Blaser announces the introduction of the R8 Ultimate Silence Blackout straight-pull bolt-action rifle: a special, limited edition version (as of today) of their R8 Ultimate Silence integrally-silenced hunting rifle optimized for the .300 AAC Blackout cartridge.

What makes the .300 AAC Blackout ideal for the Ultimate Silence platform is its high performance out of short barrels and its subsonic nature that makes it extremely quiet out of integrally-suppressed platforms; the same features make it perfect for training at the range, particularly in indoor ranges within urban areas.

Designed for very short barrels, hunters and shooters get an extremely compact hunting rifle for even better handling in the hide or on the stalk. The already very quiet shot can be reduced to zero by using appropriate supersonic ammunition, thus contributing to quiet hunting grounds.

Additionally, the low propellant charge and muzzle velocity typical of .300 AAC Blackout reduce the barrel heating ratio, allowing for higher rates of fire during shooting practice and quicker follow-up shots on the hunting ground without straining the barrel too much on the long run.

With a barrel length of 31 cm, the Blaser R8 Ultimate Silence Blackout bolt-action rifle barely reaches 97 cm of overall length, making it a perfect tool for battue hunting. The black synthetic stock, cocking handle knob and black owl logo under the grip, even the esthetics of the new Blaser rifle keep up with the "Blackout" name.

Still based on the tried-and-true, lightning-fast straight-pull action of the R8 series, the Ultimate Silence Blackout allows users to get the best out of any kind of .300 AAC Blackout ammunition available, behaving as good with premium rounds for hunting as it would with cheaper training rounds at the range.

Like all R8 series rifles, the Ultimate Silence Blackout features Blaser's signature manual cocking system, by which cycling the bolt only chambers a round, ejecting an empty shell if need be; before each shot, the shooter must cock the striker manually by activating the top tang sliding lever located at convenient thumb reach.

This makes the Ultimate Silence Blackout, like all Blaser R8 series rifles, a supremely safe rifle, as absolutely no accidental discharge can happen even with a round in chamber until the shooter manually cocks the striker to engage a target. The manual cocking slider is completely silent, and will not nullify the advantage given by the integrally-suppressed barrel.

Additionally, the manual cocking slider works independently from the bolt, allowing shooters to manually rearm the rifle for a restrike should they experience a failure to fire.

Other features include a comfortable Thumbhole-style stock with comfortable black elastomer inserts on the handguard, pistol grip, and cheek rest; a drilled and tapped receiver for Picatinny rails or scope mounts; front and rear sling ring attachment points; a black rubberized recoil pad; and the R8 Ultimate rifles series' signature detachable magazine integral to the trigger pack.

The Blaser R8 Ultimate Silence Blackout is available as a factory rifle or as a drop-in conversion barrel and kit for existing Blaser R8 rifle owners. For further information, visit the official Blaser website; for information concerning local availability and pricing, consult your closest Blaser retailer or the authorized Blaser distributor for your Country.