Talk me into Blaser R8

[FlyGuy]

Due to my past life, I have a lot of experience with rifles from the L&O stable.
Sauer, Blaser & Mauser.

The range days in Germany went something like this...
16 Shooters
8 x .308 Blaser, Mauser or Sauer rifles (mostly a combination of all three), scoped with Zeiss optics.
A case of RWS ammo (2000 cartridges)

In a single afternoon, we would shoot that whole case of ammo out!!!!
The rifle barrels got so hot, that you could literally see them glow in low light!
At times, the barrel heat mirage would make it nearly impossible to see the targets.

When the ammo runs out, the rifles are put in their bags and go back into the safe.
On rare occasions, someone might take pity on them and pull a bore snake through the barrel.
The following week, they'd do it all over again and still maintain a 1MOA group at 300m.

They are exceptionally well engineered and built!
Not many production rifles will handle that kind of abuse, week in and week out.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

My recommendation of calibers would be to stay in the same caliber group. Meaning if you want a 375H&H, you are best off with a 300WM (or 300WSM) and 257WBY for a supporting cast. Getting a 22lr conversion kit will make training cheaper as well as taking care of varmints around the house.

I currently have a 375H&H barrel with about 700 rounds, 300WM with maybe 50 rounds, wife's 300WM has over 1500 rounds and the 22lr has gone through several 1000 round bricks. No failures to feed, fire or extract in over 4 years of service. Are they like new...no, of course not. But they lock up like a bank vault, reload lightning quick, hold accuracy with every barrel change and go bang EVERY SINGLE TIME.

My wife has a wood Intuition stock and the others are synthetic and I expect them to out live me. With proper maintenance (like any rifle) the Blaser R8 will give you (and most likely your kids and grandkids) years of enjoyment. If you have specific questions, feel free to send me a PM.

@BeeMaa
I've heard of women's intuition but NEVER intuition wood. What does it do the thinking for her in how and what to shoot.
Dang those blaser people are coming up with new ideas all the time eh.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

You can do wood and steel with an R8....View attachment 522164

@J Mac 49
Yes but a bucket more $$$ than the plastic Barbie version.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Taking the R8 from the cabinet is like going down the pub with your best mate

reliable, honest and utterly familiar.

no bullshit coz you know each other so well

@bowjijohn
Sounds a bit like my mate but he's fat and ugly and is full of attitude and loves to shit stir. I'll drink with my mate but not an R8. The conversation with the R8 would be a bit one-sided and boring
Bob

 

[gearguywb]

The only issue I have found with the R8, and perhaps someone has found a technique for improved performance, is the reloading issue.

If you are shooting , say a 375, fire a couple of shots then want to top off before moving forward, it is pretty much impossible (at least to my fat fingers) to do so through the action opening. This is due to the location of the scope and lack of a "normal" action opening.

The only method I have found is to drop the trigger group, reload, and re-insert.

Thoughts?

 

[BeeMaa]

The only issue I have found with the R8, and perhaps someone has found a technique for improved performance, is the reloading issue.

If you are shooting , say a 375, fire a couple of shots then want to top off before moving forward, it is pretty much impossible (at least to my fat fingers) to do so through the action opening. This is due to the location of the scope and lack of a "normal" action opening.

The only method I have found is to drop the trigger group, reload, and re-insert.

Thoughts?

I’ll make a video and post it when I get home.

 

[Challer]

The only issue I have found with the R8, and perhaps someone has found a technique for improved performance, is the reloading issue.

If you are shooting , say a 375, fire a couple of shots then want to top off before moving forward, it is pretty much impossible (at least to my fat fingers) to do so through the action opening. This is due to the location of the scope and lack of a "normal" action opening.

The only method I have found is to drop the trigger group, reload, and re-insert.

Thoughts?

Hmm, I can do this and have very large hands

 

[Hunting Hitman]

The only issue I have found with the R8, and perhaps someone has found a technique for improved performance, is the reloading issue.

If you are shooting , say a 375, fire a couple of shots then want to top off before moving forward, it is pretty much impossible (at least to my fat fingers) to do so through the action opening. This is due to the location of the scope and lack of a "normal" action opening.

The only method I have found is to drop the trigger group, reload, and re-insert.

Thoughts?

Just load from the top…pretty easy at that. I believe someone made a video but practice makes perfect. Just remember to push straight down and you should be fine.

HH

 

[Challer]

For what it's worth, I tend to carry a spare trigger group/loaded magazine for an instant top off. There are threads here of people with belt pouch kit to hold said spare trigger group. If I go down two rounds of 375 and conditions permit, the spare group goes in and retain the other for backup.

 

[bowjijohn]

I can’t - and never have - been able to top load any R8 calibre

Despite assurances that it can be done and videos to prove it

Two trigger groups was my solution

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I’ll make a video and post it when I get home.

@BeeMaa
Just make it a clean video not your usual that I've been told about
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
Bob

 

[R eight]

It's easy enough to do one handed.

 

[R eight]

As for fast top ups of the R8 whilst hunting....I just top up as I go along. But to be honest I rarely fire more than a couple of shots at a time.

I also use my R8, with the 9.3 x 63 barrel, in the Big Game Rifle shoots at the local club. One match calls for 8 shots to be fired within 35 seconds at a 25 yard target. You start with 4 rounds maximum in the rifle. I usually get my 8 rounds off at around the 30 second mark. I have tried top loading and replacement of the magazine methods to achieve this. There's not much difference if any with the timing. I now actually prefer to top load.

We also shoot a match where you shoot 6 shots, 3 at 50 yards and 3 at 25 yards. You start with 3 rounds maximum in the rifle and the event is timed. I usually have fired all 6 shots in around 20 to 25 seconds. I top load for that as well.

 

[BeeMaa]

Had to wait for Mrs BeeMaa to come home and run the camera.

 

[Daisy]

Had to wait for Mrs BeeMaa to come home and run the camera.

I’ve never had problem top loading either Bee.

What’s the story on the paw tattoo?

 

[BeeMaa]

I’ve never had problem top loading either Bee.

What’s the story on the paw tattoo?

Scottish Terrier named Hoover earned a place on my arm for the 17 years of joy he brought me. Haven't been able to get another dog since. Rest in peace H.

 

[TOBY458]

@Bob Nelson 35Whelen I’ve found that even with my dainty little girl fingers, I can top load my R8 243 Win Barbie Rifle. But I bet anything bigger would just be too much! Lol!

 

[steve white]

several have spoken of selling off their R93's in favor of R8, etc. Was there any kind of failing in the R93? Just curious.

 

[Tra3]

I have no issue top loading in any of the r8 calibers. Well, the .22lr is kinda complicated to top load.

The thumb is the primary actor in top loading.

 

[R eight]

I have no issue top loading in any of the r8 calibers. Well, the .22lr is kinda complicated to top load.

The thumb is the primary actor in top loading.

Yep, top loading the .22 LR is certainly an art