Straight pull or bolt action

I have and use both

I can't comment on whether Blaser is prone to more problems due to dust but, if they are, that would certainly be a factor in my choice for a rifle in dry dusty conditions

Certainly people have commented often on the effect of dust on the tight fitting bolt of a bolt action, so the bolt action is apparently not without its issues with dust too

Changing mags is not a problem with a Blaser R8 - indeed on the last DG weekend one attendee work out a rapid reload drill for his using two loaded trigger/mag combinations (expensive but possible)

My choice?

Love the R8 but my preference leans toward a good bolt action (for no particular scientific reason - merely because that is the way my interests are going)
 
Currently looking at getting a variation for a 30.06 or similar cal due to Manchester airport leaving my .270 ammo with security so I was unable to use my rifle while in germany(couldn't get ammo out there as no one uses .270 )
So while am looking to get a new rifle I thought I'd try to get one rifle that does it all both here and abroad(Currently shoot 6.5 x 55 for most things now &.270 for boar etc
So apart from the usual blasers etc is there anything on the market that would fit the bill
Must be moderated probably straight pull etc etc
Cheers
HH

straight pull all day long. Don’t think il own another tikka or sako now after buying/ owning a blaser

switch barrels easy, stupidly accurate barrels, world class triggers(out the box), great ergonomics and a pleasure to shoot.

so my vote would be a R8 Pro success. Just to add the stock design on these rifles are that good you get less felt recoil with the larger calibre compared to likes of tikka/sako. Just my Opinion Mind
 
Your muscle memory is also a factor. Whatever system you use in your ordinary day-to-day shooting would ideally be what you take on a 'special' hunt. No point having a fast-cycling straight-pull if your mind is saying 'roll the bolt'...
 
Your muscle memory is also a factor. Whatever system you use in your ordinary day-to-day shooting would ideally be what you take on a 'special' hunt. No point having a fast-cycling straight-pull if your mind is saying 'roll the bolt'...

Muscle memory is king

It is all you have when there is no time to think or when something big has just turned toward you and removed you from its Christmas card list

Practice a 1000 times and then another 1000 times and then ......
 
Rider

If you get a build up of dirt on the cocking seat (rear of action a small peg that rises out of the flat area and is picked up by thhe firing pin assembly on closing ) the sear can over rise and your left with closing the bolt with pin forward on a live case

The end result is sub optimal
 
Why not a tikka T3 lite in 308? Fast, reliable and cheap.

When you leave it rested on a tree in the forest to take a dump and forget where you put it don't sweat it, just buy a new one when you get home.
 
Rider

If you get a build up of dirt on the cocking seat (rear of action a small peg that rises out of the flat area and is picked up by thhe firing pin assembly on closing ) the sear can over rise and your left with closing the bolt with pin forward on a live case

The end result is sub optimal

In all my years ive never seen or heard of that happening. Most people i know who have blaser straight pull keep action closed but not cocked when hunting.
 
Can you change magazines on a Blaser?

Enough said!

Well actually i can on my R93 22lr as holds a 5 shot mag. Can i load my 416 rounds quick if i need to, yes I can. Is emptying a 10 shot magazine bolt gun important in a hunting scenario, may be a SMLE with a red dot is the go.
 
Get dirt in the blaser mechanism and your asking for trouble

Slightly prejudicial view methinks?

Getting dirt in any mechanism is asking for trouble, why single out Blaser?

That’s (one of the reasons) why Blaser failed in military testing for UK use

There are other conclusions to be drawn...let alone that the testing / evaluation system that the UK military use is not infallible given the initial SA80 disasters.

It strikes me that if the Blaser R93 action was even a contender for a military contract then it is going to have some good points...in the same way that the Silver medallists at the Olympics are pretty good athletes even if they didn't actually win gold...Interestingly the Blaser straight pull was apparently purchased by the Australians and they must have some fairly stringent tests given the dusty conditions out there.

Do you have any evidence giving the actual reasons for it not winning the UK contract or is it just hearsay? I have heard it before on here, but when I have looked it up I have only found things like this, which do not indicate whether it was for reasons of performance, price or political expedience.

www.military-today.com/firearms/blaser_r93_tactical.htm

"The R93 Tactical is a German sniper rifle, designed by Blaser Jagdwaffen. It is based on the Blaser R93 hunting rifle, but has a detachable magazine, muzzle brake and fully adjustable stock. Its production commenced in 1997. This weapon and its versions are used by a number of military, special forces and law enforcement units from all over the world. Users of the Blaser R93 Tactical and its variants include Germany, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, France, Iceland, Malaysia, Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, Ukraine and the United Kingdom."



"3. Remington MSR

The Remington Defense MSR won the US Special Operation Command’s Precision Sniper Rifle contract. Like most other rifles here, it’s a multi-caliber rifle capable of shooting calibers up to .338 Lapua and features plenty of rail space for accessories and an adjustable and folding stock.

It beat out the Sako TRG-42, Accuracy International AX338, Barrett MRAD, and Blaser R93 for the contract, though the exact reasons why have yet to be revealed. The MSR is slightly more modular compared to the TRG-42 and AX338 as it accepts any AR-15 pistol grip, though it shares this feature with the Barrett M98B."


Does this mean that the TRG-42, AI AX338 and Barrett MRAD are as untrustworthy as you contend the Blaser is?

The Independent Swedish Test centre showed that the Blaser and most of the other makes withstood a blocked barrel test which the Remington and Browning rifles failed...the risk of a plugged barrel would be a more likely everyday hazard to upset your day than dirt getting into the action I would think?



But it is true Blaser themselves must be aware of the same rumour...they even show how to clean a Blaser bolt in the field as part of their advertising...

www.blaser.de/en/products/firearms/bolt-action-rifle-r8/

R8-Zuverlaessig.jpg

Alan
 
In all my years ive never seen or heard of that happening. Most people i know who have blaser straight pull keep action closed but not cocked when hunting.


You may not have

But Blaser was one of several manufacturer who submitted weapons for testing for UK military use several years ago (along with Accuracy International, PGWDTI etc)

The blaser failed because of the issue described in my previous post and another issue with the mag of the particular rifle model tested

I mentioned the sear as it’s relevant to old and new models as I believe the trigger arrangement is similar to both models

Just because you haven’t heard about the issue doesn’t mean it didn’t happen or is not there

There was a post about the issues on another UK forum from someone involved / first hand knowledge of the tests If I recall correctly
 
Alantoo

The testing was carried out under military conditions for a precision weapon (which the SA80 is not)

I haven’t got link to the tests to hand but see my previous post

Yes the weapons tested were Blaser Tac2 the exact same mechanism as the R93

The simple fact is the Blaser failed the testing criteria on ground of safety I understand due to the issue described

AI and PGWDTI passed

AI are being used in service now as I’m sure is widely known and some PGWDTI
 
The simple fact is the Blaser failed the testing criteria on ground of safety I understand due to the issue described

I was asking if you have any documentary/link/evidence for this "simple fact" or if it is just hearsay?

The last person on here who made the same claim about the UK tests could not actually provide any evidence other than "another bloke's claim on another forum"...it would be great to verify it, so we can take it on board as fact and not merely internet rumour and speculation.

It is why I try and post links to sources of information like the Swedish test above...nobody has to take my word for it...I am just the messenger.

Alan
 
Currently looking at getting a variation for a 30.06 or similar cal due to Manchester airport leaving my .270 ammo with security so I was unable to use my rifle while in germany(couldn't get ammo out there as no one uses .270 )
So while am looking to get a new rifle I thought I'd try to get one rifle that does it all both here and abroad(Currently shoot 6.5 x 55 for most things now &.270 for boar etc
So apart from the usual blasers etc is there anything on the market that would fit the bill
Must be moderated probably straight pull etc etc
Cheers
HH
What about a Sauer 200 or 202. Wood or synthetic stock. Choice of various calibre’s detachable mag take down to pack it smaller.
Perfect for the job IMO. So much so I am adding a 202 to the my own cabinet
 
What about a Sauer 200 or 202. Wood or synthetic stock. Choice of various calibre’s detachable mag take down to pack it smaller.
Perfect for the job IMO. So much so I am adding a 202 to the my own cabinet
Some people like to buy new.
 
Thanks for the feedback lads
Some good points made
I think I need to handle a few different rifles to get the feel and see what floats my boat
Cheers
HH
 
Seriously doubt that testing will be released to the public unless one has knowledge of where to look

My own reference came from here


As I have personal knowledge of where the information originated I have no reason to doubt the provenance of the author whatsoever

I’d trust them 100%

Just because the Australians bought the system doesn’t really give it credence in my eyes

It failed the UK test When manufacturers were asked to submit weapons for testing for the military 338 contract

Anyway all this prevarication is destructing from the original thread

Bolt action every time for me
 
Do not buy any straight pull rifle until you have tried a Heym SR 30 - I have had mine for 20 odd years (admittedly in 7x57 and would nowadays have chosen 30-06 for better current availability of rounds) - it is still stupidly accurate and utterly reliable (although I restocked to fit me better). - the Heym is also considerably cheaper than a Blaser.
 
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