It is with a quiet, yet distinct, sense of occasion that Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. announces the resurrection of the Glenfield Firearms marque. For those with a keen eye for American sporting arms history, the Glenfield name harks back to an era of pragmatic, accessible firearms. This brand, a familiar subsidiary of Marlin Firearms, was swept into the Ruger stable as part of the significant Marlin asset purchase back in 2020. Now, having settled into its new home and dusted itself down, Glenfield is ready to re-enter the market, and its return is marked by the debut of the new Glenfield Model A bolt-action rifle.

The philosophy underpinning this reintroduction is delightfully straightforward: providing an uncomplicated, reliable rifle for the masses. Crafted with pride on American soil, the Model A has been engineered specifically to make the pursuit of the hunt genuinely accessible to everyone. Whether one is a young person taking their first tentative steps into the field, or a seasoned collector simply seeking an unfussy, trustworthy tool to add to their cabinet, the Model A offers a compelling proposition without demanding the expenditure associated with more elaborate sporting rifles.

The intellectual and mechanical foundation of the Model A is drawn heavily from a rifle that has established itself as a modern classic: the Ruger American Rifle Gen I. One must acknowledge the original’s sheer popularity; having been in production for nearly 14 years and shifting close to two million units, the Gen I developed a loyal following among practical shooters who valued performance over ostentation. The new Model A pays its respects to this legacy by diligently carrying forward the most valued, no-nonsense elements of its highly successful predecessor.

What makes this bolt-action proposition especially enticing is the combination of proven design and sharp value. In a gesture that will surely appeal to the pragmatic hunter, the Model A is launching with an MSRP a full $100 below comparable Gen I models. This pricing strategy means that shooters can enjoy that familiar, trusted Ruger-derived performance but with a significant boost in affordability. It’s an approach that feels inherently in keeping with the spirit of the Glenfield brand itself, which was historically known for delivering excellent utility for a moderate price.

Taking a closer look at the rifle’s specifications reveals a thoroughly modern, feature-rich implement ready for the field straight out of the box. The rifle boasts a tactile, Moss Green Splatter stock, which should provide a secure grip and a bit of visual flair that prevents it from looking too utilitarian. This is complemented by a consistent matte black finish applied to the receiver, the bolt handle, and the threaded barrel, giving the rifle a cohesive, workmanlike aesthetic that suggests serious intent.

From an operational standpoint, the rifle incorporates several features that punch above its price point. The bolt assembly is a one-piece, three-lug design with a snappy 70-degree throw. This compact sweep is particularly appreciated by shooters, as it allows for ample clearance between the bolt handle and a mounted scope, facilitating smooth, rapid cycling. Furthermore, the Model A thoughtfully includes a factory-installed, one-piece Picatinny scope base, saving the customer the faff of sourcing and fitting mounting hardware before heading to the range or the woods.

Accuracy, of course, remains important, and here the Model A makes no compromise. The cold hammer-forged barrel, which comes with a factory-installed thread protector, is the secret ingredient for longevity and precision. This manufacturing process produces ultra-precise rifling, which is instrumental in delivering the exceptional accuracy that shooters have come to expect from Ruger's rifles. The Model A will be initially available in several of the hunting world's most classic and dependable calibres, including .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, and .270 Win.

An adjustable trigger is another highly practical feature included in the design. The unit offers a crisp, clean release and its pull weight is user-adjustable, allowing shooters to easily fine-tune it anywhere between 3 and 5 pounds. This small but significant detail helps shooters achieve greater consistency, making it easier to squeeze off that perfect, well-placed shot. The design ethos is clear: no unnecessary frills, just the essentials built for purpose.

As Ruger President and CEO, Todd Seyfert, aptly summarises: "We’re excited to bring back the iconic Glenfield Firearms brand with a new product that reflects Ruger’s dedication to manufacturing affordable, American-made firearms for any and every hunter. The Model A is a practical, reliable rifle built for hunters of all experience levels and we’re proud to bring it to market under the Glenfield name." The Model A, then, is a welcome revival, a simple and trustworthy tool that is genuinely affordable, dependable, and entirely ready for the field.