545 MRD is chambered in .45 ACP, also with 10- and 15-round mags. Like the 509, these are polymer-lower, striker-fired designs with 4.1-inch barrels. Available in black and FDE. SRP: $919. (fnamerica.com)
Dickinson Arms
The 1911 pistol is the gold standard by which all semi-automatic pistols have been judged. The simple, yet elegant design has withstood years of development and still reigns supreme to many shooters. Dickinson Arms’ new ADAM Series of 1911s, available in both 9mm and .45 ACP, are made with exemplary craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The Standard 1911 boasts a forged steel barrel, slide, and frame. The 9x19mm Parabellum models have a 4.37-inch-long barrel, an overall length of 7.87 inches, and a nine-round capacity; .45 ACP models have a 5-inch barrel length, an overall length of 8.5 inches, and a seven-round capacity. These models are available in a blued finish or a satin chrome finish, both with a synthetic grip.
The Premium models come in a wide range of specialized finishes. The Fireball model has a case-hardened blued finish; the Rainbow model has a finish that changes colors as you change the angle as you hold it. The American Eagle model has a blue-and-gold-finish with a beautiful bald eagle design. All of the Premium models come with wooden packaging options and are customizable. (dickinsonarms.com)
Lone Wolf Arms
Lone Wolf, a longtime supplier of upscale Glock aftermarket parts, has released a new line of Glock 19-inspired 9mm pistols called DUSK19. The DUSK line integrates the company’s extensive experience in satisfying performance and aesthetic demands into a compact, striker-fired platform. Lower third co-witness tritium sights are included on the optic-ready slide. Four slide colors are offered. The PVD-coated barrel is 416 stainless steel, and the 19-degree grip angle and interchangeable swells offer intuitive point-and-shoot handling for most shooters. The DUSK19 also sports a trendy flat-face trigger. This gun weighs in at less than 20 ounces for easy EDC. SRP: $649.95. (lonewolfdist.com)
Rossi
Rossi could be credited with the most unusual offering of the year. The break-open, hammer-fired, single-shot handgun, the Brawler, is chambered in .410/.45 LC. Front and rear sights are included on the nine-inch barrel. Despite its near-gargantuan size (14 inches long and 38 ounces), Rossi set the Brawler up for ease of use with a thick rubber grip and a Picatinny rail that allows attachment of the optic of choice. Its steel receiver with polymer overmold is finished in black oxide. This is a big handgun for a small price. SRP: $239. (rossiusa.com)
Smith & Wesson
The M&P Magnum is a welcome addition to the manufacturer’s M&P line. This full-size, polymer-lower handgun has a 4.35-inch barrel and internal hammer-fired operation. The enjoyment of shooting low-recoil but powerful rimfire rounds can go on and on with the M&P’s 30-round magazine. A slim and textured grip and fully ambidextrous controls mean the whole family can shoot this one. A flat-face trigger, accessory rail, and optic slot make this a thoroughly modern .22 WMR. SRP: $649.
S&W kept up the theme of small-and-fast caliber releases when they announced a new color choice to their M&P 5.7 Pistol. It’s a two-tone with a flat dark earth frame and black Armornite slide. This gun has an internal hammer and S&W’s trademarked TEMPO barrel system. In the firing sequence, the barrel cams open only after the bullet has passed the ejection port. This new technology and modern features—such as a rail, optic capability, and ambidextrous slide lock—make this gun a lightweight alternative to a varmint rifle. SRP: $719.
Larger calibers were not forgotten by S&W. They supported the renewed interest in the 10mm cartridge by releasing a new line extension of their M&P Performance Center 2.0 pistols. This one is ideal for target shooting or hunting, with a substantial 5.6-inch ported barrel and two 15-round magazines. SRP: $749. (smith-wesson.com)
Stoeger
For 2024, Stoeger expands its rugged and reliable STR series of polymer striker-fired pistols with the all-new STR-9 Combat X. Tested in excess of 10,000 rounds of continuous fire without failure, it is built to meet or exceed international military specifications. The STR-9 Combat X is a mid-size handgun, chambered in 9mm, with a straight-grip front strap and ambidextrous slide release. It comes with all the features of the Stoeger STR-9 Combat, including an enlarged mag well, fiber-optic sights, optic-ready slide, and a threaded muzzle. (stoegerindustries.com)
Taurus
The GX4 Carry is a new higher-capacity (15+1) variant of the company’s popular 9mm GX4. Other new additions include an accessory rail, a grip with a single finger groove, 3.7-inch barrel, and the company’s TORO optic-ready slide. Interchangeable backstraps and a flat-faced trigger are still in the package in this enlarged interpretation of the GX4. It should make an ideal choice for home defense or carry for anyone who can conceal its still-compact but comparatively larger dimensions. SRP: $504.99. (taurususa.com)
Uberti
The Old West meets the modern hunting woods with a new line of 1873 Hunter six-shot revolvers. Based on the classically styled Uberti 1873 series models, these revolvers—available in .45 LC and .44 Magnum chambers—add top-mounted Picatinny rails for easy scope or electronic optic integration. (uberti-usa.com)
