Blaser R8 Owner in USA

ajamils said:

I did read the whole thread and various others before signing up and starting my own thread.

I know your thread is few years old so are you still enjoying the rifle just as much? Also, I see you are in Europe so things might be a little different than here in Texas, where you can buy as many guns as your heart desires Also, from reading the previous threads, it seems like Blaser prices have gone up quite a bit.

For me the debate keeps coming down to this equation.....
Beretta BRX1 in 6.5 CM (though I don't like the stock options as they look cheap) + upcoming Sauer 505 in beautify wood < Blazer R8 Luxus 30.06 + 6.5 CM package.

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Wasn't my thread I'm afraid. But I used it for inspiration, only got mine last year, love it, and the most expensive thing I ever bought except for my house

I'm a leftie so that reduced my options, also looked at BRX1s but the relatively limited choice of calibers made it a no go for me. And got hooked on the idea of a straight pull, which further reduced options. Or, who knows, it was all just an excuse for buying an R8 ultimate leather with .243 and 9.3x62 and have just decided on the next one: .416

I'm sure prices have increased a bit. As for the number if rifles we can, as far as I know, own as many as we want to, sort of as I know there are special requirements for the storage if you have more than 25. And as far as I know, a barrel counts as a rifle, so a R8 wouldn't help anyhow towards the limits. I think a major difference between the US and here is that each weapon requires a permission from the police, and that takes weeks or months, and even minor criminal offences will impact on the likelyhood of getting the permit (e.g. importing an illegal knife, violence, hanging out with the wrongs guys, and a whole range of things I don't know about).

BeeMaa said:

We own 3 complete R8 rifles plus one more barrel.

Positive points...
Best factory trigger I've ever had at 2#. Magazine on top of trigger group shortening the rifle by 4". Quick takedown for easy travel. One stock fit for any caliber from 17HMR to 500J. QD scope mount. Mix and match as you please to find the right balance for you. Multiple barrel contours for the same caliber, further customizing your fit. Kickstop easily added to help with felt recoil. Timber, synthetic, thumbhole, adjustable...etc stocks available. Dealer support. Easy resale of most components you don't need along with good deals being found on the used market. Incredible accuracy with factory ammo. Incredibly reliable, I've shot thousands of rounds with no failures. Decocking safety mechanism that is arguably the safest in the industry. Scope mounted on the barrel for more consistent accuracy and return to zero. Do I need to mention how fast they reload?

Negative points...
Not cheap, but you will get what you pay for.

We sold all our other rifles and now only own the Blaser R8's. If you want to chat, send me a PM with your number. The R8 is pretty easy, but there are a few tricks to it.

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Fully agree, the scope thing was perhaps the final selling point for me, the idea of attaching the scopes to the barrels is really fantastic, never concerns about zeroing after barrel swap.

Just one bit of caution though re using all calibers from 17 to .500: pibe diameters are 17, 19, or 22mm. I bought 17 mm. Big calibers are 22 mm. Forestocks follow pibe diameter. Now I want a .416 = trouble. Solution: have a custom made 19 mm pibe in .416, and then open up the forestock a bit (is synthetic so can be done, dont know about wood).

Ina addition to what’s been presented, consider these:

- carry a spare bolt and trigger group and you can fix nearly any problem in the unlikely event something breaks

- the Blaser return to zero scope mount is awesome. Even better with rail mount scopes. I regularly switch between scope, red dot and open sights depending on conditions

The R8 is superb even if you don’t care about the barrel change. But that is bonus points particularly for training or different types of game. I don’t believe the BRX1 is going to adapt to such a wide variety of calibers.

I bought mine (R8 Ultimate) a couple months ago and have about 150 rounds downrange, mostly barrel break-in and load development. I bought .223, 9.3x62 and .375h&h. Selling the 9.3 because of overlap with the .375.
I am a Blaser convert and love the rifle BUT will offer the following criticisms:
- if I don't push the .223 bolt forward with enough vigour the firing pin does not hit the primer with adequate force and gun goes click. Disclaimer-- I am using handloads so there might be some operational error on my part. Happens at least 20% of the time unless I really think about closing that bolt.
- the first round of .375 needs some manual manipulation of the round for it to feed. With three rounds in the magazine it seems to get a little sticky and the cartridge sits flat in the magwell so when I push the bolt forward the round does not slide up and into the chamber it runs into the flat part at the end of the barrel. If I push the back of the brass down a bit it feeds fine and the second and third round are always flawless. I assume this will get better with time.
- the scope mounts do not change barrels without needing a screwdriver adjustment to the mount. If the mount is set for .223 it has to be loosened 1/3 turn to fit on the .375 barrel.
A bit annoying but I don't often swap the scopes and I think the other two issues will disappear with use.

Accuracy is excellent, in par with my custom bolt guns.

As always with the R8, the straight pull and interchangeable barrel are what people initially notice. Fair enough, they are nice features and the lockup mechanism is innovative and immensely strong. But the trigger being under the magazine, which shortens the action significantly, it the subtle feature that separate it from other straight-pulls and/ or interchangeable barrel rifles.

What Bert said. My .375 barrel is 25.75" but handles like or better than any of my 24" barrel bolt guns. So far, in cautious load development, that has meant more FPS without unnecessary recoil.

The R8 is fantastic to shoot with, the balance, the accuracy, the concept, the modularity, the execution is top class.
But keep in mind that it was designed mainly for the typical European hunter, hunting from stand/high seat/driven hunt that go to his stand with the rifle in a soft-case. They are precision made and cannot take the abuse a classical bolt action rifle can take. With the plastic parts they also do not age like an old classic.

One of my friend fall in a river with his Blaser R93 rifle (the model before the R8). it was in the mountains with a lot of sand in the river. He dryed and cleaned his rifle. The evening he saw a red stag, aimed at it shot and heard a click, not a boom!
He thought it was the cartridge. It happen the same to him the day after. He brought his rifle to his gunsmith for a full cleaning, bolt disassembly, etc. Most likely there was enough small particules of sand in the mechanism so that the bolt was not able to close 100% or inside the pin system so that is was not working properly.

When the Blaser R93 came out, it was a revolution in Europe. The new safety, linear pull and modularity was really appreciated. A lot of the manufacturers looked at the success and wanted to take part of it e.g., Merkel Helix, Heym SR30, then Blaser again with the R8, Benelli, Verney Carron (Linergie, Speedline and Impact) , Browning Maral, etc.
Blaser might be the only one to offer Safari caliber, haven't checked in details the other similar systems.

You should look also at the Merkel Helix: easier operation of safety, a lot shorter travel of bolt.

The only push action rifle I personnaly consider and own is the Swiss Army K31 in 7,5x55 with a custom hunting stock, all the others are not for me.

albravo said:

I bought mine (R8 Ultimate) a couple months ago and have about 150 rounds downrange, mostly barrel break-in and load development. I bought .223, 9.3x62 and .375h&h. Selling the 9.3 because of overlap with the .375.
I am a Blaser convert and love the rifle BUT will offer the following criticisms:
- if I don't push the .223 bolt forward with enough vigour the firing pin does not hit the primer with adequate force and gun goes click. Disclaimer-- I am using handloads so there might be some operational error on my part. Happens at least 20% of the time unless I really think about closing that bolt.
- the first round of .375 needs some manual manipulation of the round for it to feed. With three rounds in the magazine it seems to get a little sticky and the cartridge sits flat in the magwell so when I push the bolt forward the round does not slide up and into the chamber it runs into the flat part at the end of the barrel. If I push the back of the brass down a bit it feeds fine and the second and third round are always flawless. I assume this will get better with time.
- the scope mounts do not change barrels without needing a screwdriver adjustment to the mount. If the mount is set for .223 it has to be loosened 1/3 turn to fit on the .375 barrel.
A bit annoying but I don't often swap the scopes and I think the other two issues will disappear with use.

Accuracy is excellent, in par with my custom bolt guns.

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The dreaded Click!! When I first started shooting the R8 I had that problem. I’ve learned to cycle the bolt with vigor and now never have that problem. It becomes an issue if you try to quietly close the bolt, that extra pressure at the end is needed.
It is also a good way to check a flinch with a person because it can be cycled to not fire on the unsuspecting shooter.

I don’t switch scopes between barrels as the zero won’t be the same. It will be close, but not exact. I’m sure you’ve discovered that.

As for the feeding issue with the .375, double check the magazine insert to make sure it is properly installed. I can use the incorrect magazine insert for a caliber and it will work, just not as well.

Tra3 said:

The dreaded Click!! When I first started shooting the R8 I had that problem. I’ve learned to cycle the bolt with vigor and now never have that problem. It becomes an issue if you try to quietly close the bolt, that extra pressure at the end is needed.
It is also a good way to check a flinch with a person because it can be cycled to not fire on the unsuspecting shooter.

I don’t switch scopes between barrels as the zero won’t be the same. It will be close, but not exact. I’m sure you’ve discovered that.

As for the feeding issue with the .375, double check the magazine insert to make sure it is properly installed. I can use the incorrect magazine insert for a caliber and it will work, just not as well.

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I’d also add that brass needs to be full length sized when hand loading. I’ve never had any issues at all with closing the bolt slowly as long as you make sure and push it all the way forward until you feel a hard stop. I’ve also owned four different 375 barrels and rifles, and never had a feeding issue whatsoever. I agree, need to check the magazine for proper installation and make sure it’s the correct magazine.

albravo said:

I bought mine (R8 Ultimate) a couple months ago and have about 150 rounds downrange, mostly barrel break-in and load development. I bought .223, 9.3x62 and .375h&h. Selling the 9.3 because of overlap with the .375.
I am a Blaser convert and love the rifle BUT will offer the following criticisms:
- if I don't push the .223 bolt forward with enough vigour the firing pin does not hit the primer with adequate force and gun goes click. Disclaimer-- I am using handloads so there might be some operational error on my part. Happens at least 20% of the time unless I really think about closing that bolt.
- the first round of .375 needs some manual manipulation of the round for it to feed. With three rounds in the magazine it seems to get a little sticky and the cartridge sits flat in the magwell so when I push the bolt forward the round does not slide up and into the chamber it runs into the flat part at the end of the barrel. If I push the back of the brass down a bit it feeds fine and the second and third round are always flawless. I assume this will get better with time.
- the scope mounts do not change barrels without needing a screwdriver adjustment to the mount. If the mount is set for .223 it has to be loosened 1/3 turn to fit on the .375 barrel.
A bit annoying but I don't often swap the scopes and I think the other two issues will disappear with use.

Accuracy is excellent, in par with my custom bolt guns.

Click to expand...

As @TOBY458 suggests, the rifle is not designed to allow the scope to be moved between different barrels without having to again sight it in. What it does do perfectly, is return to zero every time the scope is mounted and dismounted from the barrel for which it was sighted. I personally have dedicated mounts to each barrel.

You should have no problem at all with the first round from that magazine insert. Make sure you have the correct insert installed. The rounds for which the insert is suitable are noted on the side of the insert when removed from the magazine.

Ok, I'm sold on Blaser R8 idea and have spent way too many hours watching videos and reading about them. This is going to be my most expensive "hobby" purchase (other than RAM TRX ) so I keep going back to the question "do I really need it?" Or can cheaper rifles will do.
I have not even handled a R8 yet so found a local dealer who has synthetic and Jeager in stock, which is not the Luxus that I'm interested in buying but should give me an idea.

Great idea, handle one and if you like it, buy one.

I bought one sight unseen based on the feedback from the excellent people on this forum. It simply has the features I want. As always, you’ve got to pay to play.

TOBY458 said:

I’d also add that brass needs to be full length sized when hand loading. I’ve never had any issues at all with closing the bolt slowly as long as you make sure and push it all the way forward until you feel a hard stop. I’ve also owned four different 375 barrels and rifles, and never had a feeding issue whatsoever. I agree, need to check the magazine for proper installation and make sure it’s the correct magazine.

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I will add this is very sound advice regarding full length sizing, which is nuisance with your fire formed brass, I will add with regards to the 375 H&H I do use the Willis collet die as well.

375Ruger416 said:

Great idea, handle one and if you like it, buy one.

I bought one sight unseen based on the feedback from the excellent people on this forum. It simply has the features I want. As always, you’ve got to pay to play.

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I've bought quite a few guns sight unseen as most of them are not available locally but this is going to be most expensive purchase than other gun so wanted to see in person.

They had two on display, one was Professional Success in 300 Win Mag and other was Jaeger in 6.5x55 in 20.5" barrel. Not sure if it was the shorter barrel or the caliber but I did not like Jaeger at all. Wood look worse than my sub $1k Bergara and the rifle felt way too dense and heavy. On the other hand Professional Success felt amazing and fit like a glove (though I'm not a fan of thumb hole). I'm kinda partial to wood stock and that's what I was planning to get but now I'm confused. Maybe I'll still get Luxus and then replace the stock later....... decisions!

Also, on some of the threads, I've read prices of sub $5K but have not seem then anywhere online.

ajamils said:

I've bought quite a few guns sight unseen as most of them are not available locally but this is going to be most expensive purchase than other gun so wanted to see in person.

They had two on display, one was Professional Success in 300 Win Mag and other was Jaeger in 6.5x55 in 20.5" barrel. Not sure if it was the shorter barrel or the caliber but I did not like Jaeger at all. Wood look worse than my sub $1k Bergara and the rifle felt way too dense and heavy. On the other hand Professional Success felt amazing and fit like a glove (though I'm not a fan of thumb hole). I'm kinda partial to wood stock and that's what I was planning to get but now I'm confused. Maybe I'll still get Luxus and then replace the stock later....... decisions!

Also, on some of the threads, I've read prices of sub $5K but have not seem then anywhere online.

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Keep in mind that the material of the receiver (steel vs aluminum) will play a role in how it balances, as well as if it has a kickstop and the profile (17mm, 19mm or 22mm) of the barrel. Without a build sheet it's not easy to tell what a rifle has or doesn't without a little investigation.

Also, typically a wood stock will be heavier than a synthetic. I've found that the lighter synthetic stocks seem to flex more in recoil and have the effect of reducing felt recoil. The stiff fiber of the wood isn't nearly as forgiving.

The 6.5x55SE you looked at is a wonderful cartridge for hunting (out to 200+ yards) to rival any of the newer 6.5's and still be quite comfortable to shoot at the same time.

Best of luck and keep us informed.

I don’t like the thumb hole either, but suspect they fit like a glove and are very comfortable. I went with the professional stock. Everyone with an ultimate or professional success stock are very happy with it, it seems.

Does Blaser come with a certificate that provides details about the grade of wood used? For example if a dealer is saying stock is grade "8", how can I make sure it is?

ajamils said:

Does Blaser come with a certificate that provides details about the grade of wood used? For example if a dealer is saying stock is grade "8", how can I make sure it is?

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My Blaser R8 Jaeger was advertised as Grade 8 wood. I believe that it it achieved that subjective assessment.

I have safes full of firearms and understand your concern with the cost of a Blaser. I came to realize that most of those firearms I hardly ever shoot and quality matters more than quantity. I plan on hunting more dangerous game in the future and two things about the Blaser give me comfort. One, I hunt with it year round in a non DG caliber so that when I do hunt DG again I know that rifle as intimately as my wife. Two, I don’t own a single rifle (other than semi auto) that I can get a second shot off faster with. When seconds count, I want my blaser.
Lastly, schlep two rifles from Texas to Africa and back and you’ll appreciate the modular design that allows you to carry a smaller and lighter gun case.

J Mac 49 said:

My Blaser R8 Jaeger was advertised as Grade 8 wood. I believe that it it achieved that subjective assessment.

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What a BEAUTY!! This one definitely looks the part but if I am picking one up from dealer stock then I how can I verify if he tells me that it's a grade 8 vs regular grade 4?

Also, looking at your's, which looks AMAZING..... I'm llttle confused about the LUXUS version. Since Jaegar comes in beatiful wood as well, is the difference between it and LUXUS is just the engraving on t the receiver?