Though some manufacturers introduce new rifles mid-year, many officially launch new rifles at SHOT Show each January, though often with late fall previews before the actual show. There have been some very innovative rifles introduced recently, including the Nosler Carbon Chassis Hunter shown above and the new PWS UXR featured in a separate article.
In today’s Saturday Showcase, we feature seven videos that cover a huge variety of rifle types — from air rifles to long-range, large-caliber ELR rigs. The first video below covers 11 different rifles, and the other six videos cover more than two dozen other rifles. Watching these videos is a good way to see a host of different rifle options in a short period of time.
11 New/Recent Rifles with Factory Promo Videos
This videos features new offerings from Mossberg, Benelli, Stag Arms, Bergara, and more. There’s also the return of a classic, the Marlin 336.Rifles listed in this video (with video times):
When you’re in mountainous backcountry pursuing big game, you don’t want to be hauling around a 12-pound rifle. Thankfully, with carbon fiber and other modern materials, there are quality hunting rifles at 6 pounds or less. The host of this video notes: “When you go hunting, the last thing you want is to carry a heavy gun with you that gets you tired and weighs you down. The good news is that this is not necessary anymore. In times of titanium carbon fiber, and Kevlar, hunting rifles get lighter and lighter while keeping all the high-quality, reliability, and accuracy that you expect of them. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at these lightweights that will serve you well.”
Savage Arms KLYM Light Rifle
Here is innovative engineering from Savage Arms. The impressive new Savage KLYM rifle employs carbon fiber components for major weight savings. The HuntStand team had a chance to field test the new KLYM rifle series: “Based on a new carbon-fiber platform, Savage KLYM cuts weight so you can go farther in your quest for beasts off the beaten path.” With its Proof Research carbon fiber-wrapped stainless barrel and FBT carbon fiber stock, the new KLYM is listed as weighing under 6 pounds.
Recommended Take-Down Camp Rifles
We think every avid hunter can use a take-down rifle. Able to separate into two shorter sections, a good take-down rifle can be carried conveniently in a day pack, yet assembled easily in a minute. This video covers a variety of take-down rigs, most of which are chambered for rimfire cartridges. Some of these rifles are ultra-light, weighing less than 4.5 pounds without optic.
Accurate .22 LR Rifles for 2024
This PewPew Zone video showcases multiple .22 LR rifles. Shown above is the CZ 457 with Manners Precision stock. The rimfire rifles featured in this video (in order) are: Lithgow LA 101, Anschutz 1761, Tikka T1x MTR, CZ 457 Varmint Precision Trainer, Savage Mark II FV, and Ruger Precision Rimfire.
Long Range Rifles
This video focuses on larger-caliber rifles intended for long-range target shooting and tactical applications. Rifles featured in this video include: Barrett MRAD MK22, Howa 1500, Bergara B14, Accuracy Int’l AXSR, Tikka T3X TAC A1, Daniel Defense Delta 5, Ruger Precision Rifle. Unfortunately, the interesting rifle shown on the static intro frame is more of a teaser and is not separately tested.
Best Air Rifles for 2024
Air rifles are fun and very inexpensive to shoot. There are a variety of air rifle disciplines now: from benchrest competition, 3-position shooting, air rifle silhouette, tactical matches, and the popular Field Target Competition. You can shoot air rifles for a small fraction of the cost of centerfire firearms.
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Savage Arms has just introduced the new Impulse series of straight-pull bolt rifles. This is the first American-designed and crafted straight-pull centerfire rifle. The new Impulse features an innovative Hexlock bolt-locking mechanism with six spherical bearings that move radially outward into a ring in the barrel extension, thereby locking the bolt in place. That barrel extension is held in the receiver assembly by four cross-bolts on the lower front section. Ahead of the barrel extension is a conventional recoil lug and a familiar Savage barrel nut.
Savage Impulse Straight-Pull Rifle — Overview
Savage claims the new system offers the cycling speed of a semi-auto, with the accuracy of a bolt-action. There have been some initial field tests, and it looks like the performance has been good. However, based on the videos that Savage has posted, the cycling of the Impulse’s straight-pull bolt does not seem to be as smooth as some European straight-pulls, such as the Blaser R8, Merkel RX Helix, and Strasser RS 14. We’ve tried those Austrian/German rifles and you really can cycle them very smoothly. From the video the Savage Impulse appears to require somewhat more muscle and effort. Watch below. The video will launch at the 15-second mark for a comparison between the Impulse and a conventional Savage bolt-action:
Savage Speed Comparison — Impulse vs. Regular Bolt Action
Savage says: “Conventional bolt-actions require four steps to cycle the bolt. Impulse simplifies the process with a simple back-and-forth motion.”
Advantages of Straight-Pull Cycling System
What is the advantage of a straight-pull system? You should be able to cycle faster, and (ideally) maintain your cheek-weld and target view. Savage says: “The smooth bolt throw allows a shooter to cycle rounds intuitively, without the need for the standard four changes-of-direction common to a conventional bolt’s path-of-travel. Impulse reduces split times and allows a shooter to manipulate the bolt without losing [his] cheek weld. The bolt travels out and back and shooters don’t have to take their eyes off the target.” Sounds good, but if you watch the above videos, it’s not as wonderful as claimed. That said, if one slows down a bit, a straight pull should allow the shooter to maintain his cheek weld.
Savage’s Impulse “will redefine the way you think about straight-pull rifles”, said Al Kasper, President/CEO of Savage Arms. These new Impulse rifles are built for speed — faster bolt cycling while maintaining ones cheek-weld. This increase in speed can help a hunter make effective follow-up shots.
When the bolt is closed, the Hexlock system holds it in place instead of conventional lugs. With the Hexlock, six (6) hardened steel bearings lock the bolt in place inside the receiver’s barrel extension. Savage says “As pressure increases, Hexlock’s hold tightens, ensuring that there can be no rearward movement of the bolt. Once the round has left the barrel, the pressure subsides, and the action can safely open again with the straight pull of the bolt handle.”
Savage Impulse — Hexlock System (Bolt Locks in Barrel Extension)
The cleverly-designed, modular Impulse bolt can be disassembled without tools. And the bolt-handle can be moved to either side easily. NOTE: In this diagram it may appear that the barrel does not have threads on the chamber end. Actually, Impulse barrels DO have threads on that end, which are used by the barrel nut. However, these threads are covered by a barrel extension which is held in the action/receiver by a lower-side four-bolt barrel clamp.
To design and craft the Savage Impulse, Savage employed advanced engineering with computer modeling. Savage also uses advanced, computer-controlled machinery to build these rifles The video below shows the design/engineering process by which Savage brought the Impulse from concept to finished product in just two years — a very short time by firearms industry standards.
This Video Shows How the Savage Impulse Was Engineered
Savage Impulse — Ambidextrous, Adjustable Angle Bolt Handle
One of the key features of the new Savage Impulse is an ambidextrous bolt handle that can be quickly and easily moved from one side to the other. This allows Impulse rifles to work for both left-handed and right-handed shooters. In addition, the angle of the bolt handle can be adjusted by simply pushing a spring-loaded pin and removing a side coverpin. This is demonstrated in the video below.
Savage Impulse Models: Predator, Big Game, Hog Hunter
Savage currently offers three Impulse models, all equipped with Savage AccuStock, Accufit, and AccuTrigger. All Impulse actions feature a Picatinny rail on top along with a central safety. Because the bolt handle can be placed on either side, all Impulse rifles are essentially ambidextrous — good for lefties as well as righties. There are both short-action and long-action versions of the Impulse rifle. Seven different chamberings are offered, from .22-250 to .300 Win Magnum.
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF), through the Scholastic Clay Target Program and Scholastic Action Shooting Program, awarded 126 youth athletes over $100,000.00 in college Scholarships for this upcoming academic year. The funds were awarded to qualifying applicants. In addition, some young competitors received special sponsor scholarship checks at the 2019 National Championships in Marengo, Ohio last month (see below). CLICK HERE for all scholarship winners.
National Director Tom Wondrash noted, “this is the first time our combined programs were able to award our Youth Athletes and their families over $100,000 in college scholarships. We could not have done it without the generous support of our program sponsors who continue to step up and support this initiative”.
In addition to the scholarships awarded to SCTP and SASP youth athletes who apply for these awards, at this year’s National Championships special scholarships were awarded by Browning, Beretta, and Blaser USA. In order to be eligible, athletes must have shot a Browning shotgun in 16-yard singles trap, a Beretta shotgun in the skeet event, or a Blaser shotgun in the sporting clays event.
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation is 501(c)(3) public charity responsible for all aspects of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) across the United States. For more information, visit SSSFonline.org.
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EDITOR: Our story on the Strasser RS14 straight-pull rifle created quite a stir. So, we thought we’d serve up another straight-pull feature — this time the German-crafted Merkel RX Helix. We shot the Helix a few years back during Media Day at the Range. One notable difference between the German Merkel and the Austrian Strasser is the bolt travel. During cycling, the Merkel bolt stays completely inside the action (see video below at 00:30). By contrast the Strasser bolt moves pretty far back, outside the action. For some folks that makes the Helix better for fast follow-up shots. All we can say is that Merkles and Strassers BOTH cycle way faster than conventional bolt-action rifles.
Merkel RX Helix Range Report
One of the most innovative rifles we have ever shot was the Merkel RX Helix, a very impressive piece of rifle engineering. Merkel claims the RX Helix is the fastest-cycling centerfire bolt action in the world. We can’t confirm that claim, but the Helix certainly cycles faster than any other centerfire bolt-gun this Editor has ever tried. (Yes, a Fortner biathlon action can be worked more rapidly, but that’s a rimfire). Both Jason and I really liked Merkel’s RX Helix. It balances well, the action is smooth, the wood is gorgeous, and the overall design thinking that went into this German-engineered take-down rifle is very impressive. The Helix’s universal-sized action lets you shoot anything from a .222 Rem to a .300 Win Mag with the same gun. And — get this — you can really swap barrels (and change bolt heads) in a couple of minutes with no tools, employing a dead-simple bolt-release lever concealed under the push-button-released removable forearm. (Watch VIDEO BELOW to see Barrel Swap procedure).
Rotary 7-Lug Bolt
While the RX Helix is a straight-pull rifle, it retains the strength and safety of a rotary bolt head with seven locking lugs that seat in a barrel extension. Unlike a Blaser, the RX Helix has a fully-enclosed action housing. That’s an important safety feature. Moreover, since the RX Helix employs a closed action, the bolt body doesn’t travel outside that action. This means the shooter can maintain his cheekweld with an eye on the target as he cycles the bolt.
The RX Helix’s linear (back and forth) bolt-handle motion is transmitted to the bolt head through a 1:2 ratio “transmission” gearing system. This allows smooth and fast cycling without the rotational or tipping movement found on other straight-pull, bolt-action rifles, such as the Blaser.
The Merkel linear-movement action cycles exceptionally fast, which allows for faster follow-up shots — a good thing if you’re hunting dangerous game. The RX Helix features a manual cocking lever on the tang and a direct trigger system. And here’s good news for southpaws — though Merkel does not make a dedicated left-hand version, lefties can very easily use their right hand to work the bolt while maintaining cheekweld. That may sound awkward, but with practice, it’s actually pretty efficient.
Fast, Easy Disassembly and Barrel Exchanges
The video below shows how the Helix can be disassembled (for cleaning or transport) in a matter of seconds WITHOUT TOOLS. The forearm slips off with the push of a button. A short lever on the left side of the action holds the barrel. Simply rotate the lever and the barrel (with bolt head) slips off. That’s it — in 30 seconds the rifle is apart, and you don’t even need an allen wrench as with a Blaser.
The RX Helix has a universal action length that covers calibers from .222 Rem to .300 Win Mag. Changing calibers (or chamberings) takes less than a minute with the appropriate barrel, bolt-head and magazine. Weaver rails are integrated into the action, and iron sights with three-dot rear and one-dot front fiber-optic inserts are standard.
The RX Helix is available with a standard black finish as well as four levels of design—Arabesque, Wild Boar, Spirit, and Deluxe. An all-carbon-fiber version is also available either with or without a carbon-wrapped barrel. The RX Helix comes in a wide range of popular calibers including .222 Rem, .223 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5×55 SE, .270 Win, 7×64, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg., 8×57 IS, 9.3×62, 7mm Rem Mag and .300 Win Mag. Barrel lengths vary according to caliber, and barrels, bolt-heads and magazines are available for caliber changes. EuroOptic.com sells the Merkel RX Helix with Grade 2 wood for $3,785.00.
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We like to see innovation in rifle design. One of the more interesting designs on the market is the Strasser RS14, an Austrian-engineered rifle featuring a slick, straight-pull bolt. With a quick rearward pull, the bolt cycles back. You may be familiar with the Blaser rifle — that requires the bolt handle to be moved in an arc. By contrast, with the Strasser, you literally pull straight back on the short-stroke bolt handle. After the handle moves about 60 degrees rearward, the bolt unlocks and then you can move the entire bolt assembly rearwards through its full motion, cycling the cartridge. The action is very smooth and very fast. Check it out in this video, at the 40-second time-mark:
The action is ambidextrous. The manufacturer can supply either a right-hand bolt or a left-hand bolt. That’s correct — you can switch from righty to lefty simply by swapping the bolt. Very clever.
Again, you can see the smooth, straight-pull bolt in the video below. The Strasser also offers a simple system to change barrels with just an allen key and another simple tool that nests in the fore-arm. The barrel-swap process is shown in this video starting at 1-minute mark:
One of most impressive features of the Strasser is the ease with which you can change chamberings — from small cartridges all the way to to full-size magnums. The owner can swap barrels in a few minutes. What’s more, the Stasser’s quick-change bolt face allows users to quickly and easily switch between small, standard, and magnum bolt face. That way you can shoot anything from .222 Rem up to .375 Ruger with the same RS-14 rifle. Here are the chambering options offered by Stasser (with Walther-made barrels):
The latest RS14 Evolution features a Picatinny rail on the receiver. USA buyers can choose between an RS14 with high-grade Walnut stock or the Tahr model with a grey, laminate stock. Both types have a detachable trigger module, that allows easy adjustment of pull weight.
This rifle is a premium product, priced accordingly. For orders and inquiries, contact the U.S. importer, International Firearm Corporation. You can also email info@internationalfirearmcorporation.com , or call 1 (844) IFC-GUNS (432-4867).
Click Here for review of less expensive Strasser Solo Model. This has a good video showing how the straight-pull action works: “Locking is by four quadrants around the bolt head, which are forced out into a ring in the chamber extension similar to the Blaser’s multi-collet system. When cocked and locked the bolt handle sits forward at an angle and pulling it back allows the lugs to contract so the action can be opened. The head is fully supported and shows a plunger-type ejector.”
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There is a new straight-pull hunting rifle coming to the USA. No, it’s not a Blaser, it’s a Strasser, made in Austria (not Germany like the Blaser). The new Strasser RS-14 is a premium hunting rifle with some very remarkable features. The trigger exchanges as a module, without tools. The entire barrel assembly can be swapped out in five minutes — and you can easily change bolt head so this rifle can shoot everything from small varmint cartridges all the way up to .30-Caliber Magnums.
The new RS14 Evolution, specially designed for the U.S. market, is a straight-pull, bolt-action rifle that features a removable trigger pack and the ability to easily adjust trigger weight without tools.
The quick-change bolt face allows users to quickly and easily switch between small, standard, and magnum bolt face. It comes with an integrated Picatinny rail on the receiver. USA buyers will be offered two different RS-14 models, one with grade E Walnut stock or the Tahr model with a grey, laminate stock. The first 100 of each model will be serial numbered to signify a special edition just for America. This rifle is a premium product — we expect the asking price to be in the $2500.00 range. For orders and inquiries, contact the U.S. importer, International Firearms Corporation (IFC).
Click the image below to see LARGE Version
You’ll find a detailed review of the Strasser RS-14 on TheTruthAboutGuns.com.
Here are highlights:
“A user can swap Strasser’s barrel and bolt face in under five minutes to accommodate new calibers, from short-action plinkers like .223 Remington to full-belted magnum loads like .300 Win Mag. You can choose your favorite calibers and different barrel and muzzle profiles.
Straight pull bolts are the quickest to operate. A traditional bolt-action rifle requires four movements: up, back, forward, down. The RS-14 requires only two: straight back and forward. That ‘extra’ speed could make all the difference in the field…
The RS-14’s bolt is a thing of beauty. Perfectly machined with a satin-smooth finish, it glides back and forth in the action’s channel. The over-sized bolt handle gives the operator a large target to grab when reloading.”
If two barrels are better than one, then why not three? That’s the thinking behind the exotic new BD14 from Blaser, unveiled at the 2014 IWA Show in Germany. This “bockdrilling” three-barrel firearm works as a shotgun, large-caliber rifle, and small-caliber rifle all in one. Even with all those barrels, the BD14 is relatively light, at 3.3 kg (7.26 lbs) without optics. That makes this a nice, carry-around gun for stalking. As you’d expect from Blaser, the twin triggers are crisp and precise, with a pull weight of just 1.43 lbs (650 grams). The front trigger is for the large-caliber rifle barrel, while the rear trigger works both the shotgun and small-caliber barrels, via a tang-mounted selector. Sorry, we don’t yet have a USA-market price on this example of gun-making exotica, but you can bet it will be expensive.
Here’s what Blaser USA has to say about its unique three-barreled BD14:
“The ‘Bockdrilling’ is, put simply, an over/under (O/U) rifle-shotgun combination with a smaller caliber rifle-barrel… on the side. The barrel arrangement [allows] for an extremely slender receiver, making the BD 14 exceptionally huntable.
The brand new Vertical Block Lockup…has been filed for patent. It combines an extremely compact and solid block lockup in a closed system within the monoblock with the comfortable handling of a classic break-action rifle.
The double lock permits, if needed, a rapid second shot, the front trigger always releasing the large rifle-caliber. The … barrel selector actives the shotgun barrel when in position ‘top’ and activates the smaller rifle caliber in position ‘bottom’.”
Story idea from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
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This is one of the finest shooting videos we’ve ever seen. Set in the scenic Fjordland of northern Norway, this high-quality 15-minute video is part Nat Geo travelog, part ballistics lesson, part gear review. We wish we had the opportunity to join Ulf Lindroth and Thomas Haugland on their remarkable shooting adventure. This video was originally created for Great Britain’s Fieldsports TV Channel.
This is an outstanding video, recommended for anyone interested in long-range hunting.
Long range shooters Lindroth and Haugland traveled to the Arctic Circle to field test a new .338 LM Blaser R8 (in GRS stock) fitted with a Zeiss Victory V8 4.8-35x60mm scope. (Ammo is Norma-brand .338 Lapua Magnum). The video shows how they confirm the ballistics of the Norma factory ammo in the Blaser R8 rifle system.
Ulf and Thomas initially test out the system confirming drop at multiple yardages, and then use the rifle for practical accuracy. Ulf says: “If you know your hunting will demand a long shot, and you want to push the limit but still be sure to make the first-shot kill… If you want to do an ethical hunt, if you want to push that limit, you have to do [this kind of testing].”
Ulf Lindroth (above) observed: “We shot [at 808 meters] observed the misses, clicked our way into the target, and now we have the true drop at that distance… in this air pressure, in this temperature. From there we can start working to find our TRUE trajectory. And when we have THAT… we can get serious about some target shooting.”
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Earlier this month we ran a story on the new Sauer 101 rifle. It turns out the Sauer 101 will be distributed in the U.S. by Blaser USA. Here’s more good news for hunters — we’ve learned that Blaser will be bringing another new German hunting rifle to the USA — the Mauser M 12. You’ll find specs and photos of the M 12 below. This is a rifle with a great heritage, superb build quality, plus some innovative features.
Both the Mauser M 12 and Sauer 101 rifles should be available at retailers in late April. To learn more, visit these websites: www.Mauser-m12.com and www.Sauer-101.com. For additional information on the Blaser line of products visit www.Blaser-USA.com.
Mauser M 12 Specifications
Bolt Features: 6-lug bolt, 60° bolt lift, bolt lugs engage directly in barrel, side bolt release, bolt can be disassembled without tools.
Extraction: Dual, spring loaded-ejectors for positive extraction.
How would you like to be a salaried gunsmith for a major gun-maker’s USA operation? Here’s your opportunity. Blaser USA is looking to hire a gunsmith for its San Antonio, Texas sales and service center.
Candidates must have completed a recognized gunsmithing course, have “excellent communication skills”, be able to work in a “fast-paced” team-oriented business environment, and be able to work (on location) at regional and national shooting events. Duties include general gunsmithing, customer service work, and the following specific tasks:
Finish assembly of rifles and shotguns.
Inspects first piece samples from vendors.
Assembles firearms in accordance with customer specifications.
Repairs firearms for customers, sponsored shooters, and journalists.
Minor stock repair and wood-working.
Aligns sights/scopes and conducts test firings.
Documents problems on customer returns as required.
Inspects and sets out parts for repairs or product updates.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position,
forward your résumé to:
Blaser USA Inc.
Laura Aldana
403 East Ramsey Ste. 301
San Antonio, TX 78216
email: info [at] blaser-usa.com
Story Tip by Edlongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
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The unique Blaser rifle design features a straight-pull bolt with “patented Radial Locking System” of outward-expanding lugs that lock directly into the barrel. Their modular design permits Blaser rifles to be dis-assembled (with barrels exchanged) in less than one minute, using a single hex wrench. The straight-pull action allows Blasers to be cycled very rapidly by the shooter.
Until lately, if you wanted a Blaser, you had to settle for a conventional-style, solid-wrist stock. Now Blaser has introduced an ergonomic thumbhole stock with a more vertical-style pistol grip. This new stock will be offered on the Blaser R8 “Professional Success” (R8 PS) hunting rifle. Blaser claims the new stock provides a comfortable, stable hold in all shooting positions — prone, sitting, kneeling, or standing.
The R8 PS is available in green/gray, or black/brown colors. The standard R8 PS features elastomer inlays on the forearm, pistol grip and cheek-piece. MSRP is $4,356.00. Toss in another $1100 or so, and you can upgrade the black/brown version with fitted leather inlays on forearm, pistol grip and cheek-piece. That’s a hefty surcharge for about $15.00 worth of animal hide, but Blasers were never for bargain-hunters.
Watch Blaser R8 in Action
In the video below, filmed on safari in Africa, hunter/writer Ron Spomer reviews the Blaser R8 with standard stock (not the new thumbhole). Starting at the 0:52 mark you can see how the rifle is assembled and how the straight-pull action works. Spomer’s rifle review begins as the 1:10 mark. Spomer explains that a single rifle can be fitted with multiple barrels in an assortment of chamberings/calibers.
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One of the most innovative rifles we tried at Media Day in January was the Merkel RX Helix, a very impressive piece of rifle engineering. Merkel claims the RX Helix is the fastest-cycling centerfire bolt action in the world. We can’t confirm that claim, but the Helix certainly cycles faster than any other centerfire bolt-gun this Editor has ever tried. (Yes, a Fortner biathlon action can be worked more rapidly, but that’s a rimfire). Both Jason and I really liked Merkel’s RX Helix. It balances well, the action is smooth, the wood is gorgeous, and the overall design thinking that went into this $3795.00 (MSRP) take-down rifle is very impressive. The Helix’s universal-sized action lets you shoot anything from a .222 Rem to a .300 Win Mag with the same gun. And — get this — you can really swap barrels (and change bolt heads) in under one minute with no tools, employing a dead-simple bolt-release lever concealed under the push-button-released removable forearm.
Rotary 7-Lug Bolt
While the RX Helix is a straight-pull rifle, it retains the strength and safety of a rotary bolt head with seven locking lugs that seat in a barrel extension. Unlike a Blaser, the RX Helix has a fully-enclosed action housing. That’s an important safety feature. Moreover, since the RX Helix employs a closed action, the bolt body doesn’t travel outside that action. This means the shooter can maintain his cheekweld with an eye on the target as he cycles the bolt.
The RX Helix’s linear (back and forth) bolt-handle motion is transmitted to the bolt head through a 1:2 ratio “transmission” gearing system. This allows smooth and fast cycling without the rotational or tipping movement found on other straight-pull, bolt-action rifles, such as the Blaser.
The Merkel linear-movement action cycles exceptionally fast, which allows for faster follow-up shots — a good thing if you’re hunting dangerous game. The RX Helix features a manual cocking lever on the tang and a direct trigger system. And here’s good news for southpaws — though Merkel does not make a dedicated left-hand version, lefties can very easily use their right hand to work the bolt while maintaining cheekweld. That may sound awkward, but with practice, it’s actually pretty efficient.
Fast, Easy Disassembly and Barrel Exchanges
The video below shows how the Helix can be disassembled (for cleaning or transport) in a matter of seconds WITHOUT TOOLS. The forearm slips off with the push of a button. A short lever on the left side of the action holds the barrel. Simply rotate the lever and the barrel (with bolt head) slips off. That’s it — in 30 seconds the rifle is apart, and you don’t even need an allen wrench as with a Blaser.
The RX Helix has a universal action length that covers calibers from .222 Rem to .300 Win Mag. Changing calibers (or chamberings) takes less than a minute with the appropriate barrel, bolt-head and magazine. Weaver rails are integrated into the action, and iron sights with three-dot rear and one-dot front fiber-optic inserts are standard.
The RX Helix is available with a standard black finish as well as four levels of design—Arabesque, Wild Boar, Spirit, and Deluxe. An all-carbon-fiber version is also available either with or without a carbon-wrapped barrel. The RX Helix comes in a wide range of popular calibers including .222 Rem, .223 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5×55 SE, .270 Win, 7×64, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg., 8×57 IS, 9.3×62, 7mm Rem Mag and .300 Win Mag. Barrel lengths vary according to caliber, and barrels, bolt-heads and magazines are available for caliber changes. MSRP for the standard black rifle with Grade 2 wood is $3,795.00.
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Rotary 7-Lug Bolt
Earlier this month we ran a story on the new 
How would you like to be a salaried gunsmith for a major gun-maker’s USA operation? Here’s your opportunity. Blaser USA is looking to hire a gunsmith for its San Antonio, Texas sales and service center. 
