Talk me into Blaser R8

Shifty · Mar 10, 2023

So my trip to SA is getting pushed 12 months because of a ankle injury.

So this have given me time to think; I’ve always wanted a Blaser R8, by the time I sell a few I have in the safe it would easily achievable without the minister of war and finance even knowing!

I would be getting one in 300/300WSM and get a .375 Barrel and .223 Conversion kit , this would cover everything that I hunt here is Australia and where I want to go.

My main question is for the guys who have one already and have had it for a while, how do they stack up after years of use? Do they still operate like the day you got them? This may sound like a strange question but it’s coming from a wood and steel rifle guy.

Thanks,
Shifty

Aussie_Hunter · Mar 10, 2023

Mate I'm a wood and steel kind of guy too and I must say the standard R8's are a bit "plasticy" for my liking. Having said that, they bloody work there is no doubt about that. I had one in 500 Jeffery for quite a while and used it quite a bit, couldn't fault it. Nothing bad to say about the R8 other than I don't really like tupperware guns and that's really the only reason I sold it and haven't gone back to one. You definitely won't be disappointed in the performance of an R8 that's for sure.

BeeMaa · Mar 10, 2023

My recommendation of calibers would be to stay in the same caliber group. Meaning if you want a 375H&H, you are best off with a 300WM (or 300WSM) and 257WBY for a supporting cast. Getting a 22lr conversion kit will make training cheaper as well as taking care of varmints around the house.

I currently have a 375H&H barrel with about 700 rounds, 300WM with maybe 50 rounds, wife's 300WM has over 1500 rounds and the 22lr has gone through several 1000 round bricks. No failures to feed, fire or extract in over 4 years of service. Are they like new...no, of course not. But they lock up like a bank vault, reload lightning quick, hold accuracy with every barrel change and go bang EVERY SINGLE TIME.

My wife has a wood Intuition stock and the others are synthetic and I expect them to out live me. With proper maintenance (like any rifle) the Blaser R8 will give you (and most likely your kids and grandkids) years of enjoyment. If you have specific questions, feel free to send me a PM.

J Mac 49 · Mar 10, 2023

You can do wood and steel with an R8....

Red Leg · Mar 10, 2023

Or simply wood.

BeeMaa · Mar 11, 2023

Timber stocked 300WM belonging to my bride...

Synthetic 375H&H for myself...

Spend some time at a Blaser dealer that has a large selection and you will learn a whole lot in a few hours. Sometimes it's easier to see it than have to explain it.

R eight · Mar 11, 2023

I think I bought my first R8 in 2012. The bog standard professional model. Now own 2 of them. Plus 6 barrels.22 rimfire through to 9.3 x62. A couple of right hand bolt carriers and a lefty and a bucket full of scopes. The rifles have been used in-20C in Alaska and 40c in Australia. Never an issue. All barrels are ridiculously accurate.
the R8 is my go to rifle. My only regret is that I didn’t buy one sooner. IMO it is the best rifle for the travelling hunter.
As others have said go the 300 win/ 375 H&H combination for your first setup.

Forrest Halley · Mar 11, 2023

BeeMaa said:
My recommendation of calibers would be to stay in the same caliber group. Meaning if you want a 375H&H, you are best off with a 300WM (or 300WSM) and 257WBY for a supporting cast. Getting a 22lr conversion kit will make training cheaper as well as taking care of varmints around the house.

I currently have a 375H&H barrel with about 700 rounds, 300WM with maybe 50 rounds, wife's 300WM has over 1500 rounds and the 22lr has gone through several 1000 round bricks. No failures to feed, fire or extract in over 4 years of service. Are they like new...no, of course not. But they lock up like a bank vault, reload lightning quick, hold accuracy with every barrel change and go bang EVERY SINGLE TIME.

My wife has a wood Intuition stock and the others are synthetic and I expect them to out live me. With proper maintenance (like any rifle) the Blaser R8 will give you (and most likely your kids and grandkids) years of enjoyment. If you have specific questions, feel free to send me a PM.

Are you noticing any deteriorating accuracy in the higher mileage 300wm barrel?

Rare Breed · Mar 11, 2023

BeeMaa said:
My recommendation of calibers would be to stay in the same caliber group. Meaning if you want a 375H&H, you are best off with a 300WM (or 300WSM) and 257WBY for a supporting cast. Getting a 22lr conversion kit will make training cheaper as well as taking care of varmints around the house.

I currently have a 375H&H barrel with about 700 rounds, 300WM with maybe 50 rounds, wife's 300WM has over 1500 rounds and the 22lr has gone through several 1000 round bricks. No failures to feed, fire or extract in over 4 years of service. Are they like new...no, of course not. But they lock up like a bank vault, reload lightning quick, hold accuracy with every barrel change and go bang EVERY SINGLE TIME.

My wife has a wood Intuition stock and the others are synthetic and I expect them to out live me. With proper maintenance (like any rifle) the Blaser R8 will give you (and most likely your kids and grandkids) years of enjoyment. If you have specific questions, feel free to send me a PM.

I have seen pictures of Eric’s wife’s rifle and the wood is at least a grade 8…beautiful!

Inline6 · Mar 11, 2023

Well if you want to hit the easy button...buy an R8

wesheltonj · Mar 11, 2023

If I owned no guns and was just starting out an R8 would be my choice. However, I own 4 SAKO’s in 3 of the calibers that I would want for an R8, I just can’t bring myself to pull the trigger R8, but I’ve come close a couple of times. Unfortunately, Blaser no longer makes the Sporter.

meigsbucks · Mar 11, 2023

I’m new to the R8 game (Purchased late November) and have three barrels: 9.3x62, .270 Win and .300 Wby mag (I just got this one and haven’t shot it yet) and plan on adding at least a .257 Wby.
PLUSES:
So far I’ve found it to give excellent accuracy: .5”-.75” with just about all loads.
The ”safety”, cocker / decocker provides a very safe system.
The standard contour barrel (17mm) provides a moderate weight rifle: 7.5-7.75#.
As it is straight pull, it is fast to cycle and smooth operating.
A light crisp trigger.
Not a blip feeding.
The saddle scope mount can be removed and put back on quickly and without a change in zero.
Having the same action over several calibers is like having the same rifle in several chamberings. a.k.a: muscle memory / familiarity
Can take it down and travel with it in a smaller case.
MINUSES
Everything Blaser is costly.
Not a lightweight mountain rifle.
The action of cocking is easy but decocking took a little getting used to.
Switching the magazine inserts, isn’t difficult but a bit cumbersome.

bowjijohn · Mar 12, 2023

Taking the R8 from the cabinet is like going down the pub with your best mate

reliable, honest and utterly familiar.

no bullshit coz you know each other so well

Rickmt · Mar 12, 2023

I purchased 2 pro success ( plastic and rubber thumbhole stock) r8’s about a year before my son and I had buf hunts. My gun is 375hh and 7mm . My sons gun is 375 hh and 300 win mag. We had recoil reducer and QR mounts from Blaser as well.
With both calibers being magnum we needed only one bolt head.
My primary motivation was a 2 caliber in one easy to carry case.
My second motivation was the straight pull for fast second shots.
My third motivation was they are easily resold if this buf thing ends. Which is not happening. We are going again next year.
Both of our buffalos required quick second shots. Guns were great.
Guns are shorter and that supports having a silencer which I had done for my 7mm.
We both like the thumbhole stock . Pm me if you want any more info

Philip Glass · Mar 12, 2023

Shifty said:
So my trip to SA is getting pushed 12 months because of a ankle injury.

So this have given me time to think; I’ve always wanted a Blaser R8, by the time I sell a few I have in the safe it would easily achievable without the minister of war and finance even knowing!

I would be getting one in 300/300WSM and get a .375 Barrel and .223 Conversion kit , this would cover everything that I hunt here is Australia and where I want to go.

My main question is for the guys who have one already and have had it for a while, how do they stack up after years of use? Do they still operate like the day you got them? This may sound like a strange question but it’s coming from a wood and steel rifle guy.

Thanks,
Shifty

Once the idea of the R8 latches onto your mind it won't let go! You have a good choice of calibers there to start. The R8 is like legos for adults! I believe the R8 is designed to function through hard conditiins well into the future.

Bonk · Mar 12, 2023

Red Leg said:
Or simply wood.

That's the only R8 that even remotely appeals to me. Good looking rig.

TOBY458 · Mar 12, 2023

Bonk said:
That's the only R8 that even remotely appeals to me. Good looking rig.

It's a shame they quit making that model.

yhc · Mar 12, 2023

Shifty said:
So my trip to SA is getting pushed 12 months because of a ankle injury.

So this have given me time to think; I’ve always wanted a Blaser R8, by the time I sell a few I have in the safe it would easily achievable without the minister of war and finance even knowing!

I would be getting one in 300/300WSM and get a .375 Barrel and .223 Conversion kit , this would cover everything that I hunt here is Australia and where I want to go.

My main question is for the guys who have one already and have had it for a while, how do they stack up after years of use? Do they still operate like the day you got them? This may sound like a strange question but it’s coming from a wood and steel rifle guy.

Thanks,
Shifty

Good morning Shifty. I have been shooting my R8 rifles with various caliber for several years now. I don’t have high round counts for each bbl but I find them to be accurate today as they were first purchased.

I think your choice of caliber is excellent. However they have the tendency of reproducing themselves in the gun safe. So consider yourself forewarned…once you get an R8 with 300 WM and 375 H/H, you will most likely start noticing more bbls in your gun safe over the next few months to years.

FrontLines · Mar 12, 2023

I have the R8 in 270 win and it is my deer rifle for Ga.

Safariswestcam · Mar 12, 2023

I am also new to joining the Blaser following. I have been wavering for years about what direction to go for an Africa kit, ultimately there is not another offering on the market that can rival what the Blaser offers for the traveling hunter. Last year I was fortunate to pick up a Kilombero in 458 Lott and it is the fastest 3 shots on the planet, modular and incredibly accurate. Yes the buy in can be costly but if you keep your eyes peeled and some powder dry, from time to time there are opportunities to join the club without wrecking your wallet completely. I am not unhappy with my decision and you have to look at it more like an investment not an expense anyway.....

I will tell you though.... it has not quenched my want for a double.... alas thats what the allure of Africa will do to you! Best of luck...

Cheers

Talk me into Blaser R8

Shifty

Aussie_Hunter

BeeMaa

J Mac 49

Red Leg

BeeMaa

R eight

Forrest Halley

Rare Breed

Inline6

wesheltonj

meigsbucks

bowjijohn

Rickmt

Philip Glass

Bonk

TOBY458

yhc

FrontLines

Safariswestcam

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