precision rifle shop Colorado - All
New initiative targets Colorado mountain lion hunting
What will the future of Colorado mountain lion hunting look like? A new petition filed with the Colorado Supreme Court is asking for a proposed ballot to be blocked that would request voters to approve a “statewide ban on hunting mountain lions, bobcats and Canada lynx.” Opponents say that the measure is “misleading” and multiple mistakes were made by the Colorado Secretary of State’s Title Board prior to getting the measure approved for the November 2024 ballot, according to The Colorado Sun.
However, last week, a second initiative, Initiative 101, was filed that requests a limit (not ban) to hunting mountain lions, bobcats and lynx in an effort to curb trophy hunting. If approved, this limit would require “every carcass – excluding usable meat – to be turned over” to prevent “mounting, displaying or preserving wildcats as ‘souvenirs of their hunts.’”
Initiative 101 does allow a two-week mountain lion and bobcat season at the end of December. Both measures ask for the complete ban of Canada lynx hunting; however, the lynx is not legal to hunt and retains federal protections under the Endangered Species Act.
Initiative 101 “still honors the intent of the original initiative by calling out trophy hunting as a problem,” said Samantha Bruegger, the manager of the Cats Aren’t Trophies campaign. “Both initiatives really get at banning trophy hunting of mountain lions and bobcats.”
This isn’t the first time mountain lion, bobcat and Canada lynx hunting has been in the crosshairs of anti-hunting groups. However, two years ago, a bill to ban this type of hunting didn’t even pass its first committee hearing, according to The Colorado Sun.
Mountain lion hunting has been carefully regulated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) for decades. In fact, in order to obtain a license, hunters must complete a specific mountain lion education course. Every year, CPW adjusts harvest caps to maintain a healthy population with the 2023-24 hunting season cap set at 674 animals. Last year, hunters killed 386 mountain lions, according to The Colorado Sun. Further, each harvest must be reported within 48 hours with an additional five days to bring the carcass into a CPW office for inspection and an official seal that allows the hunter to keep the hide.
“There are 350 certified biologists and scientists who are in their position at Colorado Parks and Wildlife to create science-based wildlife decisions that benefit wildlife, species and the people as well,” said Dan Gates, a hunting policy consultant who serves as executive director for Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management. “Most people agree that they don’t want the pool boy doing brain surgery just because he has an opinion.”
Regardless, the plan, according to Bruegger, is to keep both ballot initiative active to gather enough signatures to put both on the 2024 ballot.
The current mountain lion season runs April 1 to 30, and from December through March.
New rule gives Colorado authority over gray wolf management
With Colorado’s gray wolf reintroduction deadline looming, the state just received some good news regarding gray wolf management. This week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) finalized a rule, 10j, that will allow the state to create its own rules for what’s considered a “nonessential experimental population,” according to Channel 9 News.
This is a big step for the reintroduction effort in a measure that was approved by voters back in 2020, which requires Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to reintroduce wolves to the state by Dec. 31, 2023.
CPW announced on Twitter/X that “10j gives us gray wolf management flexibility,” which includes determining when it will be permissible to kill a problem wolf.
10j was supported by local ranchers who, per the state’s management plan, will be allowed to kill wolves if they catch one “actively trying to kill livestock,” according to Channel 9 News. Without this rule in place, the only legal way a wolf could be killed is to save a human life since they are federally protected.
“This final rule respects the will of Colorado voters, farmers, ranchers and conservationists, and sets our state up for responsible gray wolf reintroduction,” said U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colorado.
The rule will only apply to wolves reintroduced later this year – not those already in the state.
Winchester XPR Rifle Review: A Complete Guide for Hunters and Precision Shooters
🔹 Article Summary
• Introduction to the Winchester XPR
• Model Variants and Customization
• Mechanical Systems and Build Quality
• Caliber Options and Barrel Profiles
• Technical Specifications
• Price Range and Market Value
• Effective Range and Hunting Suitability
• User Reviews: Pros and Cons
• Accessories and Muzzle Features
• Final Verdict
---
🔫 Introduction: What Is the Winchester XPR?
The Winchester XPR is a modern bolt-action rifle engineered for hunters and sport shooters who demand precision, reliability, and affordability. Introduced in 2015 by Winchester Repeating Arms, the XPR blends advanced materials with proven mechanics, offering sub-MOA accuracy and rugged performance in a streamlined, no-nonsense package. It’s a rifle built to perform in the field, at the range, and in harsh conditions—without breaking the bank.
---
🛠️ Model Variants and Customization
The XPR family includes over a dozen factory configurations, each tailored to specific shooting disciplines:
• XPR Hunter – Classic synthetic stock, matte finish, threaded barrel
• XPR Compact – Shorter length of pull for youth and smaller shooters
• XPR Stealth – Tactical styling with Cerakote finish
• XPR Thumbhole Varmint – Heavy barrel and ergonomic thumbhole stock
• XPR Long Range – Semi-weight barrel and tactical stock for precision shooting
• XPR SR (Suppressor Ready) – Threaded barrel for muzzle devices
• XPR Hunter Scope Combo – Factory-mounted optic for ready-to-hunt setup
Each variant offers unique ergonomics, barrel profiles, and finishes, including camo patterns like Mossy Oak DNA and TrueTimber Strata.
---
⚙️ Mechanical Systems and Build Quality
The XPR is built around a push-feed bolt-action system with three locking lugs and a short 60° bolt lift for fast cycling and scope clearance. Key systems include:
• M.O.A. Trigger System – Crisp, factory-set trigger (~3.5 lb) with zero take-up, creep, or overtravel
• Nickel Teflon™ Coated Bolt – Smooth cycling and corrosion resistance
• Inflex Technology Recoil Pad – Reduces felt recoil and improves follow-up accuracy
• Two-Position Safety – Allows bolt operation while on safe
• Free-Floating Barrel – Enhances accuracy by eliminating contact points
• Detachable Box Magazine – Polymer construction with secure dual-latch system
The receiver is machined from chrome-moly steel and drilled/tapped for scope mounts using robust 8-40 screws.
---
📏 Caliber Options and Barrel Profiles
The Winchester XPR is available in a wide range of calibers:
• Standard calibers: .243 Win, .270 Win, .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield
• Magnum calibers: .300 Win Mag, .338 Win Mag, .325 WSM
• Modern calibers: 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.8 Western, 350 Legend, 450 Bushmaster
Barrel lengths vary by model and caliber:
• 20” to 26” depending on application
• Standard sporter barrels for general hunting
• Heavy and semi-weight barrels for long-range and varmint shooting
All barrels are button-rifled, stress-relieved, and feature recessed target crowns. Many models include threaded muzzles for suppressors or brakes.
---
📊 Technical Specifications
• Action: Bolt-action, push-feed
• Trigger: M.O.A. system, ~3.5 lb pull
• Safety: Two-position with bolt release
• Stock: Synthetic or composite, textured grip zones
• Weight: 6.5–8.5 lbs depending on model
• Magazine: Detachable box, 3–5 round capacity
• Finish: Matte blued, Cerakote, or Perma-Cote
• Mounting: Weaver or Picatinny bases included
---
💵 Price Range and Market Value
The Winchester XPR is positioned as a budget-friendly rifle with premium features:
• Base models: $420–$550 USD
• Hunter combos: $600–$750 USD
• Long-range and tactical variants: $750–$1,300 USD
Used models typically sell for $350–$450 depending on condition and configuration.
---
🎯 Effective Range and Hunting Suitability
With proper optics and ammunition, the XPR delivers:
• Sub-MOA accuracy at 100 yards with factory ammo D
• Effective hunting range: 300–500 yards depending on caliber
• Game suitability:• Small game: .243 Win, .223 Rem
• Medium game: .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor
• Large game: .30-06, .300 Win Mag, .338 Win Mag
• Straight-wall states: 350 Legend, 450 Bushmaster
The rifle’s recoil pad and ergonomic stock make it comfortable for extended field use E F.
---
🗣️ User Reviews: Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
• Excellent accuracy for the price
• Smooth bolt operation and reliable feeding
• Crisp trigger with minimal creep
• Durable finish and corrosion-resistant components
• Wide range of calibers and configurations
❌ Cons
• Trigger not user-adjustable
• Polymer stock may feel basic to some shooters
• Barrel heating can affect accuracy in rapid fire
• Low-profile scope mounts may require risers for some optics
Shooters consistently praise the XPR for punching above its weight in performance and value.
---
🔩 Accessories and Muzzle Features
While the XPR does not use shotgun-style chokes, it supports a wide range of accessories:
• Threaded barrels (typically M14x1 or 5/8x24) for:• Muzzle brakes
• Suppressors
• Flash hiders
• Scope mounts: Weaver and Picatinny rails
• Aftermarket stocks: Thumbhole, tactical, adjustable
• Bipods and slings: Compatible with standard swivel studs
• Magazines: 3–5 round polymer mags; extended options available
These accessories enhance comfort, accuracy, and adaptability in the field I JV.
---
🏁 Final Verdict
The Winchester XPR is a standout in the bolt-action rifle market, offering precision, reliability, and customization at a price point that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter chasing elk in the Rockies or a weekend shooter punching paper at the range, the XPR delivers consistent performance and rugged dependability.
🔍 Winchester XPR Rifle – Quick FAQ
❓ What type of rifle is the Winchester XPR?
It’s a bolt-action hunting rifle.
❓ How accurate is the Winchester XPR?
Sub-MOA accuracy; some users report
