Geissele Automatics has been an industry leader for over two decades. While they made their mark in the industry with their triggers, they expanded out to complete firearms manufacturing. A move that further solidified their commitment to quality and performance. On the firearms side of the house, they have been all about top-tier AR platform production. Today, however, they venture into new territory with their first bolt-action rifle. Say hello to the Geissele King Hunter.

Geissele King Hunter – Optimized Bolt Rifle for 7mm Backcountry

The Gissele King Hunter is directly connected to Federal’s new 7mm Backcountry round. In fact, the King Hunter is built to optimize the performance of the 7mm Backcountry cartridge. With the high-pressure round delivering over twice the energy of 30-06 at 1000 yards, Geissele wanted to build a platform that could extract every bit of its performance.

The action is based on the popular and eternal 700-long action to accommodate the 7mm round. The long action bolt assembly features a floating bolt head for improved lug engagement and a roller-guided firing pin to ensure the most consistent ignition possible. Geissele has taken the extra step of coating the bolt as well. The bolt assembly features their Nanoweapon coating, which makes the action super smooth and incredibly corrosion resistant. Since this is designed as a hunting rifle, I found that to be a forward-thinking addition.

20″ Performance Barrel

The barrel on the Gissele King Hunter is a 20″ stainless steel model with a Cerakote finish. The model I received for testing was threaded with a protective cap, but they will come with a muzzle device going forward. It has a 1/8 twist, which, once again, has been optimized for the Federal 7mm Backcountry round. The choice of a 20″ barrel aligns with one of the 7mm Backcountry goals. To provide excellent muzzle velocity out of barrels that are more friendly to suppressors. People want shorter rifles so they can put suppressors on them. While a 24″ barrel may work great on the bench, adding a suppressor to the end becomes unwieldy and clumsy. Nobody wants to hunt with a six-foot-long rifle.

Geissele has partnered with Manners Stock to produce an OEM model for the King Hunter. This is Manner’s Long-Range Hunter stock, and it is a perfect fit. The stock has the Manners light adjustable spacer cheek system. This helps shooters to get a good cheek weld on the rifle. It also comes with a 3.5″ ARCA rail mounted in front of the mag well to achieve optimal balance. Of course, the trigger is one of the stars of the show. The Gissele King Hunter comes with the “smile-maker” super crisp two-stage Super 700 trigger.

Geissele King Hunter – Field Tested

Fortunately, I got an early version of the King Hunter in for testing. While some would be happy to get it on the range, I would take it into the field. A short flight to El Paso, then a two-plus-hour drive south, landed me in the heart of Texas hunting country. We were there to test not only our rifles but also the new Federal 7mm Backcountry round. While I will save you the dramatic story of the hunt, I will summarize and say it was a success.

I only had time to zero the rifle before departure. My guide was kind enough to find time to help me build a dope chart on the round and get some range time in. It was here that I fell in love with the rifle. I found it to easily shoot ¾ MOA off of the hood of a truck. Once we started pushing out further, I could see how well this rifle and new ammunition worked together. While it seems cliché to say, it was indeed flat shooting. I got 3035 fps muzzle velocity with a 175gr bullet in a 20″ barrel. Life was good.

Mule Deer Down

The following day, as we glassed the terrain, a trophy-sized Mule deer made his appearance. He was at the top of a hill at 460 yards when we set up. With complete confidence in the rifle and round, I took the shot. He ran about 15 yards and expired. To say I was impressed with the rifle and ammunition would be an understatement.

Geissele King Hunter – 7MM Backcountry Tack Driver

Geissele has always impressed me with its commitment to tier-1-level products. The King Hunter follows that same model. If you want a rifle to run the 7mm Backcountry, I highly encourage you to check out the Gissele King Hunter. You won’t be disappointed.

For more information, visit:https://geissele.com/king-hunter.html

Gissele King Hunter Specs