Blaser Re-engineers the Thumbhole Stock

by
posted on March 19, 2014
blasersized1.jpg

Apparently it takes a team of German firearm engineers to fashion the perfect thumbhole stock, because the Blaser R8 Professional Success is as good as it gets. It’s not exactly a surprise that this touch of perfection comes via the R8, which I consider the world’s most technologically advanced hunting rifle. The Blaser’s unique mechanical features include a segmented-collet bolt sleeve that forms a circular locking lug, making the action faster than any turnbolt, yet stronger than competing straight-pull guns. On top of that, the magazine and trigger assembly are combined in a single detachable unit, which allows for a shorter receiver and shorter overall length, while at the same time enhancing safety by allowing the shooter to fully unload or reload the gun in an instant.

Granted, the R8’s looks take some getting used to, and thumbhole stocks aren’t necessarily my cup of tea. But I do like the way they feel in actual shooting positions-especially offhand and kneeling-and am convinced that the thumbhole configuration is an advantage in making deliberate, precise shots. For me, though, a thumbhole stock can feel kind of awkward afield when a fast shot is needed. The Professional Success’s interpretation bridges the gap. The grip angle, size and shape combine to produce a comfortable hold and great trigger control, but make for intuitive handling, and the entire rifle was rebalanced to account for the relaxed hand position. Some versions of the new stock even come adorned in fine-grained leather, which, perhaps goes to show that much as I like the R8, I’m still a step behind Blaser’s engineers.

A new thumbhole stock designed for the Blaser R8 Professional Success brings a new balance of trigger control and fast-handling capability.

blaser R8 thumbhole stock

Latest

Long Wolf Timberwolf 19X Web
Long Wolf Timberwolf 19X Web

Review: Lone Wolf Arms Timberwolf 19X

In its Timberwolf 19X, Lone Wolf Arms focused on incremental updates and tweaks to the seminal Glock design, resulting in a versatile "crossover" handgun design capable of fulfilling a variety of roles.

May NICS Numbers Show Possible Improvement In Gun Sales

Despite the 1.6 percent year-over-year decline in firearm sales for the month of May, the 31-day period marks the 70th month in a row with more than 1 million gun sales.

2025 Shotgun Of The Year: SDS Arms MAC 1014

For each of the past 23 years, the editors of American Rifleman have convened to select our top picks for the past year’s best and most innovative products. Here are the most recent winners.

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson Model 1854

Smith & Wesson entered an entirely new market segment in 2024 with its Model 1854, and the lever-action has a few notable features that allow it to stand out in what's becoming a crowded market of modernized lever guns.

New For 2025: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

Mossberg is one of the pioneers of the "Shockwave" style of non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearms, and the company's latest design, the 990 Aftershock, is semi-automatic.

The Battle of Bunker Hill: 250 Years Later

The June 17, 1775, Battle of Bunker Hill marked one of the most pivotal moments in the early years in the American Revolution, as thousands of militiamen stood against determined assaults by British infantry outside Boston.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.