COLUMBIA FALLS, Mont. (October 15, 2026) — PROOF Research® is proud to announce that its Elevation MTR FDX rifle has been awarded the prestigious Editor’s Choice award for Best Hunting Rifle of 2026 by Outdoor Life.
Outdoor Life’s rigorous annual gun test is renowned for its exhaustive, real-world evaluation process. Editors spend months putting thousands of rounds through the year’s most competitive firearms, collecting intensive 20-shot data sets to establish performance metrics. The Elevation MTR FDX rose to the top as the “runaway choice” among many respected firearms.
In his review, Outdoor Life Shooting Editor John B. Snow praised the rifle for its exceptional build quality, dynamic field ergonomics, and uncompromising performance.
“If you’re looking for just a rifle that is the distillation of all of these modern good trends in terms of rifle and cartridge design, this PROOF Elevation MTR FDX…is just not to be beat,” said Snow.
A primary driver behind the rifle’s success is PROOF’s innovative PXT barrel technology. The exponential twist rate spins the bullet gently upon ignition. This allows hunters to leverage modern, high-pressure cartridges to overcome traditional short-barrel velocity loss. During testing, the system yielded a mind-boggling 20-shot group average as tight as 0.58 inches, with a match-winning mean radius of 0.27 inches.
“We are incredibly honored to receive the Editor’s Choice award from Outdoor Life,” said Sean Murphy, director of sales and marketing at PROOF Research. “Our team designed the Elevation MTR FDX to bridge the gap between premium match-grade accuracy and lightweight, rugged mountain portability. Seeing our PXT barrel technology and relentless build standards validated by one of the most respected testing teams in the outdoor media is a testament to our engineering team’s hard work.”
The Elevation MTR FDX features a premium Falkor action, an adjustable TriggerTech field trigger, an integrated Arca/Picatinny rail on the forend, and a highly ergonomic stock featuring a vertical grip.
To read the full review, visit Outdoor Life’s Best Hunting Rifles of 2026 or watch the video on YouTube.
For more information about the Elevation MTR FDX and PROOF Research’s full lineup of carbon-fiber barrels and premium rifle systems, please visit ProofResearch.com.
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Media Contact
Jonathan Harling | The Murray Road Agency
Proofresearchpr@murrayroadagency.com
About PROOF Research
Since 2012, Proof Research has been a pioneer in firearm innovation, advancing the firearms, aerospace, and defense industries with cutting-edge products. Located in Northwest Montana, near Glacier National Park, our headquarters is home to a team of experts dedicated to pushing the boundaries of precision and performance. We specialize in carbon fiber barrels, precision steel barrels, complete rifle systems, and advanced composite materials. Our relentless commitment to innovation has set new industry standards for extreme accuracy, reduced weight, and unparalleled durability, delivering superior performance across all our product lines.