Blaser R8 barrels from PaleHorse Zero

[meigsbucks]

Earlier this year I received a barrel from PHZ chambered for .375 Wby mag. (A round I’ve always wanted to play with) I chose the PacNor vs the Krueger blank as I didn’t want to wait over a year. I ordered it in early August of ‘24. Their website states a four to six month delivery time, however mine took almost eight. On a positive note, whenever I called about the status, they were very forthright about it.
When I received the barrel, the studs were too long. A quick email and they told me to send it back and they’d correct it. In about a week I had the barrel back and they reimbursed me for the shipping.
Works like a charm. After getting it on the paper with a mild load, I ran a ladder test. One powder and done. H4350 with a 300gr TSX and sub inch groups. 2770 fps.

 

[xbr897]

If your stock can fit the diameter, I’d check out this option from Evolved Ballistics - https://evolvedballistics.com/blase...on-fiber/?searchid=252037&search_query=Blaser

I’ve been ordering other stuff from Paul for a while and they’re great. I ordered a 7MM BackCountry barrel for my R8 and it arrived without caliber marking. I emailed that night and had voicemail next morning with an apology for the oversight and commitment to make it right. My email also had an overnight return shipping label. 3 days later the barrel was back with engraved marking.

I admittedly have not had chance to shoot it yet, but I am confident this will be better option than J Sipp and the month or so turnaround they had once you finally got ahold of them.

 

[Daisy]

So far, Tip Burns at Texas Sporting Arms has built me 3 R8 barrels using Proof blanks and Akila extensions; one carbon fiber and two steel. All fit and function like factory and are just as accurate.

What price for each of those my man?

 

[nomspc]

What price for each of those my man?

From $1250 to $1425 depending on features; none of them took longer than a month, order to delivery.
.280AI 22” carbon
7PRC 20” steel Cerakote
7 Backcountry 18” steel, Pic rail

 

[Norton]

Do not use Jsip. They make shit barrels. I have a post where Justin screwed up my barrel and offered to make another barrel then didn't return 27 emails. Thank God he sent it to me, and I am testing it this weekend. Pale Horse Zero looked at my original barrel and told me it was no good. They had very good communication and my next barrel will be from them. FOR CHRIST SAKE, DO NOT USE JSIP!!

 

[John Telford]

has anyone been using Sipps or Pale Horse lately?

I have a R8 on the way that I’d like to change from WM to the Super 30. And a 280 Ross built on a modern straight pull seems pretty cool to me.

I was in Justin’s shop in December and was impressed with his skill and ability as a gunsmith. This is in addition to being the local mayor! I must confess that I don’t own a Blaser and probably never will so I can’t comment on his barrels. The few he showed me looked well made.What I can say is that the skill is definitely there. Both his sons who are machinists and cnc/ cad trained now work in the business.
He has done some great work for my Pops.

 

[K95]

It seems this caliber is becoming quite popular on the Blaser platform. @bowjijohn has one coming on the way now.

Having owned a 416RM Selous (22mm) barrel, I'm happy to stay with a more slim profile 17mm for the weight savings. Not sure how that would feel (for recoil) in a 404J configuration. Maybe a 19mm profile would be a good compromise.

I had my 404 barrel profiled to 18 mm and the balance is great. Rif k e shoots under moa with most loads