For the past four days, several members of the Born Hunting Team have been exploring the halls and aisles of the 46th Annual SHOT Show. Here’s what they discovered.
by Born Hunting Staff
Held at the Venetian Expo + Ceasars Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada, from January 23-26, the 46th Annual SHOT Show is coming to a close.
Once again, attendees were able to get quality face time with top-tier manufacturers, distributors, and experts, and as usual, there was no lack of entertainment. With over 2,500 exhibits and 100,000 products, there was plenty to do and see. The Born Hunting Team did our best to spread out and find some top-end products.
Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed
Browning’s X-Bolt is available in multiple styles and calibers and is a legend in the bolt-action rifle world. For 2024, Browning adds the X-Bolt 2 Speed to its bolt-action lineup. The newest X-Bolt member features a Vari-Tech Stock with a modular grip design that allows for interchange between a sporter (traditional style) and vertical grip. The stock is LOP adjustable, and six comb height positions are available. The stock has over-molding in critical areas like the comb, grip, and under the forearm. The bolt was redesigned for improved ergonomics and styling. The receiver also got a facelift, and it ensures more bolt guidance to ensure smoother bolt operation and no hand contact with the scope when working the bolt.
Smith & Wesson 1854 Series
Since patenting its first lever gun in 1854, Smith & Wesson has become a lever-gun kingpin. Its latest addition, the new-for-2024 1854 Series, is a shining example of why. Built with 19-1/4-inch barrels and chambered in .44 Rem Mag, the lever-action duo has a 9+1 capacity. The design melds a classic lever design with multiple modern-day enhancements. The Model 1854 features a paired synthetic black and stainless-steel finish across the stock, receiver, forend, and barrel. The Model 1854 Limited Edition has all of the same features as the Model 1854, but instead of the M-LOK capable forend, the rifle showcases a high-grade satin walnut finish on both the stock and forend.
Taurus Expedition
Taurus throws its hat in the bolt-action rifle arena for 2024 with the launch of its Expedition. Based on the tried-and-true and wildly popular Remington 700 action, the Expedition is available in .308 Win. This bolt-action beauty has a five-round capacity via the removable magazine. The barrel length is 18 inches, making the rifle easily maneuverable, and the 7.054-pound (unloaded) weight rating is neither ultra-light nor heavy. The hammer-forged barrel ensures sub-MOA accuracy, and the stock showcases a scalloped cut design. This build allows the rifle to rest perfectly in gun saddles.
ALPS Talon Holster
Attach ALPS’ Talon Holster to your bino harness, pack, or virtually anywhere else. This new-for-2024 holster comes with a polymer MOLLE clip compatible with MOLLE up to 4.25 inches in width, which allows for mounting in several different positions. A universal, ambidextrous holster that will accommodate a variety of sidearms, the Talon is an excellent addition to ALPS’s fine product lineup.
VersaCarry Defender Series & Covert
For 2024, VersaCarry introduces a trio of new holsters. The Defender Bravo is an outside-the-waistband handgun toter made from premium water buffalo leather. It has a forward cant and multi-point adjustability. The Defender Alpha is also a forward cant holster with inlaid molded polymer. Like the Bravo, the Alpha is an outside-the-waistband holster crafted from water buffalo hide. The Covert is an inside-the-waistband holster with multi-point tension capability and adjustable cant.
Rock River Arms RRA .17 HMR
RRA is adding to its rimfire long-gun lineup for 2024. The AR-platform rifle is chambered in .17 HMR. Suited for those looking for an accurate varmint buster, or those wanting to punch paper or ring steel with supreme accuracy, this rifle features RRA’s A4 billet upper receiver and forged A2 lower. The rifle’s barrel is a precision-manufactured 41V50 CM V 18-inch with a 1:9 twist rate. Boosting precision is the NM Ultra Match 2-stage trigger. Other must-note features include a rear charging handle for easy operation, and the rifle comes with a winter trigger guard conducive to wearing heavy gloves. The stock is an ergonomic Magpul MOE grip with adjustable MOE SL-K six-position design. RRA’s lightweight 15-inch free-floated handguard with M-LOK compatibility sweetens the stock.
Traditions Pro Series Muzzle Brake
Designed to reduce recoil without affecting accuracy, Traditions’ Pro Series Muzzle Brake fits the new-for-2024 threaded barrel NitroFire and Pursuit XT Pro Series models. The Pro Series meets SAAMI thread specifications and is 3/4-24. Side ports in the brake allow for rapid smoke diversion, which helps the shooter stay on target. Pro Series Muzzle Brakes help balance the rifle, and the Nitride finish ensures maximum corrosion resistance.
Burris Veracity PH
For 2024, Burris Pushes rifle-mounted optic design further. Burris’ new Veracity PH pairs with the new-and-improved BurrisConnect app to create and upload custom ballistic profiles. Using custom ballistic calculators, the app ensures that when you turn your turret and squeeze the trigger, an accurate shot will be the result. The PĒK system provides exact dialing precision. After entering ballistic info into the app, the system combines a digital sensor with a clickless mechanical elevation turret for accuracy down to 1/10 MOA. The Heads-Up Display (HUD) promises ease of use and shows all the information you need in one clean sight picture.
Steiner Predator 4s
Noted by Steiner as the smallest and lightest premium scope ever crafted, the Predator 4s is a 4-16X hunting riflescope built on a durable 30mm tube chassis. The scope measures only 10 inches long and weighs just a tick over 4 ounces. Steiner aimed to give hunters an ultra-light and ultra-compact scope with excellent optical performance. Early rumblings by those who’ve tested the scope say the mission was accomplished. The Predator 4s promises bright, high-clarity, and high-contrasting imagery with an edge-to-edge sharpness that will surely be cheered. The E3 second focal plane reticle features 11 brightness settings and ensures a fast and crisp sight picture.
