Blaser vs Rigby

[BeeMaa]

Until you have a Blaser you just don’t know or understand what it has to offer. There is simply nothing like it. I am working with my new R8 and hope to post about it soon. So those that don’t own a Blaser really can’t comment on this. What I mean is it’s complicated! Not trying to be insulting.
Philip

I get it.
If you have to explain it...I won't understand.

 

[Philip Glass]

Red....I agree that the R8 is very easy to travel with. But when you say that its all about function then I presume you mean it is faster to shoot than a bolt rifle..? If so, I would argue that a modern semiauto is even more sensible.

But there is a sporting aspect here as well..and that is the reason I will never hunt with a Blaser and similar or a semi....its all about coping with a bolt or double rifle and give the game a fighting chance. If I miss an opportunity because I am too slow then so be it....we are not at war with the game..are we..?

Ridiculous simply ridiculous. We all have a responsibility to put the animal down ethically and quickly. The Blaser is not an unfair advantage. Do you own one?
Philip

 

[Philip Glass]

I would like to believe that you did not mean to imply that I was somehow unethical for using a Blaser. Rather, you were merely virtue signaling. But on the chance you meant what you said, let me elaborate.

My appreciation of the rifle’s function has to do with the rifle’s ergonomics, trigger, accuracy, sighting system, flexibility, and transportability. Nowhere do I believe that I touted the rifle’s alleged rapid fire characteristics. “Spray and pray” is not something I or any other Blaser owner that I know would practice or condone. I am even a little stunned someone would come to that conclusion, but then again, I live in a country where my AR and FN FAL occupy the same gun room. Perhaps things are different where you are.

I noted that I am a fan of classic rifles as well as more modern interpretations. But for me, practicality has value as well. I own some very fine firearms. Probably quite a few you would deign to use. I hunt them all. But when I travel abroad, only a double is as easy to transport as my Blaser, and no double is anywhere near as versatile.

I truly could care less if anyone else on the planet uses a R8. I do, when discussions allow, try to note its unique advantages which tend, in my mind, to mitigate its cost. I know of no examples where any firearm of any type made any particular hunter more or less virtuous or ethical.

Well said!

 

[wesheltonj]

What plastic parts? Magazine? Yes. All steel as far as what’s important as far as I know.

Yes, the Magazine insert.

 

[K-man]

This thread reminds me of discussions about 40 years ago when compound bows were becoming popular... the stick and string guys said it was an unfair advantage, could hold draw too long, shouldn't be able to hunt during bow season, etc.. Then fast forward a couple decades and the compound bow guys complained about the crossbow guys not having to draw, unfair advantage, etc.. How history repeats itself. As long as you can make an accurate fatal first shot with a capable bullet I won't be complaining about which type of gun you are using.

 

[BigSteve57]

I'll throw my 2 cents out there. Some like brunettes, some like blondes and maybe secretly, all I think, like red heads. They're all good in their ways. But what we pay for is refinement. So it's just whatever floats your boat and what you're willing to pay.

I have a thing for redheads. I married one.

 

[dchamp]

Plastic or not the suckers work well. I've had Blasers now for 7 or 8 years and love them. Are they any better than others, maybe yes maybe no, I find that thinking somewhat subjective. I dig them so therefore have them. If someone doesn't like them for whatever reason...great, don't get one. But having used them for awhile I think they are one of the finest rifles on the market...just saying.

I remember my first time purchasing an R8, I had buyers remorse as soon as I hung up the phone after placing the order thinking I just through away a whole bunch of money and was wondering how much money I could recover selling it if I didn't like it. Well It's still my primary rifle system with other barrels and stock receivers.

As far as for Rigby's, yes I would like to have and have contemplated purchasing a Rigby or Mauser 98 in my favorite caliber the 8x57. I think both are overpriced but am still thinking seriously about getting one. I handled both at SCI a couple of years back and liked both. Are they better than the Blaser, no, not really. Are they worth the money, that's for me to determine. Can I get a rifle that will shoot just as well but for far less money, sure can. But they might not float my boat as much.

BTW, It is my understanding that Mauser makes the actions and barrels for the Rigby and that Blaser owns Mauser. Is that true? If anybody knows for sure please let me know one way or the other.

 

[CBH Australia]

Until you have a Blaser you just don’t know or understand what it has to offer. There is simply nothing like it. I am working with my new R8 and hope to post about it soon. So those that don’t own a Blaser really can’t comment on this. What I mean is it’s complicated! Not trying to be insulting.
Philip

So @Redleg 6 and other Blaser people I see Takedown as a nice feature but as far as straight pull if the R8 was not a takedown how would the action etc compare in functioning to a Browning Maral or other straight pull if there are others in lower price point
I grew up reading magazines about hunting and like nice rifles. If I could see they would increase in value I would invest some thing good.
But let’s say like a $1500 Tikka and a $1000 scope for a hunting rifle to carry in the bush Is an expensive item to some. So 15K for a Rigby is a nice bit of gear but out of my league. And I try to walk and stalk regularly due to remote work and time after work.
At 47 I’m hiring a rifle for a cull hunt in South Africa my total cost maybe less than a production model Rigby.

 

[CBH Australia]

I married a Brunnette who seems to notice I notice Blondes, she’s 44 so is it time I trade her for a couple of 22’s?
If I had a Rigby I would still notice other rifles, if I owned a Blaser I would still use other rifles. I can’t have it all is the problem.
I think one thing the Blaser owners keep coming back to is functionality, I don’t think they bought them for the aesthetics or the fact that they are stepping away from traditional looks.
People like @Pondoro may not like the Blaser nuts are taking all the good timber for Blaser stocks.
Any Aussies here with Blasers? @BenKK @Dr Ray

 

[BenKK]

Not at this point, mate, but reading lots, taking it all in, and scheming.

 

[CBH Australia]

@PaulT I’m calling in the Aussies, it’s a weekend. Any comments on Fine rifles?
I think the Dr is a Winchester man Fromm a previous post.

 

[wesheltonj]

. . .
BTW, It is my understanding that Mauser makes the actions and barrels for the Rigby and that Blaser owns Mauser. Is that true? If anybody knows for sure please let me know one way or the other.

Correct, Mauser makes actions and barrels for Rigby.

Luke & Ortmeier owns Blaser, Sauer, Mauser, Rigby, SIG, and many other companies. Blaser, Sauer, Mauser and Rigby are all distributed in the USA by Blaser USA in San Antonio.

Blaser, Sauer and Mauser are all same grounds in Isny am Allagu.

 

[CBH Australia]

Correct, Mauser makes actions and barrels for Rigby.

Luke & Ortmeier owns Blaser, Sauer, Mauser, Rigby, SIG, and many other companies. Blaser, Sauer, Mauser and Rigby are all distributed in the USA by Blaser USA in San Antonio.

Blaser, Sauer and Mauser are all same grounds in Isny am Allagu.

The last bit? Is that the factories are on the same grounds? Where is that place?

It’s like the Sako and Tikka thing. Someone asked what separates the two if it’s the same company , someone else replied “A wall”

Beretta own a few and Swarovski own Kahles, Winchester firearms is in name only I believe? A trade mark you can take a contract on and sell your product under

Only a few big players in the big name circuit

 

[PaulT]

@PaulT I’m calling in the Aussies, it’s a weekend. Any comments on Fine rifles?
I think the Dr is a Winchester man Fromm a previous post.

I wouldn't call any of my rifles "fine" rifles, but they certainly are functional rifles.
My entire safe is either Winchester M70's or various Mausers.
I have an FN and an Argie '09, the rest are M70's.

Good enough for me.

 

[Dr Ray]

I married a Brunnette who seems to notice I notice Blondes, she’s 44 so is it time I trade her for a couple of 22’s?
If I had a Rigby I would still notice other rifles, if I owned a Blaser I would still use other rifles. I can’t have it all is the problem.
I think one thing the Blaser owners keep coming back to is functionality, I don’t think they bought them for the aesthetics or the fact that they are stepping away from traditional looks.
People like @Pondoro may not like the Blaser nuts are taking all the good timber for Blaser stocks.
Any Aussies here with Blasers? @BenKK @Dr Ray

No from me though I watched a man firing a Blaser in 338 win magnum at a rifle range. Chatted to him later and he was very happy with the rifle.

 

[Red Leg]

The last bit? Is that the factories are on the same grounds? Where is that place?

It’s like the Sako and Tikka thing. Someone asked what separates the two if it’s the same company , someone else replied “A wall”

Beretta own a few and Swarovski own Kahles, Winchester firearms is in name only I believe? A trade mark you can take a contract on and sell your product under

Only a few big players in the big name circuit

Unlike a lot of holding companies that seem more interested in squeezing margin, the L&O group appears willing to invest in product. The reincarnation of Rigby’s Rising bite double is an example. Rigby is also an example of how the company streamlines traditional relationships. Pre-WWII Rigby bolt actions used barreled actions from Mauser’s Oberndorf factory. Today they have a similar relationship, only with a sister company. And yes, by having multiple products produced in the same complex, each realizes production savings due to shared supply chain, and quantity materiel buys.

I think, on the whole, we benefit from such business models. They are designed after all to make products more competitive while increasing margin. Were it not for L&O, there would be no reborn Rigby at all, and no other English maker has had the wherewithal to create a line of semi-custom production rifles. And of course, like them or not, the Blaser is the most innovative design in a generation.

It does complicate the “my rifle is better than or just as good as yours” fireside or forum debate. Brand loyalty is harder to trumpet when the brands are really different products from the same company. Your Sako / Tikka example is one of the more obvious.

 

[Pondoro]

Even Purdey has caved in and launched an entry level o/u shotgun model that is more or less made by Perugini&Visini...lovely gun, wieved and shot it recently...apparently the management demanded it to boost sales.. It is wise that Rigby and now Purdey (to a lesser extent..) climb down and make guns and rifles that less well healed can afford and use..and still keep making best guns..
The Rigby Highland Stalker is a gem...

 

[Red Leg]

So @Redleg 6 and other Blaser people I see Takedown as a nice feature but as far as straight pull if the R8 was not a takedown how would the action etc compare in functioning to a Browning Maral or other straight pull if there are others in lower price point
I grew up reading magazines about hunting and like nice rifles. If I could see they would increase in value I would invest some thing good.
But let’s say like a $1500 Tikka and a $1000 scope for a hunting rifle to carry in the bush Is an expensive item to some. So 15K for a Rigby is a nice bit of gear but out of my league. And I try to walk and stalk regularly due to remote work and time after work.
At 47 I’m hiring a rifle for a cull hunt in South Africa my total cost maybe less than a production model Rigby.

I get it. Most of my life was spent as a soldier, and I was happy to have a couple of simply accurate rifles with working dependable scopes. My old Ruger No. 1 in .270 still carries an old Leupold VX 2 and will still kill deer. I picked up a BRNO SxS at the Rod & Gun in Wurzburg for $350 or so and used it and my old Model 12 almost exclusively for many years.

Through a lot of hard work and luck our economic situation changed over the years. Our house is paid for, and my appreciation of good guns and art and old books does not interfere with my hunting or our travel. But were those circumstances to change, the experience always has priority over any mere thing - even a Blaser R8

 

[njc110381]

Ethical hunting has always made me chuckle to be honest. It's a funny thing that crops up when you look at the sport vs management aspect and it will vary depending on the ultimate goal of the hunt.

Sometimes I go out and stalk so close to a deer that I no longer want to shoot it. I'll let it go on it's way. That's the nature of some of my hunting. Would that happen if those deer really needed to be shot for crop protection? No, because I'd have shot it long before I got that close to save the risk of it running away. At that point I will take multiple deer given the chance and if I could place every bullet to be humane I would quite happily use a full auto and shoot every one of them. But then I'd be doing a job and it wouldn't be fun. Quite how is ethical hunting judged? I personally see any firearm or bow as a significant advantage to the hunter, muzzle loader, bolt or straight pull matters not because after that first shot, anything else on offer is only making you more likely to bring down something you've wounded which simply cannot be seen as a bad thing! But if you want an ethical hunt, stalk them down with a knife. That would put us on a truly even playing field with an animal that only has the sharp tools it was born with.

 

[bruce moulds]

maybe ethics is about not wounding it in the first place.
bruce.