Blaser R8 for Dangerous Game

[Kevin375]

I was told the bolt carrier with shorter rails is an improvement only to fit to the German regulation. Therefore, the serial number of the stock is visible without removing the bolt from the stock.

 

[V.Veritas]

I was told the bolt carrier with shorter rails is an improvement only to fit to the German regulation. Therefore, the serial number of the stock is visible without removing the bolt from the stock.

I have checked this possibility and it makes sense for the European market. (It works as stated by Kevin375 for an older Blaser R8 that probably was imported directly from Germany - it came with the longer rails for bolt carrier and has the serial number printed on the rails channel).

However, I have 2 newer synthetic stocks and both have the serial number (along with US importer name) printed on top of the frame, along the bolt carrier and it’s visible even with the bolt closed.

 

[TOBY458]

Two Cape Buffalo and an elephant with mine, so far. And I’ll be using it for bull elephant and buffalo this coming spring.

I know this is a bit late, but here’s the Elephant Bull I took in April 2025. R8 Pro S 458 Win Mag with 450gr CEB solids.

 

[BeeMaa]

@TOBY458 - Better late than never. That looks like the 458WM Safari barrel that doesn't have the barrel band of the Selous, but still has the 22mm profile.

 

[R eight]

@TOBY458 - Better late than never. That looks like the 458WM Safari barrel that doesn't have the barrel band of the Selous, but still has the 22mm profile.

Hey BeeMaa,

https://www.specsavers.com.au/?srsltid=AfmBOooom7GgOwaqdJ8XY0JekJy_gwkvRq84HudguEQueuaFrCI2xlQl

 

[TOBY458]

@TOBY458 - Better late than never. That looks like the 458WM Safari barrel that doesn't have the barrel band of the Selous, but still has the 22mm profile.

No sir. It has both the banded front sight and sling swivel. My hand is covering the sling swivel band on the barrel.

 

[TOBY458]

Hey BeeMaa,

https://www.specsavers.com.au/?srsltid=AfmBOooom7GgOwaqdJ8XY0JekJy_gwkvRq84HudguEQueuaFrCI2xlQl

I was about to call him and recommend a good eye dr. lol!

 

[BeeMaa]

I was about to call him and recommend a good eye dr. lol!

Ha! Amazing what I miss when looking at things using my phone instead of the computer.

 

[TOBY458]

Ha! Amazing what I miss when looking at things using my phone instead of the computer.

I’m well aware of that situation! I’m typing this now while wearing both contacts and readers. lol!

 

[BeeMaa]

I'll be making another addition to the stable...details to follow.

 

[Tiger2001]

I was surprised to not find a thread that had "Blaser" and "DG" in the title and that's why I started this thread.
Now onto the topic at hand.

My wife and I are on the market for a new rifle for her and she has shown an interest in the Blaser R8.
There are several other rifles in the running right now that are traditional bolt action rifles, but I'm keeping my options open.
Her caliber of choice would be 300WM and I already have a CZ550 375H&H.

If we were to go the R8 route, I would get at least a two barrel set with 300WM and 375H&H.
Potentially replacing my CZ, although at this point I would be reluctant to part with it.
So this is as much about her as it is me.
Call it consolidation, having one rifle (with a smaller case) that shoots two calibers is tempting...like the DARK SIDE.

For as long as the Mauser '98 action has been around it has been recommended for use with DG for it's reliability and toughness.
I understand CRF, double-square bridge, drop box magazine...etc.
I also get how the Blaser R8 operates outside of the "traditional" set of operating parameters.

My question is for those who have used the R8 for Dangerous Game and potential problems vs. a traditional bolt.
Would you go to Africa armed with a 375H&H Blaser R8 as your only rifle for Buffalo or other DG?
Any insight or personal experiences (positive or negative) would be appreciated.

BeeMaa. Happy to weigh in with my humble opinion. I currently own two R8's and have had others in the past (to include an R93). My two current models are in a .375 H&H and a 9.3x62. Both synthetic stocks and standard barrels. I have traveled to Africa with them and the break down feature resulting in using a smaller Pelican case is a large part of the appeal of the Blaser. Perfect for international travel. Your idea of having a .300 WM and a .375 H&H is the perfect combination as you can use the same magnum bolt head for both. I would suggest a scope for the .300 and a red dot for the .375. Blaser mount optics on the barrel and not the receiver. With the kick stop recoil reducer in the stock that combo could go anywhere in the world for a hunt! One word of caution, once you enter the Blaser ecosystem it gets quite $$$ since everything is proprietary and not interchangeable with other systems. Even the swivels for a sling are not standard size and have to be "Blaser". But I have never had an issue in Africa and my PH personally carries an R8 chambered in .416 Remington as his backup rifle.

 

[BeeMaa]

@Tiger2001 - I'm in the deep end of the Blaser pool but appreciate your council.

We currently have 3 complete rifles and adding a little more as I posted above. I've sold at least three other complete rifles as well.

375H&H Professional, standard contour with Swaro Z8i 1-8x24 and I'll be adding an Aimpoint T2. No kickstop and aluminum receiver. Perfect for long days of walking.

Wife's 300WM Intuition, although it now has the standard profile barrel as the Selous was recently sold. Her scope is a Z8i as well.

22lr kit on a Professional for varmints and practice.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

I have an R8 with a 500 Jeffery 22mm barrel and a synthetic PH stock. It is fitted with a Blaser RD20 red dot.
My PH has the identical set up fitted with a Trijicon red dot. He stopped a buffalo charge on our last hunt and has had to step in on three more that I know of since then. On our situation he managed to get three rounds off in 8 metres of the charge distance, I don't know the time but must have been lightning fast.
We will be testing my R8 in May 2027 and I'll let you know, but so far all I can say is that it makes big holes on paper, but kicks far less than I thought it would.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I have an R8 with a 500 Jeffery 22mm barrel and a synthetic PH stock. It is fitted with a Blaser RD20 red dot.
My PH has the identical set up fitted with a Trijicon red dot. He stopped a buffalo charge on our last hunt and has had to step in on three more that I know of since then. On our situation he managed to get three rounds off in 8 metres of the charge distance, I don't know the time but must have been lightning fast.
We will be testing my R8 in May 2027 and I'll let you know, but so far all I can say is that it makes big holes on paper, but kicks far less than I thought it would.

@Kevin Peacocke
I hope that's a 22mm diameter barrel otherwise you could be in a bit of bother.
A 22mm long barrel would leave a lot of cartridge hanging out the end of the barrel.
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
Sorry Kevin just couldn't help myself.

Bob

 

[TOBY458]

@Kevin Peacocke
I hope that's a 22mm diameter barrel otherwise you could be in a bit of bother.
A 22mm long barrel would leave a lot of cartridge hanging out the end of the barrel.
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
Sorry Kevin just couldn't help myself.

Bob

I think a 500J snub nose would be sporty!

 

[Tiger2001]

I have an R8 with a 500 Jeffery 22mm barrel and a synthetic PH stock. It is fitted with a Blaser RD20 red dot.
My PH has the identical set up fitted with a Trijicon red dot. He stopped a buffalo charge on our last hunt and has had to step in on three more that I know of since then. On our situation he managed to get three rounds off in 8 metres of the charge distance, I don't know the time but must have been lightning fast.
We will be testing my R8 in May 2027 and I'll let you know, but so far all I can say is that it makes big holes on paper, but kicks far less than I thought it would.

There's been one for sale online here in Germany for a couple of years. Comes with a Leupold scope and in the Kilombero set up but with the synthetic stock. 7,500 Euros. I wondered about the recoil and also the ammo availability as .500 Jeffrey cannot be easy to obtain.

 

[BJH65]

I have an R8 with a 500 Jeffery 22mm barrel and a synthetic PH stock. It is fitted with a Blaser RD20 red dot.
My PH has the identical set up fitted with a Trijicon red dot. He stopped a buffalo charge on our last hunt and has had to step in on three more that I know of since then. On our situation he managed to get three rounds off in 8 metres of the charge distance, I don't know the time but must have been lightning fast.
We will be testing my R8 in May 2027 and I'll let you know, but so far all I can say is that it makes big holes on paper, but kicks far less than I thought it would.

Kevin, after your harrowing encounter with buff that seemed bulletproof, I can understand why you’d select a 500 Jeffery. It’s just unbelievable how much punishment a buff can take when their adrenaline is up. It’s one thing to read about but experiencing it firsthand makes a lasting impression.

Just curious, was the R8 chosen because they are the only currently manufactured 500 Jeffery available or had you an opportunity to purchase another make of 500 Jeffery? Have always liked the R8 especially one like @Hunting Hitman beautiful wood stocked Kilombero 458 Lott which he’s put to good use on DG. Just went down a different path with Mauser 98’s although @BeeMaa had me nearly sold!

 

[BeeMaa]

@BJH65 - I’m here to complete your training and welcome you to the Dark Side.

In all seriousness, contact me if you have any questions. Happy to assist.

 

[BJH65]

@BJH65 - I’m here to complete your training and welcome you to the Dark Side.

In all seriousness, contact me if you have any questions. Happy to assist.

Absolutely Eric and thanks.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Kevin, after your harrowing encounter with buff that seemed bulletproof, I can understand why you’d select a 500 Jeffery. It’s just unbelievable how much punishment a buff can take when their adrenaline is up. It’s one thing to read about but experiencing it firsthand makes a lasting impression.

Just curious, was the R8 chosen because they are the only currently manufactured 500 Jeffery available or had you an opportunity to purchase another make of 500 Jeffery? Have always liked the R8 especially one like @Hunting Hitman beautiful wood stocked Kilombero 458 Lott which he’s put to good use on DG. Just went down a different path with Mauser 98’s although @BeeMaa had me nearly sold!

Hi BJ, it is what was available, but I am really glad I got an R8. No regrets.