Centrefire Hunting Rifles
ATA ARMS
ATA Turqua is another engineering innovation from Turkey, that country’s first bolt-action rifle. Many shooters will ask how this can be possible when various Mauser rifles carry Ankara markings. But while military rifles of Mauser make and pattern are common in Turkey, they were actually manufactured under contract in Germany, Belgium, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia and Poland.
The new Tarqua boasts a modern push-feed short-action with one-diameter bolt, triple-locking lugs and low-lift bolt handle. The receiver has an integral Picatinny rail. Available in a choice of Black synthetic, Turkish walnut or Red-Black laminated stock, in classic styling with straight comb. The Turqua has a low 60-degree bolt lift with 3-stage safety. The 24” barrel is free-floating for guaranteed Sub MOA accuracy. Barrels are 24 inches long fitted with iron sights. Detachable magazine holds 5 rounds in 6.5.243 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor and 308 Win.
Contact Nioa. Website: www.nioa.com.au
BENELLI
Benelli, known mostly as a shotgun maker, has been producing R1 semiauto rifles since 2002. The Lupo (“Wolf in Italian) is their first entry into the bolt-action centrefire rifle field. Being loaded with innovative features, including seven exclusive Benelli patents, the Lupo is destined to be a winner. The rifle features a chassis-style construction built from an alloy lower receiver and steel-barreled action fitted with a synthetic stock and forearm. The stock incorporates Benelli’s patented Progressive Comfort recoil-reducing system and Combtech cheek pad for comfortable shooting. The free-floated, CRIO-treated barrel, securely bedded (steel to steel) into the alloy chassis has a crowned muzzle with 5/8x24 threaded muzzle attached with a steel barrel extension secured to the receiver by the recoil lug and two screws. One diameter 3-lug chromed bolt has a dogleg bolt handle to clear the eyepiece of a low mounted scope. Copying the lines of Benelli’s SBE 3, Ethos and 828U, the synthetic stock features Progressive Comfort recoil reduction system and Comfort Tech interchangeable comb system. Forearm is trapezoid with textured “Air Touch” grip and integrated sling swivel attachment. LOP is adjustable from 13.8 to 15.2.” A steeply angled trigger guard is integral with the alloy chassis and the trigger is adjustable from 2.2 to 4.4 lbs. Double-column detachable magazine blends with the lines of the chassis and holds 5 standard rounds or 4 magnums. The receiver has six drilled and tapped holes for mounting two Rem. 700 rear bases or Benelli’s one-piece six screw Picatinny rail. Besides sub-MOA accuracy and a great trigger, the stock’s adjustability and comfort are why the Benelli deserves serious consideration.
Contact: Beretta Australia. www.berettaaustralia.com.au
FRANCHI
The company’s first rifle, the Momentum Elite has been updated and now features a detachable box magazine, Cerokote metal finishes and stocks wearing three different camo patterns-Dark Earth Splatter, Wild Purple and ODE Green Splatter. Sling studs are recessed into recesses in the synthetic stock which is equipped with Franchi’s TSA recoil pad. The Momentum is drilled and tapped to accept two-piece Remington 700-style scope bases. The fluted bolt is onediameter with three non-rotating lugs for a short 60 degree lift. Having one lug located at 6-oclock enables maximum case head engagement when it strips a round off the follower. A larger target-style bolt handle provides plenty of leverage to operate the bolt which slides and cycles smoothly, being a cylinder within a cylinder. Standard Momentum models have an internal magazine with hinged floorplate, but the new Elite has a single-column centre-fed detachable box magazine. The Momentum’s barrel is threaded 5/8x24 for a multi-ported muzzle brake, has a length of 22” in.223 and .308 and 24” in 6.5 Creedmoor. The trigger with integral 2-position safety is adjustable from 2 to 4lbs. The Franchi has an overall length of 44.25” in .223 and .308 and 46.25” in 6.5,. Weight is 7lb/8oz.
Contact: Beretta Australia. Web: www.berettaaustralia.com.au
LITHGOW ARMS
The LA102 CrossOver brings Lithgow quality, accuracy and reliability to centrefire cartridges. The LA102 maintains the military, form-following functional style of the LA11 rifle with reinforced polymer stock, broad flat forend and Cerakote treated barrel and receiver. Accuracy, now synonymous with the Lithgow Arms brand, is assured by floated, choked, hammer-forged barrels with semi-match chambers and 3-lug bolt. The new 3-lever-style trigger module fitted the the LA102 is adjustable for weight of pull, sear engagement and overtravel, The Signature series features a spiral fluted bolt and bolt knob with Crossover signature insignia. The rifle holds three rounds in .243, 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 and four in .223. At 8lb the Crossover is a bit heavy for carrying over hill and dale, but it’s nicely balanced and its accuracy potential is second to none.
Contact: Outdoor Sporting Agencies. Web. www.osaaustralia.com.au
