Every year we get the chance to call the gun, ammo and optics companies and cajole them into spilling the beans on what they have planned for the coming year. And believe us, it’s not as easy as it sounds. But judging from what we got them to divulge, 2007 is going to a banner year for shooters looking to spend a few bucks. So dive in and start the New Year off right with a big ‘ol wish list.

Browning

Browning BLR Takedown

The BLR lever action is now available in a takedown version with a scout-style scope mount offered as an accessory; it stays attached to the barrel half of the rifle when disassembled. The rifle will be offered in BLR Lightweight Pistol Grip and 81 models. Short-action calibers range from .22-250 Rem. to .325 WSM and include an old favorite, the .358 Win., and the .450 Marlin. Long-action calibers include .270 Win., .30-06., 7mm Rem. Mag. and .300 Win. Mag. Suggested retail ranges from $832 to $941.

The BAR ShortTrac and LongTrac semiauto are now available in left-hand models, and right-hand models will be offered in Mossy Oak New Break-Up camo pattern with composite stocks and Dura-Touch coatings. Suggested retail ranges from $967 to $1,051. The A-Bolt line now includes two new Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation editions, both chambered in .325 WSM. The RMEF Special Hunter A-Bolt goes for $847 and the upgraded RMEF A-Bolt White Gold model for $1,286.

The straight-pull T-Bolt rimfire is now available in a Target/Varmint version with 22-inch heavy target free-floating barrel with a semi-match chamber and recessed crown. The satin-finish walnut stock features a Monte Carlo comb. Suggested retail is $647. www.browning.com, 801/876-2711

Chaparral Firearms
This new importer of Italian-made replica firearms is offering Winchester 1876, 1873 and 1866 rifles and carbines. The 1866 can be had in .45 Colt, .38 Special, .38-40 and .44-40 in round or octagonal barrel lengths ranging from 19 to 24 inches. The 1876 can be had in .45-60 or .45-75 in octagonal barrel lengths of 22, 24, 26 and 28 inches. The 1873 can be had in .357 Magnum, .38-40, .44-40 and .45 Colt in round or octagonal configurations. www.chaparralfirearms.com, 866/769-4867

Ed Brown

Ed Brown Savanna

The Savanna bolt action now features a controlled-round-feed action and a stainless steel barrel with Generation III coating for enhanced rust protection. It can be had with a No. 3 or No. 4 barrel contour and features chamberings from .17 Remington to .458 Lott, with some interesting numbers in between such as the 6.5-284 Norma and .280 Ackley Improved. Suggested retail is $3,195 (standard) or $3,295 (magnum). www.edbrown.com, 573/565-3261

FNH-USA

FNH-USA PS90

The PS90 Triple Rail Carbine is based on the company’s P90 and is chambered for the same 5.7x28mm round. It features a 10- or 30-round box magazine that runs horizontally atop the receiver and sports a 16-inch barrel. As the name implies, it boasts three M1913 rails for mounting accessories. www.fnhusa.com, 703/288-1292

Harrington & Richardson
H&R is offering six new three-barrel combo packages based on the centerfire Handi-Rifle. They include a .17 HMR/.223/.22 LR, a .243/.22 LR/12 gauge, a .270 Win./.22 LR/12 gauge, a .30-06/.22 LR/12 gauge, a .243 Win./.22 LR/20 gauge (Youth size) and a .243/.22 LR/.410 bore (Youth size). All feature black matte polymer stocks. The .22 LR and .243 barrels have rifle sights, and the others are clean. All but the shotgun barrels are drilled and tapped. www.hr1871.com, 978/632-9393