The gunsmiths from C. G. Haenel GmbH in Suhl used the IWA 2013 to introduce a number of additional models to the Jaeger 10 bolt-action rifle line, all of them grouped under the generic designation of ‘Pro’ for ‘professional.’ Among them were the ‘Varmint’ and ‘Varmint Sporter’ models with a black polymer stock. The latter rifle is designed to appeal to sports shooters as well as hunters.
The adjustable comb fitted to the Varmint Sporter at a premium of roughly € 300 is the only difference between the two models. Both of them come with the additional, third swing swivel eyelet on the forearm for an optional bipod.
This is the range of calibers offered: .223 Rem., 6.5 × 55 SE, .243 Win., .270 Win., .300 Win.Mag. and – the chambering used by our tested rifle – .308 Win.
The barrel is a 56 centimeters long medium weight with 19 millimeters diameter at the muzzle (Magnum caliber: 65 cm long) fastened to a forged steel receiver. The barrel has an M15 × 1 thread at the muzzle. In the test firearm, the otherwise free-floating barrel has a pressure point in the stock, three fingers in front of the receiver.
The bolt slides smoothly through the system, but the handle tends to stick when opening, as did the somewhat parsimonious three-round capacity plastic magazine. There is also the risk of losing the magazine when out on the hunt due to the more generously sized release buttons.
The trigger was slightly scratchy as it crept toward the point of release and also showed significant over-travel after breaking the shot. The double-set trigger broke at around 120 grams. But the blade was not crisp and travelled around an extra millimeter before discharge.
The Haenel Jaeger 10 Varmint rifles are a viable option for anyone looking for a German-built rifle in a price range just north of € 1,300.
Possible uses of the Jaeger 10 Varmint/Varmint Sporter:
The Haenel Jaeger 10 Varmint Sporter is more than just a hunting rifle and caters wonderfully to the needs of sports shooters as well. We advise against using the Jaeger 10 for law enforcement or military purposes.
Technical specifications / Haenel Jaeger 10 Varmint Sporter:
| Model: | Jaeger 10 Varmint Sporter |
| Price: | € 1.324,- |
| Caliber: | .308 Winchester (others available) |
| Capacity: | 3 + 1 shells |
| Barrel length: | 560 mm (others available) |
| Total length: | 1.091 mm |
| Trigger pull: | 1,148 g (double-set: 120 g) |
| Weight: | 3.448 g |
Features: six lug action, polymer stock with pistol grip and adjustable comb, bipod mount, removable magazine, muzzle thread.
Range test: Jaeger 10 Varmint, in caliber .308 Win.:
| Nr. | Factory cartridge | Group size |
| 1 | 150 grs BARNES VOR-TX TSX HP | 39 mm |
| 2 | 150 grs FEDERAL Vital-Shok SP | 27 mm |
| 3 | 165 grs NORMA Swift | 32 mm |
| 4 | 168 grs PRVI PARTIZAN BTHP | 57 (48) mm |
| 5 | 168 grs RWS Target Elite | 23 mm |
Remarks: Group size = five-shot groups, shot in a seated position using a bench rest at a distance of 100 m, expressing millimeters, measured from bullet hole center to bullet hole center. Values in parentheses after elimination of one flyer.
Abbreviations/bullet initials: HP: hollow point, SP: soft point, BTHP: boat tail hollow p
Rating for the Jaeger 10 Varmint Sporter
| Rating | Points |
| Accuracy (max. 50 points) | 50 points |
| Stock (max. 10 points) | 7 points |
| Trigger (max. 10 points) | 5 points |
| Magazine/handling(max. 5 points) | 3 points |
| Sights (max. 5 points) | 4 points |
| System/function (max. 10 points) | 8 points |
| Finishing (max. 10 points) | 7 points |
| Total score (max. 100 points) | 84 points |
| Test rating | Very good |
| Stars | ***** (5 out of 6 stars) |
For more informaton, please visit the Haenel Jaeger website.
