My opinion of the Blazer R8

[skydiver386]

After using an R8 on my recent Stag, Roebuck and Chamois hunt, my opinion of the rifle has done a near 180.

The calibers used were
9.3x62 for Stag
6.5 PRC for Chamois
243 Winchester for Roedeer oh the shame

Optics were Swarovski and Blazer (Doctor Optic?)

Even though I'd only seen one up close at the SCI, I had no problems with fast reloads, or operating the safety. Because the action is set back a bit, the barrels seem shorter than they really are, but it wasn't something that bothered me. Once the safety is pushed forward, one of the finest hunting trigger pulls awaits you. Very light and crisp with none of the gritty creep common in most turnbolts.

Other features I liked were the lighted reticle that engaged when the safety is pushed forward (with Blazer optics only). This is done by a magnet within the safety that turns on the lighted reticle in its forward fire position.

Modular construction isn't new to firearms, but having a Blazer travel case with a variety of barrels, bolt heads, optics, etc. is fairly unique in a factory built repeater. I see nothing but positive things in the concept of this rifle.

The big downside was price, and a size and weight not as stout as I'd prefer.

Even though there is a lot to like about them, I can't see buying one anytime soon. On the other hand, if I were a younger man with the means to hunt around the world, the R8 would make a lot of sense.

 

[Green Chile]

There is a good one that should be coming up for sale here in the near future...not mine but another member's in 375.

 

[BeeMaa]

Luckily there are a number of options out there that aren’t a Blaser.

 

[375Fox]

I really like getting one as a rental rifie. They point well and the triggers are amazing. The downside of owning one though is only Blaser can work on it if an issue. Your local gunsmith likely won’t be able to help.

 

[Hunting Hitman]

*Blaser R8

HH

 

[TOBY458]

I’ve done a little hunting with a Blazer myself. But I’ve found I can hit the deer better with a Ford F150. lol!

But seriously, I think the Blaser R8 is hard to beat for the traveling hunter. It will do everything you need and more. Sure, there are plenty of rifles that will shoot great for way less money. But the Blaser, as a complete package, will do a lot of things better than any other rifle I’ve used.

 

[Red Leg]

I really like getting one as a rental rifie. They point well and the triggers are amazing. The downside of owning one though is only Blaser can work on it if an issue. Your local gunsmith likely won’t be able to help.

There are several Blaser authorized service providers in the States. However, in well over a decade, I have yet to need one.

 

[CBH Australia]

I would like to handle one or hunt with it to get a feel for them.

Like Skydiver I can’t justify the expense and travel isn’t a real issue for me at present.

The problem is once you handle a nice rifle or experience some nice optics you are always scheming an upgrade.

I’m mostly content with what I have and have mostly covered anything within my reach covered with what I have but if circumstances change I’m open to change.

 

[Tex .416]

Once the safety is pushed forward, one of the finest hunting trigger pulls awaits you. Very light and crisp with none of the gritty creep common in most turnbolts.

Good and interesting review.

One point about triggers though, there is no reason to put up with a poor quality trigger. There are abundant options available for high quality triggers for most common brands of bolt actions.

 

[375Fox]

There are several Blaser authorized service providers in the States. However, in well over a decade, I have yet to need one.

I’ve needed to send mine in for 2 years and haven’t, but the front locking screw on mine appears stripped out. It still tightens down but takes an excessive number of turns to tighten.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I would like to handle one or hunt with it to get a feel for them.

Like Skydiver I can’t justify the expense and travel isn’t a real issue for me at present.

The problem is once you handle a nice rifle or experience some nice optics you are always scheming an upgrade.

I’m mostly content with what I have and have mostly covered anything within my reach covered with what I have but if circumstances change I’m open to change.

@CBH Australia
Chris we may always want better BUT will it make us a better hunter or happier.
It will usually just make us poorer and wonder why we really bought it when what we had was fine for what we did.
We can all justify the expense to ourselves but some (me) in hind sight think why did I do that.
If just starting out yes but the best you can get or save up and buy better.
A mate sold a beautiful REM 700 left hand 30-06 for a small profit. Went to a gun show a week later and came home with you guessed it another REM 700 left hand 30-06.
I have to question is a higher quality rifle going to make my hunt more enjoyable or kill game any deader or do I put the money I saved to something I really do need/ want.
Only you can answer that.
Will a ****** be better or become something I won't take out because I don't want to damage it.
Better to drive your Holden every day than have a Rolls Royce locked away and walk everywhere.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Good and interesting review.

One point about triggers though, there is no reason to put up with a poor quality trigger. There are abundant options available for high quality triggers for most common brands of bolt actions.

@Tex .416
100% agree.
I put Timney triggers in both my Enfields set at 2#
My Savage got a rifle BASIX trigger set at 2#
and my REM 788 got a trigger mod and set at 1.5#
Far cheaper option and no reason to suffer a shit trigger. Dang you can even fix the crap Ruger trigger for $40 worth of springs.
Bob

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

Love my Blaser R8 and although I have many rifles to choose from in my safe it is going to be hard to look past my Blaser when I go back to Africa.

 

[Kevin375]

Speaking about Blaser triggers, they have the reputation for being good or even exellent.
However, some people like me are a bit picky and now, some triggers are even better than the original one.

The first one is the ATZL trigger sold by Blaser, and where we can select 2 trigger pulls ( 250 g and 650 gr in theory) at the rear of the magazine, and being honest, it's another world. The two little problems with this option are : it is very costy now, and because of the system, we can't use the longuest cartrides in the magazine like the .375 H&H and .458 Lott with a 3.60" COAL.

The other option is the Akila trigger. It is a bit cheaper, and even better, because with a little wrench, we can choose the trigger pull (from 200 to 800 g) and the magazine is not shortened.
I'm thinking to invest in the Akila next year for my .458 Lott. Being used to ATZL triggers on my R8, and Bix'n Andy triggers on the R93, I feel this trigger a bit heavy and not good in comparison to others.

 

[MaxXSaker]

After using an R8 on my recent Stag, Roebuck and Chamois hunt, my opinion of the rifle has done a near 180.

The calibers used were
9.3x62 for Stag
6.5 PRC for Chamois
243 Winchester for Roedeer oh the shame

Optics were Swarovski and Blazer (Doctor Optic?)

Even though I'd only seen one up close at the SCI, I had no problems with fast reloads, or operating the safety. Because the action is set back a bit, the barrels seem shorter than they really are, but it wasn't something that bothered me. Once the safety is pushed forward, one of the finest hunting trigger pulls awaits you. Very light and crisp with none of the gritty creep common in most turnbolts.

Other features I liked were the lighted reticle that engaged when the safety is pushed forward (with Blazer optics only). This is done by a magnet within the safety that turns on the lighted reticle in its forward fire position.

Modular construction isn't new to firearms, but having a Blazer travel case with a variety of barrels, bolt heads, optics, etc. is fairly unique in a factory built repeater. I see nothing but positive things in the concept of this rifle.

The big downside was price, and a size and weight not as stout as I'd prefer.

Even though there is a lot to like about them, I can't see buying one anytime soon. On the other hand, if I were a younger man with the means to hunt around the world, the R8 would make a lot of sense.

It really captures the R8's premium features and the niche it fills for global hunters! The modular system is fantastic, but the cost is definitely a major factor for most. Thanks for sharing your hands-on experience.

 

[Philip Glass]

After using an R8 on my recent Stag, Roebuck and Chamois hunt, my opinion of the rifle has done a near 180.

The calibers used were
9.3x62 for Stag
6.5 PRC for Chamois
243 Winchester for Roedeer oh the shame

Optics were Swarovski and Blazer (Doctor Optic?)

Even though I'd only seen one up close at the SCI, I had no problems with fast reloads, or operating the safety. Because the action is set back a bit, the barrels seem shorter than they really are, but it wasn't something that bothered me. Once the safety is pushed forward, one of the finest hunting trigger pulls awaits you. Very light and crisp with none of the gritty creep common in most turnbolts.

Other features I liked were the lighted reticle that engaged when the safety is pushed forward (with Blazer optics only). This is done by a magnet within the safety that turns on the lighted reticle in its forward fire position.

Modular construction isn't new to firearms, but having a Blazer travel case with a variety of barrels, bolt heads, optics, etc. is fairly unique in a factory built repeater. I see nothing but positive things in the concept of this rifle.

The big downside was price, and a size and weight not as stout as I'd prefer.

Even though there is a lot to like about them, I can't see buying one anytime soon. On the other hand, if I were a younger man with the means to hunt around the world, the R8 would make a lot of sense.

Thank you for sharing this excellent experience!
My first Blaser R8 experience was also in Europe. I had planned to take my own rifle but the airlines lost it for a few weeks. A R8 in .30-06 topped with Swaro glass awaited me!
I have to say I hear the complaint of the cost of the R8 from some and then they go out and buy a $5000 custom rifle! Lots of used ones for sale here on AH.

 

[Philip Glass]

Speaking about Blaser triggers, they have the reputation for being good or even exellent.
However, some people like me are a bit picky and now, some triggers are even better than the original one.

The first one is the ATZL trigger sold by Blaser, and where we can select 2 trigger pulls ( 250 g and 650 gr in theory) at the rear of the magazine, and being honest, it's another world. The two little problems with this option are : it is very costy now, and because of the system, we can't use the longuest cartrides in the magazine like the .375 H&H and .458 Lott with a 3.60" COAL.

The other option is the Akila trigger. It is a bit cheaper, and even better, because with a little wrench, we can choose the trigger pull (from 200 to 800 g) and the magazine is not shortened.
I'm thinking to invest in the Akila next year for my .458 Lott. Being used to ATZL triggers on my R8, and Bix'n Andy triggers on the R93, I feel this trigger a bit heavy and not good in comparison to others.

I find the triggers on our R8's to be perfect right from the factory.

 

[camperx]

I fancied grabbing one in .222 or .223 for a foxing rifle, have had a fair bit of experience with them having guided using one as an estate rifle for 6 years and using a few mates on occasion. I’ve used them in .243, .308.300win mag and 7x64. Plus used them abroad in Germany and Sweden. But I ended up going for a new tikka which I’ve been chuffed to bits with.