CR 308/CR 6,5

BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG
USER MANUAL

C.G.HAENEL GmbH
Schützenstraße 26
D-98527 Suhl

Tel.: +49 (0) 3681/854-0

Fax: +49 (0) 3681/854-203
Email: info@cg-haenel.de
Internet: www.cg-haenel.de
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Table of Contents
page

1 General Information 27
1.1 How to use the operator’s manual 27
1.1.1 General 27
1.1.2 Signs and symbols 27
1.2 Disclaimer 27
1.3 Safety regulations 28
1.3.1 Safety instructions for the use of firearms 28
1.4 Safety 28
1.5 Ammunition 29

2 Description and handling 30

2.1 General description 30
2.2 Technical specifications 31
2.3 Operating and functional parts 31
2.4. Detailed description 31
2.4.1 Barrel with receiver and gas system 31
2.4.2 Bolt complete 32
2.4.3 Hand guard 32
2.4.4 Lower receiver with telescopic buttstock 32
2.4.5 Adjusting the length of the buttstock 32
2.4.6 Removing the buttstock 32
2.4.7 Attaching the buttstock 32
2.4.8 Operating the trigger guard 32
2.4.9 Magazine 33

3 Handling 33
3.1 Safety lever 33
3.2 Loading the magazine 33
3.3 Loading the rifle 34
3.3.1 Reloading the rifle (partially loaded magazine still in the rifle) 34
3.3.2 Reloading the rifle (bolt open, empty magazine in rifle) 34
3.4 Firing 35
3.5 Unloading 36
3.6 Procedures in case of a stoppage (jams) 36
3.6.1 Failure to fire (Cold Rifle) 37
3.6.2 Failure to fire (Hot Rifle) 37
3.6.3 Feeding stoppage (jam) 37
3.7 Adjusting gas release 38
3.7.1 Adjusting for normal mode / suppressor mode 38

4 Disassembly 38
4.1. Separating upper and lower receiver 38
4.2 Disassembling the bolt carrier 39
4.3 Disassembling the extractor 39
4.4 Hand guard removal 39
4.5 Demounting the piston rod and the gas piston 39
4.6 Removal of recoil buffer and main spring 39

5 Cleaning 40
5.1 Cleaning the barrel 40
5.2 Cleaning the chamber 41

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5.3 Cleaning the bolt head 41
5.4 Cleaning the bolt carrier 41
5.5 Main spring and buffer housing 41
5.6 Cleaning the magazine 41

6 Reassembly 42
6.1 Recoil buffer and main spring 42
6.2 Extractor 42
6.3 Bolt and bolt carrier 42
6.4 Gas piston and pushrod 42
6.5 Hand guard and upper receiver 43
6.6 Bolt carrier assembly group to upper receiver 43
6.7 Rejoining upper and lower receivers 43

7 Function check of the CR308 43

8 Lubrication 44
8.1 Barrel with receiver and gas system 44
8.2 Bolt carrier, complete 44
8.3 Lower grip assembly group 44

9 Accuracy 44

10 Maintenance and cleaning of the rifle 45

10.1 Storing the weapon 46

11 Warranty 46
11.1 Packing and shipping of the weapon 46

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1 General Information

We would like to thank you for choosing a HAENEL product.

The HAENEL Semi-automatic rifle CR308/CR6,5 is an outstanding product that offers
you best quality and craftsmanship with excellent accuracy combined with a high
degree of modularity to suit the demands of the serious operator.

1.1 How to use the operator’s manual

Before attempting to use the product please read the manual thoroughly. Use the
weapon only after having read and fully understood the following instructions.

1.1.1 General
Before attempting to use the product please read the manual thoroughly. Use the
weapon only after having read and fully understood the following instructions.

1.1.2 Signs and symbols

Symbol Meaning
Directly imminent danger!
DANGER Non-compliance can cause death or fatal injury.
Possibly imminent danger!
WARNING Non-compliance causes death or severe injury.
Dangerous situation!
CAUTION Non-compliance causes injury.
NOTICE Non-compliance causes damage of property.
Further information about the weapon, the handling or the usage
of this instruction manual.

1.2 Disclaimer

We assume no liability and provide no warranty for improper use and negligence.

We also accept no liability and provide nor warranty for physical injuries or property
damages which are entirely or partly a result of:

 criminal or negligent use,

 improper or careless handling (forceful use),
 any modifications of the weapon,
 wrong, damaged, improper, self-loaded or reloaded ammunition,
 bad care and cleaning,
 as a result of other influences beyond our direct or immediate control,
 performance of the weapon, if mounting the scope was not done appropriately,
 Optics provided by the customer…
Under no circumstances do we accept liability for accidental or consequential damages
like property damages, business loss, and loss of income or profit.
For warranty claims, the weapon should be handed back to the manufacturer or to an
authorized service center for further proceeding.

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1.3 Safety regulations

The following safety regulations are very important and must strictly be adhered to.

1.3.1 Safety instructions for the use of firearms

The safety regulations contained in this brochure are of great importance. If you know
about the dangers connected with the use of rifles and heed the safety measures
described in this manual, complete safety is ensured when using your weapon.

Disregarding only one of these regulations may result in serious injuries, not
only to you but also to others, and may cause serious damage to the weapon or
other property.

10 Safety rules for firearms

1. ALWAYS treat a weapon as if it was loaded.

2. ALWAYS check to make sure that the barrel is not obstructed.
3. Before shooting, ALWAYS make sure that a backstop or trap exists and what
lies behind it. The safety of other people and your own person always comes
first.
4. ALWAYS use clean, dry and original factory-made ammunition of the right type
and prescribed calibre.
5. When shooting, ALWAYS use hearing protection and shooting glasses. (see
below)
6. ALWAYS carry the weapon in such a way that you have control of the direction
in which the muzzle will point in case you fall or stumble.
7. Make certain that the weapon is ALWAYS secured until you intend to shoot.
8. Ensure that a loaded weapon is NEVER unattended. Weapons and ammunition
are to be stored separately and if possible locked up, so that children and
unauthorized persons have no access to them.
9. NEVER permit anybody to use your weapon unless they have read and
understood these safety regulations.
10. Never aim a loaded or unloaded weapon at objects you do not intend to shoot
at.

Protect your eyes and ears

When shooting, always wear suitable shooting glasses as well as earplugs or
headphone-like hearing protectors. Always make certain that persons near you are
protected in the same way. Unprotected eyes can be injured by powder gas and
powder smoke, lubricants, metal particles, etc. which are occasionally emitted by
weapons during normal use. Without hearing protection, persons frequently exposed to
shooting noises may suffer a gradual decline/ loss of hearing.

1.4 Safety

DANGER
NEVER RELY COMPLETELY ON A SAFETY MECHANISM!

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  Your weapon is equipped with an effective and well-constructed safety
mechanism. It is NO substitute for safe handling of the rifle. NO safety
mechanism, as well constructed as it may be, can be relied on completely.
Like all other mechanical devices, a safety mechanism can break or fail to
function or be negatively affected by wear, miss-use, dirt, corrosion, incorrect
assembly, improper adjustment, and repair or lack of care. There is no safety
mechanism, which is truly “child-proof”, in the sense of preventing
unintentional discharge caused by improper manipulation, carelessness or
fooling around. The best safety mechanism is your own common sense. USE
IT! Handle your weapon as if you expected the safety mechanism not to
function!
 Never aim your weapon at any part of your own or another person’s body. If
you heed this regulation, no bodily injury will be caused by an unintentional
discharge.
 Always keep the Weapon on safe until you intend to shoot and the weapon is
aimed at the target!
 Always take your finger off the trigger and aim the barrel in a safe direction
when you activate or deactivate the safety mechanism.
 When you activate the safety mechanism, make sure that it engages
completely.
 Never carry a weapon with a cartridge in the chamber without having it
secured.

1.5 Ammunition

 Use only high-quality, original factory-made ammunition. Do not use cartridges,

which are dirty, wet, corroded, bent or damaged. Never oil cartridges. Never
spray aerosol-type lubricants, preservatives or cleaning agents directly onto
cartridges or onto other parts of the weapon from which surplus spray could run
off onto cartridges.
 Lubricants or other foreign agents on cartridges can, under certain
circumstances, cause dangerous malfunctions of the cartridge.
 Use only ammunition of the appropriate calibre for your weapon. The right
calibre is engraved on the barrel. Never attempt to use ammunition of another
calibre.
 The use of reloaded, “modified”, self-reloaded or other ammunition not
according to standards will result in the loss of all guarantee services.
Reloading is a science in itself and improperly hand-loaded cartridges can be
extremely dangerous. Great damages to the weapon and severe injuries of the
shooter or other persons may be the result. Always use ammunition, which
corresponds to industrial standards.
 Due to excessive pressures, which may build up inside of the barrel when
shooting, the weapon can be damaged and the shooter or other persons
severely injured. Excessive pressure can arise due to blockage of the barrel,
improper propellant load, or the use of wrong or incorrectly loaded cartridges.
Also, when shooting with dirty, corroded or damaged cartridges the cartridge
casing may explode.
As a result of the sudden release of high-pressure propellant gas within the
weapon, the weapon may be damaged or persons may be injured.

Shooting must be stopped immediately and the barrel must be checked for
potential obstructions if:

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  you have difficulties inserting a cartridge into the chamber or you feel an
unusual resistance
 a cartridge misfires (the bullet doesn’t leave the barrel),
 the breech mechanism does not extract and/or eject an empty casing,
 unburned grains of propellant are found dispersed in the breech mechanism,
 a shot sounds weak or abnormal - In such cases a bullet could lodge
somewhere in the barrel.
 Firing off a further round into the blocked barrel can destroy the weapon and
severely injure the shooter or persons standing nearby.

Bullets can get stuck in the barrel if:

 the cartridge has been improperly loaded (no powder or improper charge)
 if the powder does not ignite, (while ignition of the primer will merely propel the
bullet out of the cartridge casing it usually does not produce enough energy to
propel the bullet completely out of the barrel),
 the bullet has not been seated properly and firmly in the casing. If such a round
is removed from the chamber without being fired, the bullet may remain in the
barrel at the point where the rifling begins. Chambering another round can push
the first bullet even farther into the barrel.
 If you have reason to assume that the bullet is stuck in the barrel, the weapon
must be unloaded immediately and the barrel must be visually inspected. A
mere glance into the chamber of the barrel does not suffice. The bullet can be
lodged in a section of the barrel where it may not be seen easily. If it is possible
to remove the bullet with the aid of a cleaning rod; then the bore, chamber and
breech mechanism must be cleaned before shooting the weapon again.
However, if the bullet cannot be removed like this, the weapon must be taken to
an authorized gunsmith or must be sent to our company.
 Dirt, corrosion or other foreign substances on the cartridges may prevent the
proper insertion into the chamber and may result in an explosion of the casing
when the round is fired. The same applies to damaged or bent cartridges.
 Cartridges must not be oiled. In any case, clean the chamber of any oil or
preservative substance before shooting. Oil has a negative influence on the
necessary friction between the cartridge casing and wall of the chamber and
can produces a kind of strain similar to that caused by high pressure.
 Lubricants should be used sparingly on the moving parts of your weapon. Avoid
excessive use of aerosols, especially on parts which could come into contact
with ammunition. All lubricants, but especially aerosol products can penetrate
the priming compound of the round and thereby cause misfires. A few types of
easily penetrating lubricants may even reach inside the casing and ruin the
propellant; this can cause the propellant not to ignite, with the possible result
that the bullet gets stuck in the barrel.

2 Description and handling

2.1 General description

The HAENEL semi-automatic rifle CR308/CR6,5 is a self-loading rifle with the

following characteristics:

 Gas-driven system with short piston stroke

 Upper and lower receiver from high-strength aluminium alloy

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  Cold-forged barrel
 Tube nut guarantees highest system stability between barrel and upper receiver
 Integrated firing pin safety for highest safety
 Case ejection – to the right (with protective cover lid)
 Integrated STANAG 4694-rail on the upper receiver for adaptation of optical
target systems
 Hand guard with integrated STANAG 4694 –rail for optics and accessories
 Tool-free removal of the hand guard for cleaning
 Possibility to engage the safety in de-cocked status (hammer is not cocked)
 Corrosion protection for all functional parts

2.2 Technical specifications

Calibre .308 Win. (7,62x51mm) / 6,5 Creedmoor

Barrel length 16,65”/423mm 20”/508mm

Twist 12”/305mm//11”/279,4mm 12”/305mm//11”/279,4mm

Length max. 38,5”/978mm 42,51”/1080mm

Length min. 35,2”/894mm 39,2”/996mm

Weight ca. 4,3kg -4,6kg

Magazine
10 rds. / 20 rds.
capacity
Trigger pull 28 – 35N / Matchtrigger 17 – 20N

2.3 Operating and functional parts (Picture 1)

Barrel with receiver and gas system (1)

Charging handle (2)
Bolt, complete (3)
Hand guard (4)
Lower receiver with telescopic buttstock (5)
Magazine (6)

2.4 Detailed description

2.4.1 Barrel with receiver and gas system (Picture 2)

The barrel with locking catch (1) is screwed together with the upper receiver (3) by the
tube nut. The flash damper (4) is screwed on the muzzle end of the barrel by an
M15x1mm thread. The gas system consists of the gas port (5), the gas piston (6) and
the operating rod (7) as well as the ventilation socket (8) to switch to suppressor mode.
The upper receiver contains a STANAG 4694-rail for mounting optics.

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2.4.2 Bolt, complete (Picture 3)

The bolt consists of bolt head (1), bolt carrier (2), control pin (3), firing pin safety (4),
firing pin spring (5), firing pin (6) and retaining pin (7). The bolt carrier (2) guides the
bolt (1) and controls locking and unlocking by the control pin. The bolt carrier (2)
contains the firing pin safety (4), which prevents the contact between firing pin and
primer by centrifugal force when closing the weapon.

2.4.3 Hand guard (Picture 4)

The hand guard protects the barrel and the gas system from damages and offers
protection from the heat of the barrel. The integrated STANAG 4694-rail allows the
mounting of different devices. Assembly and disassembly of the hand guard see point
4.4

2.4.4 Lower receiver with buttstock (Picture 5)

The lower receiver contains the trigger mechanism (1), bolt catch (2), magazine well
(3), magazine catch (4), pistol grip (5), safety lever (6) and the telescopic buttstock.
The telescopic buttstock may differ depending on the model.

2.4.5 Adjusting the length of the buttstock (Picture 6)

The buttstock allows a simple adjustment of the length, which makes individual
adjustment for each shooter possible (6 positions).To adjust the length of the butt-
stock, press down the release catch (1) completely and pull or push the buttstock into
the desired position. Release the catch to lock the buttstock in the desired position.

2.4.6 Removing the buttstock (Picture 7)

To remove the buttstock, press the release catch (1). Grab the short end of the catch
and pull it downwards while sliding the buttstock out of the buffer tube.

2.4.7 Attaching the buttstock (Picture 7)

Adjust the buttstock on the buffer tube and push it until the stop. Grab the short end of
the release catch (1) and pull it down, while pushing the buttstock onto the buffer tube.

2.4.8 Operating the trigger guard (Picture 8)

The trigger guard (1) may be removed from its normal, closed position to make it easier
accessible when shooting with gloves. For safety reasons, the trigger guard must not
be released until right before firing the weapon. It should be returned to its closed
position immediately.

WARNING
Be careful when inserting gloved fingers into the trigger guard as accidental discharge
may occur!

 To release the trigger guard, press down the spring-loaded detent (2) at the front right
side and rotate the trigger guard downward.

 To close the trigger guard rotate the trigger guard back into its original position, press
down the spring-loaded detent (2) on the right side and ensure that the guard locks
into place.

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2.4.9 Magazine

The CR308/CR6,5 comes with a ten (10) rounds polymer magazine. The
CR308/CR6,5 is compatible with most AR 10 type magazines.

New magazines should always be checked for proper fit and function before using
them with your CR308.

3 Handling

3.1 Safety lever (Picture 9)

DANGER
Follow the safety regulations in section 1.3.

DANGER
NEVER RELY COMPLETELY ON A SAFETY MECHANISM!! (see section 1.3.2)

The CR308/CR6,5 is equipped with an ambidextrous safety lever, which can be

adjusted from either the left or right side of the weapon system. The selector has two
(2) possible positions: SAFE – SEMI

SAFE (1)

The trigger is locked and the rifle cannot be fired with a normal press of the trigger. The
trigger can be saved in cocked or de-cocked state.

SEMI (2)

The rifle is no longer on SAFE and will fire one shot with each press of the trigger.

WARNING
The safety lever should always be in the SAFE position except when the operator is
actually going to fire the rifle.

3.2 Loading the magazine

 Place a round between the feed lips and press down until the round snaps into place
in the magazine.
 Ensure that the bullet is facing the front of the magazine, and that the cartridges are
fully set against the rear of the magazine by tapping the back of the magazine in the
palm of your hand.
 Ensure that the magazine corresponds to the proper type and calibre of the rifle.

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 NOTICE
Damaged or soiled cartridges can damage the weapon!

NOTICE
Keeping a magazine filled for long periods can cause malfunctions.

3.3 Loading the rifle (Picture 10)

WARNING
Ensure that the safety lever is in position: SAFE

 Insert the magazine (1) and check that it is set properly by pulling down on it.
 Load the cartridge by pulling the loading lever (2) all the way back and releasing it
then, or by pushing the bolt catch (3), or pushing the right bolt catch (4) when the bolt
is in the back position.

When releasing the bolt with the charging handle, make sure to let it go forward under
full spring force. Do not guide the charging handle forward as this might cause a failure
due to the bolt not locking fully into battery.

3.3.1 Reloading the rifle (partially loaded magazine still in the rifle) (Picture 11)

 Place the safety lever on SAFE.

 Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and the finger out of the trigger guard.
 Press down the right magazine catch or the left magazine catch (2) and remove the
magazine.
 Insert the new loaded magazine and check that it is set properly by pulling down on it.
 The rifle is put on safe, cocked and loaded!

3.3.2 Reloading the rifle (bolt open, empty magazine in rifle)

 Place the safety lever on SAFE.

 Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and the finger out of the trigger guard.
 Press down the magazine catch and remove the magazine.
 Insert the fresh magazine and check that it is set properly by pulling down on it.
 Release the bolt by either pulling the charging handle all the way back and releasing
it, or press down the bolt catch on the left or right side of the receiver to release the
bolt.
 The rifle is put on safe, cocked and loaded!

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3.4 Firing

DANGER
NEVER RELY COMPLETELY ON A SAFETY MECHANISM!! (see section 1.3.2)

DANGER
 Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and take your finger off the trigger
when cocking the weapon.
 Never carry around a weapon that is cocked and ready to fire; Leave the
weapon unattended at no time! As soon as it is cocked, a slight pressure on
the trigger suffices to discharge a round. An unintended discharge can easily
happen when you stumble or drop the weapon, or if the weapon is hit or set off
by someone else.
 Never fire a weapon as soon as a finger, hand, face or another part of the body
is close to the ejection port or when one could be hit by the reverse movement
of the breech action (or the bolt).
 Make sure that nobody is standing on that side where they could be hit by
ejected cartridge casings. The casing is hot and can be ejected at a speed
which suffices to produce a burn or cut, or to injure the unprotected eye.
Consequently, make sure that there is sufficient room for the safe ejection of
cartridge casings. Do not forget that the casing can bounce off any object
nearby and hit you or other persons.
 As soon as ANY mechanical failure or jamming of the weapon occurs while
shooting, if it “spits out” powder gas, if the cartridge casings are bent or
cracked, or if the muzzle blast does not appear to be right, STOP SHOOTING
AT ONCE! Further shooting can be dangerous. UNLOAD THE WEAPON and
DO NOT attempt to fire off “another shot”. Have the weapon and the
ammunition checked by an authorized gunsmith or by us in the factory.
 Incidents in which the barrel bulges near the muzzle or disrupts are surprisingly
frequent. In practically all cases this is the result of careless handling, when
soil, snow or plant remains get into the muzzle and obstruct the bore. As soon
as the muzzle of your weapon comes into contact with soil or when you have
reason to believe that foreign substances are in the muzzle, you must unload
the weapon and look into the barrel from the rear. It is not enough to glance
into the muzzle, because dirt, snow, etc. may have gotten further into the barrel
where it is not easy to determine. As soon as anything is in the barrel that
could potentially cause malfunction, it must be thoroughly cleaned before trying
to shoot.
Never attempt to shoot such foreign substances out! Shooting a weapon with
an obstructed bore can cause the barrel to explode and hurt you or other
persons in your vicinity.

 Rotate the safety lever from SAFE to SEMI position.

 Pressing the trigger backwards releases the hammer causing it to strike the firing pin,
thus impacting the primer and firing the cartridge.

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 DANGER
Be sure of your target and what is behind or around it in order to avoid any kind of
danger or accident.

WARNING
The CR308 is a semi-automatic rifle and therefore the next cartridge will automatically
be loaded into the chamber after the previous shot was released.

WARNING
The bolt opens and shuts automatically while firing. Hot brass and powder gas will be
ejected and may cause burnings.
Keep face and hands away from the bolt. Always carry safety glasses and ear
protection.

3.5 Unloading

DANGER
1. Make sure that the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction!
2. Do not forget to look into the chamber after the magazine has been removed.
3. Never assume that your weapon is unloaded unless you have yourself
personally convinced of this!
4. Removing cartridges from the magazine does not prevent the rifle from being
fired. When there is a cartridge in the chamber and the safety lever is either in
SEMI, the cartridge will be discharged if the trigger is pulled. It is absolutely
essential for the user to know how to completely unload the rifle.

 Always make sure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction.

 Ensure the safety lever is in the SAFE position.
 Remove the magazine by pressing down the magazine catch.
 Retract the charging handle and lock the bolt carrier assembly in the rear position by
pressing on the lower portion of the bolt catch.
 Visually and manually inspect the chamber to verify it is empty.

The weapon is now unloaded, cocked and put on safe.

3.6 Procedures in case of stoppages (jams)

A stoppage (jam) is an interruption in the loading process as described in section 3.4. A

stoppage can normally be solved by the shooter himself by immediately performing one
of the following actions:

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3.6.1 Failure to fire (cold rifle) – trigger pulled, hammer activated, rifle does not fire

 Keep the rifle pointed in a safe direction for at least 30 seconds.

 Ensure the magazine is set properly in the magazine well by applying upward
pressure and then pulling the magazine down.
 Retract the charging handle all the way back and observe the ejection of the cartridge
case or the live cartridge.
 Visually inspect the chamber for any obstructions. If the chamber shows to be empty
– release the charging handle to feed a new cartridge. Attempt to fire the rifle again.

3.6.2 Failure to fire (hot rifle) – trigger pulled, hammer activated, rifle does not fire

 Keep the muzzle pointed downward and put safety lever on SAFE. Remove the
magazine. If you cannot remove the live cartridge within ten (10) seconds, you must
wait at least fifteen (15) minutes before activating the rifle again (keep holding the rifle
with the muzzle pointed down).
 After fifteen (15) minutes, pull the charging handle all the way back and observe the
ejection of the cartridge.
 Visually inspect the chamber for any obstructions. If the chamber shows to be empty,
insert a fresh magazine in the magazine well and make sure it is set properly.
 Chamber a cartridge either by pulling the charging handle all the way to the rear and
releasing it or by releasing the bolt catch in case you locked the bolt back with the
bolt catch. Do not guide the loading lever forward.
 Attempt to fire the rifle again.

DANGER
If the rifle fails to fire after attempting all of the above, the rifle should be returned to
HAENEL GmbH for evaluation by a factory trained technician.

DANGER
Excessive heat build-up in the chamber can cause what is commonly referred to as
“cook off”. This means the heat in the chamber causes the powder to ignite inside the
chambered cartridge. The round then detonates just as if it was fired regularly. If the
rifle has been fired for an extended period of time, wait for at least 15 minutes whilst
pointing the rifle in a safe direction.

3.6.3 Feeding stoppage (jam)

A feeding stoppage occurs when one or more rounds are trapped in the upper receiver
and block the loading process. To clear a feeding stoppage, perform the following
steps:

 Put the safety lever on SAFE.

 Pull the charging handle all the way back and lock the bolt carrier assembly in rear
position by using the bolt catch.
 Remove the magazine (you might have to pull out the magazine from the magazine
well with some force due to jammed cartridges).
 Clear any rounds from the receiver or the chamber whilst pointing the rifle in a safe
direction.

37
  Lock the bolt carrier to the rear and make a visual and manual inspection of the
chamber to make sure the chamber is free from any obstructions.
 If the chamber shows to be empty, insert a fresh magazine and release the bolt catch.
 Continue firing the rifle.

DANGER
Always remove the source of ammunition (magazine) prior to attempting to clear a
stoppage that requires retracting the charging handle/bolt carrier assembly as
unintentional release of the spring loaded bolt carrier assembly could ignite live
cartridges lodged in the upper receiver.

3.7 Adjusting the gas release

3.7.1 Adjusting for normal mode / suppressor mode (Image 12)

 Push the Universaltool (2) into the ventilation socket (1)

 Push the ventilation socket (1) backwards
 Adjust the ventilation bolt (1) from setting N Normal use to setting S
Suppressor mode by twisting it clockwise by 45° and the other way around
 Pull the Universaltool (2) off. Ventilation socket will adjust automatically.

4 Disassembly

4.1 Separating upper and lower receiver (Picture 13)

DANGER
Unload and empty the rifle as described in section 3.5

WARNING
Ensure that the bolt carrier assembly group is in the forward position and the safety
lever is in the SAFE position.

 Press the rear takedown pin (1) from the left to the right out of the receiver until it is
stopped by its detent pin.
 Press the forward takedown pin (2) from the left to the right until it is stopped by its
detent pin.
 Separate the upper receiver from the lower receiver.

Removal of bolt carrier from upper receiver (Picture 14)

 Pull the charging handle (1) backwards until stop.

 Remove the bolt carrier assembly (2) from the rear opening of the upper receiver.
 Align the tabs of the charging handle with the pockets in the upper receiver and lift the
charging handle out of the upper receiver.

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4.2 Disassembling the bolt carrier (Picture 15)

 Remove the retaining pin (1) from the left side of the bolt carrier assembly. A small
punch or the tip of a cartridge can be helpful to perform this step.
 Remove the firing pin (2) with spring by pulling it out to the rear – you may facilitate
this process by disengaging the firing pin safety by rotating the safety latch upwards.
 Remove the control pin (3).
 Lift the bolt head (4) out of the front side of the bolt carrier.

4.3 Disassembling the extractor (Picture 16)

 Apply slight pressure to the rear of the extractor (1).

 Push out the extractor pin (2) from the other side by using a small punch or the tip of
the firing pin.
 Remove the extractor from the bolt head.

4.4 Hand guard removal (Picture 17)

 Push in the detent of the locking lever (1) on the left side of the hand guard.
 Rotate the locking lever clockwise 180°.
 Push the seating bolt on the right side and rotate the right clamping lever
counterclockwise by 180°.
 Push the hand guard from the barrel nut into the direction of the muzzle and remove it
from the upper receiver assembly. (Picture 18)

4.5 Demounting the piston rod and the gas piston

WARNING
The operating rod spring is under high tension. Always wear protective glasses to
avoid injuries from accidentally released parts.
Loading lever and bolt have to be demounted.

Demounting the piston rod (Picture 19)

 Pull the piston rod (1) into the back position until it comes out of the gas piston.
 Cautiously push the piston rod (1) to the side and remove it.

Disassembling the gas piston (Picture 20)

 Remove the gas piston (2) from the ventilation socket (3).
 Push the ventilation socket backwards, out of the gas pressure release (4).

4.6 Removal of recoil buffer and main spring (Picture 21)

Removal of the buffer and the main spring is easier if the hammer is in the cocked
position and the safety lever is in the SAFE position. Always wear safety glasses when
handling parts under spring tension.

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  Push the seating bolt (1) down and hold the buffer (2) in control, while it moves
forward, out of the buffer tube.
 Pull the buffer and the locking spring out of the buffer tube. (Picture 22)

WARNING
The main spring is under high tension. Always wear protective glasses to avoid injuries
from accidentally released parts.

 Twist the locking spring clockwise to remove it from the buffer.

Do not pull directly on the main spring as it can cause damage to the spring.

5. Cleaning

Your rifle is delivered factory packaged and preserved with a light coating of protective
grease and oil. Before loading and firing the rifle, make certain that all packaging
grease and oil has been cleaned from the bore and exposed mechanism.

DANGER
Before you begin to disassemble your firearm for cleaning always double check to
make sure it is unloaded.

DANGER
After cleaning make sure that no cleaning patch or other obstruction remains in the
bore or chamber.

5.1 Cleaning the barrel

 Run a patch soaked with an appropriate detergent through the bore.

 Leave the detergent in the barrel for at least 5 minutes.
 Move on to section 5.3 and clean the bolt while the detergent works on loosening the
residue in the bore of the barrel.
 If the barrel is very dirty, use a cleaning rod and a brass or nylon brush of the proper
bore diameter and clean the bore from the chamber end to the muzzle. Pass the
brush completely by the muzzle end and do not change direction in the bore as the
brush may become stuck in the bore.
 Run cotton patches through the bore until the patches come out clean. You can lightly
lubricated the bore and chamber of the barrel with an oily patch if the rifle is to be
stored. When using the rifle again, you must remove the oil by running a dry patch
through the barrel.

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5.2 Cleaning the chamber

Keep the muzzle pointed upward to prevent chamber cleaning residue from running
down into the cleaned bore.

 Use a chamber brush soaked in appropriate detergent to clean the chamber.

 Clean residue with cotton patches, swabs or a chamber mop.

5.3 Cleaning the bolt head

A cotton patch or a soft toothbrush and appropriate detergent can be used to complete
the following steps:

 Clean any dirt off the bolt locking lugs.

 Clean any dirt off the bolt head
 Clean extractor and extractor slot in the bolt head
 Clean the firing pin channel.

5.4 Cleaning the bolt carrier

 Clean any dirt from the bolt carrier.

 Clean the bolt channel at the front of the carrier with a brush or cotton swabs.

5.5 Main spring and buffer tube

 Clean with a rag and appropriate detergent.

 Wipe dry.

5.6 Cleaning the magazine

Magazines should be cleaned whenever the rifle is cleaned as a measure of

preventative maintenance.

 Use a brush to clean the magazine body inside.

 Clean with a rag and CLP then wipe dry.
 Clean follower and spring and dry completely.

The magazine well should be kept dry. Any oil or cleaning agents’ residues will attract
dirt and debris causing possible feeding issues and lead to premature wear.

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6 Reassembly

6.1 Recoil buffer and main spring

WARNING
The main spring is under high tension. Always wear protective glasses to avoid injuries
from accidentally released parts.

 Slide the action spring over the recoil buffer and snap it into place by turning
clockwise as you press it forward.
 Insert the main spring into the receiver extension.
 Push the recoil buffer back into the receiver extension until the buffer retaining
plunger engages the face of the buffer and holds it into the receiver extension.

6.2 Extractor

 Fit extractor to the bolt head.

 Apply pressure on the rear end of the extractor until the pin holes are aligned.
 Insert extractor pin from either side and make sure both ends are flush with the body.

6.3 Bolt and bolt carrier

DANGER
The bolt guiding pin of the bolt must be installed or the rifle will suffer a catastrophic
failure, which can result in serious injuries or death of the shooter.

 Re-insert the bolt into the bolt carrier with the extractor oriented to the right side of the
bolt carrier.
 Pull the bolt forward into the unlocked position, and align the cam pin hole with the
steering cam.
 Insert the cam pin.
 Slide the firing pin spring onto the firing pin.
 Insert the firing pin and the firing pin spring into the bolt carrier and bolt head.
 Make sure the firing pin is in fully forward position by releasing the firing pin safety
latch in the bolt carrier and pushing the firing pin forward.
 Insert the retaining pin from the left side.
 Check that the firing pin is properly set in the bolt carrier by pointing the bolt head
upwards and slapping the bolt head backwards into locked position. The firing pin
should not fall out of the bolt carrier.

6.4 Gas piston and pushrod

 Insert the gas piston with the gaskets facing forward into the rear of the gas block.
 Insert the rear of the pushrod assembly into the rear end of the upper receiver.
 Compress the pushrod assembly by grasping the serrated front end and pulling it
backwards.
 Align the front end of the pushrod with the corresponding hole in the rear of the gas
piston and let the pushrod slide into the gas piston to lock it into place.

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6.5 Hand guard and upper receiver

 Slide the hand guard over the barrel and gas block onto the barrel nut.
 Make sure that the tab on the top of the hand guard is aligned with the slot in the top
of the upper receiver.
 Push the hand guard to its rearmost position.
 Rotate the locking levers counter clockwise until the detent pins audibly engage.

6.6 Bolt carrier assembly group to upper receiver

 Position the upper receiver assembly with the open bottom facing upward.
 Insert the charging handle into the slotted keyway of the receiver and push it forward
slightly.
 Take the bolt carrier assembly with the bolt head completely facing forward (unlocked
position) and set it into the charging handle.
 Simultaneously push the bolt carrier assembly and the charging handle forward until
the bolt and the charging handle lock into place.

6.7 Rejoining upper and lower receivers

To facilitate the following steps, manually cock the hammer if necessary by pushing it
down until it is held in place. Then make sure the safety lever is in the SAFE position.

 Position the upper and lower receivers to align with the front takedown pin holes.
 Push the front takedown pin from the right to the left until the head of the pin sits flush
with the lower receiver and the detent clicks into place.
 Close the receivers together and push the rear takedown pin from the right to the left
until the head sits flush and the detent clicks into place.

7 Function check of the CR308

With the CR308 and an unloaded magazine you can perform a function check as per
the following steps:

NOTICE
The function check should always be done after the rifle has been disassembled for
cleaning to ensure proper function.

DANGER
Always empty the rifle and visually and manually check to confirm that the rifle is
unloaded.

1. Insert an empty magazine in the magazine well until it locks into place.
2. Pull down on the magazine to ensure it is locked in place by the magazine catch.
3. Pull the charging handle fully to the rear and then push it back to its forward position
until it locks into place.
4. The bolt carrier should now be held to the rear by the bolt catch.
5. Hold the rifle in a level position and press the magazine catch.
6. The magazine should fall out of the magazine well by its own weight (empty).

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 7. Release the bolt by pressing the top of the bolt catch – The bolt will travel forward into
the locked position.
8. Rotate the safety lever to the SAFE position.
9. Pull the trigger to the rear. The hammer must not fall.
10. Rotate the safety lever to SEMI.
11. Pull the trigger to the rear and do not release it. You should hear a clear ‘click’ sound
when the hammer falls.
12. Whilst keeping the trigger pressed to the rear, pull the charging handle to the rear and
release it while keeping the trigger pulled. The hammer must not fall and should now
be held by the disconnector.
13. Release the trigger slowly. A click should indicate that the disconnector released the
hammer and that the hammer is now held by the sear.
14. Press the trigger to the rear again and do not release it. You should hear that the
hammer falls.

8 Lubrication

Only use lubricants that are appropriate for firearms. Lightly apply to the contact areas
of the following components:

8.1 Barrel with receiver and gas system

 Forward assist
 Ejection flap and spring
 Charging handle latch and spring
 Gas piston
 Barrel and flash hider
 Pushrod assembly

8.2 Bolt carrier, complete

 Extractor spring
 Bolt head
 Cam pin
 Locking lugs
 Rail surfaces, top and bottom
 Bolt bearing surface

8.3 Lower grip assembly group

 Safety springs, pins, detents and takedown pins

 Trigger sear surface, disconnector surface
 Buttstock release levers
 Recoil buffer
 Main spring
 Receiver extension

9 Accuracy

We produce our barrels using most modern manufacturing techniques and high-
strength steel. But the accuracy depends on and may be influenced by a number of
factors. The most important influencing factor is the ammunition you use.

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 Principally, use the ammunition determined in the gun passport for checking the
accuracy of your weapon. Otherwise, substantial differences concerning the shooting
performance are possible. Even ammunition of equal brand and equal filling can show
a differing accuracy and point of impact from weapon to weapon.

Another important factor, which has a strong influence on the accuracy of your weapon
is the scope you choose. Therefore, you should have the same high demands on the
quality of the scope and scope mount as on the quality of the weapon itself.

If a scope is assembled later on (not by the manufacturer), the weapon has to be

newly adjusted and test fired again.

1. Only if you are using best ammunition, scope and a suitable scope mount we
guarantee an excellent shooting performance of our weapons.

2. Complaints concerning the accuracy of the weapon have to be sent in written form
within one month after purchase. If a complaint turns out to be unwarranted, we
reserve the right to invoice any extra costs incurred.

10 Maintenance and cleaning of the rifle

CAUTION
Only take the rifle apart as far as described in this manual.

DANGER EFAHR
The gun has to be decoked and unloaded before taking it apart.

NOTICE
- Wrong cleaning agents can damage the rifle.
Therefore you should only use conservation and cleaning agents which are suited for
weapons. These are available from retailers.
- Do not use metal utensils, polymers (Nylon, Perlon, etc.) to clean the gun.

All guns require continuous maintenance, cleaning and proofing, which can result in the
necessity of a readjustment and repairs.
Have your gun checked regularly by an authorised dealer or in our manufacture, as
breakage, miss function, excessive wearing or corrosion of some parts can be invisible
when checking the gun. If you find any kind of mechanical issue, refrain from using the
gun. Unload the rifle and immediately bring it to an authorised dealer send the gun to
us.

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 NOTICE
- After using the gun, the barrel is to be cleaned thoroughly to remove any leftover
powder burns. Afterwards, the barrel is to be set with a light oil film.
- All outside steel parts are to be dried and oiled as well.
- Special attention has to be paid to all gliding parts.

10.1 Storing the weapon

DANGER
Follow the national regulations for storage of weapons and ammunition.

NOTICE
Never store a cocked weapon.

11 Warranty

HAENEL GmbH meets the highest quality requirements. That is why we extend the
warranty period for the first purchaser of the weapon to 3 years from purchase date
including the legal warranty period. After expiration of legal warranty we can further
guarantee for all metal and plastic parts of the weapon which show deficiencies due to
material or processing defects. This guarantee will only be fulfilled due to legal
regulations for rectification works.

Conditions for acceptance of warranty claims are:

 report of defect within one month after its detection

 receipt of the warranty certificate which is attached to this manual within 14 days
after purchase
 qualified assessment and decision by the manufacturer
We reserve the right to charge for costs due to unjustified complaints.

11.1 Packing and shipping of the weapon

If you want or have to ship your weapon, use appropriate packaging. If required, the
packaging is available in special retail shops or from the manufacturer.

DANGER
Before shipping the weapon, make absolutely sure that the weapon is unloaded.

Always ship weapons separate from ammunition. Follow the national regulations for
shipping of weapons and ammunition.

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