Gun Review: Traditions Outfitter G2

With the acceptance of certain straight-wall cartridges for deer hunting in some states that previously permitted only shotguns and muzzleloaders, the single-shot rifle is making a comeback.

Chambered for classics like the .45-70 Govt. and .44 Rem. Mag. as well as the trendy .450 Bushmaster, the Traditions Outfitter G2 is about as modern a single-shot as you’ll find. Built on a break-action design with a large action release forward of the trigger guard, the Outfitter G2 is easy to load—and fast to reload, if you keep your ammo close at hand.

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Also consider the barrel. It’s made by Lothar Walther, a firm that has produced barrels for nearly 100 years and has earned a reputation for precision among world-class competitive shooters and hunters alike. The bore of the Outfitter G2’s barrel is button-rifled, while its exterior is treated with Cerakote to ward off the elements.

In most chamberings, the Outfitter G2 has a 22-inch fluted barrel and weighs less than 6 pounds. A notable exception is the version chambered for .300 AAC Blackout, which sports a 16.5-inch barrel with a threaded muzzle to keep overall length manageable when a suppressor is attached. A muzzle brake comes standard on versions chambered for .35 Whelen, .450 Bushmaster and .45-70 Govt. to reduce recoil from the lightweight Outfitter G2.

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Other modern features include both a transfer-bar and a push-button trigger-block safety. The Outfitter G2’s synthetic stock is available in black and Realtree Edge. Additional chamberings include .243 Win., .357 Mag. and .35 Rem. Versions chambered for .243 Win. and .300 AAC Blackout are available with buttstocks that have a reduced length of pull of 13 inches, and Traditions offers packages for some rifles that include a factory-mounted 3-9x40mm scope as well as a soft case. MSRP: $439-$557 (rifle only), $527-$557 (package); traditionsfirearms.com

— Adam Heggenstaller

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