The Taurus Expedition is one of the latest compact deer rifles to hit the market. (Photo courtesy of Taurus)
September 17, 2024
By Haynes Shelton
Every year, I attend the National Shooting Sports Foundation ’s world-famous Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show). My main objective is to seek out new deer hunting gear for coverage here in North American Whitetail . I look not just for cool products, but for product trends, which indicate a demand by the general hunting public.
In 2024, one trend I noticed was suppressor-ready rifles that are compact in overall size, especially in barrel length. Such rifles are threaded in common suppressor thread pitches, such as 5/8x24 or 1/2x28, eliminating the need for aftermarket barrel threading. This makes it much easier, and is more affordable, for anyone who wishes to add a sound suppressor to their gun.
Why the trend? Undoubtedly, it’s due to a steady increase in suppresser sales and use by shooting enthusiasts and hunters alike. Especially now, in spring 2024, when Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) suppressor approval times are at an all-time low, sales are skyrocketing. I was at a gun store just this week and multiple customers were lined up to pick up their just-approved suppressors. What was the fastest wait time of the guys I talked to in line? Nine hours . . . And nine months used to be considered fast.
I suspect these much-improved wait times will continue to drive suppresser sales at a healthy rate, which likely means the world of suppressor-ready rifles will grow even larger. In this article, we’ll look at three suppressor-ready rifles from different manufacturers. All are great shooters, long on features and short on barrel length — and worth considering!
Advertisement
Taurus Expedition Although Taurus is well-known for their handguns, the Expedition is the brand’s first bolt gun. (Photo courtesy of Taurus) When you think of Taurus, it’s hard not to think of their handguns. Afterall, they make many great revolvers and semi-automatic pistols for self-defense, shooting sports and for hunting.
However, if you go to Taurus’ website, you’ll now see a tab for “Rifles.” And this is where you’ll find information about their first-ever bolt-action rifle, the Expedition . Designed specifically for hunting, this brand-new offering features an 18-inch threaded barrel, is chambered in .308 Win. and features a detachable box magazine in the popular AICS pattern.
The Expedition at its core is a compact, suppressor-ready rifle measuring only 37.92 inches in total length. The rifle weighs just over seven pounds unloaded and features a scalloped-cut stock designed to fit perfect in gun saddles. The 18-inch stainless steel, hammer-forged .308 Win. barrel has a 1:10-inch Right-Hand Twist with six grooves. The frame and barrel are finished in Black DLC coating.
Advertisement
Be sure to check out Taurus’ exciting foray into the hunting rifle market. All information is available on their website .
18-Inch Barrel: Threaded, Hammer-Forged with Black DLC Finish 1:10-inch RH Twist Overall Length 37.92 Inches Scalloped-Cut Stock with M-Lok & Spartan Precision Attachment Points Browning X-Bolt 2 The Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR is a well-made and compact deer rifle. Several NAW TV staff members hunted with X-Bolt 2 rifles during the fall of 2023 before the rifle's launch. (Photo courtesy of Browning) Salt Lake City, Utah, is home to Browning Firearms, a gun manufacturer that’s no stranger to making straight-shooting hunting rifles with modern appeal. New for 2024 is the X-Bolt 2 , an expansion of the incredibly popular X-Bolt rifle line. X-Bolt 2 rifles are not only available in a huge selection of different calibers, finishes and models, but they also feature lots of new tech.
Shown here is the X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR (Suppressor-Ready). It features a fluted sporter contour barrel that’s lightweight and easy to maneuver afield. The barrel on the SPR models are all four inches shorter than standard lengths, to keep the length of the rifle manageable when shooting/hunting with a suppressor attached. Depending on caliber, barrel lengths range from 18 inches to 22 inches. The belled muzzle is threaded 5/8x24 RH.
Additional features include the Vari-Tech stock, which is adjustable for both length of pull and comb height to accommodate shooters of virtually any stature. Grip angle can also be adjusted by switching between the sporter and vertical grip modules. Additionally, rubber overmolding is present on the gripping surfaces. The Vari-Tech stock looks especially handsome in Browning’s Ovix camouflage pattern.
There’s much more to talk about on the X-Bolt 2, and several more models to consider in addition to the Speed SPR. Those can all be viewed on Browning’s website .
18- to 22-inch Barrel: Fluted, Sporter Weight & Cerakoted Burnt Bronze Belled Muzzle Threaded 5/8x24 RH DLX Adjustable Trigger Offers Zero Creep, Take-Up or Over Travel Vari-Tech Stock in Ovix Camo is Adjustable for Length of Pull, Comb Height and Grip Angle Wide Variety of Calibers Available Stag Arms Pursuit Made entirely in America, the Stag Arms Pursuit is an impressive, compact hunting rifle. After seeing one in-person at a presentation, the author says he had to have one. (Photo courtesy of Stag Arms) I first saw the Stag Arms Pursuit rifle during a presentation at the Outdoor Sportsman Group’s Shooting Roundtable in Grand Junction, Colorado, in August 2023, and knew I had to have one! It’s a super compact, highly adjustable rifle with lots of features and a very accurate 18- to 22-inch barrel. Available calibers include .308 Win., 6.5 CM, and 6.5 PRC.
The Pursuit is 100 percent American made and was designed specifically for hunters, especially those who want to shoot suppressed. It’s built on the Remington 700 footprint and features a three-lug bolt with a 60-degree bolt throw, a toolless quick disassemble bolt, and a penned recoil lug. The Trigger Tech Primary trigger is adjustable, single-stage and offers zero creep. The rifle is built on a modular hybrid hunter stock with an adjustable cheek riser and length of pull. The stock’s unique AR-10 style design even allows for toolless takedown of the buttstock for convenient storage and transport.
Worth noting, the stock also has a picatinny spigot for mounting bipods and accessories, as well as integrated QD sling cups. In addition, there’s also a 1/2 Arca Swiss Plate for tripod shooting. And the rifle’s detachable magazine is AICS/AW compatible. Learn more on their website .
18- to 22-inch Barrel: Fluted, 416 Stainless & Cerakoted with 1/10 Twist Threaded 5/8x24 RH Trigger Tech Primary Trigger Available in .308 Win, 6.5 CM & 6.5 PRC
