Blaser R8 - Help Needed

[Beck]

My mother looking for X-Mas gift ideas for my father. I have suggested an R-8, which she seems open to exploring. Is the rifle below what I should recommend? I know there has been some talk of aluminum vs. steel receivers - I assume I want steel for heavy recoiling rifles? I'll eventually buy a .500 Jeffery barrel for this thing. Hard for me to tell if the rifle below is a steel or aluminum receiver - Maybe Jake @EuroOptic can shine some light on that for me?

https://www.eurooptic.com/blaser-r8-professional-2-american-package-375-handh-olive-safari-selous-bbl-cust

 

[BeeMaa]

@Beck - First of all, I wish I had a son like you. Second, that would be an amazing gift.

You should contact Euro Optic directly about the receiver material. Also, for a 375H&H a steel receiver and Selous barrel make for a VERY heavy rifle. It would be perfect for a 458LOTT or 500J. I had a 416RM in this configuration and it was closer to a boat anchor than a stalking rifle.

My 375H&H is about 8.5 lbs with a standard 17mm barrel and aluminum receiver (2.0 Professional stock), sling, ammo and scope. I find it easy to shoot as well as carry all day on a stalking hunt.

Keep in mind, it’s pretty easy to add weight to a rifle, but difficult and expensive to put them on a diet.

 

[Beck]

@Beck - First of all, I wish I had a son like you. Second, that would be an amazing gift.

You should contact Euro Optic directly about the receiver material. Also, for a 375H&H a steel receiver and Selous barrel make for a VERY heavy rifle. It would be perfect for a 458LOTT or 500J.

My 375H&H is about 8.5 lbs with a standard 17mm barrel and aluminum receiver (2.0 Professional stock), sling, ammo and scope. I find it easy to shoot as well as carry all day on a stalking hunt.

Don't get too carried away, I plan to steal the rifle from him at some point. He's stolen several of my guns, what's fair is fair! Your point about the weight is well noted, this rifle will end up with a .500 Jeffery barrel at some point.

 

[dogcat1]

BEck,
I suggest talking to the Eurooptic guys and find that guy that is the expert. Blaser's are great. I love them, but have no experience with heavy caliber other than .375 HH. Get expert help.

 

[BeeMaa]

If that’s the case, I’d recommend getting two complete rifles, one in each configuration.

The 375H&H will be too heavy with the steel receiver and Selous barrel. While the 500J will (most likely) be too light with the aluminum receiver.

Plus, I’d like to have the 500J on the older Professional stock so you can add a kickstop if you want. The kickstop can’t be installed on the 2.0 stock because of the adjustable comb.

 

[dogcat1]

I have limited serious heavy rifle experience, but, for me, up to 416's and up, rifle weight is your friend. A pound or so makes a difference in recoil.

 

[Beck]

If that’s the case, I’d recommend getting two complete rifles, one in each configuration.

The 375H&H will be too heavy with the steel receiver and Selous barrel. While the 500J will (most likely) be too light with the aluminum receiver.

Plus, I’d like to have the 500J on the older Professional stock so you can add a kickstop if you want. The kickstop can’t be installed on the 2.0 stock because of the adjustable comb.

I don't think two rifles are in the cards at this point.

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

My mother looking for X-Mas gift ideas for my father. I have suggested an R-8, which she seems open to exploring. Is the rifle below what I should recommend? I know there has been some talk of aluminum vs. steel receivers - I assume I want steel for heavy recoiling rifles? I'll eventually buy a .500 Jeffery barrel for this thing. Hard for me to tell if the rifle below is a steel or aluminum receiver - Maybe Jake @EuroOptic can shine some light on that for me?

https://www.eurooptic.com/blaser-r8-professional-2-american-package-375-handh-olive-safari-selous-bbl-cust

your mother is a fantastic lady!!!!

 

[BeeMaa]

I don't think two rifles are in the cards at this point.

I hope (for the sake of your bank account) that you are able to limit yourself to just one. Most who've invested in them have three or more stocks.

My name is BeeMaa and I'm an addict. With a side of enabler.