What are the bad points about the Blaser R8?

I decided I’d buy what was probably going to be my last rifle and made it my business to get my hands on a few R8’s to try before comitting to a purchase, I did find the ones I tried tended to need the bolt pushed positively forward to prevent a misfire, for piece of mind I went on to try an R93 which I have to say was in my experience smoother and noticeably quieter to cycle so I tried others and found them to more to my liking,I decided to go the R93 route for that reason and ended up with one in .222 which I absolutely love .
 
There’s a number of valid points on this article already but to add to the good points, I’ve found having the same stock and trigger unit across different calibres very easy to live with, it’s consistent, familiar, repeatable etc.
Second big positive that I haven’t seen on this thread yet is the safety, the manual cocking felt a bit stiff to begin with and took a bit of getting used to, but once your thumb gets used to it it’s very reassuring, brilliant.
Third benefit, is not having to be concerned about cleaning. Can take it out in all weathers and its modular construction comes apart quickly, easy to clean etc.
One downside in my opinion is that the barrels are not completely interchangeable. I have a stock that suits Blaser’s 17mm barrels. If I want to fit a semi weight 19mm or match barrel 22mm I’d need a gunsmith to open up my stock to ensure the larger diameter barrels are free floating. Noted I could have opted for a stock to suit a match barrel to start with but I didn’t like the 17mm barrels in the opened up stock aesthetically. Gap between the barrel and stock seemed too much. Mines an R8 Ultimate with adjustable stock
 
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I have had R8 standard and pro stocks in .223, 6.5x55mm and .375H&H for 8 years.

Flawless performance both domestically and abroad in both wet and hot, arid and dusty environs. Return to zero after disassembley assured, cycling slick and predictable, accurate.

The negatives for me are:

  • not all calibers top load [depends on cartridge insert]
  • forend stock flex [in extremis, it can be deformed to close free-float gap]
  • barrel bluing prone to rusting: dry thoroughly and oil before storage. Every time.
 
zambezi said:
I have had R8 standard and pro stocks in .223, 6.5x55mm and .375H&H for 8 years.

Flawless performance both domestically and abroad in both wet and hot, arid and dusty environs. Return to zero after disassembley assured, cycling slick and predictable, accurate.

The negatives for me are:

  • not all calibers top load [depends on cartridge insert]
  • forend stock flex [in extremis, it can be deformed to close free-float gap]
  • barrel bluing prone to rusting: dry thoroughly and oil before storage. Every time.
Click to expand...
Which of your calibres top feed?
 
Jamouk said:
I know of 2 guys I hunt who have lost the mag and trigger assembly while out stalking and have only noticed when going to take a shot , 650 euros to replace !
Click to expand...
There is a lock button you can use, I take two trigger units to allow for 2 x 3 rounds in each one 6 is enough for an outing, that would cover losing one, but I’ve never had that problem, if you insert and press the mag in with the bolt closed I’m guessing that would be the only way it might not click into place that May cause or would possibly come out = driver error
when I unload bolt slide back release the round then top load the round out comes the unit check the round number and in the pouch
that’s works on all my centrefires 22 hornet 204 222 243 6.5 and 308 the 308 from memory was a bit sticky at first never had a problem really as it got used a bit
 
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Had my R8 Pro now about a year and half and it probably will be my last rifle. Its been good to date, reliable, accurate and with no issues at all. For me the best point is its ability to be stripped down to clean and dry out, then rebuild without loosing zero. Not had an issue with rust at all, dead click is a user issue, always just needs a firm final push forward followed by a slight pull back to check its locked.
 
stevec said:
Which of your calibres top feed?
Click to expand...
6.5x55mm and .375H&H. The cartridge holder in the .223 insert does not accommodate top loading.

As Rem284 says, it is easier to remove mag. Top loading requires accurate placement and pressure to slightly displace magazine guide shoulders. Whereas with mag out, cartridges are reversed in and under those shoulders rather than pushed past them.
 
zambezi said:
6.5x55mm and .375H&H. The cartridge holder in the .223 insert does not accommodate top loading.

As Rem284 says, it is easier to remove mag. Top loading requires accurate placement and pressure to slightly displace magazine guide shoulders. Whereas with mag out, cartridges are reversed in and under those shoulders rather than pushed past them.
Click to expand...
Is that the R8 or R8 pro success, old or new
 
FISH BOY said:
The weight.

Not an owner, but five pals are - every time someone has safely handed one to me over a fence or gate, I’ve noticed how considerably heavier it is over my own set up - fair old lump to slug about.
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Yep they are a lump. Possibly why they are popular as recoil is reduced but carry one all day you will know about it. Took mine to Montana and was really noticeable such that I ended up using an empty rucksack to carry it in.
 
I’m a Blaser user for over 8 years , and what I like the most is the endless customisation options.

I tinkered with mine to the point where only the chassis and the bolt carrier are still original.
 
One thing I will say is they are all accurate. Like stupidly accurate. My biggest regret was selling my 6mmbr R93 in a custom stock.

Yes I owned R93’s but one thing that that is the crossover is the ease of end user barrel swaps. I initially bought with this being a positive. The return to zero was excellent. However there are slight differences in the slots in the barrels for the scope mounts so they may need adjusting. On both the R93 and R8’s. This then gives the element of doubt and for me a zero check had to be completed for peace of mind. So not quite the “quick” change I was hoping for. So I ended up with mounts and scopes on the different barrels I acquired. Because just having one is boring when the hu-MAN psyche encourages you to change things if the opportunity arises. Well it certainly does for me. One tip though, spend the £15 for the blaser screwdriver to adjust the mounts. I’ve seen no end with chewed up slots and it’s looks terrible for the sake of the cost a couple of pints.

Great rifles and I wish I had bought one when the prices were sensible. I just can’t bring myself to pay current prices. I’ve also got a safe full of equally expensive rifles so the piggy bank is running on empty 🙈

Although the Akila chassis’s look outstanding and….. I must resist
 
Selous mine weighs 4.9kg or 10lb 14oz.
Standard professional stock and barrel. Zeiss Duralyt 3-12 non illuminated. Extended pic rail, Tier one mounts, Jetz Compact mod leather sling.
 
Acm said:
I fancied grabbing one in .222 or .223 for a foxing rifle, have had a fair bit of experience with them having guided using one as an estate rifle for 6 years and using a few mates on occasion. I’ve used them in .243, .308.300win mag and 7x64. Plus used them abroad in Germany and Sweden. But I ended up going for a new tikka which I’ve been chuffed to bits with.
I think they’re absolutely fine, if having a straight pull is worth the 2-3000k premium to you then I think more power to you. I don’t think I’d bother with any of the other straight pulls but have limited experience with them.
For me, a decent bolt action between £800 and £2000 is still the choice.
Click to expand...
A man of sense!
 
Mach IV said:
Selous mine weighs 4.9kg or 10lb 14oz.
Standard professional stock and barrel. Zeiss Duralyt 3-12 non illuminated. Extended pic rail, Tier one mounts, Jetz Compact mod leather sling.
Click to expand...
About right for a .375 H+H double?
Honestly, nearly 11Lbs for a stalking rifle?
 
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