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Merkel, longtime manufacturer of high-line firearms, has introduced a lower-cost double barrel to the shotgun market. Called the 40E, this classic side-by-side features the same action and barrels found in other Merkel shotguns, but without the frills which generally drive up the price. For more on this firearm, available in 28-, 20- and 12-gauge, check out this“Rifleman Review” segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV.
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.