Video Reel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJk1k5WjIkA
The Australian firearm manufacturing industry has been pretty quiet over the past 20 years. Lithgow of course, is still kicking around, producing products for our soldiers, sailors and air-persons, as well as quality rifles for the civilian shooter. There are a few other companies, like Warwick Firearms, but we’ll go into those later on.
A new company has arisen. Based out of New South Wales, Covenanter Arms has emerged this year to reveal their first product on the market. The Covenanter’s were some of the first migrants to North America, taking with them a strong work ethos, and respectful views. The company is well fitting of the name, and their product, and customer service reflects those values.
Onwards to the product. Taking centre stage, the PR-22 (Pump-Rifle, .22 Cal), is quite unlike any other rifle currently on the Australian market, both in looks, and much more. It looks like a space-age imaging of an old-style ‘battle rifle’ and an AR-15 (and can accept different stocks and pistol grips) The rifle internals are influenced by the Ruger 10/22, a rifle that most shooters in the country pre-96 owned and loved, and a rifle that most shooters in the country today eye enviously, ever-aware that it lies out of metaphorical reach. This means that the PR-22 will be compatible with many Ruger accessories.
As it stands, the PR-22 is the only pump-action rimfire rifle in the world that takes detachable rotary magazines. It stacked full of other features too:
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Australian-made CNC-Billet Precision Machined Receiver
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Aircraft-grade 6061 Anodized Aluminium, with hardened steel internals
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A choice of a Solid, Australian hardwood A2-style stock, or a Magpul fixed stock
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Standard Sling mounts
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Unique Free-floating barrel mounting system
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Barrel options in either 16.5” or 18”, Stainless Steel or Blued, optional fluting and threaded as standard
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A patent-pending pump-action linear actuator for speed and reliability
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integrated picatinny rail mounts, and a trigger guard cover plate
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Bipod adaptor sheath that allows pump to be operated when bipod is deployed
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optional KIDD Innovative Design trigger assembly upgrade
The author fired the PR-22 alongside an old Browning Trombone, a PWS T3 Summit, and an older Ruger 96/22 lever-action, and can confidently say the PR22 was the best of the bunch.
Better ergonomics, balance and a respectable weight (between 6-7lbs) make the PR22 a rifle to consider adding to your safe.
The Free-floated barrel allows for great accuracy, and group well using standard hunting ammunition – the use of dedicated target ammunition would improve your groupings. Nonetheless, a 5 round grouping shot with a 3-9×40 Redfield Revenge optic on the lowest magnification setting at 25m in wind and rain using Winchester Powerpoint (40g, HP) shows the rifle is capable of great accuracy.
Accuracy and speed! The linear actuator pump allows for practical follow-up shots when needed. It would make an absolutely fantastic bunny gun, or practical sport shooting rifle longarm. It’s also great fun putting rounds on target in quick succession. The rifle does not have a ‘slam-fire’ feature – it simply doesn’t need one, to the fantastic pump system in place.
To cap it off, the PR-22 is a solid, multi-purpose rifle. You won’t be disappointed, and you’ll be supporting the kick-start of the Australian firearms industry once more!
www. Covenanterarms.com.au
Select Firearms Dealers will stock the PR-22 in-store. Most customers will be able to purchase the PR-22 online via our website and complete the transfer through their local nominated Firearms Dealers.
Estimated retail price is $1694 inc. GST
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