M77 RUGER COMPACT MAGNUM
The new M77 Ruger Compact Magnum Hawkeyes with 20-inch barrels were designed with Hornady specifically for the .300 and .338 Ruger Compact Magnum cartridges. Features include the smooth, crisp Ruger LC6 trigger for improved out-of-the-box trigger pull, and a red rubber recoil pad that provides more effective recoil reduction. Other Ruger M77 Hawkeye rifle elements are the Mauser-type controlled feeding and powerful claw extractor, three-position safety, hammer-forged steel barrels and Ruger scope rings. The design of the patented steel floor plate, which bears the distinctive Ruger logo, provides easy unloading and eliminates accidental "dumping" of ammunition.

Two versions of the Ruger M77 RCM Hawkeye rifles are available. The matte blued version features the M77 Hawkeye's walnut stock with wraparound cut checkering on the forearm and more rounded contours on the bottom of the stock and top of the pistol grip. The matte stainless version has a synthetic stock with a new recoil pad. (www.ruger-firearms.com).

SAVAGE PREDATOR HUNTER
The new Savage Model 10 Predator Hunter is a fully camouflaged short-action rifle designed either for an all-day stand on vermin or as a "walking varminter" for moving from position after coyotes or woodchucks. Available in .204 Ruger, .223 Remington or .22/250, it features a 22-inch free-floated medium-contour barrel, pillar-bedded synthetic stock with sling swivel studs, molded fore-end and pistol grip checkering, an oversized bolt handle for ease of use with mittened hands, and the varmint-grade Savage AccuTrigger, adjustable from 1.5 to 6 pounds.

Magazine capacity in all chamberings is four rounds. The receiver comes with two Weaver-style scope bases attached (also camoed). The camo pattern is Mossy Oak's superb year-round and all-country "Brush" pattern, and the rifle is also available as a package already fitted with a Brush-camoed Simmons 3-9X scope. Without scope, the Predator weighs 7 1/2 pounds, much less than a typical 11-pound full-sized heavy-barrel varmint rifle. (www.savagearms.com).

SMITH & WESSON I-BOLT
Smith & Wesson's new I-Bolt rifle offers several innovations. At the heart of the I-Bolt is the "E-Z Turn" bolt release, which requires no side-buttons or external mechanical parts. To extract the bolt, the user must simply push, turn and release. The aggressive three-lug bolt features a short 60-degree travel and tactile/visual cocking indicator. The patent-pending Tru-Set trigger allows the user to adjust the trigger pull from 3 to 6 pounds without removing the barreled action from the stock. By simply inserting and turning the quick-click tool inside the trigger guard, the user can decrease or increase the trigger pull in 1-pound increments.

Smith & Wesson has also designed a three-position, semi-lineal safety with a positive "middle position" detent, not traditionally found in arc movement safeties. The I-Bolt features a 23-inch free-floated Thompson/Center precision match grade barrel, and a rigid synthetic stock with patent-pending X-Bed technology. (www.smith-wesson.com).

THOMPSON/CENTER ICON
Thompson/Center Arms has now introduced three long-action chamberings in its new ICON bolt-action rifle: .30/06, 7mm Remington Magnum and .300 Winchester Magnum. Featuring a 24-inch, button-rifled, match grade barrel, the ICON comes standard with a 5R rifling design that enables long-term accuracy and consistency, and a 60-degree chamfered crown. The solid-top receiver has integral Weaver-style rails in front of and behind the ejection port.

Stock fit features an innovative Interlok bedding system that contains three integral recoil lugs designed to interlock with the flat bottom receiver and the aluminum bedding block. A visual and tactical cocking indicator is integrated into the rear of the bolt sleeve. The ICON's full-diameter, three-lug bolt incorporates an interchangeable bolt handle, 60-degree bolt lift and a skeletonized shroud. The trigger is fully adjustable from 2 1/2 to 6 pounds without removing the action from the stock. ICON barrels are free-floated. (www.tcarms.com).

WEATHERBY VANGUARD CUSTOM
Weatherby has introduced two new custom Vanguards engineered for specific environments -- the Sage Country for sparse, open prairie and the Back Country for high-altitude hunting.

The Vanguard Sage Country has an injection-molded stock with a Desert Camo finish. The rifle's matte black metalwork is paired with a 24-inch chrome moly barrel, eliminating game-spooking glare while improving accuracy. The Sage Country features a low-density, rubber recoil pad. The Vanguard Back Country weighs in at a meager 6 3/4 pounds and is designed for hunters trekking rough terrain in high altitudes. The rifle's stainless steel metalwork and fluted barrel are bead blasted to a matte finish, eliminating game-spooking glare while helping to resist the ill effects of rain or snow. Pillar bedded for improved accuracy, the Back Country features an ultralight composite stock. To reduce recoil, the stock is butted with a Pachmayr Decelerator pad. (www.weatherby.com).

WINCHESTER MODEL 70
The Winchester Model 70 returns for 2008 with an all-new MOA Trigger System, improved fit and finish. and enhanced accuracy to go along with its classic pre-64 controlled round feeding, three-position safety and sure handling.

Completely redesigned to exhibit zero take up, zero creep and zero over-travel, the new Model 70 MOA trigger system operates on a simple pivoting lever principle. Pull weight ranges from 3 to 5 pounds and is factory-set at 3 3/4 pounds. Model 70 barrels are cold hammer-forged from a solid billet of steel for accuracy and long life. The chamber is reamed and the bolt is head spaced.

The company warrants 1 MOA accuracy for three-shot groups using a properly managed barrel, quality match ammo and superior optics under ideal weather and range conditions. The Model 70's blade-type ejector allows full control when ejecting a fired case. The new Winchester Model 70 will be offered in a Super Grade, Featherweight Deluxe, Sporter Deluxe and Extreme Weather SS models for 2008. (www.winchesterguns.com).