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Attaching to the firearm via a standard Picatinny rail, and capable of providing support by a number of means, B&T Industries LLC’s BT53 SILO forward rifle support offers utility to competition shooters and hunters alike. The BT53’s bottom surface is composed of a bean bag made of tear-resistant 1000 Denier Cordura material, and the rest of the unit is made from 6061 T6 aluminum and is hard-anodized. The front surface is knurled to provide purchase when pressed against materials such as tree branches or competition barricades, and the sides are lined with a strip of rubber for soft side support, as well. A flush cup is located on either side of the BT53, the left of which has been designed for use with the optional BT54 Flush Cup Stud (shown). The BT54 features a sling swivel, and replaces the SILO’s standard locking bolt, thus allowing the unit to be installed and removed with the push of a button. Price: $90 ($15 for BT54). Contact B&T Industries; accu-shot.com.
In 2024, former owner Gregg Ritz purchased Thompson/Center Arms. Now the company has introduced a modern take on its classic Contender/Encore concept: the ENCORE PROHunter.
While it's certainly a saturated marketplace these days, the AR-15 has never been more popular with American firearm enthusiasts, and many manufacturers are continuing to feed the need with new options loaded with new features.