Blaser R8 accuracy vs semi custom rifles, which one wins??

[Selous]

Ok this will hopefully be interesting. For a lot of years I have used semi custom rifles for stalking that had been pillar bedded and rebarreled with match grade tubes from a variety of quality makers. I have always viewed the Blaser rifles as being overpriced and perhaps overly complex with some distinct advantages that may or may not be tangible in the field.
Recently I have been bitten by some sort of affliction that is seriously making me consider a Blaser R8. I have tried the usual remedies like cold showers, self flagellation etc and have listened to the threats that no one will ever talk to me again if I got one but still that itch is there!

So what I am after is a photographic study of actual groups shot by the Blaser R8 owners out there in order to justify in my mind whether to make a jump that way or not before I lose my friends, family and all self respect by purchasing one!! As a comparison I will offer up a representative group from my current semi custom .308 which is aTikka 595 with a Border cut rifled tube in a pillar bedded factory wood stock and a 2.5-10x scope, essentially a good solid stalking rifle and not a range toy. This group was shot off a Harris bipod with rear bag whilst checking zero a few weeks ago using stalking ammunition (130gr TTSX@ approx 3000fps). Is the Blaser better and is it worth changing??

 

[rem284]

If something isn't broken why fix it. I've got a blaser and a semi-custom. I don't think I would buy another blaser. Everything for them is lots of ££££'s. Having said that they hold their value well

 

[artschool]

I don't really take photos of my grouping but this is a pic of part of my dec shooting test. R8 assembled from its travel case, range shooting bag and my fist as a rear bag. Shot at 100m. First round high because I flinched when someone shot a large calibre with muzzle brake next to me

 

[palo]

I don't think you will see much difference in accuracy between semi custom, blaser or Sako and Tikka in a hunting rifle format.
If you want a blaser go for it.
Don't think there is much point asking people to post pictures of groups as they will probably post the best groups the rifle has shot.
I would also like to see the worst groups the rifle has shot.

 

[viking90]

It's one of the biggest cons going calling rifles "custom" or "semi custom". If you fancy an R8 then go for it, life's to short

 

[artschool]

I kind of agree with the other comments.

The reason I like my Blaser is because I can fit it into a large briefcase put it on a plane or in a car. reassembled it will return to zero each time. I also like that I can bring multiple scopes and calibres if needed.

 

[bowji john]

No it’s not going to improve on that

Blaser has many qualities

One of which is reasonable accuracy and repeatability

But any rifle with the right ammo, trigger man and conditions is going to pull off a MOA or sub MOA group

For me the perceived value of Blaser lies elsewhere

 

[NullMac]

My experience has been that the Blaser is twice as accurate (precise) as the semi custom I had which was a very decent rifle in its own right. I have had several Sako and Tikka rifles etc and it is much tighter than any of them. For what that is worth. Other people may have had better examples than me.

More impressively for me the Blaser gets close to the accuracy of my AI AX.

The things I like about the Blaser are - reloading not twisting me off target, good trigger, more compact package. Things I dislike are in particular the £££ , they are having a laugh, and I still don't like the idea of a detachable trigger really. I think I have a bit of a slow barrel but not too bothered by that.

 

[CBH Australia]

Ok, here's my take. I have a Rem 700 in .223. it's suitably accurate and would be good for lamping or foxing.

I have a few Tikka rifles. I have a couple with barrels fitted by a decent gunsmith that shoot tight groups if I do my part with handloads.

I'm a regular on an African hunting forum and there are a lot of Blaser owners there. Some I befriended and others I offended. The term "Blaser Nuts" did not please everyone although it was said in jest.

Now the advantage of a Blaser rifle or combination is that for travellers it can become a compact package with various options.

In Australia one Blaser rifle would cost around $8000 plus accessories.

Does the Blaser R8 come with an moa guarantee?

Im not knocking it but I don't think it's about accuracy more so being compact and convenient. If you have the means and you like the action I'm sure it's a nice bit of gear.

 

[rookyshot]

R8 with a standard sporter barrel in 243 with home loaded Sierra Pro Hunter soft points. Shot off viper quad sticks with a fifth leg attached, hence real world conditions.

 

[Shootgun]

I love my Blaser R8 to the point that now is my only deer rifle, no point in having another one as i was always reaching for it when opening the cabinet to go out stalking.
Is producing touching holes groups all day long with most copper ammunition .

 

[jcampbellsmith]

A friend commented recently that the fired cases from a Blaser that he was attempting to reload for, varied in base to shoulder datum measurement more than he expected.
From my own observations, I don't see Blasers being used in either PRS or F-Class.
Regards
JCS

 

[jthyttin]

If you want a blaser go for it.

This.

To compare the precision, you'd need at minimum a target of 5 bulls and 5 shots each, preferably shot on different days (but still the same target...) And compare the location of group in addition to size. Single measurement suffices, max. deviation from bull (for the whole 5x5 shots), if you want to be harsh.

Takedown feature has been mentioned, another point is that most UK stalkers seem to have accepted £800-1000 as fair cost for rebarreling regular bolt action. Not that I agree with that, but if you do it makes extra Blaser barrels seem much more reasonable.

My friend used to say, "Steiner, the high priced German low cost manufacturer". I think this goes well with Blaser also. Price structure keeps the sale chain fanatically onboard.

 

[CBH Australia]

A friend commented recently that the fired cases from a Blaser that he was attempting to reload for, varied in base to shoulder datum measurement more than he expected.
From my own observations, I don't see Blasers being used in either PRS or F-Class.
Regards
JCS

I think that's all relevant.

I don't think Blaser were designed to compete in either of those disciplines.

Blaser are well suited to hunting rifles and a PRS and F Class rifle are a completely different combination of components and design.

 

[paulbshooting]

Many benefits to the R8 and not seen better in terms of accuracy for hunting. The strip apart and return to zero is the big plus for me. Mine getsused a lot in all weathers.

 

[andychas]

I reload and couldn’t honestly say that my Blasers have been vastly more accurate than previous rifles (ruger, Tikka, S&L, Sauer, Bergara) in terms of being able to find a very accurate load, some may have taken a bit of time to get what I want and only one (a 22-250 Bergara, wouldn’t play ball and was returned). The fact is that a new rifle these days from any manufacturer is capable of extremely good accuracy, with very few exceptions. Blasers have been more consistent for me across theboard in load development though, theres rarely a shocking group to discount and they’ve all been very easy to load for. the few times I’ve used factory ammunition it’s been more than acceptable. As per comments above, I’d be looking at other reasons to get/not get a Blaser.

For me, in no particular order of importance, those positive reasons were.

Build quality/engineering
ergonomics
Easy, reliable, repeatable take down - more for swapping barrels and having the same trigger/stock config. than travel for me, but it’s nice packing it into a smallish, discrete case When needed.
superb mounts - though they don’t guarantee it, my thermal swaps reliably across 3 calibres.
straight pull action - I like it, though it’s by no means any real advantage in UK deer stalking Over a standard bolt.

negatives for me
cost - but you can’t take it with you.

 

[rookyshot]

I love being able to de cock an R8 rather than have a cocked rifle with a sear engaged as the safety catch. The only time the rifle is cocked is just before the shot..

 

[Envillegc1]

Interesting
I use a Sako Finnlight 2
Nothing customisied, except I load my own rounds.
I am getting 1/2 MOA at 100 yds.
If you want to improve accuracy home load.

Also I would opt for a Sauer over a Blaser.

But at the end of the day, its what you feel comfortable with and confident with.
The Deer can't tell you that it prefers to be shot with x,y or z.

 

[Cris]

For me and a rather topical feature given the recent weather, is the ability to just take it all apart, dry it off and reassemble knowing it will be back on zero.

 

[CBH Australia]

I love being able to de cock an R8 rather than have a cocked rifle with a sear engaged as the safety catch. The only time the rifle is cocked is just before the shot..

Oh yes, I have been schooled on that on another forum.