What are the bad points about the Blaser R8?

[Island]

Sounds like Blaser owners enjoy cocking

Damn right. I love it.

I am currently on a bit of a Morrocan phase and am perfecting my pigeon breast "Pastilla" recipe. It sounds a bit daft but I have found that the key to it is the inclusion of just a hint of...wait...I thought you said "cooking"...

 

[User00040]

Damn right. I love it.

I am currently on a bit of a Morrocan phase and am perfecting my pigeon breast "Pastilla" recipe. It sounds a bit daft but I have found that the key to it is the inclusion of just a hint of...wait...I thought you said "cooking"...

Jokes aside, Blaser do seem to offer a rather competent line of optics which are not daylight robbery as expensive as their other offerings...

 

[Triggermortis]

A bit like their offerings post R93, made cheaply elsewhere, stamp the name on it and still charge an exorbitant price, suppose it’s the way of the world and on paper good business practice.
History shows us it’s not only blaser, look at Tikka with the M series as opposed to the T3 and then there’s Harkila clothing just to name two.

 

[JohnSmith]

I had an R8 ultimate in 300 win mag, 308, 6.5 PRC and 6.5 cm. Was a great gun. Reliable, accurate... but it was also heavy for my needs. I sold it to purchase a K95. If you don't do a lot of hiking while hunting, I'd suggest an R8 for sure.

 

[Rasputin]

Yea. I've seen that type of loading, didn't work with my hands. And tell me how in the world do you hold thumbhole rifle that have to be cocked without having to brake grip after you have made the decicion to take the shot and cock it? You hold your finger on cockin lever all that time? What is that thumbhole for then?
I like to take shooting position with "safe", then wait for the exact time when deer is in good position to take the shot and just flip safty off with out having to move my hand off grip. That is something that cannot be archieved with thumbhole Blaser.

Maybe I’m missing something but genuinely don’t understand your problem? When you say break the grip you mean you can’t cock the rifle with your thumb whilst simultaneously holding stock between palm and fingers? Why would you hold the cocking lever it holds itself.

 

[JLad]

Maybe I’m missing something but genuinely don’t understand your problem? When you say break the grip you mean you can’t cock the rifle with your thumb whilst simultaneously holding stock between palm and fingers? Why would you hold the cocking lever it holds itself.

To me that exactly is the problem. Grip breaks as one have to take thumb out of thumbhole to put rifle on fire, unlike example in Sauer 202, where one can hold perfect grip all the way up to the shot. I like Blaser better without thumbhole.

Also that "klick, klack" in the Ultimate cheek riser was kind of annoying.

It is the small things that makes the rifle. Small things can be deal breakers in overall great product.
Im still balancing between R8 Professional or custom Rem 700 clone build.

 

[Rasputin]

To me that exactly is the problem. Grip breaks as one have to take thumb out of thumbhole to put rifle on fire, unlike example in Sauer 202, where one can hold perfect grip all the way up to the shot. I like Blaser better without thumbhole.

Also that "klick, klack" in the Ultimate cheek riser was kind of annoying.

It is the small things that makes the rifle. Small things can be deal breakers in overall great product.
Im still balancing between R8 Professional or custom Rem 700 clone build.

Fair enough still don’t understand it personally but horses for courses and all that. Suspect that’s a very personal problem but your points valid because they ain’t cheap so it’s important to get what you want need from it.

 

[huntwithhounds]

This is why God invented sako and tikka

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Here is an alternative folding stock.

 

[WildBoarHunter]

My only complaint is about the weight of an R8. I think it's too heavy, especially with a big riflescope and a mod on.

 

[Bowland blades]

The Barrels are easy to change that could be good , however the barrels are then so over priced ( as are the rifles imo) You would be better off buying 2 or three Tikas or similar in different chamberings . BTW not promoting Tikka and i dont own one of those either ( though i have in the past ).
Have also known the barrels to exhibit shorter lives and i could see that being a fair money spinner with folks having a lot in the one gun and maybe some different less used chamberings in "spare / switch " barrels
Anyhow I have known many who really like them , personally i think the concept potentially very good for traveling /globe trotting sportsman .

 

[JohnCZ]

Bit late but here are my 2c worth, I have an R8 Success (timber stock) with standard 17mm barrel contour. It's lighter than a SAKO 75 (timber) sporter in 270w and lighter than a CZ557FS 6.5x55, heavier than my Mauser M12 Expert 30-06, definitely is not a light weight plastic Tikka T3x. It also shoots like a heavier rifle which is a good thing, with exceptional versatility I don't mind the weight, and it settles on the sticks really well.
I have 22-250, 6.5x55, 30-06 and 9.3x62 barrels, 22-250 is the heaviest with the smallest bore whilst 9.3x62 is the lightest and you would not want any lighter, all barrels shoot great, clean very easy and show no tight spots.

Detractors -
1. The R8 action is a bulkier then my R93 which I believe to be a slicker, faster action if speed is your thing.
2. Typical European rifle with very long LOP at 14.5", I am a short arse at 171cm so I have all stocks shortened to between 13.75" and 14".
3. Twist rates are slow in most calibers and will not stabilise the latest high BC bullets, especially heavier mono-metal Barnes etc. which can be practical here in Oz's open landscape. 30cal 1:11T as opposed to the usual 1:10T, same in the Mauser, Sauer, Tikka and Sako although this may change.
4. You look like a sexy bastard at the range

Cost here in Australia, Blaser R8 Success (grade 4 walnut with ebony tip) with four barrels $14500, Zeiss Victory HT (x3), Zeiss Conquest V4 (x1) and Aimpoint H2 (x1) optics and Blaser mounts $14500, attache case, bag and sling $1250. If I where to invest into four higher end Sako rifles with the same optics it would cost pretty much the same, shoot no better or worse, would not travel near as well as the Blaser and be four rifles on licence not one.

I really like my R8 and would do it again, I sold a lot of rifles I wasn't using and the R8 is my go to rifle now for hunting. I have considered buying a R8 Professional to give me a wet weather option utilising my barrels and optics, while selling some other rifles I don't seem to use now I have the R8.

Cheer
John