Blaser R93 Tactical
Blaser Jagdwaffen GmbH · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 1993
Also known as: R93 Tactical, R93 LRS2, Blaser Tactical
Overview
The Blaser R93 Tactical is a straight-pull bolt-action sniper rifle based on Blaser's innovative R93 hunting rifle platform. Its defining feature is the straight-pull bolt mechanism with a collet locking system, which allows significantly faster cycling than conventional turn-bolt actions -- the bolt travels straight back and forward without any rotation, enabling trained operators to achieve rapid follow-up shots. Originally designed as a high-end hunting rifle, the R93 was adapted for law enforcement and military use with a tactical stock, heavy barrel, and full-length accessory rail.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5400 g (190.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5800 g (204.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1178 mm (46.38") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 8.5 N (1.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 860 m/s (2822 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3592 J (2649 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3700 m (4046 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Chrome Molybdenum Steel |
| Stock Material | Aluminum Chassis Polymer Furniture |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .308 Winchester · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Win, 7.62x51mm, 7.62 NATO
- .300 Winchester Magnum — also known as .300 Win Mag, .300 WM
- .338 Lapua Magnum · 8.6x70mm — also known as 8.6x70mm, .338 Lapua Mag, .338 LM
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Decocking Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Straight Pull Bolt, Free Floating Barrel, Quick Change Barrel, Multi Caliber Conversion, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Adjustable Length Of Pull, Suppressor Ready, Full Length Picatinny Rail, Collet Locking System, Adjustable Trigger, Radial Locking Head
Variants
- Blaser R93 LRS 2 — Long Range
- Blaser R93 Tactical 2 — Improved
- Blaser R8 GRS — Successor Tactical
Service history
Operators
- German Bundespolizei (GSG 9) · adopted 1997
- German SEK (State Police Special Units) · adopted 1998
- Netherlands Police (DSI)
- Swiss Police
- German KSK
Production
Production years: 1993-present
The R93 platform (all variants including hunting models) has sold over 200,000 units since 1993. Tactical variant production numbers not separately disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Horst Blaser
Notes
The R93's straight-pull action uses a 14-lug collet that expands radially into the barrel extension to lock, rather than conventional rotating lugs. This allows the bolt to be cycled with a simple push-pull motion. The trigger pull is exceptionally light at approximately 850 grams (1.87 lbs) due to the direct trigger linkage. Barrel changes between calibers take approximately 60 seconds. The R93 Tactical was particularly popular with German counter-terrorism units who valued the fast follow-up shot capability for urban hostage rescue scenarios. The LRS 2 (Long Range Sporter) variant added a longer forend and heavier barrel profile.
Background
The Blaser R93's straight-pull action was revolutionary in the sniper rifle world, offering a cycling speed advantage that no turn-bolt action could match. German GSG 9 operators reportedly chose the R93 Tactical specifically because its fast bolt cycle allowed them to take immediate follow-up shots during hostage rescue scenarios where split-second timing was critical. The rifle's hunting rifle origins also gave it an unexpectedly low profile -- it could be transported in a standard sporting rifle case without attracting attention.