Blaser R8 - Steel or Aluminum Receiver in Pro Safari Rifle in .416 or .458?

[bowjijohn]

Do you have any pictures of your R8 pro success in 404 J?
Please share.

 

[WesRic404Jeff]

I ask a lot now, but how much does this 404J weigh empty?

 

[bowjijohn]

I ask a lot now, but how much does this 404J weigh empty?

I'm not sure

I'll put it together and weigh it - I find it easy to carry 'at the trail' most of the day and not heavy to bring to bear

.... and I'm not a big bloke !

j

 

[Muskox]

I have the 10,3x68 RWS in two Semi-Weight barrels. It's a handful with the 400 grainer in a success and a pussycat with the factory 200 grainers (of course, kind of like a 300 Win).

Both of mine are threaded for a factory brake and it works like a champion.

 

[UpNorthMI]

My new .416 Rem R8 arrived last week, aluminum receiver & kick stop fitted. I really like the compactness, balance and overall weight. I'm looking forward to getting out to shoot it a little in the near future.

Giving thoughts as to what type of trip to plan for it's first use.

 

[375Ruger416]

My new .416 Rem R8 arrived last week, aluminum receiver & kick stop fitted. I really like the compactness, balance and overall weight. I'm looking forward to getting out to shoot it a little in the near future.

Giving thoughts as to what type of trip to plan for it's first use.

What contour is your 416 barrel? Factory Blaser barrel or aftermarket?

 

[UpNorthMI]

What contour is your 416 barrel? Factory Blaser barrel or aftermarket?

Factory Blaser barrel. I tried to keep things simple and did not want to wait for delivery.

 

[TOBY458]

Factory Blaser barrel. I tried to keep things simple and did not want to wait for delivery.

Did you buy the rifle new?

 

[R eight]

Interesting reading everyone’s comments.

I’ve got both professional and PH versions of the R8. I like both versions equally. I run barrels in 22LR, 223, 308, 30/06, 300 WM and 9.3x62 in my professional rifles. In the PH I run 375H&H, 416RM and 500J. I really appreciate the extra weight in the PH. I put 16 500J rounds through my 500J on Friday. 12 sitting on a bench ((I don’t use a lead sled) and 4 shots standing without too much discomfort. I’ve also got a Sako 85 in 500j. It’s significantly lighter and I know from experience that 10 rounds through that baby in a session is about my limit.

But, it’s all down to personal preferences as to what to get. Best advice for anyone looking would be to at least handle both models before buying. But that’s not always an option. It certainly wasn’t for me.

 

[UpNorthMI]

Did you buy the rifle new?

Toby,

I did buy a new complete Blaser R8 rifle in .416, polymer regular stock, kick stop fitted.

 

[375Ruger416]

Toby,

I did buy a new complete Blaser R8 rifle in .416, polymer regular stock, kick stop fitted.

Is that the PH model then with the steel receiver? I was under the impression that Blaser 416 RM barrels only came in 19 and 22 mm contours. I'd be interested in what you got or if you opened up the barrel channel on a aluminum professional model.

Had my R8 for its first range trip yesterday. Was a dream to sight in for 22 LR, 300 WM and 375 H&H. Also sighted in a couple of Tikka's in LH for my oldest boy who is L eye dominant and naturally shoulders on the L side though he does some things R handed. One in 17 HMR, one in 6.5 CM. 10 rounds through the WM and 12 through the 375. Not sore at all today and no flinching, but you notice the 375's recoil. Biggest cartridge I've fired in a hunting weight rifle so far though I have put 2-300 rounds through my 300 PRC. I think if the Blaser buttpad was a little softer it would be a easy shooting rifle. Their buttpad is a little firm for my taste. I did notice that point of impact was always at point of aim. There was no 'flier's, just me. Nice tight 3 round groups.

I liked what I saw saw for, but I'm not in love yet. Will work it out a little more and see if I want to keep it or get a CRF bolt with a 3 position safety. I was also unable to handle or shoot one before buying.

 

[Shotgun Coach]

I have an R8 with a steel reviver and .416 RM barrel (.22 mm) Kick stop factory scope mount and all up weight with Blaser sling is 12 lb 12 - 13oz. I find it well balanced but a little heavy at the end of the day. It is OK to shoot at the range for a little while without any discomfort. I do not feel recoil shooting at game (So far).

I did get a thicker Blaser recoil pad from Blaser and it did make a big difference in fit and feel, no grinding just screwed it on. I also added a pitch spacer to help with recoil. I think the factory recoil pad was $35 or some small amount.

No more than I shoot it at DG l find it a good solution for D.G. without spending a ton of money on a Double Rifle.

FYI I also have a 2nd R8 in 300 win mag with a extra .375 barrel,and scope mounts, all standard weight (17mm) . So with all my Blaser stuff I believe I am set. Plus it travels very well!

 

[UpNorthMI]

Is that the PH model then with the steel receiver? I was under the impression that Blaser 416 RM barrels only came in 19 and 22 mm contours. I'd be interested in what you got or if you opened up the barrel channel on a aluminum professional model.

Had my R8 for its first range trip yesterday. Was a dream to sight in for 22 LR, 300 WM and 375 H&H. Also sighted in a couple of Tikka's in LH for my oldest boy who is L eye dominant and naturally shoulders on the L side though he does some things R handed. One in 17 HMR, one in 6.5 CM. 10 rounds through the WM and 12 through the 375. Not sore at all today and no flinching, but you notice the 375's recoil. Biggest cartridge I've fired in a hunting weight rifle so far though I have put 2-300 rounds through my 300 PRC. I think if the Blaser buttpad was a little softer it would be a easy shooting rifle. Their buttpad is a little firm for my taste. I did notice that point of impact was always at point of aim. There was no 'flier's, just me. Nice tight 3 round groups.

I liked what I saw saw for, but I'm not in love yet. Will work it out a little more and see if I want to keep it or get a CRF bolt with a 3 position safety. I was also unable to handle or shoot one before buying.

My new .416 Blaser R8 is the same as this listing on gun broker (I did not purchase from them):

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1118035190

BLASER R8 PRO SAFARI, RIGHT HAND. 416 REMINGTON MAGNUM. GREEN WITH RUBBER GRIPS. WITH KICKSTOP, SAFARI CONTOUR SELOUS BARREL

It is fitted with a Professional ambidextrous polymer stock with a widened barrel channel and is an aluminum receiver, the barrel is 22mm safari Selous model. The stock is fitted with a kick stop recoil dampener. The rifle seems to be offered in this configuration or with an optional steel receiver. I believe the widening of the barrel channel is done in the US on the aluminum receivers.

My thoughts on selecting this gun were, I wanted a kick stop, I did not want to pay the extra $3K for a steel receiver model. I could not use my existing R8 Ultimate Success receiver as it would not take a kick stop and I did not want to open up the barrel channel. This new rifle is ambidextrous, I normally hunt with my son who is left handed and he is likely to be shooting his .375 version so he can just swap the bolt on this .416 to make it work perfectly for him. I can now take 2 complete R8s on my dangerous game hunts (.416 & .375 or smaller).

The Blaser R8 is a great traveling gun, I have grown to use it as my standard hunting rifle for many things. Unfortunately they are expensive and all options / mounts are expensive, putting that aside I have little complaints about them. We now own 4 R8's between myself and my son.

Your hunting set up of .300WM and .375 H&H is an excellent choice and is the same as what my son and I both have and often travel with. We also use .308 for local white tail and boar and also have 9.3x62 and .338WM barrels. It's good to hear that you are getting your first shooting practice with your new R8.

As far as the recoil, you will never notice it on a real hunt. Good luck with your new rifle.

 

[375Ruger416]

My new .416 Blaser R8 is the same as this listing on gun broker (I did not purchase from them):

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1118035190

BLASER R8 PRO SAFARI, RIGHT HAND. 416 REMINGTON MAGNUM. GREEN WITH RUBBER GRIPS. WITH KICKSTOP, SAFARI CONTOUR SELOUS BARREL

It is fitted with a Professional ambidextrous polymer stock with a widened barrel channel and is an aluminum receiver, the barrel is 22mm safari Selous model. The stock is fitted with a kick stop recoil dampener. The rifle seems to be offered in this configuration or with an optional steel receiver. I believe the widening of the barrel channel is done in the US on the aluminum receivers.

My thoughts on selecting this gun were, I wanted a kick stop, I did not want to pay the extra $3K for a steel receiver model. I could not use my existing R8 Ultimate Success receiver as it would not take a kick stop and I did not want to open up the barrel channel. This new rifle is ambidextrous, I normally hunt with my son who is left handed and he is likely to be shooting his .375 version so he can just swap the bolt on this .416 to make it work perfectly for him. I can now take 2 complete R8s on my dangerous game hunts (.416 & .375 or smaller).

The Blaser R8 is a great traveling gun, I have grown to use it as my standard hunting rifle for many things. Unfortunately they are expensive and all options / mounts are expensive, putting that aside I have little complaints about them. We now own 4 R8's between myself and my son.

Your hunting set up of .300WM and .375 H&H is an excellent choice and is the same as what my son and I both have and often travel with. We also use .308 for local white tail and boar and also have 9.3x62 and .338WM barrels. It's good to hear that you are getting your first shooting practice with your new R8.

As far as the recoil, you will never notice it on a real hunt. Good luck with your new rifle.

I didn't realize they were available with the aluminum receiver, the selous barrel contour and a kickstop. Sounds like an ideal setup for a 416.

Here in Canada, Blaser availability is not great. Can't even find a kickstop in stock at the moment. And, all firearms and firearms parts coming from the US are an extra 25% due to the tariff dispute we're having. Sigh.

How do you find the R8 balances in that configuration? I'm mulling over a J Sipp and Son's 17 mm 416 barrel paired with a kickstop.

 

[BeeMaa]

Is that the PH model then with the steel receiver? I was under the impression that Blaser 416 RM barrels only came in 19 and 22 mm contours.

The Blaser Professional Hunter was first available in the Savanah brown with a steel receiver, steel trigger group and 16 oz kickstop installed. Because everything Blaser R8 is interchangeable and the factory has done special runs other than that one mentioned above, nearly any synthetic stock color/receiver material/trigger group combo is possible.

Some of PH modles were extra special and came with a tan Blaser branded Pelican 1700 case with a buffalo pattern in the top foam. This one was part of my first Blaser R8 that came with a 300WM Selous barrel that my wife now uses. I sold the case not too long ago to another AH member.

Blaser only made the 416RM and larger cartridge barrels in the Selous and Safari barrels. Both are 22 mm in diameter, but the Selous has a barrel band sling swivel with a banded brass front sight & V notch rear. There are some very high quality aftermarket barrels in the safari calibers that are 17 and 19 mm.

 

[Daisy]

Is that the PH model then with the steel receiver? I was under the impression that Blaser 416 RM barrels only came in 19 and 22 mm contours. I'd be interested in what you got or if you opened up the barrel channel on a aluminum professional model.

Had my R8 for its first range trip yesterday. Was a dream to sight in for 22 LR, 300 WM and 375 H&H. Also sighted in a couple of Tikka's in LH for my oldest boy who is L eye dominant and naturally shoulders on the L side though he does some things R handed. One in 17 HMR, one in 6.5 CM. 10 rounds through the WM and 12 through the 375. Not sore at all today and no flinching, but you notice the 375's recoil. Biggest cartridge I've fired in a hunting weight rifle so far though I have put 2-300 rounds through my 300 PRC. I think if the Blaser buttpad was a little softer it would be a easy shooting rifle. Their buttpad is a little firm for my taste. I did notice that point of impact was always at point of aim. There was no 'flier's, just me. Nice tight 3 round groups.

I liked what I saw saw for, but I'm not in love yet. Will work it out a little more and see if I want to keep it or get a CRF bolt with a 3 position safety. I was also unable to handle or shoot one before buying.

What’s the deal with three position safety?

 

[BeeMaa]

What’s the deal with three position safety?

Back locks the bolt and the trigger.
Middle locks the trigger but the bolt can be operated to clear the action.
Forward is fire.

This is used on several PF and CRF rifles, but none with a cocking device (Blaser R8, Beretta BRX, Browning Maral, Strasser RS14...etc) that I'm aware of.

 

[Daisy]

Back locks the bolt and the trigger.
Middle locks the trigger but the bolt can be operated to clear the action.
Forward is fire.

This is used on several PF and CRF rifles, but none with a cocking device (Blaser R8, Beretta BRX, Browning Maral, Strasser RS14...etc) that I'm aware of.

Right. What I’m wondering is why he said he wanted a rifle with a 3 position safety over a Blaser safety.

 

[UpNorthMI]

I didn't realize they were available with the aluminum receiver, the selous barrel contour and a kickstop. Sounds like an ideal setup for a 416.

Here in Canada, Blaser availability is not great. Can't even find a kickstop in stock at the moment. And, all firearms and firearms parts coming from the US are an extra 25% due to the tariff dispute we're having. Sigh.

How do you find the R8 balances in that configuration? I'm mulling over a J Sipp and Son's 17 mm 416 barrel paired with a kickstop.

The balance of my new .416 seems initially really good out of the box, I went with the heavier Selous safari barrel to try and put some weight forward on the gun and requested the kick stop to give a little back weight and to use it to absorb some recoil, It will get mounted with a Swarovski Z8i 1-8 x 20. I'll put it on the scale and make some comment about how it shoots and where the point of balance is in the rifle. I do like the short overall length on the Blaser R8 as the magazine sits above the trigger.

I'm just waiting for some .416RM dies and factory ammo to arrive this week.

The tariff thing is not good but don't Blaser rifles come direct to Canada from Germany? Personally I feel that a 17mm barrel in .416 would be far too light but I was not able to see any of the Safari or Selous barrels in my area, I made my decision based on estimated component weights and tied a few boxes of bullets to my current R8 to get a rough feel of weight distribution. I worked with a dealer who gave me a great overall price and delivery took about 4 weeks to get everything in stock.

 

[BeeMaa]

My 416RM with a steel receiver, steel trigger group, 16 oz kickstop, Selous barrel, Swaro Z8i 1-8x24, sling and 4 rounds of ammo with was 9.48 Kg (over 13 lbs). This made the recoil tolerable, but turned it into a club I was unwilling to wield on a hunt.