Ohio laws have changed in recent years, allowing the use of straight-walled cartridges and encouraging deer hunters to broaden their options beyond shotguns and muzzleloading rifles.
Among the crowded field of rifle manufacturers, a handful of brands have shined in producing new bolt- and lever-action rifles in 2021.
Let AimHi guide you to the five best new bolt- and lever-action rifles by reading below, visiting our family-owned store (open seven days a week) or calling 614-939-4867.
Henry All-Weather Picatinny Rail Side-Gate .45-70
Wisconsin-based Henry USA expands upon the scout rifle concept with its new All-Weather Picatinny Rail Side-Gate .45-70.
The rifle features a side-gate loading option and extended Picatinny rail with a fully adjustable peep sight, opening peripheral vision while able to adjust for windage and elevation. Mounting a scope closer the front sight also reduces the risk of being struck by the rifle due to recoil.
Henry’s large loop lever offers smooth operation over repeated use. A specially treated hardwood for the stocks is coupled with a sleek, satin, chrome plating on most of the metal surfaces.
Regardless of bullet profile, cartridges slide fluidly into the removable magazine tube with a four-round capacity. This .45-70 also features sling swivel studs, a ventilated rubber recoil pad and an internal transfer bar safety system.
Winchester Model 70 Long-Range MB
Introduced in 1936, Winchester Repeating Arms’ Model 70 is the company’s flagship, bolt-action rifle, earning the moniker “The Rifleman’s Rifle.” New for 2021, Winchester’s Model 70 Long-Range MB is designed for long-range hunting and target.
Winchester teamed with synthetic stock manufacturer Bell & Carlson for this Model 70’s composite stock with textured grip, vented (and wider) near the forefront to improve barrel cooling. Built using a distinct, hand lay-up technique, the stock is light enough for carrying in the field, without the hollow feeling associated with traditional injection-molded stocks.
The stock is built for extreme weather, capable of withstanding a range of conditions and temperatures between -50 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. A thick Pachmayr Decelerator pad reduces recoil bite of high-performance cartridges.
Available in a tan finish, the rifle employs a three-pin safety and Winchester’s proprietary M.O.A. trigger system, with a free-floating fluted barrel and recessed target crown to protect the rifling.
Mossberg Patriot LR Hunter
The Patriort LR Hunter is Mossberg’s answer to increased interest in long-range shooting, both target and hunting. Available in spider grey, the Mossberg Patriot LR Hunter comes equipped with a newly designed, polymer-coated Monte Carlo comb, as well as machined aluminum bedding pillars for increased accuracy and a micro-textured grip.
Mossberg’s Lightning Bolt-Action trigger system enables shooters to adjust trigger pull between 2 and 7 pounds with the twist of a screwdriver.
A widened stock forearm allows users to easily shoot off bags, with dual sling slugs, making mounting slings and bipods a cinch.
Browning X-Bolt Mountain Pro
The new Browning X-Bolt Mountain Pro, with its true carbon stock filled with noise-dampening foam, shaves ¼ pound compared to previous models from the Utah-based manufacturer. High-end assembly and specialized finishing situate the X-Bolt Mountain Pro at the top of the X-Bolt line. The X-Bolt Mountain Pro also includes a new Cerakote finish on the stainless steel action and barrel, as well as on the stock, for added protection.
The barrel features a new proprietary lapping process to provide consistent accuracy and easier bore cleaning, avoiding the need for a time-consuming break-in process.
Also standard to the X-Bolt Mountain Pro is Browning’s proprietary Recoil Hawg muzzle brake, reducing recoil up to 77 percent, depending on caliber.
Savage Impulse Big Game Straight-Pull
Impulse Big Game is a new straight-pull, bolt-action rifle from Massachusetts-based manufacturer Savage Arms. The rifle’s straight-pull design has been a common attribute of European-made rifles for decades.
With the Impulse Big Game, Savage is cutting the four motions typically required to cycle a bolt-action rifle to two, saving time and reducing disruption of the rifle’s positioning. Straight-pull also allows for quicker re-engagement.
Savage’s AccuTrigger mechanism makes for light let-offs and has a central blade-style safety lever. The rifle’s AccuStock spacer and riser kit allows shooters to customize the rifle’s fit by adjusting the comb height and length of pull.
Let AimHi guide you to the best new bolt- and lever-action rifles by visiting our family-owned store (open seven days a week) or calling 614-939-4867.