The 300 Blackout was designed to put a reliable, heavy-hitting subsonic cartridge into an AR-pattern rifle without changing any design component aside from the barrel’s bore diameter.
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Advanced Armament Corporation’s engineers managed to put a .30-caliber bullet into, essentially, a wider-necked 5.56mm NATO cartridge, then tweaked two loads to take the bullet in opposite directions: as a subsonic round for suppressed guns that will outperform suppressed 9mm loads, and as a supersonic round that will perform more or less like the 7.62x39mm round.
The subsonic load turned out to be perfectly suited to bolt-action guns as well, and has even found a home in break-action options from CVA. The difference between running a suppressor on a bolt-action rifle versus a semi-auto are considerable to the user and anyone immediately around them.
Without the sound of the bolt carrier group operating and the noise associated with venting high-pressure gases into the receiver, suppressed bolt-action rifles are noticeably quieter than semi-autos, which can be a factor for some tactical professionals and in certain hunting and survival applications.
- RELATED STORY: 19 AR Rifles & Pistols You Can’t Miss in 2016
So with an eye toward what else is out there beyond the AR-pattern rifles we see everywhere, let’s take a look at some of the best off-the-shelf and factory-custom 300 Blackout rifles available.
CVA Scout V2 Pistol
Currently the only 300 Blackout pistol that isn’t an AR, the CVA Scout V2 is a single-shot, break-action pistol that comes factory-threaded for a suppressor. Paired with the right optic for your engagement ranges with such a pistol, the Scout V2 Pistol can fill some very specialized niches. It’d be very easy to carry on a sling or alongside your tactical rifle in a field bag. The fluted barrel cuts down on weight, the included scope base is ready for your rings, and the hammer has an extension for easy cocking regardless of scope size and position. (cva.com; 770-449-4687)
CVA Scout V2 Rifle
The stainless hardware and synthetic stock recommend CVA’s Scout V2 as a durable, all-weather, utility or specialized rifle—and being chambered in 300 Blackout with a threaded barrel makes it even more versatile. The Scout V2 Rifle’s simple controls are a comfort when gross motor skills fail, the accuracy of this straightforward design means repeatable hits at tactical ranges, and the included scope mount gets you range-ready right out of the box. The Monte Carlo stock is also longer than that of other break-action rifles, promoting comfort and a repeatable cheekweld for accuracy. (cva.com; 770-449-4687)
Integral Arms Guardian
Integral Arms starts with a Remington 700 SPS Tactical and replaces the 16.5-inch barrel with a 24-inch, integrally suppressed barrel. That makes it one of the longest barrels you’re going to find in a 300 Blackout, but there’s no suppressor hanging off the muzzle—the barrel is the suppressor. The Guardian’s 4+1 capacity and Hogue stock are familiar from the SPS line. The performance, though, is something truly extraordinary—a suppressor that meets and exceeds the sound suppression ratings of add-on suppressors, and with subsonic ammunition, the Guardian is quieter than many pellet guns. (integralarms.com; 985-240-2226)
Remington 700 SPS Tactical
The Model 700 action and tactical-length barrel that combine to form the heart of this designated marksman’s rifle rest in a high-end stock: a ghillie-green-colored Hogue stock with pillar bedding for the barrel (to promote accuracy) and “soft touch” OverMolding for promoting a comfortable hold and all-weather grip on the rifle. The X-Mark Pro adjustable trigger is a high-end feature that can be set for field or target use. The 16.5-inch barrel is hammer forged and given a 1-in-7-inch twist rate to provide optimal accuracy with 300 Blackout loads. (remington.com; 800-243-9700)
Ruger American Ranch Rifle
Ruger has designed the 300 Blackout version of its American Ranch Rifle to combine a factory-threaded and short 16.1-inch barrel with a lightweight synthetic stock for a relatively compact rifle with a 5+1 capacity—perfect for serving a tactical marksman who wants the combined advantages of sound suppression and a bolt action’s accuracy potential. The bolt is the same as that in the 5.56mm model and features a 70-degree throw to work with just about any scope. Dual cams on the bolt’s body promote smooth functioning, and Ruger’s patented Power Bedding system free-floats the barrel for improved accuracy. (ruger.com)
