Author: Fred Mastison, GunBroker.com Contributor
One of my favorite newly released products to discover for this year was new rifles from industry leaders like Ruger and Smith & Wesson to newer AR manufacturers like Bersa, Jacob Grey, and Cox Arms. I have put together some of the most interesting rifles that I’ve identified for 2023. Some of these new rifles are already available to buy online at GunBroker.com.
B&T’s new rifle is the Advanced Police Carbine (APC). The series was designed for the demands of today’s police, special forces, and military units worldwide. As the hallmark of the B&T line, the APC series represents the ultimate in performance, reliability, and accuracy. The APC family includes the flexible and adaptable APC9/40 & 45/10mm, the rifle caliber APC223/556/300 line, and the ultimate in semi-automatic precision, the APC308. With a comprehensive suite of accessories created specifically for these platforms, the APC series represents a breakthrough in customization and modularity for every operator and every specialized mission.
Pro Series New to the APC Series are the APC9/40/45 and 10mm PRO variants. These models have received the PRO treatment, bringing a new level of performance and ergonomics to the APC platform. All PRO models feature dual auto-folding, non-reciprocating charging handles, improved lower receiver ergonomics including a side-positioned bolt hold open/release, replaceable M4 compatible pistol grip, and Magpul® M-Lok® accessory slots. The APC9 PRO is compatible with standard B&T, Glock, and SIG P320 magazines.
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Cox Arms is a newer AR manufacturer. The Hunter is a new release. This is a 13.7-inch pin and welded rifle with a 7075-T6 billet upper and lower. It has an adjustable gas block allowing the shooter to tune the gun to ammo and suppressors. The gun is built around the idea of having every “upgrade” feature that shooters would want and eventually put on their own guns.
The attention to detail on this rifle is impressive. It includes a double bevel mag well, a recess around the mag release allowing for full engagement with a gloved hand, a threaded “bolt catch” pin, an upgraded buffer, and an upgraded buffer spring, just to name a few. It also comes stock with the Elftmann SOCOM-rated adjustable trigger. This can be set from 3.5-4 pounds by simply turning a screw on the top of the trigger housing.
Cox Arms also released an enhanced “Combat Bolt Carrier Group.” This is designed to serve shooters far beyond the life of the gun. Their attention to detail and hand fit nature of these guns are sure to make them a success.
Ruger is expanding their line of AR 556 Multi-Purpose Rifles. Their new model has an 18-inch Proof Research barrel. The Ruger AR 556 MPR is a sleek, precision-oriented AR-style rifle that would be great for target shooting or predator hunting. The highlight is a Proof Research barrel, but it has some other nice features too. The rifle comes with a rifle-length gas tube. It also has a flat-top receiver, and free-float aluminum M-LOK-compatible handguard, and both have Picatinny rail along the entire top for mounting optics, flip-up sights, or accessories. This MPR comes with a Magpul PRS Lite stock that’s adjustable for comb height and length of pull to fit the individual shooter. The bolt carrier and gas key are chrome-plated, and the rifle has a two-stage trigger breaking at around 4.5 pounds.
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VKTR Industries’ new 2023 offering is the VK-1 Rifle, a piston-driven AR. The VK-1 uses a unique low-profile piston system design featuring optimum gas port sizing and a piston assembly. It has a unique cup and spigot design that improves the gas seal and overall efficiency of the gas system. The VK-1 also includes a staged gas bleed system with two sets of exhaust ports at precisely determined distances to reduce the inertia of the operating rod once it nears the end of its stroke.
The reimagined VK-1 short-stroke piston system includes a fully supported one-piece op rod and removable gas block and matches the footprint and weight of a standard DI AR-15 while providing the benefits of a piston-driven system. VK-1 is fully ambidextrous, including a patented billet machined magazine release and bolt catch. Both have been reprofiled and textured for the greatest ergonomics possible while maintaining a sleek, low profile. Heat-treated Billet construction ensures these components will perform for a lifetime of service even in the most hostile conditions.
A company well-known for pistols has also entered the AR space this year. Bersa has introduced its new AR-style rifles and pistols proudly made in America. Six new models under the BAR line-up include three BAR9 pistols with MFT (Mission First Tactical) furniture, two 5.56 rifles (one with MFT furniture and one with Magpul furniture), and one 5.56 pistol with Mission First Tactical furniture. The new line of higher quality AR-style firearms at an affordable price are all produced in Bersa’s new Kennesaw, Georgia state-of-the-art facility. Partnering with industry leaders in stocks and grips such as Mission First Tactical and Magpul, BERSA produced a series of BERSA AR (BAR15) rifles and (BAR9) pistols ideal for home defense, tactical operations, or trigger time at the local range.
Uppers and lowers are produced from 7075 aluminum providing superior strength without excess weight while the barrels are constructed from 4150 chrome moly vanadium, the industry standard for barrels that perform accurately even under strenuous and extreme conditions. Both pistols and rifles feature full-length Picatinny rails ready for mounting optics, lasers, or lights. All are also finished with a type III hard coat anodized finish which provides superior hardness and is known to exceed the wear characteristics of similar finishes, including hard chrome and ceramic.
S&W has added to their Volunteer line with the XV Pro. The new Volunteer series MSR platform features Smith & Wesson performance right out of the box. Each delivers the rugged performance of competition-ready S&W precision plus the advantage of name-brand accessories from partners like Radian, B5 Systems, and Bravo Company.
The Smith & Wesson Volunteer Series is ready to roll, equipped to excel, and primed to compete. The Volunteer XV Pro has an optimized forend to accommodate MLOK accessories. Heightened ergonomics with the B5 SOPMOD stock, and upright B5 grip. An unbridled performance combining the flat trigger, flat shooting Primary Weapons Systems muzzle brake, and 5R rifling. The fit and finish on this gun are solid and it would make a great addition to any shooter’s safe.
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Rogue Ops is based in Medford, Oregon and they bring their extensive aerospace manufacturing skills to their rifles. The RO21 is a solid rifle focused on ambi operations. In that arena, it has an ambi bolt release and an ambi 45/90-degree safety. They have included a Velocity single stage 3.5lb trigger to make this a serious shooter as well.
As with all their AR builds, they have used 7075 T6 aluminum for the RO21 ambi receiver set. A closer look at the upper shows us M4 extended feed ramps, a forward assist, and a positive anti-rotation interface to the RO21 handguard.
The gun is feature rich and comes with a VG6 Gamma 556 muzzle break, Radian ambi charging handle, Radian Talon safety selector, and a Magpul MOE SL carbine stock. Inside the gun, we find a high-quality M16-cut 5.56 black nitride bolt carrier group. It is shot peened with a properly staked gas key. A quick look at their website shows a variety of guns that share this same push towards quality guns.
The Jacob Grey JG10 .308 Warthog rifle is designed from the popular Gen 1 Low Profile DPMS LR-308 platform AR-10 rifle. Jacob Grey did this for easier access to parts and accessories for future customization for the consumer. Quality in design and weight were the two most prominent features that were concentrated on upon development.
The result of this effort is an outstanding example of American craftsmanship and ingenuity. With sleek, aggressive styling, gone are the days of a drab, dreary semi-automatic .308 Win rifle. With appealing standard features such as a flared mag-well, winter trigger guard, matching designed billet dust cover, ambi-selector, and bolt catch release, Jacob Grey has made a rifle that stands out. Every Jacob Grey firearm is precision cut from 7075 T6 aluminum with no castings or forgings. While not a major manufacturer, Jacob Grey takes their time to build a solid rifle.
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