By Police1 Staff
ArmaLite officially introduced its all new AR-30A1 — the next generation of the company’s highly acclaimed bolt action rifles — at SHOT Show 2013 in Las Vegas.
The AR-30A1 is available in a target version and a standard version, both available in a .338 Lapua and .300 Win Mag.
While it visually resembles its predecessor, the AR-30, every individual component of the AR-30 was scrutinized in the AR-30A1. As a result, only the pistol grip, buttpad, trigger, and a few small components from the AR-30 passed muster for the new model.
ArmaLite says it retains its predecessor’s accuracy, light weight, and soft recoil while improving its ergonomics, adaptability, versatility, reliability and ease of use.
Features include muzzle brake threads on the end of the barrels, which employ threads that are standard for the sound suppressor industry (5/8 x 24 for the 300 Win Mag and 3/4 x 24 for the 338 Lapua). Many sound suppressors can be screwed directly onto the barrel without the need for an adaptor.
The long, 26-inch barrel in the .338 Lapua enhances muzzle velocity, flatness of trajectory, and terminal ballistics. The 24-inch barrel of the .300 Win Mag balances ballistic performance with portability.
The bolt-mounted safety mechanism locks the firing pin to the rear. This design, according to ArmaLite, is stronger and more secure than a sear or trigger blocking safety because it directly blocks the firing pin itself.
In the video below, ArmaLite’s Chief Engineer Nathan Brinkmeyer gives the lowdown on the AR-30A1 to Firearms Guide.