Now available 

By Ted Springs 

Red Earth Distributors are pushing the limit with their new offering to shooters. The Alcor .223 is designed to combine modern operation with compliance under Category B. The Alcor offers a versatile choice for those seeking a new .223. 

At the core of the rifle is a gas-operated, self-ejecting system. A push-button positioned just above the trigger releases the spring-assisted bolt carrier, chambering the next round. The ejection process is smooth; allowing shooters to maintain their sight down the barrel and means they are ready for quick follow-up shots. This system might take a little getting used to, but not too long, and is straightforward enough for the field or at the range. 

Smooth ejection for quick, controlled follow-up shots.

The rifle is built with a Turkish walnut, giving it a very traditional appearance. The barrel is made from alloy with a Melonite finish, offering high wear resistance for extended barrel life. A Picatinny rail is integrated for optics mounting, while fibre optic open sights are fitted as standard. The Alcor comes with two 10-round magazines and a sling, giving owners the essentials to get started. 

Ease of maintenance has been a clear consideration in the design. The forend, barrel, gas piston and bolt can all be removed using a single included tool, making takedown simple. Because the rifle has more moving parts than a conventional bolt-action, something to be aware of is the possible carbon build-up, which can be common, particularly during higher round counts. Regular and thorough cleaning is therefore essential to keep the rifle operating as intended. A full set of instructions is included in the manual to guide owners through proper cleaning and care. 

Alongside the timber model, a Tactical Alcor is also available. Mechanically it’s identical, and it’s fitted to an Australian-made polymer chassis that is extremely lightweight and doesn’t compromise strength. It also includes an adjustable comb and, in states where permitted (including Queensland), an adjustable length of pull via a buffer tube. A NSW-compliant version is available with a fixed stock. Plus, the tactical chassis can also be purchased separately, allowing current Alcor owners to upgrade their rifle without buying a completely new platform. 

Melonite barrel and 7075 T6 alloy receiver for durability.

The rifle is chambered in .223 Remington with an 18.5-inch barrel and 1:7 twist rate. Overall length is 101cm and weight comes in at 3.1kg for the timber model and 2.7kg for the tactical. Pricing is set at $1,599 for the timber version and $2,299 for the tactical.