SHOT Show 2024 saw the release of many new rifles, with some manufacturers going in unexpected directions while others built on tried-and-true designs. It may be that 2024 becomes known as the year of the lever-action rifle, as many makers have either built out existing designs or gone in entirely new directions with the iconic American lever-action. Here are 12 new guns we've seen so far this year:
Barrett Firearms MRADELR
Barrett expanded its bolt-action MRAD line to include an "Extreme Long Range" model complete with a quick-change barrel system that provides more versatility than many of today's large-bore, long-range rifles. With just one tool, users can quickly remove and replace the existing barrel, and Barrett promises it will offer additional chamberings beyond the initial offering of .416 Barrett.
Bond Arms LVRB
Bond Arms is generally known for its small, derringer-style handguns, but over the last few years, the company has been developing an entirely different platform with its LVRB. This lever-action, AR-style rifle uses a patented cam system that allows for the use of a 30-round magazine, thanks to the short throw of the lever. The company also highlights the crisp, clean trigger system on this new lower-receiver design, and it accepts all standard AR-15 upper receivers.
CVA SR-80 Scout
CVA released its SR-80 Scout to give hunters a versatile, fast-handling rifle that touches many of the key elements called out by Gunsite Academy's Col. Jeff Cooper. Chambered in .308 Winchester or 350 Legend, the SR-80 includes a Picatinny optics rail mounted forward of the receiver for long-eye-relief riflescopes, and the gun includes a set of built-in Williams open sights. Each model is outfitted with a threaded 18" barrel and black Cerakote-finished receiver.
Fightlite Herring Model 2024
Fightlite Industries first started talking about its lever-action rifle in 2023, but the rifles are slated to be available to consumers this year. Like the company's other offerings, the Model 2024 is compatible with standard AR-15 upper receivers, but instead of using a semi-automatic operating system, it employs a lever-action mechanism. The lower receiver still accepts standard AR-15 magazines, and initial models are slated to be available in 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout.
Hammerli Force B1
Hammerli Arms is known for its rich history of competition arms, particular for Olympic target shooting, and the company's latest introduction, the Force B1, brings that competition heritage into an eminently practical rimfire rifle. At the heart of the Force B1 is a toggle-style, straight-pull action with a biathlon-style bolt handle that allows for rapid operation. Another key feature is the rifle's easy quick-change barrel system, and an innovative magazine-adapter allows the gun to move seamlessly between .22 WMR and .22 LR chamberings. An adjustable stock with options for accessory attachments rounds out this attractive, affordable rimfire package.
Henry Repeating Arms Supreme
Henry joined other makers in modernizing the classic lever-action design in 2024 with its Supreme. Designed to feed from AR-style magazines, the Supreme features a short-throw articulating lever, a free-floated barrel claimed to be sub-m.o.a. capable, a Picatinny optics rail on the receiver top, ambidextrous controls and a threaded muzzle. Rifles are chambered in 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout.
Mossberg Patriot 400 Legend
Mossberg is catering to the straight-wall hunting crowd in 2024 with 400 Legend-chambered models of its Patriot rifle. Two models are available in the new chambering, the standard walnut-stocked rifle and the Patriot Synthetic with a durable, weatherproof synthetic stock. Each rifle is built with a 20" barrel and holds four rounds in its detachable, flush-fit magazine.
Ruger LC Carbine In .45 ACP
Ruger's initial LC Carbine in 5.7x28 mm FN was a handy, compact design for fans of FN's 5.7 cartridge, but for folks who want something chambered in a round more traditional and accessible, there's the new LC Carbine in .45 ACP. Built with a 16" threaded barrel, the LC Carbine uses a blowback operating system and an AR-style, folding buttstock. An M-Lok handguard provides room for accessory attachments. Best of all, the design makes use of all Glock-style .45 ACP magazines.
Ruger American Generation II
Ruger gets a second mention in this round-up, thanks to the company's revamped line of American rifles. The Generation II design comes with an all-new, splatter-finished stock with an adjustable length of pull. The two-position safety of the previous model has been replaced with a three-position safety, which allows the bolt to be locked and also enables the gun to be loaded with the safety on.
Savage Arms Model 110 Ultralite Elite
Savage Arms aimed to build the lightest hunting rifle in its lineup for 2024, and thanks to the company's collaboration with MDT, it has been realized in the 110 Ultralite Elite. The barreled action includes a PROOF Research carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel, a carbon-fiber bolt knob and a lightened stainless-steel receiver. The barreled action sits inside MDT's HNT26 chassis, which weighs only 26 ozs. All together, the unloaded rifle weighs in at 5.8 lbs.
Smith & Wesson Model 1854
Smith & Wesson surprised many with the launch of its Model 1854 in 2024, as it's the first modern lever-action rifle ever made by the company. The model name harkens back to the early Volcanic days, when the lever-action concept was new. Today, though, S&W is helping to refine the modern design, with a Picatinny optics rail on the receiver, M-Lok slots on the gun's polymer furniture, a removable magazine tube for easy unloading, a traditional side-loading gate, enlarged lever loop and a threaded 19.25" barrel. The Model 1854 is chambered in .44 Magnum.
Taurus Expedition
Taurus entered the bolt-action rifle market in 2024 with its Expedition, a Remington 700-pattern rifle with a polymer, target-style stock and a detachable, AICS-pattern box magazine. The Expedition is compatible with all Remington 700 aftermarket stocks and triggers, and the action features a two-position safety and a bolt-release lever on the left side. Currently, only an 18" barreled model chambered in .308 Winchester is available.
Many more rifles have come out this year, and more will undoubtedly be introduced down the line, but one thing is clear: companies are continuing to innovate in 2024 to give today's firearm enthusiast more options than ever before.
