The video opens as a year-end rundown of the top five rifles of 2023, clearly laying out that the list will span multiple categories, including bolt guns, battle rifles, and pistol caliber carbines. The first featured rifle is the Henry Homesteader, a semi-automatic 9mm PCC that surprised many given Henry’s traditional lever-gun reputation. The hosts highlight its classic wood furniture and a 1/2x28 threaded barrel that makes it suppressor-ready out of the box. A major focus is the modular magazine system: the Homesteader can run proprietary Henry magazines or swap in adapters for Glock, SIG, and Smith & Wesson M&P mags. The Glock adapter is especially praised for compatibility with drums and higher-capacity options. Initially dismissed as just another 9mm carbine, the Homesteader earns its place by being unexpectedly fun and practical to shoot. The segment then transitions toward the Springfield Armory Hellion bullpup, setting up a shift from PCCs to more unconventional rifle designs.
Attention turns to the Springfield Armory Hellion, a bullpup rifle based on the Croatian VHS platform. Visually described as a blend of FAMAS and G36 influences, the Hellion stands out with an ambidextrous charging handle and fully ambidextrous controls. An unusual adjustable stock system allows different lengths of pull on a bullpup, addressing one of the common ergonomic complaints about this layout. The hosts note that while the Hellion technically appeared earlier, it became widely obtainable and was showcased at SHOT Show 2023, where new color combinations like FDE/gray and OD green were introduced alongside 16, 18, and 20 inch barrel options. They praise the rifle overall but criticize the tight magwell, suggesting Springfield should flare it for faster reloads. Desired future variants include 300 Blackout and 7.62 NATO to better compete with platforms like the IWI Tavor and X95. Additional details include revised, more intuitive safety levers, multiple sling attachment points, switchable ejection, and compatibility with SureFire muzzle devices and suppressors.
The video shifts into the bolt gun category with the Aero Precision Solus, particularly the carbon Hunter stock version chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. The Solus is highlighted for delivering a strong price-to-performance ratio, offering a smooth, reliable action and solid out-of-the-box accuracy. It is compared directly to the US Arms Azrael used in the channel’s bolt gun series. In that testing, the Solus actually produced slightly tighter groups, around 0.33 MOA versus the Azrael’s roughly 0.36 MOA, underscoring its precision credentials. The hosts commend Aero Precision for entering the bolt gun market with a complete rifle and modular ecosystem that works well from the start, rather than needing extensive aftermarket upgrades. They also discuss the ergonomics of the Solus competition or tactical model, emphasizing an integrated thumb rest that encourages keeping the thumb on the strong side. This feature is said to improve comfort, stability, and trigger control, especially during rapid strings of accurate fire, reinforcing the Solus as a standout 2023 bolt-action option.
Next, the countdown moves to the number two slot with the Daniel Defense R3 lineup, including the DD4 R3 and M4A1 R3. These rifles build on Daniel Defense’s established reputation for durable, reliable AR-pattern carbines while finally adding fully ambidextrous controls. The R3 models feature ambi safety, mag release, and bolt catch, addressing long-standing user requests. A mid-length gas system is highlighted for its smoother recoil impulse and improved shooting comfort. The R3 M-LOK rail uses the same robust lockup as the RZ 2, ensuring a rigid, free-floated setup for accessories and optics. The hosts point out that Daniel Defense rifles, including the Mk18, see widespread law enforcement and some SRT team use, reinforcing their duty-grade status. Despite a higher price point, the R3 series earns its ranking due to build quality, reliability, and modernized ergonomics. The segment also briefly mentions ambitious plans for extensive SHOT Show 2024 coverage with a large on-site team before closing with a nod to FN’s SCAR 17 DMR in 6.5 Creedmoor as an honorable mention.
The FN SCAR 17 DMR in 6.5 Creedmoor receives an extended honorable mention. This variant essentially marries the SCAR 17 concept with a SCAR 20-style precision stock, answering long-standing demand for a 6.5 Creedmoor configuration in a SCAR-based platform. It is equipped with a Super Scar Trigger and the more adjustable, precision-oriented SCAR 20 stock, making it better suited for designated marksman or precision roles. However, beyond these changes, the hosts note that the rifle is not radically different from existing SCAR offerings and does not introduce groundbreaking new features. They still express overall respect for FN’s product line and acknowledge that many shooters have been waiting for exactly this caliber and configuration. The SCAR 17 DMR segment serves as a bridge between the more incremental updates of established platforms and the upcoming top pick, setting the stage for the announcement of the Sig Spear as the number one rifle of 2023.
The Sig Spear is announced as the top rifle of 2023, accompanied by some light banter referencing its appearance in Call of Duty. The rifle is described as a multi-role battle rifle and DMR platform, available in both 6.5 Creedmoor and 7.62 NATO/.308 Winchester, with the 7.62 NATO version being more commonly found on the market. The hosts mention that removing the factory muzzle devices can be challenging due to heavy use of Rocksett, which makes swapping suppressor mounts more involved. Key design elements include a monolithic upper receiver for rigidity and consistent optics mounting, an adjustable gas block, and a short-stroke piston operating system. Controls are largely AR-style but refined for better ergonomics, and the rifle incorporates a side-charging handle reminiscent of the FN-designed FAL. One particular configuration of the Spear is singled out as especially attractive, underscoring the platform’s blend of aesthetics, modern features, and battlefield-inspired functionality that justify its number one ranking.
The discussion dives deeper into the Sig Spear’s ergonomics and functional advantages. The side-charging handle is praised for its similarity to the FN FAL and for solving access issues when optics like an EOTech with magnifier obstruct a traditional rear charging handle. It also offers more leverage for clearing malfunctions. Unlike the FN SCAR, the Spear uses standard AR-10/SR-25 pattern magazines, improving compatibility. Earlier issues with Pmag overinsertion are acknowledged; Sig recognized the problem and implemented a fix. The rifle features fully ambidextrous controls, including mag release, bolt catch/bolt release, and safety selector, and the hosts compare its bolt control ergonomics to systems from Daniel Defense and LWRCI. A removable, folding Magpul stock is mounted on a rear Picatinny rail, allowing compact transport and easier vehicle use. Because the rifle is piston-driven and lacks a traditional rear buffer system, it can be fired with the stock folded. Additionally, running a suppressor does not void the warranty, unlike some FN rifles, further enhancing its appeal.
The final segment demonstrates the Spear’s folding mechanism, emphasizing how solidly it locks in place and reiterating that the rifle can be fired both open and closed thanks to its piston-driven design without a rear buffer tube. The hosts reaffirm that the Sig Spear deserves its position as the number one rifle on their 2023 list. They then highlight the Sig Spear LT family, noting caliber options in 7.62x39, 5.56, and 300 Blackout, which extend the Spear design language into lighter, more compact platforms. An honorable mention goes to the Spear LT Rattler, described as a PDW-style option ideal for ultra-short configurations; the hosts mention plans to personally purchase one, underscoring their enthusiasm. The video closes by recapping that the list covered PCCs, bullpups, bolt guns, and battle rifles, and by inviting viewers to comment on which guns should have been added or removed from the top five, encouraging feedback and discussion on the year’s standout rifles.
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