Today was “Sponsor Day” for the 2013 Oregon Sniper Challenge hosted by Cold Bore Competitions. This was a chance for the various match sponsors to present their products to competitors and the public. Admission was free for registered shooters and open only to them during the morning. The general public could attend in the afternoon for a nominal fee. Gemtech, Tactical Tailor, Leupold, Horus, Trijicon, Ashbury Precision Ordnance and more had their gear available to fondle and shoot.

Most of the products on display were familiar to me. One that caught my attention was the Nemo Arms Omen Rifle. The Omen is a large frame AR with a twist. It is chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum. I have shot various .300WM bolt action rifles in the past. I was curious what kind of manners a semi-auto would have.

After a short wait I was able to get behind the Omen. The range was limited, so I did not get a chance to stretch its legs. Instead I was more interested in function and recoil. With five rounds in the magazine I cut loose at the 100 yard gong. Shooting prone from the bipod and rear bag I put all five into the gong as fast as I could pull the trigger. The muzzle brake on the Nemo Omen was highly effective. I was able to keep the Nightforce scope on target and watch each impact.

My overall impression of the Nemo Omen was very favorable. The recoil impulse was very similar to a .308 AR10. Five rounds is hardly enough to base a review on. However it is more than enough to tell me this is a rifle that warrants a more detailed look.