Blaser R93 243 308 6.5 55 Synthetic Pro stock
2018-08-06 17.57.48 by
markchase8, on Flickr
Looks: 7:10
I think it looks nice possibly nicer than the Professional Success id actualy prefer but I don't think any one would look at it lustfully or think it was worth a lot of money if they didn't know what it was. Its actualy fairly understated in the sensible Pro form
Feel / Ergonomics 7:10
OK tough one to score because it is very nicely balanced even with my large over barrelled mod. The feel and grips are tactile and good quality and the straight pull bolt action is lovely if occasionally concerning. What reely lets it down is the crappy little mag inserts which look like they were made at Kmart and will fall apart at any second. My ones work OK but the look to have too many silly fiddly bits which could / will break
Loading them is pretty crap compared to the slick crisp feel of my Sako 75 III and the simplicity of its lovely SS mag. Unloading is a PITA but then I did buy a cheaper 93 and I could have gone R8 with the trigger unit mag?
Assembling the rifle with the silly mag insert is bit of a let down as well. Disassembling is a bit of a pain with the mag having to be depressed to let the slide go back then theres a release for the bolt and slide its self
The long slide arms on the R93 bolt look fragile and I fear dropping the bolt in case I bend or snap one. Maybe they are bullet proof but they do not inspire confidence
The bolt its self doesent always load cleanly. I have had several first round feeding errors with factory and home loads. More alarmingly I have opened the bolt and thought, that's odd where's the round? and its still in the chamber. Closing and opening again has picked up the round every time. Could be technique but if you need a special technique IMHO its designed wrong.
Which brings me to the best and worst feature of the Blaser.
The safety and trigger.
The safety is too slow to disengage when pushed for time. It defo does take some technique and practice and its more noisy than my Sako. Because its actualy cocking and de cocking the rifle the movement is very stiff. Strong thumbs are required.
BUT what a safety. It reely is a safe rifle once the Blaser is safety on (or rather de cocked) and thank god for that as I wouldn't want to be loading and unloading to climb into the high seat.
The trigger on the other hand needed no adjustment and was just perfect for me. Excellent feel crisp break and just enough weight to let you know your squeezing it.
The bl##dy old fashioned strap mounts drive me nuts. Id much prefer modern quick release swivels.
Weight wise its OK. Obviously not as good as the T3 I had before but about the same as my Sako 75 SS Recoil is tolerable even on the 308 which does kick a bit on the T3 without a mod.
I reely love the scope mount system Which would be better enhanced with a rail mounted scope
I reely love the fact it fits all James bond like in my Peli case for transport but TBH I have to assemble it at home before morning stalks as you really don't want to be attempting it in the dark
In use I find the mainly flat base to the for end ideal for resting on my high seat shooting rails. The length of pull on the stock is good for me but I note how easily spacers could be added.
I very much like the true ambidextrous nature of the stock & safety
Accuracy 8/10 Its OK. Its defiantly not as good as my 243 in outright performance but then my loads were developed for the Sako and the Sako is much heavier (so more stable in use) in its laminate stock and the ergonomics of the stock with adjustable comb and thumbhole, make it a proper target shooting dream.
Both would put any deer on the ground with a head shot out to 150m and that's all I need.
I have a 22/250 Sako 595 that is just incredible at putting Winchester CXRs in touching groups at 100m. That's the only rifel I have ever shot which was just instantaneously amazing when I shot it. Its heavy barrelled so weighs a ton and its just so repeatable on shots it amazing. But this has a lot to do with the calibre I feel.
Sako 75 243 home load 100m 6 shots with three shot reload off the bonnet of my car on a bipod
20180703_172918 by
markchase8, on Flickr
Blaser 243 nine shots I think? The top left shot was a sighter and I adjusted windage. Top right shot I just pulled
20180703_174318 by
markchase8, on Flickr
I bought the R93 so I could reduce my gun cabinet size. Plan is to have the 243 /308 / 22.250 barrels and sell my other rifles (308 sold already) The peli case also made it easier if I wanted to take them to Turkey with me. In this respect the job is done however I am feeling pangs of regret at the though of selling my Sako 75. I think to be honest I will end up keeping the 75 but ill sell my 22/250 mind you even that gives me pause as its so damed spot on.
The down side to my plan is the scope settings.
I have zeroed so far for 243 bang on zero
308 125 g is a quite incredible 23 clicks of elevation and six clicks right. The 6.5 55 120g is 19 clicks of elevation and 3 right.
Sadly the Blasser didn't like my 308s at all and I coulden't get a decent group
Left hand was a sighter and the three were the attempt at a group but this 1.5" was about the best I got.
20180703_182050 by
markchase8, on Flickr
Soooooo in conclusion
Is the Blaser worth the hype?
Errrrr not realy no BUT if you want a modular rifle and you want QD scopes and you want the speed of a straight pull....its a must have.
If you don't then honestly the Sako 75 is easier to live with and shoots just as well and is available in hard wearing SS synthetic.
2016-03-28 16.23.53 by
markchase8, on Flickr
