Start 2022 with a bang with a brand-new deer rifle from a trusted brand.
1. Franchi Momentum Elite
The Momentum Elite, Franchi’s premium-grade big-game hunting rifle, receives new chamber and camo pattern combinations for 2022.
Since its debut in 2020, the Momentum Elite has earned a solid reputation for its precision construction and numerous features that savvy big-game hunters appreciate in a dedicated hunting rifle. This year, Franchi expands the Momentum Elite portfolio with new color options for the .350 Legend and 6.5 PRC caliber rifles.
The .350 Legend is the latest entry in the growing straight-wall centerfire cartridge category. This cartridge was developed to satisfy the needs of hunters in states and locations with restrictions on conventional centerfire rifle ammunition. Now, fans of the up-and-coming .350 Legend can enjoy this exciting cartridge in the Momentum Elite bolt-action sporting a TruTimber® Strata camo stock and Cerakote Midnight Bronze barrel color configuration.
Bringing to field incredible velocity, reduced recoil, and reliable, way-out-there accuracy potential, the 6.5 PRC has quickly risen to the forefront of the long-range shooting and hunting set. Previously offered in Realtree® EXCAPE™ with Burnt Bronze Cerakote and TruTimber® Strata with Midnight Bronze Cerakote, the Momentum Elite in 6.5 PRC is now available in OPTIFADE™ Elevated II camo with a Cobalt Cerakote barreled action.
All touchpoints of the Momentum Elite speak to the rifle’s mission in delivering premium performance for the demanding big-game hunter. The coldhammer-forged free-floated barrel with muzzle brake is mated to the precision-machined DEPENDA Bolt action system featuring a spiral-fluted, 60-degree three-lug bolt. Franchi added a single-stage adjustable RELIA trigger and intelligently designed Evolved Ergonom-X stock. The result is a rifle platform built to the needs of the experienced hunter. Add in Franchi’s 1-MOA guarantee, and it’s easy to see why the Momentum Elite stands tall in the increasingly crowded hunting rifle field.
MSRP: $899
For more information on the Momentum Elite hunting rifles by Franchi, visit FranchiUSA.com.
2. Benelli Lupo Bolt-Action Rifle
Benelli USA continues the drive of the company’s award-winning Lupo bolt-action rifles into 2022 with soon-to-be-available new calibers. Beginning in May, Benelli will introduce the first of three new chambers for the Lupo series big-game rifles.
The Benelli Lupo hit the market to wide acclaim in 2020 as the company’s first bolt-action rifle, while combining innovative technology first put forward in the company’s line of premium shotguns. Features such as their Crio-treated barrels, Progressive Comfort recoil reduction systems, CombTech cheek pieces, LOP adjustment, along with a commitment to precision manufacturing and all-weather performance, the Benelli Lupo rifles have proven themselves in the harshest hunting conditions throughout the world.
Today, Benelli expands the Lupo chambering portfolio to include three of the hottest up-and-coming cartridges on today’s hunting scene — the 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and the 7mm Rem Mag. The new chamber models join an impressive Lupo caliber lineup, which includes .30-06 Spr., .300 Win-Mag, .270 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, and .243 Win.
The new 7mm Rem Mag chambered Lupo will be available in May 2022, followed by the 6mm Creedmoor in June along with the 6.5 PRC in July.
From the outset, the Benelli Lupo validated its big-game hunting credentials with factory-guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy, exceptional ergonomics, user-customizable features, as well as Benelli’s reputation for unfailing performance in the most challenging hunting environments. With the introduction of three new calibers, the Benelli Lupo presents discerning hunters with even more options to find success in their big-game hunting adventures.
For more information on Benelli USA premium centerfire hunting rifles and shotguns, visit BenelliUSA.com.
3. Browning BAR MK 3 – OVIX
The BAR autoloading rifle is nothing short of a legend. Featuring short stroke, gas piston operation and a strong, rotary bolt design, these rifles are capable of bolt-action accuracy. This special model follows after our other guns that share the “Speed” moniker. Every Speed firearm is built to be more concealable, durable and lighter, making them the perfect tools for serious hunters and shooters who need gear as lean and tough as they are.
Originally designed by Browning family member Bruce Browning, the original civilian BAR was the rifle that set the standard for autoloading hunting rifles. The latest MK 3 version builds on the previous iterations with completely new styling, Browning OVIX Camouflage, a precision alloy receiver, and a hammer-forged barrel. The BAR features accuracy and performance that will make autoloading enthusiasts out of the most skeptical riflemen.
Classic in looks and contemporary in performance. The BAR MK 3 is the hunting rifle that sets the bar for every other autoloader on the planet with accuracy, speed and caliber selection unmatched by any other hunting autoloader. The MK 3 is available in the most popular hunting calibers from whitetail hunter’s favorite 243 Winchester to the hard-hitting 300 Winchester Magnum. Cartridges are fed from a detachable box magazine that attaches to the hinged floor plate, so be sure to keep a spare in your pocket for fast reloads.
The rifle weighs just 6 pounds, 10 ounces, and features a 22-inch barrel with a Smoked Brozne Cerakote finish. Calibers include .243 Win., 7 mm-08 Rem., .308 Win., .270 Win., .270 WSM, .30-06 Spfld., 7 mm Rem Mag., and .300 Win. Mag.
Starting MSRP is $1,719.99. For more specs and options, visit www.browning.com
4. Traditions® Firearms Adds 45 Caliber Options to Their Line
For 2022, Traditions® Performance Firearms is adding .45 caliber muzzleloader and accessory options into their product line. While already carrying the largest line up of muzzleloading products and accessories, the addition of 45 caliber options is a need Traditions® has seen in the marketplace.
“We’re excited to bring 45 caliber back into our line” says Ryan Nicholas, VP of Sales, “We have heard the desire for 45 caliber options. The caliber shoots flatter and at a higher velocity so it offers an option to those who are looking for a more precise shooting experience. We’re including the 45 caliber option on popular models so we feel this will provide more options for the hunter and shooter.”
Traditions® will have 45 caliber models available in both the popular Vortek StrikerFire® series and the mid-level Pursuit™ XT series. Both series have been part of the Traditions® line for several years and have evolved as new technology and options have been added.
To support these models, Traditions® will also be offering accessories in 45 caliber.
Visit www.traditionsfirearms.com to see our full line of products or contact us for more information.
5. Bergara Premier Divide
Bergara Rifles unveils the Premier Divide rifle, a backcountry version of its famous HMR. This new 2022 rifle is designed to be a hybrid between a tactical and high-end deer gun that features the company’s Cure Carbon barrel.
The Premier Divide rifle features a two-lug system that features a separate, floating bolt head and cone-shaped bolt nose. The result is a smooth-operating gun that will not fail in rugged conditions.
An AG Composites carbon stock features an adjustable cheek riser that’s light and comfortable. Among the early deer-related calibers will be the 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win., and .300 Win. Mag. The rifle weighs in at about 7.2 pounds (depending on options), with a 22- or 24-inch barrel.
MSRP: $2,499. www.bergarausa.com
Bonus: Mossberg® 940® Pro Turkey Autoloading Shotguns
In 2020, Mossberg launched the 940 Pro family of 12-gauge autoloading shotguns with the award-winning 940 JM Pro competition-ready shotgun. Now joining this line of high-performance autoloaders are two 940 Pro Turkey shotguns. These optics-ready packages feature a choice of 24- or 18.5-inch barrel lengths; HIVIZ® CompSight® fiber optic sight for quick target acquisition; Mossberg X-Factor™ ported choke tube for improved pattern density; full camo coverage in Mossy Oak® Greenleaf™ for the ultimate in concealment; and a host of premium features and finishes.
At the core of the 940 Pro platform is a durable gas system that can run up to 1,500 rounds before cleaning and is compatible with factory-manufactured 2.75- or 3-inch shells. Performance-driven features include oversized, beveled loading port with redesigned elevator and shell catch to allow for efficient and pinch-free loading into the magazine tube; new barrel-making process to maintain point-of-aim and impact; slim-profile forend and user-configurable stock for length-of-pull (13–14.25 inches), drop, and cast; and oversized charging handle and bolt release button for ease of operation.
The internal components of the 940 Pro (gas piston, magazine tube, hammer and sear) are nickel boron-coated and the return spring plunger is hard-anodized aluminum. Combined with a self-draining stock, these 940 autoloaders are designed to reliably perform in the harshest of conditions.
Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey Autoloading Shotguns Specifications:
Built for the hardcore turkey hunter, these 940 Pro shotguns delivery with premium features and functionality. For more information on these new models and the complete line of Mossberg 940 Pro autoloading shotguns, please visit www.mossberg.com.
