Lawyer Daggett
Member
When I purchased my Jaeger 9 I did so sight unseen as few shops here carry them. I thought a strikingly honest review necessary as none of the currently published reviews highlight some of the matters I observed.
JAEGER 9 REVIEW
When Europeans reach for a mountain rifle, they often reach for a Kipplauf, a break-action single-shot rifle.
These are elegant, slender rifles, that easily pull apart like double-barrelled shotguns for ease of carriage and storage.
Merkel, Haenel, Blaser, Kreighoff, and Heym are the most common manufacturers of Kipplauf’s in Germany, although bespoke rifles are available from manufacturers in Ferlach, and many other manufacturers in continental Europe manufacture Kipplauf’s.
Haenel is relatively little known because it was impacted by a post-war production ban, and by a post-war location behind the iron curtain, and it now lives in the shadow of its more illustrious owner, Merkel.
However, Haenel should need little introduction to students of firearms. Haenel evolved out of the Suhl Company founded in 1840 by the Prussian Commissioner of Firearms Manufacturing, Carl Haenel.
It was a major producer of German armaments during WW2 and Hugo Schmeisser developed the famed StG44 while working at Haenel, so this is a company with a considerable heritage in firearm production and innovation.
The Jaeger 9 is essentially a dressed-down Merkel K3. Recommended retail is now about $2,700 for one in Australia, mine I suspect was ‘old stock’ and cost $2,100 from Safari Arms, so they are hardly cheap. In contrast, the cheapest Merkel K3, the Extreme, starts at $4,500 and prices rise from there subject to the quality of wood, amount of engraving, and level of ‘bling’ desired.
Build quality is about the same as other single-shot rifles at its price point- such as the Ruger No 1, so, while cheap compared to its more expensive stablemates, in no sense of the word is this a cheap rifle.
The J9 weighs a scant 2.3 kg and has a 24-inch barrel, which given the shortness of the J9 action does not excessively increase its length.
The added barrel length also serves to tame the .308 which while quite manageable, is toward the upper end of what many shooters regard as comfortable, as it can be snappy in a 20-inch barrel.
Also appealing is that the barrel has been bead blasted, giving it a hunt-friendly low lustre appearance.
The removable Recknagel mounts and shotgun-style disassembly enable this rifle to be dismantled and easily carried in a case that is two-foot-long, or else for it to be carried in a backpack.
Tight however tolerances mean that there is however a bit of a knack associated with reassembling the barrel and action of this firearm.
THE ACTION
The action is made of alloy, with a ‘Jaeger block’ insert that provides for very tight locking.
The rifle loads and unloads like a break action shotgun, but, unlike a shotgun, the firearm does not cock itself on closure, as it is intended to a carried with a round in the chamber and be cocked via a cocker-de-cocker mounted on the tang where a shotgun safety catch is found.
When carried de- cocked infield, as there is no tension on the firing pin spring until you choose to cock it, it is arguably considerably safer than a mechanical safety that seeks to block the trigger or firing pin.
The trigger adjustable and breaks from the factory at two pounds. Pushed forward it functions as a ‘set’ trigger. The trigger is very smooth.
Another ‘quirk’ is that the rifle has an extractor and not an ejector.
The firearm is de-cocked by drawing the de-cocker back and pushing it forward cocks it.
CHAMBERINGS
One's appetite is fed by the interesting mix of continental and European-.243, 6.5x57, 7x57R, 7x65, 308 Win, 30-06, 300 Win Mag, 9,3x74R!
Given the popularity of the 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser, I would have liked to see it listed.
As with any choice of chambering, I suggest caution when choosing very heavy chamberings in light rifles. Know your limitations and remember Newton’s third law- ‘each action has an equal and opposite reaction’.
There are many comments online about the benefit of using only rimmed cartridges in a Kipplauf. This is often spouted as gospel by many whom I suspect have little experience.
I do not believe there is any obvious benefit in using a rimmed cartridge under normal field conditions when compared to for example a 7x57R double rifle that I once owned.
However, if using hand loads, an ‘iffy’ reload may potentially be easier to extract with the aid of the rim, and, in a traditional firearm, like the Kipplauf, a round like the 7x57R has to be a sentimental favorite.
Weighing up ammunition availability, and the need to always use reloads in a 7x57 if one wishes to extract the best from it, despite a soft spot for the 7x57 I found myself settling on a .308 Winchester.
STOCK
This stock is traditionally styled, unfortunately, and on a personal note, the factory stock does not fit me well. The length of pull is inadequate and the cheek peace too low. As a result of poor fit on a lightweight rifle, perceived recoil from a reasonably ‘snappy’ round like the .308 was uncomfortable when I broke the barrel in and zeroed it.
However, the effect of recoil is cumulative, and under field conditions where few rounds are fired, providing common sense is shown in the choice of chambering, one would not notice it.
In order to preserve the rifle's traditional looks, one wonders whether a raisable cheek peace would be a desirable addition or at least an option. Certainly, the hard black rubber but pad needs replacement, as there is no give in it at all.
Installation of an after-market cheek piece and Pachmayr Decelerator slip-on pad have largely resolved the recoil problem for me.
The stock is described as Grade 1 or Grade 2 walnut.
Previous reviews have described the stock as being covered in some sort of colored acrylic, probably like that used by some US manufacturers in the 1970s and ’80s.
The finish on the test rifle indicates this not to be the case, a positive move.
However, the timber on the forend was from a significantly lighter coloured piece of walnut, suggesting that Haenel has not matched forend wood to the buttstock wood is disappointing at this price point.
The checkering was of the machined variety and worked well.
Sling swivels are fitted. Unfortunately, they are designed for narrow European slings. In time I shall replace these with more traditional US-style stud, or the European recessed variety.
SIGHTS
The J9 is fitted with Partridge-style open sights. The front post is quite broad and thus intended to be used at closer range. An online review of a J9 features one fitted with fluorescent iron sights, and the front sight appears sprung to reduce the likelihood of that type of sight being damaged.
Mine was fitted with plain partridge sites with a sprung foresight. Having a spring on a plain foresight offers no tangible benefit.
These sights are hard to see in low light conditions, a problem exacerbated by the dark colour of most Australian wild pig or Sambar deer.
I would have preferred a shallow V or inverted V and a high visibility medium-sized round foresight like that found on some British big game rifles or continental bateau rifles.
The top of the receiver has been milled for a 9mm dovetailed rail mount with a recoil grove located at the rear end to prevent the mount from sliding from recoil. Mounts proved impossible to locate locally, and a set of excellent Recknagel mounts were obtained from Germany. These mounts are rather heavily constructed, work magnificently, and worth putting up with their high cost and aesthetic deficiencies for the certainly they afford.
The length of the receiver top does not allow a lot of room for adjusting eye relief on long telescopic sights, the small dimensions and lightweight of the rifle also lend themselves if one is not careful to ‘over scoping’ that can destroy the exquisite balance of this firearm. Consequently, a 2-7 Burris Mini was fitted.
Sadly, this excellent telescopic sight is now out of production, as it is ideal for this rifle.
ACCURACY
As a result of modern manufacturing methods, unless there is something wrong with the firearm, three shots into 1.5 inches at 100 yards is a given, and this rifle is no exception. Groups just under an inch were obtained by me using a Lead Sled.
Yes- a Lead Sled- I confess that by the time I got to my zeroing in point to 100 yards nerves were getting frayed, and I would not otherwise have done justice to the rifle.
COMMENT
The J9 is a plain, no-nonsense firearm that impresses all who handle it with its elegance and exquisite engineering.
The construction quality of this firearm is, as would be expected at this price point excellent. Though there are some features that help differentiate it from its more expensive Merkel cousins, such as the grade of timber used. The rifle does not exhibit the type of hand fitting and finish observed on the Merkels.
I have yet to hunt with my J9, and eagerly await the opportunity.
Would I buy again- yes, as the issues observed can be resolved, and no factory rifle is perfect.
JAEGER 9 REVIEW
When Europeans reach for a mountain rifle, they often reach for a Kipplauf, a break-action single-shot rifle.
These are elegant, slender rifles, that easily pull apart like double-barrelled shotguns for ease of carriage and storage.
Merkel, Haenel, Blaser, Kreighoff, and Heym are the most common manufacturers of Kipplauf’s in Germany, although bespoke rifles are available from manufacturers in Ferlach, and many other manufacturers in continental Europe manufacture Kipplauf’s.
Haenel is relatively little known because it was impacted by a post-war production ban, and by a post-war location behind the iron curtain, and it now lives in the shadow of its more illustrious owner, Merkel.
However, Haenel should need little introduction to students of firearms. Haenel evolved out of the Suhl Company founded in 1840 by the Prussian Commissioner of Firearms Manufacturing, Carl Haenel.
It was a major producer of German armaments during WW2 and Hugo Schmeisser developed the famed StG44 while working at Haenel, so this is a company with a considerable heritage in firearm production and innovation.
The Jaeger 9 is essentially a dressed-down Merkel K3. Recommended retail is now about $2,700 for one in Australia, mine I suspect was ‘old stock’ and cost $2,100 from Safari Arms, so they are hardly cheap. In contrast, the cheapest Merkel K3, the Extreme, starts at $4,500 and prices rise from there subject to the quality of wood, amount of engraving, and level of ‘bling’ desired.
Build quality is about the same as other single-shot rifles at its price point- such as the Ruger No 1, so, while cheap compared to its more expensive stablemates, in no sense of the word is this a cheap rifle.
The J9 weighs a scant 2.3 kg and has a 24-inch barrel, which given the shortness of the J9 action does not excessively increase its length.
The added barrel length also serves to tame the .308 which while quite manageable, is toward the upper end of what many shooters regard as comfortable, as it can be snappy in a 20-inch barrel.
Also appealing is that the barrel has been bead blasted, giving it a hunt-friendly low lustre appearance.
The removable Recknagel mounts and shotgun-style disassembly enable this rifle to be dismantled and easily carried in a case that is two-foot-long, or else for it to be carried in a backpack.
Tight however tolerances mean that there is however a bit of a knack associated with reassembling the barrel and action of this firearm.
THE ACTION
The action is made of alloy, with a ‘Jaeger block’ insert that provides for very tight locking.
The rifle loads and unloads like a break action shotgun, but, unlike a shotgun, the firearm does not cock itself on closure, as it is intended to a carried with a round in the chamber and be cocked via a cocker-de-cocker mounted on the tang where a shotgun safety catch is found.
When carried de- cocked infield, as there is no tension on the firing pin spring until you choose to cock it, it is arguably considerably safer than a mechanical safety that seeks to block the trigger or firing pin.
The trigger adjustable and breaks from the factory at two pounds. Pushed forward it functions as a ‘set’ trigger. The trigger is very smooth.
Another ‘quirk’ is that the rifle has an extractor and not an ejector.
The firearm is de-cocked by drawing the de-cocker back and pushing it forward cocks it.
CHAMBERINGS
One's appetite is fed by the interesting mix of continental and European-.243, 6.5x57, 7x57R, 7x65, 308 Win, 30-06, 300 Win Mag, 9,3x74R!
Given the popularity of the 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser, I would have liked to see it listed.
As with any choice of chambering, I suggest caution when choosing very heavy chamberings in light rifles. Know your limitations and remember Newton’s third law- ‘each action has an equal and opposite reaction’.
There are many comments online about the benefit of using only rimmed cartridges in a Kipplauf. This is often spouted as gospel by many whom I suspect have little experience.
I do not believe there is any obvious benefit in using a rimmed cartridge under normal field conditions when compared to for example a 7x57R double rifle that I once owned.
However, if using hand loads, an ‘iffy’ reload may potentially be easier to extract with the aid of the rim, and, in a traditional firearm, like the Kipplauf, a round like the 7x57R has to be a sentimental favorite.
Weighing up ammunition availability, and the need to always use reloads in a 7x57 if one wishes to extract the best from it, despite a soft spot for the 7x57 I found myself settling on a .308 Winchester.
STOCK
This stock is traditionally styled, unfortunately, and on a personal note, the factory stock does not fit me well. The length of pull is inadequate and the cheek peace too low. As a result of poor fit on a lightweight rifle, perceived recoil from a reasonably ‘snappy’ round like the .308 was uncomfortable when I broke the barrel in and zeroed it.
However, the effect of recoil is cumulative, and under field conditions where few rounds are fired, providing common sense is shown in the choice of chambering, one would not notice it.
In order to preserve the rifle's traditional looks, one wonders whether a raisable cheek peace would be a desirable addition or at least an option. Certainly, the hard black rubber but pad needs replacement, as there is no give in it at all.
Installation of an after-market cheek piece and Pachmayr Decelerator slip-on pad have largely resolved the recoil problem for me.
The stock is described as Grade 1 or Grade 2 walnut.
Previous reviews have described the stock as being covered in some sort of colored acrylic, probably like that used by some US manufacturers in the 1970s and ’80s.
The finish on the test rifle indicates this not to be the case, a positive move.
However, the timber on the forend was from a significantly lighter coloured piece of walnut, suggesting that Haenel has not matched forend wood to the buttstock wood is disappointing at this price point.
The checkering was of the machined variety and worked well.
Sling swivels are fitted. Unfortunately, they are designed for narrow European slings. In time I shall replace these with more traditional US-style stud, or the European recessed variety.
SIGHTS
The J9 is fitted with Partridge-style open sights. The front post is quite broad and thus intended to be used at closer range. An online review of a J9 features one fitted with fluorescent iron sights, and the front sight appears sprung to reduce the likelihood of that type of sight being damaged.
Mine was fitted with plain partridge sites with a sprung foresight. Having a spring on a plain foresight offers no tangible benefit.
These sights are hard to see in low light conditions, a problem exacerbated by the dark colour of most Australian wild pig or Sambar deer.
I would have preferred a shallow V or inverted V and a high visibility medium-sized round foresight like that found on some British big game rifles or continental bateau rifles.
The top of the receiver has been milled for a 9mm dovetailed rail mount with a recoil grove located at the rear end to prevent the mount from sliding from recoil. Mounts proved impossible to locate locally, and a set of excellent Recknagel mounts were obtained from Germany. These mounts are rather heavily constructed, work magnificently, and worth putting up with their high cost and aesthetic deficiencies for the certainly they afford.
The length of the receiver top does not allow a lot of room for adjusting eye relief on long telescopic sights, the small dimensions and lightweight of the rifle also lend themselves if one is not careful to ‘over scoping’ that can destroy the exquisite balance of this firearm. Consequently, a 2-7 Burris Mini was fitted.
Sadly, this excellent telescopic sight is now out of production, as it is ideal for this rifle.
ACCURACY
As a result of modern manufacturing methods, unless there is something wrong with the firearm, three shots into 1.5 inches at 100 yards is a given, and this rifle is no exception. Groups just under an inch were obtained by me using a Lead Sled.
Yes- a Lead Sled- I confess that by the time I got to my zeroing in point to 100 yards nerves were getting frayed, and I would not otherwise have done justice to the rifle.
COMMENT
The J9 is a plain, no-nonsense firearm that impresses all who handle it with its elegance and exquisite engineering.
The construction quality of this firearm is, as would be expected at this price point excellent. Though there are some features that help differentiate it from its more expensive Merkel cousins, such as the grade of timber used. The rifle does not exhibit the type of hand fitting and finish observed on the Merkels.
I have yet to hunt with my J9, and eagerly await the opportunity.
Would I buy again- yes, as the issues observed can be resolved, and no factory rifle is perfect.
.
