[SHOT 2026] Bushmaster BA30 Straight-Pull Rifle

Bushmaster has a new bolt-action rifle joining its lineup. The BA-30 straight-pull is a .308 based on a large frame AR system. It is also reversible for right or left-handed users.

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The Bushmaster BA30 is a straight-pull bolt-action rifle. But unlike many straight pulls, this one has a spring in the action that returns the gun into battery once the bolt is to the rear. A similar spring-driven, manually-operated action is found in the RIA Pak-Out folding 12-gauge pump action. The bolt handle is a sleek unit that sits on the side of the receiver. It is interchangeable between sides. There is a small cutout above it that is a little reminiscent of an HK-style cocking handle, but the operation is not the same. That cutout is just used for swapping the bolt handle to the other side.

Most of the other parts on the gun are standard AR pattern, so changing handguards, barrels, or triggers should be no problem. The receiver set opens up the same as a typical AR, with the bolt forward, the rear pin can push out, which allows the top receiver to pivot on the forward pin. Small ball detents between the upper and lower receivers help keep the fit between the halves solid.

Both .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor versions are planned, and both 18 and 24-inch barrels are announced at this time. Details are not fully finalized, but the MSRP should be around $1800. It will probably become available in Q2. Bushmaster had the BA30 at SHOT Show Range Day, but unfortunately, I did not get an opportunity to shoot it. The display model was shown with the Bushmaster Muta 2 .30-caliber silencer affixed. This model is not available yet, but it should be coming soon.