'Rifle for the Next Decade': Nosler's Model 21 Bolt-Action

Nosler may be best-known for the ammo it produces, but the company has been making rifles for more than a decade. The latest is Nosler’s Model 21 bolt-action, a "rifle for the next decade," the company says. The rifle comes in calibers 6.5 Creedmoor, 26 Nosler, 27 Nosler, 280 Ackley Improved, 28 Nosler, 308 Win, 300 Win Mag, 30 Nosler, 33 Nosler and 375 H&H. More are planned in future.

• In the video above, Tim O'Connor of Nosler talks about Model 21 features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas.

More from Nosler: The new Model 21 is a feature-rich production firearm that has the feel and performance of a custom-build, featuring premium components and weighing roughly seven pounds to bring exceptional precision and packable reliability to any hunt. The heart of the rifle is Nosler's new Model 21 action, designed in collaboration with Mack Brothers, the reputable South Dakota sibling duo with a reputation for building some of the finest rifle actions in the industry. The popular EVO action has built an impressive following among serious precision shooters since its introduction in 2018. The newly designed Model 21 blends the best features of the EVO with unique Nosler-engineered customizations, delivering a solid foundation for peak performance right out of the box.

• A PIECE OF THE ACTION: Blueprinted from birth on advanced-wire EDM equipment, the Model 21 action was designed to deliver performance in a user-friendly platform. Among the features is a spiral fluted, one-piece, Nitride-coated bolt made of 4340 Chrome Moly steel. In addition to a sleek aesthetic, and nearly effortless functioning, the fluted design provides a reduction in weight and helps to channel debris, preventing the bolt from jamming in environments where dirt and sand is an issue. The bolt’s upgraded M16-style extractor and fire control group feature tool-less takedown.
• UPGRADED BOLT: A one-piece bolt body machined from a hardened 4340 Chrome Molybdenum billet.  The bolt is fluted to decrease the contact of bolt to receiver which provides for a smooth open and close.
• McMILLAN HUNTERS EDGE SPORTER STOCK: Constructed of 100-percent carbon fiber to ensure dependability while maintaining the ultra-light feel. Included for strength are aluminum pillars and a 1-inch recoil pad that is set at a standard 13.5-inch LOP.
• BARREL FEATURES: Precision recessed crown with a threaded muzzle (1/2-28 or 5/8-24 Tpi). Comes with easy-to-remove knurled thread protector.
• RECOIL LUG FEATURES: Self-indexing 17-4 SS recoil lug, which eliminates recoil lug alignment issues and increases thread shank length for added barrel support.
• TRIGGER FEATURES: TriggerTech Field model trigger is externally user adjustable (2.5 to 5.5 pounds). Designed to operate in the harshest environments.

Specs

6.5 Creedmoor

• BBL Length: 22"
• OAL: 41.625"
• Weight: 6.8 pounds
• Mag Cap: 4
• Action Length: Short
• Twist: 1:8
• BBL Contour: #3
• LOP: 13.5"

26 Nosler

• BBL Length: 24"
• OAL: 44.5"
• Weight: 7.1 pounds
• Mag Cap: 3
• Action Length: Long
• Twist: 1:8
• BBL Contour: #3
• LOP: 13.5"

27 Nosler

• BBL Length: 24”
• OAL: 44.5"
• Weight: 7.1 pounds
• Mag Cap: 3
• Action Length: Long
• Twist: 1:8.5
• BBL Contour: #3
• LOP: 13.5"

280 Ackley Improved

• BBL Length: 24"
• OAL: 44.5"
• Weight: 7.1 pounds
• Mag Cap: 4
• Action Length: Long
• Twist: 1:9
• BBL Contour: #3
• LOP: 13.5"

28 Nosler

• BBL Length: 24"
• OAL: 44.5"
• Weight: 7.1 pounds
• Mag Cap: 3
• Action Length: Long
• Twist: 1:9
• BBL Contour: #3
• LOP: 13.5"

308 Win

• BBL Length: 22"
• OAL: 41.65"
• Weight: 6.8 pounds
• Mag Cap: 4
• Action Length: Short
• Twist: 1:10
• BBL Contour: #3
• LOP: 13.5"

300 Win Mag

• BBL Length: 24"
• OAL: 44.5"
• Weight: 7.1 pounds
• Mag Cap: 3
• Action Length: Long
• Twist: 1:10
• BBL Contour: #3
• LOP: 13.5"

30 Nosler

• BBL Length: 24"
• OAL: 44.5"
• Weight: 7.1 pounds
• Mag Cap: 3
• Action Length:  Long
• Twist: 1:10
• BBL Contour: #3
• LOP: 13.5"

33 Nosler

• BBL Length: 24”
• OAL: 44.5"
• Weight: 7.1 pounds
• Mag Cap: 3
• Action Length: Long
• Twist: 1:10
• BBL Contour: #3
• LOP: 13.5"

375 H&H Mag

• BBL Length: 22"
• OAL: 42.5"
• Weight: 7.0 pounds
• Mag Cap: 3
• Action Length: Long
• Twist: 1:12
• BBL Contour: #5
• LOP: 13.5"

MSRP $2,795 | nosler.com