SHOT Show 2011 trends

Thanks to SOCOM'S Precision Sniper Rifle procurement competition, this year's theme is definitely about long range rifles and the catch words are "CHASSIS" and .338 LAPUA MAGNUM. Yes, all major manufacturers are doing a makeover on bolt-action rifles and I mean ALL! Well at least that's what it feels like here. From Savage Arms, Remington, SigArms, Barrett, and many others, they all are ditching the fiberglass montecarlo/hunting stocks and putting it in an aluminum "chassis" with rails to mount as many accessories as needed. On top of that, these firearms are designed to fire the powerful and long ranged .338 LAPUA MAGNUM which is becoming the standard for extreme long ranges.



Two companies I visited were Barrett Firearms and Accuracy International. These companies are relatively new, but have been successful in the military and sniper communities. This year Barrett has a new .338 Lapua Magnum chambered rifle, the MRAD. The MRAD is designed specifically for SOCOM PSR. According to the company it's the lightest among the competition. Time will tell if it'll be a successful design.

Accuracy International needs no introduction among professionals as it is the standard in the long range community since it has the record for the longest kills. Last year, they've overhauled their design and done away with the thumbhole style stock to a more conventional pistolgrip stock. This year, they've redesigned their .50 caliber line with the AX50 and added new calibers. Their line of precision rifles is extensive and shows why they are on top.