Editor’s Choice: Bushmaster Firearms BA30

The firearm industry is flourishing and has great things to offer the many millions of armed citizens all across our land.

by
posted on May 2, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Bushmaster Firearms BA30

Bushmaster Firearms' BA30, despite looking similar to a .308 AR semi-automatic rifle, is actually a straight-pull design with a few enhancements that make it a fast-shooting, versatile platform that’s legal to own in all 50 states. An ambidextrous bolt handle that can be installed onto either side of the upper receiver must be pulled to load each round.

Despite its single-shot action, though, the BA30 is built with spring-assisted loading, so once the user pulls the bolt fully to the rear, spring pressure chambers the next round and drives the bolt into battery without additional manual assistance. Also, Bushmaster builds the BA30 with its XM-10 bolt-and-barrel design, which offers cartridge interchangeability between 6.5 mm Creedmoor and .308 Win.

At the rear of the receiver is a Picatinny rail for attaching compatible folding stocks. As configured, the rifle ships with a D2MS match trigger, but all AR-pattern triggers are compatible. For more information, please visit bushmaster.com.

Latest

Christensen Arms Evoke Review 1
Christensen Arms Evoke Review 1

Christensen Arms Evoke: A Budget-Friendly Hunting Rifle Built For The Field

For hunters seeking a well-built, no-frills hunting rifle, the Christensen Arms Evoke offers a host of desirable features, all at a price that leaves room for hunting tags and travel costs.

Wholesale Change in Glock Lineup & Other Industry Moves

Fall 2025 has proven to be a volatile time within the firearm industry, with companies like Glock announcing major changes to its product lineup, while other companies announce expansions and moves.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1895 Lee Navy Rifle

In the 1890s, U.S. military small arms were evolving rapidly. The recent discovery of smokeless powder, along with the development of new operating systems and cartridge designs, led the U.S. Navy to adopt a radically new platform: the Model 1895 Lee Navy rifle.

Carry Comped: Smith & Wesson Performance Center’s Compensated Bodyguard 2.0 & Shield X

Smith & Wesson introduced compensated models of two popular concealed-carry handguns in its lineup, the Bodyguard 2.0 and Shield X, both designed to help handgunners improve recoil control.

An Appendix-Carry Primer

Although appendix inside-the-waistband carry of a defensive handgun has become increasingly popular, it remains controversial among some concealed carriers. Here, an AIWB practitioner outlines its pros and cons.

Favorite Firearms: A Hero’s War Trophy Returns

My father, Kenneth Cuddeback, graduated from high school in West Chester, Iowa, in 1942 and started at Iowa State University in the fall. When two of his high school friends were going to get drafted, he quit college to join the Army.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.