My only other complaint is the slide release, which was stout on the test sample. One suspects it would ease up the more the gun was fired, but even so I think a release offering more leverage is called for.

At the end of the testing session, I removed the scope and did some function firing. The rifle worked flawlessly with not a single malfunction, but what I found even more impressive was the battue-rail/fiber-optic sight arrangement. It was really fast to acquire; never have I picked up a rifle that brought front and rear sight together so perfectly, so quickly and so consistently. And that big reddish orange front glows intently and really stood out on a gloomy, misty day.

Taken as a whole, I think the SR1 is a fine rifle for the uses I would put it to, such as hunting close-range hogs or deer. In its bigger calibers it would make a handy moose or dark-timber elk rifle as well.

No, it's not a tack driver, but it's a fine-handling gun, and with those excellent open sights or perhaps a low-power scope, it would acquit itself well in any number of hunting environments.

Gun services provided by Turners Outdoorsman (www.turners.com). Range facilities provided by Angeles Ranges (www.angelesranges.com).