Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles What, exactly, is a "tactical" rifle?

ntx

one that you use tactfully, seriously "tactical" this "tactical" that, it is the buzz word of the year. Tact is something you do not something that is made.

A Tactical Rifle is one that is of high precision,of utmost reliability,and the utmost in rugged. It is a Varmint Rifle,on steroids. I agree it is the catchword,as of late,but there is such a beast.......

A tactical rifle is in older terms, a sniper rifle, but with some modern refinements and additions. Like a bipod.<P>In real life they are used by SWAT team "shooters", snipers, the secret service, the FBI, etc., some specialized military types, and a whole football stadium full of wannabes.<P>And if I ever need one, I hope the guy shooting it is half as good as his rifle. <P>Good shooting.

I think "tactical rifle" is a fuzzy phrase that it in vogue and commercially hot right now. (What then is a "strategic rifle"?) "Tactical rifles" seems to describe black bolt actions rifles intended to be used by SWAT teams, snipers or those who just want the neat military and police toys. Just my .03 (everything is 50% higher in California. curmudgeon

A tactical rifle is jus an accurate rifle with a matt/dark finish. I recently picked up a Rem. 700 LTR-put a Leupold 4.5x14 50MM on it. Got .5 for 5 at 100 yds. with it today. 168 sierra,R15,and CCI LR primers.[Big Stick WAS RIGHT ON R15!] 20" barrel, this gun handles, points GREAT! Don't know if this bullet will open on jackrabbits... will find out.This is becoming my favorite rifle.... good shootin,vbshootinrange.

tactical rifle? a tactic is a strategy used to achieve an end. It can be military, or maybe chess or even a marketing ploy to add cost to a rifle. In this case I suspect it is a combination of the 1st and third. Sniper would be closer than tactical which would necessitate maneuverabilty and a 10lb rifle just don't fit that category.....

Short243 The new marine sniper rifle (M40A3) that is to come out in June will weigh 18lbs. When I hear tactical I think of a weapon designed for a specific task or niche. In the case of the Mcmillan tactical stock, they typically are somewhat flat on the forend to prevent rolling when laid on a rest. They are wide enough to allow for a heavy contour barrel. The grip is usually more vertical than a hunting rifle so it is more comfortably shot from prone or sitting. They are designed for shooting first. Same with the action and barrel. Accuracy is the first criteria. As far as over the counter "tactical rifles", I wouldn't doubt there is a little marketing strategy mixed in there.

A tactical rifle is what either the anti-gunners say it is, or the gun manufactories say it is. An accurate firearm? Benchrest shooters have one. Are they tactical rifles? black finish? Plenty of firearms have black finishes, so are they tactical rifles?<BR>Bipod? I put a bipod on my 270, was it a tactical rifle?<BR>A tactical rifle is just a word to describe what we have always had for years, even before the anti-gunners decided to use it. Any accurate rifle can be used as a tactical rifle. If it says Tactical on it, then they either want you to buy it, or ban it. ~~~Suluuq

Rusty Didn't say it was the only criteria, just the first cull.