When it comes to value, the Hi-Point 995TS Carbine is hard to beat. Despite their modest price, they are 100% American-made and come with a full lifetime transferrable no-questions-asked warranty. These direct blowback carbines are simple, fun, and effective. Additionally, all Hi-Point carbines are rated for +P ammunition.
The iconic Steyr AUG is the oldest serving bullpup in military history, dating back to 1977. This 5.56x45mm rifle utilizes a short-stroke gas piston and a 16-inch quick-change barrel to deliver a compact, soft shooting experience. The Steyr AUG’s current incarnation is the Steyr AUG A3 M1, which is available with a short optics rail, extended optics rail, or an integrated 3x optic. Coming in at 8.8 pounds and just 28.15 inches long, the AUG is superbly balanced and is still a gold standard in the bullpup market today.
The Savage Impulse has brought the world of lightning-fast straight-pull bolt-action rifles to the U.S. market. Utilizing a ball-bearing lock-up system, the Impulse allows for quick follow-up shots, making it ideal for hunting. The Predator version comes with a 10-round detachable AICS box magazine, adjustable AccuTrigger, and Savage’s AccuStock with adjustable LOP and comb-height. It also features a one-piece 20-MOA optics rail and a medium contour, carbon steel, threaded barrel. All of these features combine for a fast-shooting, accurate platform that is well-suited for almost any hunting situation.
The Galil ACE is IWI’s modern version of their original Galil ARM, which itself was a sort of the AK-47/Valmet/AR-15 mashup. The ACE uses the same mechanics as the original Galil, but in a lighter, smaller platform with a polymer lower receiver.
Considered widely to be the ultimate refinement of the AK-style platform, the Galil ACE in 7.62x39mm is a gas piston operated rifle that adds numerous improvements over its predecessors. A non-reciprocating left-side charging handle, M-LOK free float handguard, full-length Picatinny top rail, and a folding M4 style buttstock ensure that those who enjoy the 7.62x39mm cartridge have a rifle that is adapted for modern times and modern accessories.
The Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine is a modern reproduction gun that gives consumers a chance to experience the sweet-shooting WWII classic chambered in .30 carbine without having to chase down an original copy.
Produced by Kahr Arms in Greely, PA, each Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine is made to be a faithful reproduction of the gun that served the United States from World War II through the Vietnam War. A parkerized receiver, walnut stock, 18-inch barrel, and standard capacity 15-round magazine complete the authentic look and feel of the original.
“The DDM4ISR is a .300 BLK integrally suppressed rifle from Daniel Defense. It sports a 9 inch cold-hammer-forged barrel with an overall length of 16-inches. This gun features a Keymod handguard and handles just about as smoothly in a shoot house as it does out on the range. We had no problems whatsoever during our testing. This rifle loaded, fired, and ejected perfectly. The grip angle may feel odd to some, but overall it’s great once you get used to it.” – John C.
Daniel Defense’s Mk18 runs extremely well. It’s a blast to shoot and handled well in CQB-type training scenarios. We’ve put well over 1,000 rounds through our model, and it’s still running like it did day one. We did have a little trouble with DD proprietary mags — but that was managed by removing a couple of rounds and gently seating it into the magwell. PMAGs run great, though!
The Mk18 is a fun pistol or SBR option (depending on what you prefer). Chambered in 5.56 NATO, it offers a 10.3-inch barrel on a 28.6-inch overall length. Pistol versions sport an SB-Tactical pistol stabilizing brace (keep an eye out, though, as laws may be changing there).
