Anyone has experience with Blaser R8?

[stug]

I like my R93. The quick bolt throw us pretty awesome. The ability to remove the barrel and scope and then replace them while keeping zero takes a bit to get your head around.

 

[ArmyGrunt]

I thought about an R93, but they don't sell new anymore. Not that it's a big deal, but they're tough to find. Barrels are still available for it, and other accessories, from eurooptics.com

 

[lcq]

I thought about an R93, but they don't sell new anymore. Not that it's a big deal, but they're tough to find. Barrels are still available for it, and other accessories, from eurooptics.com

There is always the Poor Cousin Thompson Dimension. I have one and it is butt ugly and the bolt is rough but is shoots MOA in 270, 300, sub MOA in 223 and 204. Still holds zero with a scope and barrel change just clearly not in the same league as the Blaser

 

[enysse]

All I know is when I see Blaser 8 on the Outdoor channel or Sportman's Channel, I think...there is one fine rifle!

 

[ArmyGrunt]

All I know is when I see Blaser 8 on the Outdoor channel or Sportman's Channel, I think...there is one fine rifle!

Such a true statement!

The guy in Indy said the one in the website is paid for, but they can get whatever since they're an authorized dealer. I do hate paying retail though...

I'm going to send him photos of my stuff to see what he might offer before I make a 3 hour drive one way, since it's no longer in stock

 

[wesheltonj]

I thought about an R93, but they don't sell new anymore. Not that it's a big deal, but they're tough to find. Barrels are still available for it, and other accessories, from eurooptics.com

Suggest you google Blaser R93 malfunctions. There is even a thread on this site about them too.

Flame away.

 

[ArmyGrunt]

I recall seeing something about that

 

[Nyati]

The R8 works on the same concept as the R3 but has been redesigned and is a safe gun.

But I just refuse to shoot an R93, one blew up in my home range and the resulting injuries were very serious.

 

[Grady]

one blew up in my home range and the resulting injuries were very serious.

Do you know why the R93 "blew-up"??? I have seen multiple thread on line about the R93 from spain, but no one can say why.....

I currently own an R93 with 5 barrels (22-250, 264 Win Mag, 30-06, 300RUM, 375 H&H) and would not hesitate to purchase another. With that, I have also shot the R8, and the only thing keeping me from purchasing one was the fact that I had the R93 with all the barrels and did not want to sell what I had.

 

[ArmyGrunt]

Do you know why the R93 "blew-up"??? I have seen multiple thread on line about the R93 from spain, but no one can say why.....

I currently own an R93 with 5 barrels (22-250, 264 Win Mag, 30-06, 300RUM, 375 H&H) and would not hesitate to purchase another. With that, I have also shot the R8, and the only thing keeping me from purchasing one was the fact that I had the R93 with all the barrels and did not want to sell what I had.

Sounds like a darn good review. One more nudge towards me buying one

 

[Nyati]

Do you know why the R93 "blew-up"??? I have seen multiple thread on line about the R93 from spain, but no one can say why.....

I currently own an R93 with 5 barrels (22-250, 264 Win Mag, 30-06, 300RUM, 375 H&H) and would not hesitate to purchase another. With that, I have also shot the R8, and the only thing keeping me from purchasing one was the fact that I had the R93 with all the barrels and did not want to sell what I had.

The victim´s family spokesman would not say what the outcome of the official investigation was.

Blaser´s position on these cases (there have been a few) is that the ammunition is defective, while on the other hand they also state their rifles are proofed with high pressure ammo.

In this case it seems that there was a settlement between the parties.

 

[Dinsdale]

I thought about an R93, but they don't sell new anymore. Not that it's a big deal, but they're tough to find. Barrels are still available for it, and other accessories, from eurooptics.com

Eurooptic doesn't carry any R93 components as Maddog Guns in Arizona sells R93 parts in the US by arrangement with Blaser. Eurooptic can sell R93 boltheads because they fit some of the tactical series guns......and any Blaser optics mount fits any Blaser product.

I have had a R93 for some time; 14, 15 years?; owned better than a dozen barrels and I think I have 8 right now. 2 stocks (wood and plastic), several bolts and heads, countless optics options. The single shot 28ga shotgun has potted more dinner than I can count on small game.

A bit more svelte in the hand than the R8....so I'm keeping mine.

Starting out I'd buy a R8 for ease of finding "stuff" going forward.

 

[ArmyGrunt]

Thanks for the advice.
I've been mulling over the Merkel Helix, but leaning most heavily on the R8. I've wanted it longer, and it speaks to me louder. Plus the case is readily available

 

[ArmyGrunt]

Welcome to the Build-a-Box Workshop, where R8 buying dreams are built one sale at a time. This thing was on arms list less than 45 minutes and it sold....two guns to go and my offload will be complete

 

[wesheltonj]

I would look really hard at the Merkel Helix myself and would buy the Merkel if I was in the Market for a straight pull.

 

[ArmyGrunt]

I like the Merkel. There aren't any great reasons why I don't go after it, aside from the case. That's a moot point, since I'll mostly have it in the vault. I also like the large number of changeability for the R8.

I finally got one reply back from the 270 Wby seller, but silence since...it's priced great, if it's not a shady posting. If retail price is my only way to go I'm back to the toss up in choice.

 

[petrusg]

Ive had many clients shooting with the R8 and they all seemed very happy with the Rifle

 

[AlphaHunter]

Blaser R8 is an amazing rifle but way overpriced. I sold my two R8 and replaced them by Sako.

 

[Nyati]

I have used a Merkel Helix in Africa, in 2013. Ammo was 9,3x62 RWS Evo 296gr.

Nice gun, fast bolt, compact, handles nicely.

 

[Banater Bu]

If you want a straight pull rifle, the R8 is your best bet, hands down.
But, you need to swallow the price.
Also, the mounting from Blaser is AWESOME.