On this week’s #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the Expedition—a hunting rifle from Taurus that complements already-famous hunting revolvers like the Taurus Tracker and Raging Bull in the company’s catalog. It is the first-ever bolt-action rifle built by Taurus. The action is based on the popular Model 700 footprint but rather than a two-lug bolt it is built with a three-lug bolt that offers a shorter, 60-degree throw to make it ideal for fast use with a riflescope. And unlike the Model 700, the bolt face of the rifle features an M-16 style extractor and dual plunger ejectors. However, the rifle is built to accept aftermarket triggers and stocks built for the Model 700.
The Expedition was designed by hunters for hunters, as its many features will attest. Our test unit was chambered in .308 Winchester with an 18-inch barrel, but since our review, Taurus has released a unit chambered for 6.5 Creedmoor with a 20-inch barrel.
Perhaps the first thing a hunter will notice about the Expedition is its composite stock that sports some trendy features. A deep, vertical pistol grip gives a rifleman maximum control behind the trigger. Your strong hand finds it way there about the same time your support hand finds the finger grooves running at the tip of the fore-end. Just short of that the fore-end is square, to make room for an M-LOK rail that rides along the bottom with two slots ready to accept a bipod or light. In front of the rail sits another attachment point—an interface socket ready to accept a Spartan Precision Javelin bipod. The butt is square and pronounced, the better to grab it with your support hand as you snug the rifle into your shoulder and find a cheek weld. Beneath the Monte Carlo cheek, room for a toe bag has been made along the heel of the butt. The recoil pad is black rubber and thick to offer plenty of grip and absorption. Standard sling swivel studs sit fore and aft.
The Taurus Expedition weighs 7.05 pounds out of the box, and measures 37.92 inches long with an 18-inch barrel. Retail price is $984.99.
To learn more about it, visit taurususa.com. And for more #SundayGunday, check out our playlist on YouTube, where all previous episodes are archived.
