Rimbaud
AH enthusiast
I'm interested in a Blaser R8, .375 H&H. I shoot LH, and my son shoots RH,, which creates some challenges. Thanks for any insight into how these rifles handle, safety issues, if any, with the bolt, and any relevant info.
Rimbaud,I'm interested in a Blaser R8, .375 H&H. I shoot LH, and my son shoots RH,, which creates some challenges. Thanks for any insight into how these rifles handle, safety issues, if any, with the bolt, and any relevant info.
I’ve also heard from professional shooting instructors that it will shoot most any kind of ammo very well. This is important and I’m tired of hunting for the right load for some of my guns.I am convinced that the R8 is the best repeater currently in production anywhere by anyone (and I own a few others). Mine shoots MOA with nearly anything I feed it, and in it’s .375 guise has taken everything from Suni to Cape Buffalo. It’s design is a tour de force of ergonomic brilliance - perfect form following perfect function.
So you are shooting the .375 in a standard weight barrel? At the shows I only got to handle a heavy weight barrel which is ridiculously heavy. I was afraid of the standard barrel being too light so was going to get the semi weight. What do you think I should do? Still waiting on mine and can likely change barrel on the order.I've got the Professional Success stock with a 375H&H barrel. As stated above, without any tools you can swap the bolt and bolt head (or just the bolt if you don't mind the cases being ejected the wrong way) so no problems there, but only some of their stocks are ambidextrous. My rifle functions flawlessly and I'm very happy with it. I've got the standard profile barrel with standard magnum length (26" vs 24" for non magnum)), the weight of the rifle is quite sufficient for the recoil though if you get bothered by it you can screw in a recoil reducer - this DIY job and only takes a few minutes so you can put in and take it out as desired (on the synthetic stock at least not sure about the timber ones). You can get heavier profile barrel and the synthetic stocks can be ordered ready to or opened up to accept them (this is just removal of some plastic, does not affect any hard parts and you can still use standard barrels). Standard barrel is 17mm, semi heavy 19mm and heavy 22mm so even standard one is not "pencil thin". For 375 I wouldn't bother with heavier profile unless you particularly prefer heavier profile barrels. I've asked Blaser and was told that the lighter alloy receiver is strong enough for all of the calibres available (up to 500 Jeffery) but they don't recommend it for anything above 375 due to recoil getting rough due to lighter weight. I think I've mentioned this in some other post, you can get two types of sights with their barrels and the HIVIZ ones are much better than standard and in my opinion well worth the upcharge. I bought my barrels with standard ones and ended up upgrading.
Rimbaud,
I just bought a Professional S left hand 7mm for my 12 yo son. He really likes it and is shooting well as we prepare for our May Safari to Namibia. I have a Professional Success in .375 coming soon but not sure in time for this safari.
Everyone online likes to talk about a couple incidents with the R93 and likely suped up hand loads. The R8 is a completely re-engineered rifle so let’s put all that nonsense to rest.
If you can get past the price tag and understand how the Germans engineered this fine rifle you will never look back. It is incredible and the possibilities are endless.
To answer your question this gun handles very well in many respects. The design allows it to be shorter than a standard bolt gun and that is worth a lot to me. Check out the many videos online on Blasers site.
I first used one in Austria when my gun got lost by the airlines. It wowed me and here I am getting my own.
Caution: many people who can’t afford an R8 will bash them so just keep that in mind.
Enjoy the journey to your new R8!
Philip
I am convinced that the R8 is the best repeater currently in production anywhere by anyone (and I own a few others). Mine shoots MOA with nearly anything I feed it, and in it’s .375 guise has taken everything from Suni to Cape Buffalo. It’s design is a tour de force of ergonomic brilliance - perfect form following perfect function.
Anyone with a R8 try out the new Atzl Match-Hunt Trigger? Supposedly with a flip of a button can change the trigger from the standard 1 lb 6.9oz pull to a match trigger at .88lbs. The button is located on the outside of the trigger/mag housing so not for when on the sticks but a nice feature. Not sure why but I believe I read it is not available for the safari calibers. Trying to find out more information.
I agree BigSteve about the open sights on the safari barrels. The 22mm safari barrel is the only ones that come with open sights. I will be a traditionalist with big bore rifles until my eyes make it impossible.
And my .375 and 300 Win Mag sporter weight barrels have the same open sights as the Safari series. And they are superb.I'm with Red Leg on using sporter (17mm) weight barrels. I have experienced nothing negative about them, even in .300Wby they are superb. .