Blaser 470??

[Mako]

I'm looking for a double and am wondering if anyone has had any experience with the blaser? My budget is sub $15k, any recommendations on price vs value? I'm interested in 416, 450, 450/400 and 470. Thanks for the help!

 

[Red Leg]

Yes. I have a S2 with three barrel set - 500/416, .375, and 30-06. I also have a couple of English and Continental rifles and so have a basis of comparison.

What I or others like about it - the rifle is incredibly accurate and incredibly consistent. All barrels shoot MOA and all shoot composite 4-shot groups under 2.5 inches at 100 yards (with optics). I have an aimpoint on the 416 and Zeiss Victories on the other two barrels. The S2 uses the reliable Blaser mount which can be dismounted almost instantly and when remounted is always back on zero. Open sights are excellent and intuitive. The gun uses a "cocker" rather than a safety just like the Krieghoff. It is a fabulous system and nothing safer in the field. Finally, the Blaser is a non traditional design with an incredibly strong action.

What I or others don't like about it - Upon firing and opening the action, the weapon de-cocks rather loudly. I suppose it is possible to create a scenario where a wounded DG animal would focus on that sound. Terry Wieland among others have called out that attribute negatively ever since the weapon hit the market. The S2 is not equipped with ejectors. This means a reload takes longer. Finally, the Blaser is a new design with little in common with a traditional SxS. It looks different - less elegant.

I think the S2 is a superb "client's rifle." It is designed to be easily scoped. With the .375, I would not hesitate to take a 250 meter shot, and I can have an instant second round on the way. Because of the de-cocker, you can be number three or four marching across Zim, and your PH is not sweating a 300 gr bullet in his back from a tripping client. Also, because of its accuracy and ability to be scoped, should you see that 60" kudu on the next ridge while trying to walk down a buff, you will have a rifle in your hand that can handle the shot.

I do not think that the S2 is the best PH rifle. Were I backing up clients, I would want ejectors on a DG rifle. I also would not be scoping it. Most importantly, I would not want it to have an auto-safe system which could be forgotten in a fast follow-up situation.

But for a client, it is a wonderful rifle. I am off to MOZ in eight-weeks and my S2 with two sets of barrels is the only rifle going with me.

 

[Mr Free Market]

That is an excellent summary of the S2. I am in the lucky position of owning a brace …

in 30R & 375 H&H

Since I bought them a year ago, I've spent a lot of time getting them properly set up for me: the 30R is very nearly done & a week ago we returned from our first successful hunt in South Africa. Work on the 375 starts in a couple of weeks

However, as an affordable, safe & accurate double, I would heartily recommend the S2

 

[matt85]

i have mixed feelings about these rifles, i admit i have not owned one but i have had the opertunity to handle a couple at some gun shows. in fact before i bought my sabatti i took a very serious look at an S2 in 500/416. i ened up passing on the S2 for a number of reasons with price being high on that list (i couldnt afford it even if i wanted it).

1. no ejectors: this pretty much removes it from service as a DG rifle in my opinion.
2. looks strange: the S2 is a very strange looking firearm to say the least. having said that, the ones i handled were quite comfortable to shoulder and pointed well. my Sabatti is much less comfortable then the S2.
3. sights: i expect my double rifles to have safari sights.

the only way i would ever consider a Blaser S2 again is if they start putting ejectors on them.

-matt

 

[bassasdaindia]

Yes. I have a S2 with three barrel set - 500/416, .375, and 30-06. I also have a couple of English and Continental rifles and so have a basis of comparison.

What I or others like about it - the rifle is incredibly accurate and incredibly consistent. All barrels shoot MOA and all shoot composite 4-shot groups under 2.5 inches at 100 yards (with optics). I have an aimpoint on the 416 and Zeiss Victories on the other two barrels. The S2 uses the reliable Blaser mount which can be dismounted almost instantly and when remounted is always back on zero. Open sights are excellent and intuitive. The gun uses a "cocker" rather than a safety just like the Krieghoff. It is a fabulous system and nothing safer in the field. Finally, the Blaser is a non traditional design with an incredibly strong action.

What I or others don't like about it - Upon firing and opening the action, the weapon de-cocks rather loudly. I suppose it is possible to create a scenario where a wounded DG animal would focus on that sound. Terry Wieland among others have called out that attribute negatively ever since the weapon hit the market. The S2 is not equipped with ejectors. This means a reload takes longer. Finally, the Blaser is a new design with little in common with a traditional SxS. It looks different - less elegant.

I think the S2 is a superb "client's rifle." It is designed to be easily scoped. With the .375, I would not hesitate to take a 250 meter shot, and I can have an instant second round on the way. Because of the de-cocker, you can be number three or four marching across Zim, and your PH is not sweating a 300 gr bullet in his back from a tripping client. Also, because of its accuracy and ability to be scoped, should you see that 60" kudu on the next ridge while trying to walk down a buff, you will have a rifle in your hand that can handle the shot.

I do not think that the S2 is the best PH rifle. Were I backing up clients, I would want ejectors on a DG rifle. I also would not be scoping it. Most importantly, I would not want it to have an auto-safe system which could be forgotten in a fast follow-up situation.

But for a client, it is a wonderful rifle. I am off to MOZ in eight-weeks and my S2 with two sets of barrels is the only rifle going with me.

it's always a pleasure to read your input red leg ... thank you.

 

[bassasdaindia]

i have mixed feelings about these rifles, i admit i have not owned one but i have had the opertunity to handle a couple at some gun shows. in fact before i bought my sabatti i took a very serious look at an S2 in 500/416. i ened up passing on the S2 for a number of reasons with price being high on that list (i couldnt afford it even if i wanted it).

1. no ejectors: this pretty much removes it from service as a DG rifle in my opinion.
2. looks strange: the S2 is a very strange looking firearm to say the least. having said that, the ones i handled were quite comfortable to shoulder and pointed well. my Sabatti is much less comfortable then the S2.
3. sights: i expect my double rifles to have safari sights.

the only way i would ever consider a Blaser S2 again is if they start putting ejectors on them.

-matt

matt I don't view extractors on a double as the deal maker or breaker, in my opinion how the rifle shoulders and how it shoots is my first priority.

is your reason for extractors for quick reloading or for convenience ?

 

[matt85]

I see ejectors as a requirement for DG since it removes a step from the loading process. reloading under stress is extremely difficult and mistakes can easily be made by the most experienced shooter. ive seen all kinds of mistakes made during my brief time as a speed shooter including things like loading an empty mag into the gun, failing to rack the slide, racking the slide before loading the mag, forgetting to put a magazine in the gun, dropping the magazine, and inserting the magazine backwards or even trying to insert the magazine upside-down. these mistakes may sound silly but they are all honest mistakes that easily happen when your under pressure. the key to reducing the chance of a reloading mistake is to remove or simplify as many steps as possible from the process (and lots of practice).

a reloading mistake in a speed shooting match will cost you points. a reloading mistake while hunting dangerous game can cost you your life.

-matt

 

[Red Leg]

Matt, I can't disagree, but there are those who do not believe in ejectors for a DG rifle. They make two points. First, the ejector represents another thing to go wrong. The argument goes that a fired ejector but non-ejected case is harder to clear than lifted case. And as someone who shoots SxS shotguns a lot, I can testify that the ejectors of even a H&H or Evans can indeed fail - a lifter almost never. The second argument is after a single shot. The buffalo, lion, dragon has dropped wounded into brush and is waiting to charge. Lifters allow the silent reload of that right barrel. The ping of an ejector provides a target for the wounded and now inbound animal.

As I noted above, were I a PH, I would want ejectors. As a client, I want the rifle that most accurately delivers that all important first round.

 

[bassasdaindia]

Matt, I can't disagree, but there are those who do not believe in ejectors for a DG rifle. They make two points. First, the ejector represents another thing to go wrong. The argument goes that a fired ejector but non-ejected case is harder to clear than lifted case. And as someone who shoots SxS shotguns a lot, I can testify that the ejectors of even a H&H or Evans can indeed fail - a lifter almost never. The second argument is after a single shot. The buffalo, lion, dragon has dropped wounded into brush and is waiting to charge. Lifters allow the silent reload of that right barrel. The ping of an ejector provides a target for the wounded and now inbound animal.

As I noted above, were I a PH, I would want ejectors. As a client, I want the rifle that most accurately delivers that all important first round.

adding to this is that there would always be a PH or another hunter with a large bore rile as back up to make the next vital shot if the need arises.

 

[Mr Free Market]

Where we started on this thread - the S2 - I promise you that with practice practice practice, it can be reloaded pretty damn quickly.

As soon as the second barrel is fired, drop the butt while under recoil & open the action & simply tip the empty cases out.

The point about ejectors failing is well made. I shoot a lot of driven game (birds) & always carry an cartridge removal tool because even using decent shotguns with quality ammunition, things do go wrong

 

[Velo Dog]

I prefer ejectors but, it's only a preference, not an absolute necessity for any rifle I am thinking about buying.

 

[Velo Dog]

Matt, I can't disagree, but there are those who do not believe in ejectors for a DG rifle. They make two points. First, the ejector represents another thing to go wrong. The argument goes that a fired ejector but non-ejected case is harder to clear than lifted case. And as someone who shoots SxS shotguns a lot, I can testify that the ejectors of even a H&H or Evans can indeed fail - a lifter almost never. The second argument is after a single shot. The buffalo, lion, dragon has dropped wounded into brush and is waiting to charge. Lifters allow the silent reload of that right barrel. The ping of an ejector provides a target for the wounded and now inbound animal.

As I noted above, were I a PH, I would want ejectors. As a client, I want the rifle that most accurately delivers that all important first round.

Red Leg,

Very well put/my sentiments almost exactly.

My only slight deviation is only a guess but I wonder if most DG that just got shot but not killed, don't already know exactly where we are, without first needing to hear the "ping" of an ejected empty cartridge to locate the source of their discomfort.

If I am wrong, and my ejector's "ping" triggers the charge while I am reloading, that would not have otherwise happened when some beast saw me open my weapon, pull out 1 or both empties then reload it again, well that's what the PH's cannon is for.

I'm with you in that; for a client's double rifle, it must be accurate.

And, a PH's double probably should have ejectors.

Just being a client, I got by just fine with two separate SxS extractor type rifles on two safaris but, I still prefer ejectors, even for non-dangerous game, it's just one of those things.

Out,
Velo Dog.

 

[Biebs]

A friend has a Blaser S2 in 470 that he'd sell for $6,500 if interested.

 

[CAustin]

Like someone else I've only held one at a gun show. They look a little different but they feel good. For me the weight seemed just right also. They are a little too expensive for my blood new!

 

[Guépard]

Red Leg, thank you to sharing your great experience.

One of my dream rifle is a S2 470 NE.

Please, What do you think about the balance of this weapon with and without scope?

 

[Red Leg]

It is a solid between the hands design. From the factory, the S2 Safari has a two-pound removable enertia recoil reducer in the butt. It is a great thing at the range, but I removed mine for hunting. I do not have the .470, but the 500/416 is in the same general recoil class, and I have no problem managing it without the recoil reducer. Removing it also does not screw up the balance of the rifle. On my 500/416, I use the small aimpoint site, and so it has no effect on the rifle's weight or utility.

Compared to British rifles and their clones, the S2 looks different - certainly less elegant. However, it was designed from the ground up to be ergonomically useful rather than traditional in style and function. It is a rare person, however committed to the English rifle tradition, who doesn't appreciate the dynamics of an S2 when they actually shoulder one.

 

[Guépard]

Thanks !

Perhaps it's strange but I like the design and look of this rifle.

But the most important it's mainly the non-traditional but strong tilting block.

 

[Red Leg]

Thanks !

Perhaps it's strange but I like the design and look of this rifle.

But the most important it's mainly the non-traditional but strong tilting block.

Agree. I am not sure what it would take for this rifle to shoot loose. Mine has had hundreds of three different calibers of rounds through it with no change whatsoever.

 

[Guépard]

Red Leg,
After reading your post, I reconsidered the differences between the 3 calibers 375 500/416 470. The 500/416 sounds like a great option for a hunter.
S2 in a 500/416 will be a great addition to my R93 with 3 barrels calibers 270 win, 300 win mag and 375 H & H.

 

[Jono Joseph]

I have the S2 in a 470 NE and think it is just the bomb......

Shot Shot