Eve Flanigan 12.18.23
You know that saying about idle hands? As I impatiently convalesce an injury that’s become an impediment to what used to be normal activity, including shooting, I’ve had time to reflect back on a couple great gun writers’ conferences last fall and fantasize about being able to own each of the impressive firearms I had a chance to handle briefly at those events. The holidays seem like a logical time to share this long wish list. In no particular order, here are all of the firearms I wouldn’t mind finding under my Christmas tree.
#1 Accurate Mag AMSR (Advanced Multi-Caliber Sniper Rifle)
This company probably makes some of the rifle magazines in your safe, but they also make a fine chassis rifle for sport, law enforcement, and hunting. The AMSR was their attempt at winning the changeable-on-the-go, multi-caliber system for a Naval Special Warfare solicitation. It received high marks for all performance indicators in that competition. Accurate Mag delivers a system that can change either a barrel or entire action in 40 seconds, working at a casual pace. A barrel change requires one Allen wrench to lock/unlock it into place. It employs Shaw barrels, known for precision and quality. The stock folds for easy transport. Available for popular chamberings beginning in “3.” One gun can do all your medium and big game hunts for $6,500.
#2 Taurus Judge TORO (Red Dot) Model
Not gonna lie, I’ve never been a fan of the Judge. It’s big, it’s bulky, and 45LC is kind of obnoxiously loud. But those are exactly the reasons I wouldn’t mind having one of the TORO models to pass around and show off to family at the backyard range after a nice pumpkin pie dessert. It’s like bringing Hulk Hogan home as a dinner guest. Nobody will forget it, and thanks to a red dot sight, no one needs to be very (shooting-) literate to enjoy it. Point and make big holes downrange. For anytime I’m feeling extra but don’t want to work hard to prove it, this one would be handy. It’s currently offered with a three-inch barrel in black or stainless. Prices start at $615-99.
#3 American Tactical Camo Turkey Fowl Over/Under
The sole shotgun entry on this list is a Turkish-made over/under offered in 12, 28, 20, and 410 gauges. It has a 22-inch barrel. The handy synthetic stock in green/yellow tones is good-looking and blends in to most any hunt setting. A barrel selector switch allows the user to choose which barrel fires. This descriptively-named gun ships with two extra-full and choke tubes one extended modified choke tube. The 10mm rib includes a mid-barrel bead and a front brass bead as the sight system, in addition to being drilled and tapped for a scope on a Weaver rail. It also has sling swivel studs. With Turkish reliability, good looks, and whatever caliber you like, this is a great deal at $699.99.
#4 Mitchell Defense DOC Series AR15
There are literally thousands of complete AR15s to choose from. But when I heard that Mitchell Defense guns are made with reliable cycling as the top priority, it became easy to pick one from a crowded market. Their DOC series of .223/5.56 rifles are constructed to precision standards with 7076 aluminum billet uppers and lowers. Mitchell Defense makes great use of the latest in coatings for both barrels and components, making for butter-smooth operation. Each rifle has a generous helping of M-LOK on the handguard, placed at thoughtful angles to facilitate use of multiple sight systems, lights, or other accessories. R&D is a big priority with MD, and it shows. When I got to shoot one, I was impressed not only by its consistent cycling when hot but also its naturally flat-shooting design. The DOC line of ARs starts at $2,000.
#5 Hi Point 10mm Carbine
Weren’t expecting that one, were you? But after hearing other consumers’ logic from Hi Point factory reps, this one makes total sense. If I took the brand name away for a second and said: want an affordable, packable truck gun that can handle 4WD rides and still perform well if you encounter a grizzly or other dangerous animal? This one’s got your back, would it sound more appealing? That’s right, a large portion of Hi Point’s sales are to people who need a dangerous American game gun, whether they tread in the wilderness or urban sidewalks. The mighty 10mm cartridge takes what might not be considered a serious self-protection gun in some situations and makes this one pistol caliber carbine worth looking for. And they have some bomb camo treatments. MSRP $427.99 – $501.00
These are a few guns I’d not mind finding under my tree this Christmas. Some are pricey, some not, but I can think of a way to put each of them to work. What model do you have your eyes set on this year?
