Long guns with hand tension have a tension slider that allows the weapon to be tensioned only immediately before firing. A hand tensioner makes additional safeties unnecessary. No safety is as secure as a relaxed system. Once a shot is fired and repeated, the system is immediately tensioned again - a subsequent shot is possible. If no further shot is fired, the system must be relaxed after the first shot.
The most important repeaters with hand tension:
Blaser R8
The Blaser R8 is one of the most popular hunting weapons among professional hunters and foresters. The straight-pull repeater with hand tension guarantees precise shots, the fastest repetition, safety, and robustness. The weapon is modular and can be customized according to the individual wishes of the customer. The only criticisms: many plastic parts and the high price of the high-performance weapon.
Blaser R8
Blaser R93
The Blaser R93 is the predecessor model of the Blaser R8 and already set new standards in 1993 regarding safety, repetition, and shooting performance. Due to its popularity, the model was developed in parallel with the R8 until 2016. Used models of the R93 are traded from about 2000-2500 euros. Like the R8, the R93 is very robust and is often used by high-performance shooters and professional hunters.
Blaser R93
Sauer 404
The Sauer 404 is the high-class model from Sauer and the successor to the legendary Sauer 202. In addition to hand tension, the weapon impresses mainly with its buttery smooth lock mechanism, which hunters of many generations appreciate in Sauer repeaters.
Sauer 404
Mauser M12
The Mauser M12 does not come standard with a hand tension system; the weapon is equipped with a firing pin safety as standard. However, hand tension is offered as an option. The Mauser M12 is a robust hunting weapon designed for hard, demanding use in the field.
Mauser 12
Heym SR 30
The Heym SR 30 integrates the hand tension mechanism into the chamber lever. The weapon is tensioned by pushing the chamber lever forward, and to relax it, the chamber lever must be pulled back again. However, tensioning before the first shot is somewhat cumbersome: the pistol grip must be released to operate the lever. The weapon is relatively inexpensive at just under 2,300 euros MSRP and impresses with its precision and excellent workmanship.
Heym SR 30
Merkel RX Helix
The Merkel RX Helix is a straight-pull repeater with hand tension designed for all hunting situations. Especially for hunting abroad, the weapon is excellent; with just a few hand movements, the take-down weapon can be disassembled to briefcase size, making it very suitable for transport. The new price of the RX Helix, which is available in various versions, starts at 2,500 euros.
Merkel RX Helix
Steyr Mannlicher SM12
The flagship of Steyr Mannlicher, the SM12, is particularly characterized by its RESET-ACTION system. The reset mechanism detects when the tensioned (and thus ready-to-fire weapon) is no longer in firing position because it is placed upright or laid sideways. An LED light alerts the shooter that the weapon is still tensioned. If the shooter does not respond, the weapon automatically relaxes. It doesn't get any safer!
Steyr Mannlicher SM12
Steyr Mannlicher Monobloc
In the Steyr Mannlicher Monobloc, as the name implies, the barrel and system are made from a single piece. In the stock, which was created using a 3D printer, there is a cavity where the disassembled trigger unit can be stored. According to Steyr Mannlicher, the Monobloc is the most precise weapon that the traditional manufacturer has ever produced.
Steyr Mannlicher Monobloc
Krieghoff Semprio
The Semprio from Krieghoff offers a revolutionary in-line repeating system, where no chamber lever is moved, but the repetition occurs by quickly pushing the fore-end back and forth. Advantages of the innovative technology: the hands remain on the pistol grip and fore-end, the target stays in the scope - faster repetition is hardly possible.
Krieghoff Semprio
Strasser RS 14
The most striking feature of the modular straight-pull repeater RS 14 from Strasser is the quick caliber change. With just a few hand movements, even during the hunt, the barrel and, if necessary, magazine and bolt head can be changed with precision. The process takes only a few seconds. The weapon is available in various versions and can be precisely tailored to the customer's requirements. The price ranges from 2,800 to 20,000 euros according to Strasser.
Strasser RS 14
Rössler Signature
High-precision repeater rifle with hand tension from the Austrian family business Rössler, which was newly presented at IWA 2023. The Signature draws on proven elements of the RöWa Titan6 but complements them with a newly developed hand tension. The weapon is available in the versions Allround (plastic stock), Luxury and Luxury hole stock (oiled walnut), and Hunter (laminated wood with adjustable buttstock). The price ranges from 2,200 to 2,900 euros.
Rößler Signature
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