Looking back at 2016, it was a good year for gun enthusiasts. On top of what will likely be a winning presidential election for Second Amendment supporters, the new guns released this past year were insane.
From grips to sights and everything in between, manufacturers are turning to some incredible advancements to create the best firearms imaginable.
We spent some time going back and forth, but these five were our favorite new guns released in 2016. Scroll through the gallery above and see what we decided on.
Springfield Armory Saint
The Springfield Armory Saint made its debut in 2016. The rifle comes complete with flip-up rear aperture sight, 16-inch Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel, and micro-polished Nickel Boron treated components. An excellent choice when searching for a new personal defense rifle, the Saint features a fixed A2-style front and an exclusive Bravo Company KeyMod handguard along with several other easy to maneuver features. (springfield-armory.com; 800-680-6866)
Windham Weaponry RCMS-4
New from Windham Weaponry this year is the RCMS-4, a complete multi-caliber system that allows the owner the option of using one basic platform to run 7.62x39mm, 5.56mm, 300 BLK and 9mm ammo just by switching out the barrel assembly, bolt, magazine and magazine well. The kit includes everything the shooters needs to covert the rifle to their chosen configuration. For those who cannot decide on which caliber to choose, this new offering will certainly solve that dilemma. (windhamweaponry.com; 855-808-1888)
IWI X95
Using a bullpup-style configuration, IWI developed the X95—a PDW-sized rifle with a 13-inch barrel to increase bullet velocity and accuracy when compared to many alternatives. These guns have proven on the battlefield that they will reliably operate in the harshest of environments. The guns are completely ambidextrous, and an integral sound suppressor is optional. (iwi.us; 717-695-2081)
Heckler & Koch SP5K
A semi-automatic pistol based on the renowned MP5K, the all-new SP5K was developed by Heckler & Koch as a 9mm sporting pistol that matches the look and feel of the famous submachine gun. The civilian-ready SP5K marks the return of the roller-delayed blowback operating system to HK’s commercial line. This system is well-known for its accuracy and reliability. Originally developed on the G3 rifle, it has been used on many HK firearms over the past 60 years. The SP5K also ready for duty in a custom-fitted, lockable carrying case. A Picatinny rail is attached to the upper receiver for mounting sights. (hk-usa.com; 706-568-1906)
Sig Sauer Legion Series Pistols
Sig Sauer has announced a new line of pistols that will enhance some of its existing models. The new Legion series of handguns are exclusive pistols that have new features and include membership to a special owners-only group. The P226 and P229 pistols are the first to be added to the line and sport a proprietary Legion gray PVD finish, exclusive G10 grips and Sig Sauer Electro-Optics X-RAY3 high-visibility night sights. (sigsauer.com; 866-345-6744)