New for 2026: Blaser R8 Professional Rifle

Blaser released a modern take on the iconic straight-pull bolt-action rifle.

by
posted on February 11, 2026
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Blaser R8 Professional Rifle

Blaser’s take on the straight-pull, bolt-action rifle showcases a new, ergonomically optimized vertical pistol grip for increased comfort and improved control when shooting. The R8 Professional 2.0’s ambidextrous palm swell is designed to fit both right- and left-handed shooters. Additional enhancements include new, molded-polymer grip inserts manufactured using 2K technology, which have an improved surface texture for better grip in all environmental conditions.

The Diamond-Like Carbon A+ (DLC A+) coating of the barrel surface provides excellent protection against corrosion and scratches. Now standard is a height-adjustable comb which assists in achieving exact alignment in the proper shooting position at the push of a button. The receiver is permanently embedded into the synthetic stock for extra protection, enhanced rigidity and precision. The fore-end also allows mounting a Harris bipod and/or Picatinny rail.

Blaser R8 Professional Rifle case.
The new R8 Professional Rifle is available in a kit with a TSA-approved hard case.

Often chosen for its speed, accuracy and reliability in even the most daunting hunting conditions, this newest R8 is available as a Blaser kit with custom TSA approved hardcase featuring pre-cut interior foam for extra protection wherever shooting activities may take place. In addition to slots for the rifle, there are openings for two scopes, a scope mount and an extra barrel for easy storage..

“The R8 Professional 2.0 kit is an upgraded system for Blaser owners in the United States and, for added convenience, all existing R8 parts fit this newly designed stock and receiver,” said Jason Evans, CEO, Blaser Group. “The hard case is also an attractive element of the new system for our customers who travel the globe to hunt and also those who hunt closer to home and value an improved storage option.”

Available in Black Brown and Dark Olive, three stock-length options are available—14.56 inch is standard, but customers can easily exchange for 13.97-inch or 15.35-inch lengths. MSRP starts at $5,500.

For more information, visit the Blaser company webpage at blaser.de/en/.

 

Latest

Ruger American Gen2 Patrol 1
Ruger American Gen2 Patrol 1

Review: Ruger American Gen II Patrol

Ruger's American rifle line represents a good balance between cost and performance, and the latest generation offers many welcome upgrades, as seen on this Gen II Patrol model in 5.56 NATO.

SOG Knives Celebrates 40 Years in Business

SOG Knives, which was established by Spencer Frazer in 1986, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026.

The History of Repeating Arms Gun-Control Groups Don’t Want the Courts to Know

This episode of NRA’s The Armed Citizen Podcast refutes one of the biggest false claims gun-control groups and the politicians they support repeat ad nauseam by asserting that the Founding Fathers could not have imagined the AR-15.

Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Kuna

Initially designed by Croatian manufacturer HS Produkt to fulfill a military contract, the Kuna has since arrived on U.S. shores through Springfield Armory as a semi-automatic, large-format handgun chambered for the 9 mm Luger cartridge.

All-American AK: The Bear Creek Arsenal BC-47

North Carolina’s Bear Creek Arsenal makes AR-15s, 10/22s and handguns, but new for 2026, it is introducing its first AK-pattern firearm with the BC-47.

Review: TNW Firearms ASR 1911

Reliable pistol-caliber carbines, especially with quick-caliber-change capability, are fun, and the ASR 1911 from TNW Firearms is one of the most unique of the bunch.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.