Blaser -- What is all the excitement about?

[Opposite Pole]

You have an interesting setup there!
We have 2 Pelican 1750's which we use for transporting "traditional" rifles so I'm really intrigued as to how far I can go with them.

Regarding your top photo: I'm probably being dense but how do you keep the barrels on the top lid from impinging on the stocks on the bottom when the case is laying flat? Do you have some sort of thin foam layer you place in between?

Follow on question: what's that case weigh when packed like the top photo?

The case gets closed with the barrels pointed towards the lid. The foam insert containing the barrels sits on top of the rifle with the soft side down. I had it precision cut by a company that specialises in making such setups for photographic and movie equipment so it is all nice and tight.

As for the weight - total of approximately 24kg-53lbs. That’s with 3 barrels, recoil reducer in the stock and 3 scopes Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56, Zeiss 3-12x56 and Leica 1-6x24 so not the lightest of glass, ATACR itself is 1108g/39oz.

 

[BigSteve57]

The case gets closed with the barrels pointed towards the lid. The foam insert containing the barrels sits on top of the rifle with the soft side down. I had it precision cut by a company that specialises in making such setups for photographic and movie equipment so it is all nice and tight.

As for the weight - total of approximately 24kg-53lbs. That’s with 3 barrels, recoil reducer in the stock and 3 scopes Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56, Zeiss 3-12x56 and Leica 1-6x24 so not the lightest of glass, ATACR itself is 1108g/39oz.

AH! Got it. I figured I was missing something. Thanks for the reply, very much appreciated.

 

[Opposite Pole]

AH! Got it. I figured I was missing something. Thanks for the reply, very much appreciated.

No dramas

 

[Philip Glass]

One of my issues would be carrying the takedown case with extra barrels and scopes. It just seems like, for and older smaller guy, it could be tougher than a Pelican case with rollers on one end.
Any comments?
Thanks!

I have the case you mention but have not loaded it up with 2 barrels and 2 scopes to see how heavy it is. It could be an issue but it is so very convenient. I hope to take my R8 with 2 barrels on a big Safari to Tanzania someday.
Philip

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

havent read all the posts so if i am repeating anything...im sorry....too bad

the key with the blasers is really to choose your calibres carefully
if done so you do not have to change the bolt head or magazine ...just the barrel
on the plastic parts, i have owned blasers for around 10 years now and they are my day to day guns, i am a ph in SA, never had a so much as a clip break, had way more hassles with steel parts on other guns!!!!

scope mounts are prices but worth every cent, no re zero after mount and dismount, they always spot on

to be honest you are paying for the fantastic and precise engineering( man hours) that is integral in these weapons

i own, sakos, voere, musgrave, CZ, interarms, mauser , lee enfield, rifles and honeslty wish i could dump them all and just get blasers

pricey....sure, but well worth every cent!!

 

[Rider717]

Just got back from a SA safari with my R8. Took a .375 barrel and a .300 WSM. Used .375 on buffalo and a steenbuck and the .300 short on everything else from sprinbguck to roan. Sighted in at the range and both scopes on both barrels were dead on where I had been shooting back home. Switched barrels and scopes a couple of times there and multiple times at the range back home and have never had them deviate from the zero. Both barrels are tack drivers. The straight pull takes a bit of getting used to but when you have used it a few times it is very natural and fast. The cocking/safety lever is one of the best features. Again, once you're used to it it is very natural to use. They are pricey but well worth the investment in my opinion. Both my barrels are magnums so I can use the same bolthead saving me some bucks. If you have the means I think you would find the Blaser to be an outstanding choice.

 

[DuncanF]

If I had to have a switch barrel rifle I’d go for the R8’s stablemate the Mauser M03 - I just prefer the look of a classic bolt action. I can see the benefit of straight pull for driven hunting in Europe but if I was shooting DG here in Africa I think I’d prefer a CRF bolt gun or a double.

I think you will find that the Mauser M03 is a push feed just like the M12 and M18.

 

[V.Veritas]

I think you will find that the Mauser M03 is a push feed just like the M12 and M18.

Yes they are.

 

[Hearties]

Yes indeed. Was just commenting on my preference for the M03 vs the R8. First prize would be an M98 Mauser.

 

[Tra3]

7 lbs 11 Oz for R8 with ultimate stock, .375H&H standard barrel with sights and blaser scope mount. Scope not installed yet. The scope mount weighs 6 Oz. This gun will weigh the same as my Kimber mountain ascent in 7 mag with scope. I would not call it heavy, I’d say it is about right.
The safety mechanism is excellent. My 13 year old son figured it out in seconds with no instruction.

 

[samu]

Just placed an order for R8, plainest of the plain Professional with short barrel. I hunt mainly moose but also possibly bear and wild hog if opportunity arises. Conditions are almost invariably dense bush and continuous drizzle until the temperature drops to -10 C and rain turns solid. Hence short gun and weatherproof materials.

For me it was mainly the short action, solid feel of the polymer stock and lack of rotation when operating the bolt that made it worth extra. Being bit heavier than T3x Lite is actually good since the center of gravity is bit closer to body.

 

[Tra3]

3 years later for this thread. Did anyone above buy a Blaser? Updated thoughts?

After 3 seasons of use including a DG/PG safari I’m still convinced the R8 is the best rifle I’ve ever used.

I had the chance to use a Sauer 404 in England. That is a similar system to the Blaser and also a truly excellent rifle. But I like the straight pull of the R8 better.

 

[Spearhead]

One thing to add to what you said about compactness @Bullthrower338 , one of Blaser's claims is that they have an absolute return to zero when taking down and reassembling the barrel with their scope mounts. Quite a nice feature in a takedown package w/ optics.
@Red Leg , have you always found the zero to return every time on your travels?

YES !!! Even traveling to Africa and back, same zero. Mine is the cheap success plastic stock. Reliable, dependable and a fantastic gun to shoot.

 

[Spearhead]

I have the standard Professional stocks and will take anything up to .375 H&H. If I want to do the semi weight barrels, Blaser said they would open up the channel on my stock and it would take both weight barrels.

I sanded mine open myself to accommodate my 375 semi weight barrel. Sandpaper wrapped around a dowel. Perfect

 

[Spearhead]

One of the guys on here said “Blaser has a way of latching onto your mind and not letting go”. It’s true! It’s the most ingenious rifle ever conceived. For the most part I am a traditionalist and tend to keep things simple. I am a hunter not a gun guru.
I had been studying the Blaser for about a year and then while getting my 12yo son ready for Namibia I had a thought. He is right handed but left eye dominant so he shoots left handed. I had him banging gongs as fast as he can shoot and he just could not manage his Ruger bolt quickly. Being right handed and having a rough bolt to work with the left hand he had to bring the gun down to reload. Unacceptable! I decided to go ahead and get him a left handed Blaser Pro S which is the entry level rifle. With the Blaser kickstop installed he is shooting a 7mm Mag very well. And the Blaser R8 is fast almost like semiauto once you get accustomed to it.I have a R8 with .375 and .300 RUM barrels coming soon.
The only problem I can find is if you want a rail scope the selection is limited and they are expensive for the good ones.
You will find many people on here knocking the R8 but most are folks who will never be in the market for one anyway. There are many gripes about the price or some crazy stories about the R98 which is no longer made. That said it is worth a good long look. Save your coins
Philip

As a southpaw that has always wished for the most comfortable left hand rifle, the R8 is the bees knees.

 

[R eight]

I’ve got a few different rifles in the safe including Sako, Tikka and Remington. But my go to rifles are generally either the R8 or the Rigby. If I could only take one on a hunt it’s probably going to be the R8.

 

[BenKK]

Had an R8 .375H&H for about seven months now, fired seventeen shots (Woodleigh 350 grain RNSN HDs) including the first four at a termite hill to test the open sights and the next thirteen have been spent on six buffalo, I think. Love it!

 

[mark-hunter]

Just for information, for those who may be interested.
I was reading recently Gun Digest 2023, the news on Blaser side, is they started producing 22LR barrel.

 

[Forrest Halley]

Just for information, for those who may be interested.
I was reading recently Gun Digest 2023, the news on Blaser side, is they started producing 22LR barrel.

Old news. @BeeMaa has been slaying varmints with a suppressed .22 LR R8 for a few years now.

 

[WAB]

I was handling the K95 at Blaser’s
Booth today. What a beautiful weapon!