Riley Defense took a Yugoslav-built rifle platform and chambered it in .308 Winchester, and the result is the RAK-308. This is a new semi-automatic rifle with a 19.5-inch barrel, a 10-round magazine, and a black finish with a wood stock.

The .308 Winchester cartridge is a good one. It is common, accurate, and effective on deer-sized game, and it is one of the best-supported rifle rounds in the country. Pairing it with a rugged rotating-bolt platform gives you a rifle that is simple to operate and likely to be easy on maintenance. The wood stock adds a classic touch to what is otherwise a utilitarian rifle.

The Yugo-built description in the name suggests Yugoslav-pattern parts, so look at the photos for the exact configuration and markings. Recoil in .308 is firm, though the weight of the rifle tames it. A good sling and a decent optic will make it a better field rifle.

When it arrives, inspect the finish and the stock fit. Check that the magazine seats solidly and cycles by hand. The rifle ships to your local FFL dealer, where the background check is completed.