Correct. The unexpected result is that you get the same barrel length in a shorter rifle.
I am not going to try to convince you to purchase the R8 in any caliber. But you are correct, I have not taken my S2 out of the gun room since I purchased mine. I also haven't used the lovely custom .375 (built on an FN action) with which I killed my first buffalo in the Caprivi. It is purely a subjective appreciation of the R8's "feel" - along with that remarkable trigger. Because of its compact action, it is able to take advantage of many of the attributes of the Ruger No. 1 or Dakota. Though it transports in no smaller a case than my S2, the rifle, and ensuing case weigh significantly less. It is far handier than any double of similar caliber during a long hike in the thorns.
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Well ... since I have been driving for a few years a Mercedes S500, and a BMW 740 before that, I understand the comparison, and for what it is worth my other rifles are made by Griffin & Howe, Dumoulin, Sauer, Steyr, Mauser, Kreighoff, etc. - and also Weatherby since the others pain to produce stainless/kevlar bang sticks, which I personally find most desirable in some climates - so I am not entirely sure that all these need to take a second seat to Blaser when it comes to quality, performance, etc.
Thanks for the answer Red Leg, it does not surprise me, and this is exactly what intrigues me in the R8.
@One Day we sometimes talk past each other. And that is neither a bad or good thing - it is just a thing. It is perhaps worth telling, that I am an intuitive rather than an analytical thinker and decision maker (would absolutely drive the XO's, S3's, and software and systems engineers who worked for me insane
). Judging by your analytical writing style, I am confident that I could make you crazy in short order as well. Other than economic ones, I truly do not understand struggles about a new rifle or gun. I can pick one up and KNOW withing 10 seconds or so if I will like it or hate it - The same with a business case or concept of operations. My only real question is the aforementioned economic imperative. In military and business decisions, I tended to be spectacularly correct or spectacularly wrong. Fortunately, the former far outweighed the later. I suspect my firearms score is about the same - though I readily admit missing the occasional cracked stock or broken spring. The good news is that I have a wonderful group of firearms, the vast majority of which, I truly love. Alas, it can lead to issues such as three .270's, three .375's, two 9.3x62s etc, etc. And their collective capabilities overlap every which way possible. But I don't even reflect on that kind of thing, because the rifle in my hands is the one I "feel" like carrying. Right now, I really like using the R8. You can not imagine how difficult it is for me to articulate specific reasons why I prefer a particular firearm.
@One Day ... I am an intuitive rather than an analytical thinker and decision maker (would absolutely drive the XO's, S3's, and software and systems engineers who worked for me insane
I also don't worry too much about the perfect battery for the rest of my life (as in not at all). I am pretty sure no such thing survives the next analysis among those who enjoy such lint picking. And I hasten to add, I am not being critical of the exercise. I understand it is a form of fun or necessary thinking for some people - maybe most. It is just totally lost on me. Seriously. So, for however long I have, I am surrounded by old and new friends whom I really like. Should I drop dead tomorrow, my lovely widow has the name of an honest auction house that will get her a terrific return on the collection. My son, who is a hunter, has permission to pick out up to six for himself. But until then, I'll keep using the one that feels best for that particular adventure. My current favorite mistress happens to be made by Blaser - at least for a mixed bag hunt in Africa.
I will let you in on a secret. Assuming I am still healthy and north of Hades, I am seriously contemplating Uganda in '21. If I were leaving tomorrow, I would bring along my Birmingham .470. The R8 would be perfect, but this won't be my first buffalo rodeo, and somehow the thought of a Nile Buffalo FEELS perfectly matched to double barrels and triggers.
Amen on feel and intuition! Likes and dislikes of many things, firearms included, are generally more irrational than rational, but there must also be some profound unconscious process where the man/machine interface is involved. I personally experience it in three domains: handling a firearm or a fly fishing rod, and riding a motorcycle (sport or dirt). Can't say why or why not but I know - generally instantly - when it is IT or not... This is probably the reason why the R8 tempts me after handling it...@One Day we sometimes talk past each other. And that is neither a bad or good thing - it is just a thing. It is perhaps worth telling, that I am an intuitive rather than an analytical thinker and decision maker (would absolutely drive the XO's, S3's, and software and systems engineers who worked for me insane
I also don't worry too much about the perfect battery for the rest of my life (as in not at all). I am pretty sure no such thing survives the next analysis among those who enjoy such lint picking. And I hasten to add, I am not being critical of the exercise. I understand it is a form of fun or necessary thinking for some people - maybe most. It is just totally lost on me. Seriously. So, for however long I have, I am surrounded by old and new friends whom I really like. Should I drop dead tomorrow, my lovely widow has the name of an honest auction house that will get her a terrific return on the collection. My son, who is a hunter, has permission to pick out up to six for himself. But until then, I'll keep using the one that feels best for that particular adventure. My current favorite mistress happens to be made by Blaser - at least for a mixed bag hunt in Africa.
However, I will let you in on a secret. Assuming I am still healthy and north of Hades, I am seriously contemplating Uganda in '21. If I were leaving tomorrow, I would bring along my Birmingham .470. The R8 would be perfect, but this won't be my first buffalo rodeo, and somehow the thought of a Nile Buffalo FEELS perfectly matched to double barrels and triggers.
Sure, why not. You have total propriety over any such decision you make. It is neither right or wrong. It is simply what is right for you. I could give a farthing about functionality if it isn't in something I enjoy carrying. What I enjoy carrying is typically rust blued and walnut. On something like my R8, I can live with a coating that looks like rust blue. In any case, for me, classic creations of the gunmakers' art are still very much a labor of love. But I also get how someone would derive enjoyment out of pure functionality, or as you say, simplicity. The chorus should chime in with form following function about now.
If you intend to sell firearms to generate disposable income - sure - that is a logical course of action. Mine will be part of my estate. That will work for us. That should in no way be interpreted as a recommendation for anyone else.
Entirely agreed, with the full acknowledgment that we have drifted deep into matters more philosophical and appropriate to camp fire, cigar and cognac time, than practical and relevant to R8 in large calibers. Freedom of choice is a beautiful thing. We were right to serve to defend it.Sure, why not. You have total propriety over any such decision you make. It is neither right or wrong. It is simply what is right for you. I could give a farthing about functionality if it isn't in something I enjoy carrying. What I enjoy carrying is typically rust blued and walnut. On something like my R8, I can live with a coating that looks like rust blue. In any case, for me, classic creations of the gunmakers' art are still very much a labor of love. But I also get how someone would derive enjoyment out of pure functionality, or as you say, simplicity. The chorus should chime in with form following function about now.
www.africahunting.com
