Later this month Ruger will enter yet another product category. Until now they have neglected the budget bolt action market, preferring to sell mid-range and high-end rifles instead. The Ruger American Rifle is budget-priced with a MSRP of $449.

The rifle features aluminum bedding blocks, Savage Accutrigger-style adjustable trigger and four round rotary magazine. It is chambered in .243 Win., .270 Win., .30-06 and .308 Win. The action comes in one size (long action).

The Remington 770 and Savage Axis both have MSRPs about $90 less than the American. The American is priced about the same as the Mossberg ATR 100 and has similar features, including a Accutrigger-style adjustable trigger.

Ruger will sell truck loads of these rifles and by the end of 2012 there are sure to be a variety of models with stainless and camo finishes.

Earlier this year Marlin introduced the value-for-money XL7 rifle cambered in 25-06, 270 and 30-06. I thought it was odd that they did not offer a short action version. John Snow reports that a short action version will be available shortly in .248, .308 and 7mm-08.

Marlin XL7 (the long action version)

John has the specs and a brief range report.

Marlin has introduced a new line of bolt action rifles this year, the XL7. It comes in two models, the XL7 and XL7C (Relatree Camo).

XL7C

It is available in 25-06, 270 and 30-06.

Specs:

Capacity: 4+1
Barrel: 22″
Weight : 6 1/2 lbs.

The XL7 has been built for those who demand premium features at a fair price. Noteworthy features include our NEW adjustable Pro-Fireâ„¢ trigger system, Soft-Techâ„¢ recoil pad, fluted bolt for speed and smoothness, a pillar bedded stock for accuracy and recessed “target style” muzzle crown Price right, the XL7 is a rifle that you can be proud of at a price you can afford.

More at Marlin

GunBlast has written a review:

I like accurate rifles. I especially like accurate rifles that are a real bargain in today’s market. I usually do not list prices in a review, as our articles stay up on Gunblast in the Archive section forever, and we are constantly getting new readers who find our site. In this case, however, I will make an exception, as this new XL7 carries a list price, as of this writing, of only $326 US. This price, combined with the accuracy, comfort, and handling of the rifle, along with that excellent trigger, makes this new Marlin XL7 one of the best bargains available in a quality rifle. In addition to that, it is made in the United States by American skilled workers. Considering reliability, accuracy, and price, the Marlin XL7 is hard to beat, and I highly recommend it.

More here.

Sako has launched a new 1 MOA guaranteed bolt action rifle, the A7.

It will come in two models. The A7 and A7 stainless. Both models are chambered for .243, .22-250, 7mm-8, .270 WSM, .300 WSM, .25-06, .270, 7mm Rem Mag and .300 Win Mag.

Prices:

UPDATE:

The press release:

ACCOKEEK, MD (January 28, 2008) — When it comes to buying a new hunting rifle, nothing is more important to a rifle shooter than accuracy and reliability. But equally important in today’s economy is value. The new Sako A7 meets all of these criteria straight out of the box. Available in 2008 as the new benchmark for the perfect American hunting rifle, mixing the world’s finest out-of-the-box accuracy rating with superior value, the new Sako A7 offers the rare combination of unprecedented accuracy and ultimate reliability at an affordable price.

The Sako A7 improves upon the world famous Sako 75 design, featuring a machined forged-steel bolt, match-grade hammer-forged barrel, adjustable single-stage trigger (adjustable between 2.2 and 4.9 pounds), detachable magazine and synthetic stock. The A7 also integrates the new “Total Control” Magazine Latch introduced on the Sako 85, eliminating any chance that the box magazine can come loose during operation. This new rifle is available in two finishes: blued and Sako’s no-glare Stainless Steel. The A7′s bolt offers a silky-smooth movement with a 70-degree throw. Together with Sako’s super-crisp trigger, the A7 provides an incredibly fast total lock time of less than 1.3 milliseconds.

Since 1921, Sako has led the industry in accuracy by setting the standard by which all other rifles are compared. Each rifle must place five shots within one inch at 100 yards or they don’t ship. Serious shooters know that in order to obtain consistent sub-inch groups one must start with a high-quality firearm and move forward from there. The new A7 not only holds the same level of accuracy as its brother the Sako 85, but it offers a price that makes the A7 the hands down best value in the American market.

The new Sako A7 rifle series is a superbly executed medley of tradition, technology, out-of-the-box accuracy and unprecedented value.

Established in 1921, Sako was originally created to build and service firearms for the Civil Guard in Finland. Since that time, the company has been dedicated to providing innovative solutions to shooters’ emerging needs for precision firearms. For decades now, Sako has developed world-class military, target and hunting rifles. The Sako brand offers the shooter uncompromising accuracy and reliability in a variety of calibers. Along side Beretta and its unique firearms traditions that reach all the way to the year 1526, Sako proudly carries on the precision rifle craftsmanship that has led to the success of the Sako products. Today, Sako manufactures, distributes and markets a complete line of rifles. Beretta USA is the exclusive distributor in North America for Sako products. For additional information visit: www.berettausa.com.

Hat Tip: AccurateShooter.com

This is the first of the 2008 rifles I am covering (during 2008).

Accuracy under all conditons. The Bell and Carlson™ composite stock features a textured charcoal grey matte finish for rugged good looks and improved grip in adverse conditions. The Pachmayr® Decelerator® pad helps take the felt recoil bite out of high performance magnum cartridges.

The claw extractor offers Controlled Round Feeding so the cartridge may be easily withdrawn from the chamber at any point after it leaves the magazine. The cartridge feed lips are part of the receiver for improved reliability and greater durability. The classic three-position safety offers both on safe and fire positions, plus a middle position that locks the firing pin yet still allows the bolt to be operated, providing a greater margin of safety when checking the chamber condition or unloading. The Extreme Weather SS’s free floating, fluted stainless barrel is made in the same factory as those found on U.S. military rifles and machine guns, and features a recessed target crown to help protect the rifling.

1 MOA accuracy with superior optics and match ammo under ideal conditions can be expected from the Extreme Weather SS.

.308 Model (Also available in .270, .30-06, .300 Win Mag, 270 WSM, 300 WSM and 325 WSM):

Magazine Capacity: 5
Barrel Length 22″
Nominal Overall Length: 41″
Nominal Length of Pull: 13 3/4″
Nominal Drop at Comb: 1/2″
Nominal Drop at Heel: 1/2″
Nominal Weight: 6 lbs. 12 oz.
Rate of Twist: 1 turn in 12″
Metal Finish: Stainless Steel
Stock / Grip: Bell and Carlson premium composite stock
Retail: $1,149

More here.

As the name suggests this is the light weight version of the model 70 and is avlible in most common sporting calibers.

The legendary handling and quickness of the Model 70 Featherweight Deluxe is justly famous among hunters everywhere. The Model 70 action offers Pre-’64 style Controlled Round Feeding, a three-position safety and is highlighted by a jeweled bolt and knurled bolt handle. Inside is the new M.O.A. Trigger System, the finest trigger ever offered in a bolt-action with zero take up, zero creep and zero overtravel.

Like the original Featherweight, the angled comb walnut stock still features the Schnabel fore-end and satin finish with elegant cut checkering. A premium Pachmayr® Decelerator® recoil pad helps soak up felt recoil. It’s available in the most popular long and short action calibers, including WSM chamberings.

Available in .243, 7mm-08, .308, .270, 30-06, .300 Win Mag, .300 WSM, .270 WSM, .325 WSM

More here.

The Sporter Deluxe features a satin finished walnut stock with cut checkering on its trim fore-end and pistol grip, along with a sculpted cheekpiece for precise scope alignment to create a superbly balanced rifle that’s lighter to carry. The premium Pachmayr® Decelerator® recoil pad with the ideal contact area offers optimal protection against felt recoil while still being quick to the shoulder.

Along with the Sporter’s great looks and handling come a cold-hammer forged barrel and the crisp new three-lever M.O.A. Trigger System to let you fully exploit the 1 MOA accuracy potential of this classic hunting rifle. Available in popular long and short action calibers including WSM calibers.

Available in calibers: .270, 30-06, 300 Win Mag, 300 WSM, 270 WSM and 325 WSM.

More here.