Founded in 1957 by Horst Blaser, the German company of the same name is now regarded as one of the most innovative in the hunting rifle sector, which was once considered impervious to innovation and is now instead the real driving force behind innovation in the field of firearms. On 1 September 2025, version 2.0 of the successful R8 Professional straight-pull hunting rifle, which was introduced to the market in 2008, was officially presented.
New Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 hunting rifle
"The R8 Professional has been appreciated by hunters for more than ten years," says Blaser CEO Christian Socher, “and that is precisely why we are now offering the rifle in an optimized version.” The Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 straight-pull rifle combines proven technical innovations with modern features to perfectly adjust the rifle to the hunter's individual requirements. Interchangeable stock modules allow the stock length to be adjusted to suit the hunter. Equipped as standard with a 370 mm long stock, the R8 Professional 2.0 can be shortened to 355 mm or extended to 390 mm simply by combining the appropriate modules. Hunter can easily change the module themselves. The adjustable comb adapts to optics mounted at different heights, in each case ensuring perfect alignment between the hunter's eye and the scope eyepiece. At the push of a button, the height can be adjusted up to a maximum of 30 mm above the comb or fully lowered to facilitate transport of the rifle after hunting.
The steeper pistol grip supports a more relaxed hand position during shooting, thus allowing the rifle's great accuracy to be exploited to the full. The pad on which the palm of the hand rests on the pistol grip (palm swell) is ergonomically optimised on both sides. As Christian Socher explains, 'This means that the stock is designed for both right- and left-handed shooters". The new elastomer inserts on the pistol grip and fore-end feature an innovative surface texture and offer a comfortable and secure grip, even when the user's hand is wet. Manufactured using modern two-component technology, the stock and inserts are precisely and permanently bonded. The DLC A+ coating on the barrel surface offers an extremely high degree of hardness and maximum corrosion protection. At the same time, the amount of maintenance required is reduced. In addition, the coating gives the barrel a deep black, silky matt finish, which enhances its visual appeal.
For markets where its use is permitted, the Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 is also available in a "Silence" version with integral silencer. The new version of the rifle is fully compatible with all R8 components such as interchangeable barrels, bolt and trigger units. The new Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 will be available from September 2025 with dark olive green and dark brown stocks.
The basic version is available from 3,499 euros and the R8 Professional 2.0 Silence from 4,495 euros (each RRP).
For full details please visit the Blaser website.
