Mutant AK-47s, long guns, take center stage at SHOT Show
Rifles always feature big at SHOT, the world's largest gun show, and this year is no exception.
Nearly 70,000 people have convened in Las Vegas for the 37th Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show), with more than 1,600 exhibitors from all 50 states showcasing their latest and greatest products.
Lots of new long guns were introduced at SHOT, with companies taking the opportunity to do big reveals.
The new long guns this year represent quite a range -- some companies have introduced beautiful new classics, while others have released their newest tactical carbines.
And some companies have introduced not just one new long gun, but a whole new series.
So what's new? Here are three of the reveals that are already crowd favorites at SHOT – Mutants, Patriots, and IC-A5s.
CMMG Mk47 Mutant rifle
What happens when you marry two Cold War rivals?
At SHOT Show, you get a mutant rifle that's smart and as simple to use as a modern sporting rifle.
CMMG introduced its newest AR-15-style rifles: the Mk47 Mutant T, Mutant AKM, and Mutant AKM2. The company touts the new Mutant arrivals as a smart blend of the AK's ammunition and magazines with the accuracy and compatibility of components of the AR.
The Mutant was drawing a lot of crowds interested in the accuracy of an AR combined with the take down power of the 7.62x39 mm cartridge.
The MK-47 gas-operated semi-auto rifle is removable box magazine fed. It features a 16.1-inch free-floated barrel fitted with an AR carbine length direct-impingement gas system operating the AR-style bolt assembly. It has a slim receiver enhancing its sleek looks.
The two-position safety lever works like an AR safety and is positioned on the left side just above the grip.
Many of the Mk47's components are interchangeable with military-spec AR-15 and CMMG Mk3 components, including the threaded muzzle, gas tube and block, grip and shoulder stock.
The Mutant T base model is chambered for the 7.62×39 cartridge and there's a special receiver for AK-47 magazines. The weight is 7.2 pounds and the overall length is 33.5 inches with the stock collapsed.
The Mutant T will be available for about $1,499, the Mutant AKM is $1,649, and the AKM2 is $1,849.
Mossberg Patriots
Mossberg is replacing both the ATR and 4×4 lines with a single new line of bolt-action rifles called the Patriot. More than 50 models of the Mossberg Patriot line, including 11 hunting caliber rifles and some youth editions with shorter barrels, were released.
Walnut, black synthetic and laminate barrels are available. The standard calibers have five-round magazines and the magnum calibers have four rounds. The short-action options are the Winchester .308 and the Remington 22-205, .24, and 7mm-08.
For the long-action, the caliber choices include .375 Ruger, .25-06 Remington, .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, 7mm Remington Magnum as well as the Winchester .300 and .338 magnums.
All the rifles feature an LBA adjustable trigger from two to seven pounds. With 50 models, there are lots of options. Some bolts are spiral-fluted, some have rifle sights and some have weather-resistant Marincote finishes -- lots and lots of variations. There are nine different scoped rifle packages with 22-inch fluted barrels.
The standard rifles and scoped packages will be available for a price range between $386 and $584.
LWRCI IC-A5
Leftie? Then LWRCI may have a solution for you. LWRCI introduced its IC-A5 into the company's individual carbine rifle family. It draws upon the rifles developed to meet the U.S. Army Individual Carbine Program.
This rifle uses the standard 5.56 NATO cartridge and their self-regulating short-stroke gas piston system. The front rail design gives easy access to the low profile two-position adjustable gas block with normal and suppressed settings.
For improved durability and resistance against corrosion, as well as wear and tear, it has a nickel boron coated bolt carrier.
Good news for lefties -- the lower receiver is fully ambidextrous and there are dual controls for bolt catch and release, magazine release, and fire control so it functions just as effortlessly for those not right handed.
The 14-inch barrel will be available for $2,599 and $2,749 for a 16-inch barrel.
Ballet dancer turned defense specialist Allison Barrie has traveled around the world covering the military, terrorism, weapons advancements and life on the front line. You can reach her at wargames@foxnews.com or follow her on Twitter @Allison_Barrie .