Walther GS3: The rifle reinvented for modern hunting

I'll begin with the acronym of the RS 3: the "R" for repetierbüchse, or repeating rifle, and the 3 "S"s for short, safe, and silent. Historic Ulm-based manufacturer Carl Walther is returning to hunting through the front door, developing a rifle designed from the ground up to meet the demands of modern hunting. Built for use with a silencer, an integral part of the rifle, it is completely silent not only when fired but also during all its operational movements: inserting the magazine, operating the bolt, cocking the trigger. It is very compact, which translates into remarkable controllability when held and fired, with the silencer mounted, but also when simply carrying it without a silencer.

Original design 

The weapon system's bull-pup configuration, until now somewhat neglected for hunting, features a magazine well in front of the action, which helps shorten the weapon. It measures just 1.040 mm, including the long silencer, with a classic 580 mm barrel. It's a Walther barrel, meticulously crafted using buttoning.

The high-strength aluminum QSA silencer with its patented Zerolock quick-release mount can be easily attached in just one position, ensuring consistent impact every time. A thermally insulated carrying case is available upon request. For countries where the silencer is not legal, including Italy, the efficient QCA compensator of similar dimensions is available. Perfectly balanced, just like the silencer, for perfect aimability, it reduces recoil by 40%, according to Walther.

Formula 1 monocoque

The action is extremely solid and protected thanks to the use of a high-strength aluminum monocoque, the basic structure of the rifle, offering maximum rigidity and safety. It maintains perfect linearity with the barrel, resulting in great accuracy and optimal, very fast operation. Controllability and muzzle climb also benefit from the unusual weight distribution, which is further back, with the center of gravity at the trigger. The straight-pull system works smoothly and is simple and intuitive to operate. The gun is reloaded while shouldered, keeping the eye on the target and the head on the cheek piece.

The stock and action are neither bulky nor cumbersome. The 6-round magazine (5 magnum rounds) fits almost flush, protected by the stock; two locking tabs prevent accidental release. The forend is quite thin. The short-stroke bolt has a rotating head with three large, thick lugs.

Cocking is intuitive when you get into the firing position or during the shot itself. The color-coded indicator on the cocking slide provides complete control and allows for safe bolt operation.

The design is ultra-compact, and the rifle is ergonomic, particularly for positioning the firing hand over the thumbhole: the hand can move seamlessly and fluidly from the spherical bolt handle to the trigger, passing through the cocking button (which is also protected against accidental activation). This also translates into quick firing, guaranteed by the short bolt travel. The break-glass trigger pull is adjustable, but set to 800 grams.

The patented Fixlock optic mounting system offers absolute repeatability without the need for additional zeroing when changing optics. It is designed for virtually all optics on the market with various dedicated bases and accessories. Interchangeable barrels are also planned, but will be available in the future.

Four versions

Two versions feature technopolymer stocks, green (Pro pine) and brown (Pro chestnut), while the other two feature elegant Caucasian walnut root wood with grippy polymer inserts: Heritage Fourstar (grade 4) and Heritage Sevenstar (grade 7). Other wood qualities and finishes are available from Walther Meister Manufaktur.

Behind the development of this GS3 is the expertise of a longtime German gunmaker, CEO Bernhard Knöbel, formerly of Frankonia, then Krieghoff, and for years at Blaser. "The RS 3 is a completely new project, incorporating all of our expertise, the fruit of over 140 years of firearms manufacturing experience, and the passion of the many hunters who work at Carl Walther. Special thanks go to Franz-Albrecht zu Oettingen-Spielberg, whose extensive hunting experience inspired us at every stage of development," Knöbel explained at the first press presentation, held at Oettingen Castle in Bavaria.

The RS 3 was presented to the public these days during Jagd & Hund 2026 in Dortmund.

The fire test

The RS 3 offers outstanding ballistic performance and exceptional handling. Ergonomics and intuitive aiming characteristics reach new levels, essential for accurate shots in dynamic situations during driven hunts and stalking, as well as when stationary from a high seat.

From a ballistic performance standpoint, the rifle proves, in my opinion, to be very competitive: the trigger is perfect, the intrinsic accuracy is remarkable, recoil is negligible, especially when firing with a suppressor, and muzzle climb is also minimal. It handles very quickly, once you've acquired the necessary practice. Disassembly is not overly complex, starting with removing the buttplate, but it's not trivial; on the other hand, all new-generation rifles present significant differences compared to traditional bolt-action rifles.

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I fired from a seated position at 100 meters, putting three bullets in a single hole, and at 50 meters, leaning against a stick, I got a 20 mm group, repeated several times. You can't ask for much more from the new Walther GS3...