German manufacturer C.J. Haenel certainly has no shortage of different series and different rifle concepts. In the hunting bolt-action rifles alone, it offers the modern Haenel NXT straight-pull rifle in various versions, as well as the universal bolt-action rifles of the Jaeger 10 series with no less than nine versions. The new Haenel Jaeger EVO rifle is a further alternative for hunting featuring a traditional design. However, the proven bolt-action technology of the EVO is housed in a modern composite stock, which can be optimally adapted to the shooter's wishes and shooting technique, especially at the buttstock.
What characterises the Haenel Jaeger EVO bolt-action rifle?
"The best of two worlds" is how Haenel puts it in the advertising for the new model, referring to the tried-and-tested bolt-action, and the stock and material, which has been designed according to the latest ergonomic aspects. We therefore wanted to find out what the future EVO owner can expect in terms of technology, features and comfort. Let's start with the most striking aspect, the stock. The composite stock of the Jaeger EVO (which is already familiar from the Haenel NXT straight-pull model) impresses with a sophisticated, three-stage adjustment system. The height-adjustable comb can be individually adjusted at the touch of a button and is spring-assisted to ensure an optimum line of sight at all times. By pressing an easily accessible button on the right side of the buttstock, the lock is released and the comb moves upwards "by itself". This enables precise adjustment of the comb even when the rifle is in the aiming position, which facilitates a stable firing position and faster acquisition of the target.
The length of pull can be adapted to different arm lengths and layers of clothing using interchangeable butt plates. Although the arm length of a shooter logically remains the same, the reach to the trigger is also influenced by the thickness of clothing, which changes depending on the season. The result of the correct length of pull is in turn a stable grip and an all-round secure feeling during the hunt. This also applies to the ergonomically shaped pistol grip and the fore-end, which is gripped by the supporting hand or placed on the hunting stand: regardless of where the shooter intuitively grips, the fore-end provides an optimum grip for all hand sizes to draw the rifle into the crook of the shoulder. In addition, soft-touch inserts for the palms ensure a secure grip.
The Haenel Jaeger EVO rifle comes with a classic bolt action and 60-degree bolt throw
Of course, every hunter is familiar with it: the bolt action that has been installed millions of times in countless rifles. But Haenel, which has been building guns since 1840, has built it for the new Jaeger EVO according to its own very high quality criteria: with three locking lugs and a 60-degree throw, the already praised smooth action and a 3-position safety with cocking indicator that is easy to operate even when wearing gloves, which is also found in the Haenel LR One precision rifle. The direct trigger is factory-set to around 1,100 grams and the high-strength polymer magazines for 5 rounds (magnum: 4 rounds) have a lock to prevent loss. A 10-round magazine is available as an accessory. For weight reasons, the Jaeger EVO comes with an aluminum receiver (the total weight of the rifle is only 3,100 grams); however, a replaceable steel reinforcement has been used as wear protection at the "stop point" of the receiver, where the bolt handle strikes during rapid repeating. A Picatinny rail has also been permanently integrated into the receiver.
The barrels in .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester and 8x57IS, which are generally 18 mm in diameter, have a length of 520 mm, while the magnum barrel of the .300 Winchester Magnum is 610-mm long. All barrels have muzzle threads and are also prepared for optional open iSight sights (the holes are there, but closed).
Haenel Jaeger EVO technical specifications and prices
| Model: | Haenel Jaeger EVO |
| Caliber (and Twist Rate): | .30-06 Spring. (11") / .308 Win. (12") / 8x57IS (9.4") / .300 Win. Mag. (11") |
| Overall Length: | 1,040 mm (standard) / 1,130 mm (magnum) |
| Barrel Length: | 520 mm (standard) / 610 mm (magnum) |
| Barrel Contour: | ∅ 18 mm |
| Weight: | 3,100 g approx. |
| Sighs: | None |
| Magazine: | 5-round detachable magazine, 10-round magazine optionally available, Magnum: 4-round detachable magazine. |
| Stock: | Composite |
| Trigger: | Direct; trigger pull weight: 1,100 g approx. |
| Price (RRP in Germany): | From 1,499 euro |
| Equipment: | Muzzle thread (M15x1) with thread protector, Picatinny rail, prepared for optional use of the iSight system (accessory), stock with interchangeable butt plates, infinitely extendable comb and integrated soft-touch inlays. |
Conclusion: what can the customer expect from the Haenel Jaeger EVO?
German manufacturing and barrels, proven elements taken from other Haenel rifles, an already established synthetic stock and a moderate price (from €1,499 in Germany): the overall package is just right, as is the two-world slogan, because the broad repertoire of different Haenel rifles from the other hunting and sporting rifle model series enables the Suhl-based company to use proven elements such as the front half of the NXT bolt or the NXT composite stock for the EVO as well.
