A Budget-Friendly Bolt Gun! — SHOT Show 2025

in Riley Baxter, SHOT Show 2025

At SHOT Show 2025 Range Day, MAC unveiled their latest offering—the MBA rifle—available in .308 and 5.56 bolt faces with multiple caliber options.

Packed with features typically found in higher-end rifles, the MAC MBA aims to deliver impressive performance at an accessible price point.

Key Features and Build

The MAC MBA stands out with its monolithic design, integrating the action directly into the chassis for added strength and precision.

The bolt throw is smooth and does not bind, making for reliable operation. The rifle uses AICS-style magazines, and its AR-style ambidextrous safety and magazine release offer versatility for left- and right-handed shooters.

A tactical-style bolt action rifle is perched on the table at the range.
The MAC MBA that we got to shoot today was chambered in 7.62×51, but the rifle will come in other calibers and bolt face options.

Customization is also a highlight. The rifle features a folding stock with an adjustable cheekpiece and recoil pad. This recoil pad has height and cant adjustment as well as length of pull.

The handguard comes equipped with M-LOK slots, with a fixed Picatinny rail on the bottom for mounting bipods and tripods.

Though, the design could probably be improved with the deletion of the Picatinny rail from the handguard and the addition of more MLOK in this location for user customization or ARCA rail attachment.

Performance and Value

We shot the MAC MBA in .308 and found it to be an intriguing blend of functionality and affordability.

While the prototype experienced a minor hiccup with feeding rounds that could be attributed to the pre-production status, it seemed that the Turkish magazine that was being used was the culprit.

Once we were done, they pulled this magazine from the line and we witnessed it functioning with Magpul and AICS magazines.

A shooter operates a bolt action rifle at the gun range.
Before this photo, they took the Turkish magazine off of the firing line and the rifle functioned reliably with different magazines.

The standout feature, however, is its price point. SDS Imports is targeting budget-conscious shooters who still demand quality and a host of features.

We can’t release the exact price yet (shhh! around $999), but we can safely say that the MAC MBA offers more than you might expect for the money.

Final Thoughts

The MAC MBA rifle offers a compelling package for those seeking a versatile bolt-action rifle with modern enhancements.

Whether you’re looking for a dependable .308 or 5.56 rifle for range days or hunting, the MAC MBA could be worth a closer look.

Learn More about the MAC MBA rifle here.

*** Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! All Local Sales are FREE! ***

https://gunsamerica.com/listings/search

About the author: Riley Baxter is an avid and experienced hunter, shooter, outdoorsman, and he’s worked in the backcountry guiding for an outfitter. He also get’s a lot of enjoyment out of building or customizing his firearms and equipment. Check out Riley’s Instagram @Shooter300

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • ron January 21, 2025, 3:53 pm

    These rifle articles are not that useful without showing accuracy by viewing the targets.

Send this to a friend