A real fan community has now formed around the Haenel Jaeger NXT. The community is behind the concept, and apart from the recurring questions about further calibres, the renowned German gun manufacturer C.G. Haenel seems to have hit the bull's eye. But there is one question that comes up regularly and which we will address at the end of this article. But before we unravel the mystery surrounding this question, we would first like to introduce you to the current NXT model family. We won't give too much away at this point if we point out that we were able to shoot another video during our visit to C.G. Haenel. This gave us the opportunity to take an exclusive look at barrel production at Haenel, so you can already look forward to an exciting insight into the manufacturing processes, which we will soon be presenting to you here on all4shooters.com. So it's worth checking back often. Speaking of barrels: did you know that Haenel also manufactures barrels for many other well-known brands?
The entry level into the NXT world: Haenel Jaeger NXT Standard
The standard version of the Jaeger NXT – a straight-pull rifle with genuine manual cocking - was launched in autumn 2021. The patented action impresses with its simple but extremely safe operation. The centrepiece is the innovative kickdown manual cocking device and chamber lock – a well thought-out solution that guarantees both safety and ease of use. The Jaeger NXT Standard stands for fast cocking, quick repeating and maximum reliability in everyday hunting. The model is currently available in .308 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield, 8x57 IS and .300 Win. Mag. calibres – and soon also in the popular 6.5 Creedmoor.
Haenel Jaeger NXT DS – Especially for ladies and not too tall huntsmen
The stock of the Jaeger NXT DS immediately catches the eye , which is characterised by a raised cheek piece and an overall shorter design compared to the standard version. The pistol grip has also been revised and optimised for this model. The aim was to develop a gun that is particularly aimed at shooters of smaller stature and especially female shooters.
The calibre selection for this model is limited to .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield and 8x57 IS, although the 6.5 Creedmoor will also be available shortly. The overall length of the model is 103.5 cm with a weight of 3.2 kg. What all models in the NXT series have in common is that they are ergonomically fully customised to the needs of the shooter. The handle, which Haenel calls a kickdown bolt handle, moves the bolt body in a linear motion and simultaneously ensures that the rotating bolt head locks securely in the barrel and that the bolt is only cocked during locking.
Haenel Jaeger NXT Composite
The composite construction makes this Haenel NXT Composite variant even more robust and durable. The height-adjustable cheek piece can be quickly and intuitively adjusted at the touch of a button – allowing for precise alignment of the sight line even when the rifle is in the aiming position. The system is complemented by interchangeable stock caps, which allow length of pull to be adjusted without the need for tools, thus enabling optimum customisation to the shooter's individual requirements.
The composite construction gives the rifle an exceptionally good feel and ergonomic handling. This is complemented by non-slip soft-touch inserts, which ensure a secure grip even in adverse weather conditions.
Haenel Jaeger NXT Adjustable with adjustable cheek piece
In the Haenel Jaeger NXT Adjustable variant, the manufacturer combines the laminated stock in a classically beautiful wooden look with modern functionality. The height-adjustable cheek piece can be adjusted at the touch of a button and enables fast, repeatable target acquisition when aiming using an optical sight. Even when using different optics or sights with different mounting heights – such as a red dot sight for driven hunting or a powerful riflescope with a large objective lens diameter for use from the high chair/platform – the cheek piece can be conveniently adjusted to the ideal height at all times. The well thought-out positioning of the button allows the head to be precisely aligned with the line of sight even when the rifle is in the aiming position for maximum control and precision in every situation.
Haenel Jaeger NXT Tracker for the dog handler
As the model name suggests, the Haenel Jaeger NXT in the tracker version was designed especially for the tracker. With a muzzle sling swivel and a sling swivel mount on the side of the buttstock, it is ideal for tracking, but also for driven hunts and especially for "walk through" shooting, i.e. when the hunter has to move through dense vegetation. These features make it the ideal choice for hunters and dog handlers who prioritise flexibility and rapid deployment. The crisp direct trigger with a pull weight of around 1,000 grams ensures an accurate and precise shot. Safety is always guaranteed thanks to the manual cocking design in conjunction with the chamber lock slide.
The Jaeger NXT Tracker is only available in the 8x57 IS and .308 Winchester. The cold-hammer forged 47-cm short semi-lightweight barrel, like the barrels of other Jaeger NXT rifles, comes from the proven Haenel production line and delivers reliable ballistic performance and is suitable for a wide variety of hunting scenarios, as the rifle remains easy to handle even with the silencer screwed on.
Haenel Jaeger NXT Composite Short
Similar to the NXT Tracker model, the NXT Composite Short model is only available in .308 Winchester and 8x57 IS, which is due to the design of the short 47-cm barrel. This model is also intended for active shooters on driven hunts and is of course also a good choice for dog handlers thanks to its short barrel. Thanks to its composite construction, the gun also impresses with its pleasant feel and ergonomic handling. The height-adjustable cheek piece can be quickly and easily adjusted at the touch of a button even in the shooting position, thanks to the user-friendly push button. This means that the sighting line can be precisely adjusted to the shooter at any time.
Optional interchangeable stock caps are available for individual fine-tuning of the stock length, which can be fitted without any tools. The Jaeger NXT is also equipped with non-slip soft-touch inserts that ensure a secure grip even in adverse weather conditions. The revised fore-end geometry also contributes to stable, comfortable handling and a secure grip, especially when shooting freehand.
Exciting prospects for left-handed shooters: will the Haenel Jaeger NXT soon be available in a left-handed version?
As we all know, announcements should always be taken with a pinch of salt. The fact that many left-handed shooters are already eagerly waiting for Haenel to bring a left-handed version of the Jaeger NXT onto the market for them is proven by the enquiries received from the hunting community, and not just from the manufacturer. If the plans materialise and the Jaeger NXT is released in a left-handed version, this would be a real milestone for many fans. After all, left-handers make up around 10 to 15 % of users, a significant proportion that should not be overlooked in product development. Let's hope that this time it doesn't just remain an announcement, but that the actual realisation follows. Of course, it also remains to be seen whether the Haenel Jaeger NXT family – with the exception of the left-hand version(s) – is now really complete, or whether the Suhl-based gunmaker will come up with yet another variant. The fan community certainly still has one or two wishes up its sleeve.
On this company website you will find further information about C.G. Haenel and its product portfolio and here you can find out more about the current hunting rifles of the Haenel brand.
