Blaser R-8

11 September 2015, 07:54

Beretta682E

Blaser R-8

I am leaning toward moving to the Blaser R-8 platform for my hunting rifle.

This move is driven mainly by safety given that my PH and friend in ZiM - Leon Duplessis is in a hospital in Jo Burg with a AD that put a 375 H&H Barnes TSX thru his right leg. No bone was hit and I hope to hunt with him next year.

I have spoken to the leader of the Dark Side Biebs 1000 times about it and but never closed the deal for some reason.

What the Blaser R-8 gives me

(1) Manual Cocking Mechanism - i just think this is super safe. I think the manual cocking is not as smooth and easy as the safety on my rifle. I joke with Biebs that he chopped off half his right thumb just so he could operate the cocking mechanism better.

The issue I have had in Africa is after 44 days in the field the stock on my 375H&H was pretty beaten up. Going thru bushes with thorns beat up the stock but I am always worried that a small stick or something could set entangled in the trigger guard.

I also hunt with a illuminated swarovski Z6 and I have a ritual - I get on the sticks I turn on the illumination on the reticle and then I take off the safety on the rifle if I have a round chambered. Most times I don't have a round chambered - so I am chambering the round too. Why I don't like hunting with an AR platform gun in the US - just to noisy to operate.

I just feel that a manual cocker on the R-8 is much safer. It is not as smooth in operation and that cocker required a bit of force to operate. Also I dont think I am ever going to be as serious about hunting so if I miss a giant eland or kudu cause I was noisy or slow I can live with it.

(2) Detachable Trigger - I like the fact I can take out the trigger and the magazine and give a totally inoperable gun to guys in the back of the truck or just leave in camp at lunch at night ect.

Now I dont know if the Blaser trigger will standup to 100 or a 1000 detachments.

I also use a sling and keep a pretty close eye on my muzzle. I also walk at the very end of the line.

With my CZ with when I have a un chambered gun the safety is on fire. I cannot put the safety on without chambering a round. I just don't like that. Normally when I give a rifle to be stored in the truck. I make sure it is unloaded and point the gun straight up towards the sky and pull the trigger to make sure it is unloaded and uncocked and them hand it to the tracker.

I am just trying to find methods of carrying a very large and dangerous gun with the least amount of risk. Also adjusting gun choice and shooting/safety steps for all the stuff that happens like going thru brush, handing guns to other people (trackers) when getting on the truck ect.

Any thoughts?

Mike

11 September 2015, 08:14

pagosawingnut

Always having been a Remington fan, I made the switch to the Blaser R8 3 years ago and have NOT looked back. They definitely are one of the safest rifles on the market today. Accurate, fast and the ability to own one frame and multiple barrels is a definite plus. You can afford it so make the jump. If Biebs doesn't do you right, let me know. I can sell you one also.

11 September 2015, 09:29

Sean Russell

quote:
Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
Always having been a Remington fan, I made the switch to the Blaser R8 3 years ago and have NOT looked back. They definitely are one of the safest rifles on the market today. Accurate, fast and the ability to own one frame and multiple barrels is a definite plus. You can afford it so make the jump. If Biebs doesn't do you right, let me know. I can sell you one also.

Well

Anything is an improvement over a Remington.

11 September 2015, 09:47

rodell

I, too, have made the change to Blaser for everything but my 416. I've slowly been changing over the last few years. I have barrels in a range from .204 to .338.

I've removed the trigger and magazine hundreds of times, with no ill effects. The cocking mechanism is something you get used to. I Don't even know I do it (but I obviously do!).

Biebs and PagosaWN can both fix you up. Just be forewarned, it is an addiction unto itself!

11 September 2015, 10:51

rnovi

Hi Mike,

I agree with you on mamy levels. I decided a while back that I wanted to go with a switch-barrel setup. The Blaser was competing agaist the Mauser and Merkel Helix.

In the end I went with the Merkel, largely for the same reason you have. The safety. Or more accurately, the cocker.

I am not a fan of having any pressure on a firing pin of any kind when I have a round in the chamber. For that same reason I prefer Double Action (*first shot) pistols and revolvers over Single Action 1911 style pistols.

I went with the Helix for ergonomic reasons. I liked the slimmer profile. On the other hand I do love the Blaser trigger and the ability to remove the entire trigger mechanism is quite handy. What I didn't like about the Blaser is the way the bolt works - the first time I tried it I managed to rack the bolt over my thumb. Learning experience? Perhaps but if it's not natural to me I don't want it. Second, the Blaser was much thicker in the hands. Just not as wieldy. I also like the way the Merkel action is completely sealed - there's no bolt flying back towards one's face. To me it's a lot less distracting cycling the action and staying on target.

Otherwise I completely agree. I LOVE the cocking mechanism and I completely agree with the principal of having zero pressure on the firing mechanism until cocked. To me this is much safer than any traditional mechanical safety. I didn't find the cocking device difficult to master at all. To me and my thinking it was very natural.

My only regret with the Merkel is the lack of truly large caliber cartridges. I have mine in 6.5x55 and 9.3x62. IMO, there's no reason why Merkel couldn't release this rifle in 416 Ruger. I may try to make that happen one day...

Anyway, I agree on the whole.

11 September 2015, 12:00

nickh

Another great feature of the Blaser R8 is the IC control. If you match it up with the Zeiss IC scopes, the illumination switches on and off automatically on cocking and decocking.

you do get use to the cocking mechanism. i like the fact that its loaded and ready to rock with the scope illuminated once the gun is cocked.

I am a big convert to this platform, got 2 R8's with numerous barrels upto 500J.Have used it on 4 safaris taking buff and plains game with it so far.
all are super accurate.

CHEERS

Nick

11 September 2015, 13:14

rnovi

The IC stuff is kinda cool.

On the other hand it's not a big deal really to use a VX6 IL and just change the $2 CR2032 battery once a hunting season.

11 September 2015, 17:39

cnm123

I made the switch 2 years ago and used my Blaser 416 Rem Mag in Tanzania with great success. My Blaser is the most accurate rifle I have ever owned. One warning I have a gunsafe full of bigbore rifles that are redundant every trip I plan is with my Blasér.

11 September 2015, 19:26

Biebs

My disciples speak the truth! Heed them well, you infidels!!!

11 September 2015, 19:37

rodell

Still wearing heels, eh Biebs??

11 September 2015, 19:49

PSmith

Well, I am a fan of the cocking device on the Blaser, Merkel, Krieghoff etc. Of course, you cannot accidently cock or decock these rifles given the resistance of the device.

As many of you guys know, I took my 15 year old son to Zim in July. He used a Merkel Helix .300WM and I think the rifle was very safe and easy to use because of the cocking device and the detachable magazine. In 15 days we did not have one time where he covered anyone with the muzzle or had the rifle cocked before it was on the sticks. I told him every single morning his number one responsibility was to not shoot someone. And I would see him reach back all the time while the rifle was on the sling to check to see if it was decocked.

I do wish the Merkel had a .375 H&H and .416 Rem. barrel option though.

As for the Blasers, I really like the looks of that Classic Sporter model with the 'normal' wooden stock.

11 September 2015, 20:53

Beretta682E

I like the look of the safari synthetic rifle. The one Biebs has.

I think wood is wasted on a Blaser - it's a tool and a very safe and well designed too but that is it.

I would use Blaser mainly for dangerous game stuff - if I am hunting say in bostwana with Jason bridger at tholo I would simply use my cz ahr as a single shot and load it on the sticks. I really don't care about missing game or being run over by game when I am walking around.

Now if I am hunting with Biebs whole different thing cause I have to back up his marksmanship.

Mike

11 September 2015, 20:56

Biebs

Mikey, the only thing separating you from my rifle is a check! :-)

11 September 2015, 21:11

Beretta682E

Speaking to Leon he told me gun was a Remington 700 custom.

A crappy unsafe action.

My most accurate rifle is a Remington custom shop 700 in 7mm - I hate the gun. Recoil is nasty and I don't trust Remington actions - excellent for a range or target gun.

I would not hunt with it.

I should sell it - Biebs you want a left handed 7mm for your crappy blaser

Mike

11 September 2015, 21:14

T.J.

If I admit to owning a Blaser R8 do I get kicked out of the DRSS?

11 September 2015, 21:55

rnovi

quote:
Originally posted by T.J.:
If I admit to owning a Blaser R8 do I get kicked out of the DRSS?

Only if you admit to actually liking it.

11 September 2015, 22:15

pagosawingnut

quote:
Originally posted by Sean Russell:
quote:
Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
Always having been a Remington fan, I made the switch to the Blaser R8 3 years ago and have NOT looked back. They definitely are one of the safest rifles on the market today. Accurate, fast and the ability to own one frame and multiple barrels is a definite plus. You can afford it so make the jump. If Biebs doesn't do you right, let me know. I can sell you one also.

Well

Anything is an improvement over a Remington.

Obviously your upbringing lacked..........

12 September 2015, 10:35

RyanB

I don't have any issues with M70s or M98s with regards to safety but the R-8 is interesting for it's small size when packed for travel.

12 September 2015, 19:28

Biebs

Yes, pick your scoped barrels, put them in the travel case with the stock, and off you go with something that looks like a large briefcase.

12 September 2015, 21:27

LJS

If I remember correctly, the AD that hit the PH was a follow up shot on a wildebeest. If it was an immediate second shot, probably no safety engagement just like any other rifle. Poor gun handling more than the weapon I suspect.
I carry my rifles with an empty chamber and decocked. I load the magazine and holding the shells down close the bolt and hold the trigger back thus decocking the rifle and having an empty chamber.
The Blaser rifles interest me and I have had conversations with Lord Biebs about them. I worry about their lack of simplicity. Lots of parts and how they function when dusty. I have never seen an owner who did not love his gun. Likewise I have never talked to a PH that wasn't just lukewarm about Blaser bolt rifles.
I see one in my future but I don't know if I would use one for dangerous game. I just fear something breaking.
I hesitate to submit this since the only thing you can post that will get you in more hot water is a negative Leupold comment.

12 September 2015, 21:34

pagosawingnut

LJS

I've taken 3 cape buffalo with the R8. Have no qualms about it at all. They work just fine in the dusty surroundings of Zim.

12 September 2015, 21:45

Biebs

Lou, not really complex, it's just that it's designed to be modular, where the major components interchange. The components themselves are not complex.

13 September 2015, 00:48

Beretta682E

Biebs/Rick

Anyway to set the r-8 that every trigger pull requires cocker to be used ?

I will take the risk of getting whacked by a buff before a ad. I am working under the assumption I have a competent ph and in the real world often the bigger risk in a follow up is a client than the wounded game.

Mike

13 September 2015, 01:33

Beretta682E

quote:
Originally posted by LJS:

I carry my rifles with an empty chamber and decocked. I load the magazine and holding the shells down close the bolt and hold the trigger back thus decocking the rifle and having an empty chamber.

I do the same with my CZ - this is the main issue.

A lot of rifles you cannot engage the safety unless the gun is cocked - I know in my cz you cannot.

So you are walking around with the gun as safe as you can carry for hunting purposes but the gun visually is identical to when it is Hot - loaded and off safety to shoot. I don't like that at all. People error - everybody errors - unless one is Moses, Jesus, Mohammad or Buddha I work under the assumption they (I most included) will error in something. Having a gun look identical on safest hunting carry to when it is Hot scares me cause in lapse one can forget it is loaded and hot and visual checking reconfirms a flawed dangerous assumption as being very safe.

Why I am looking at the newer generation cocker rifles. I love my classic masuer action CZ rifles and will always have them but I also want to look at safer modern alternatives.

Mike

13 September 2015, 06:08

pagosawingnut

I don't believe there is a way. Although you can cycle the bolt, release the trigger and re-insert, or take it off of "Cocked" with pressure on the cocker.

13 September 2015, 06:54

LJS

I have seen some guns carried in a strange manner in Africa. I have seen three different PHs carry their rifle off safe with a round in the chamber and the bolt raised slightly. They claimed it was a safe way to carry and when pressed into action simply slapping the bolt down was fastest for them. One actually had his tracker walking in front with the gun facing forward on his shoulder in that position. The best explanation I got was from a PH who said his safety didn't work so that was how he carried it. When I asked when the safety broke his answer was a while ago.

13 September 2015, 08:00

Beretta682E

quote:
Originally posted by LJS:
I have seen some guns carried in a strange manner in Africa. I have seen three different PHs carry their rifle off safe with a round in the chamber and the bolt raised slightly. They claimed it was a safe way to carry and when pressed into action simply slapping the bolt down was fastest for them. One actually had his tracker walking in front with the gun facing forward on his shoulder in that position. The best explanation I got was from a PH who said his safety didn't work so that was how he carried it. When I asked when the safety broke his answer was a while ago.

Hunt west africa and you will see much worse gun safety.

African hunting does not have a culture of gun safety. Neither do we here in the US.

THe guns we hunt with are very dangerous and to date most of the PH getting shot in africa have been lucky - getting hit in extremeties (arms and legs) or in Stu case being luck in one sense to be shot with a solid instead of a barnes tsx - he would have been dead in that case.

I am only hunting with PHs I know or with who close experienced friends have hunted and who show good gun safety. I plan to be as safe as I can be with my equipment and gun handling and still hunt.

Mike

15 September 2015, 15:18

Wowo

Beretta682E
I won't hesitate in getting one. I've had mine a year or so but haven't had the opportunity to use. Been town-bound. Recently got an opportunity to use it while guiding and its fantastic!
Initially I has some serious reservations.. however these were put to rest when I shot a problem lion with it and zebra, 416 Rem.
All my preconceived fears were quelled!
I have a the R8 professional steel receiver stock. Working on adding the standard professional stock so I have two rifles..

Barrels
500 Jeffery
375 H&H
7mm Rem Mag

To round out the package I have a 577 ;-)

15 September 2015, 18:43

Biebs

Wowo, I did that same thing. I have the steel-action Safari Pro, but bought an identical regular Pro stock so I can reduce gun weight when using the smaller barrels. I have barrels in 458 Lott, 375 H&H, 300 Win Mag, 308, and 243.

15 September 2015, 21:23

Brandon.Gleason

quote:
Originally posted by Biebs:
Yes, pick your scoped barrels, put them in the travel case with the stock, and off you go with something that looks like a large briefcase.

Biebs, how does that work with countries that have a rifle quantity import restriction? Is that considered one rifle still? Or is each barrel count as a rifle for you?

15 September 2015, 21:54

Biebs

Brandon, not sure....perhaps others know?

16 September 2015, 03:05

rodell

My only experiences were with Namibia and Argentina, and, they treated each barrel like a rifle for import and ammo.

Biebs: You have a lot of catching up to do do with PagosaWingNut and I in the barrel department.

16 September 2015, 19:46

Biebs

quote:
Biebs: You have a lot of catching up to do do with PagosaWingNut and I in the barrel department.

Yes, when I had an R93, I had as many as 13 barrels at one time. With the R8, I'm sure I'll pick up more barrels as I need them, but I pretty much have every situation covered with what I have now.

16 September 2015, 19:49

rodell

quote:
Originally posted by Biebs:
quote:
Biebs: You have a lot of catching up to do do with PagosaWingNut and I in the barrel department.

Yes, when I had an R93, I had as many as 13 barrels at one time. With the R8, I'm sure I'll pick up more barrels as I need them, but I pretty much have every situation covered with what I have now.

Need is hardly in play.

17 September 2015, 00:12

Biebs

quote:
Need is hardly in play.

Never has been :-)

17 September 2015, 17:11

larryshores

quote:
Originally posted by Beretta682E:
I am leaning toward moving to the Blaser R-8 platform for my hunting rifle.

This move is driven mainly by safety given that my PH and friend in ZiM - Leon Duplessis is in a hospital in Jo Burg with a AD that put a 375 H&H Barnes TSX thru his right leg. No bone was hit and I hope to hunt with him next year.

I have spoken to the leader of the Dark Side Biebs 1000 times about it and but never closed the deal for some reason.

What the Blaser R-8 gives me

(1) Manual Cocking Mechanism - i just think this is super safe. I think the manual cocking is not as smooth and easy as the safety on my rifle. I joke with Biebs that he chopped off half his right thumb just so he could operate the cocking mechanism better.

The issue I have had in Africa is after 44 days in the field the stock on my 375H&H was pretty beaten up. Going thru bushes with thorns beat up the stock but I am always worried that a small stick or something could set entangled in the trigger guard.

I also hunt with a illuminated swarovski Z6 and I have a ritual - I get on the sticks I turn on the illumination on the reticle and then I take off the safety on the rifle if I have a round chambered. Most times I don't have a round chambered - so I am chambering the round too. Why I don't like hunting with an AR platform gun in the US - just to noisy to operate.

I just feel that a manual cocker on the R-8 is much safer. It is not as smooth in operation and that cocker required a bit of force to operate. Also I dont think I am ever going to be as serious about hunting so if I miss a giant eland or kudu cause I was noisy or slow I can live with it.

(2) Detachable Trigger - I like the fact I can take out the trigger and the magazine and give a totally inoperable gun to guys in the back of the truck or just leave in camp at lunch at night ect.

Now I dont know if the Blaser trigger will standup to 100 or a 1000 detachments.

I also use a sling and keep a pretty close eye on my muzzle. I also walk at the very end of the line.

With my CZ with when I have a un chambered gun the safety is on fire. I cannot put the safety on without chambering a round. I just don't like that. Normally when I give a rifle to be stored in the truck. I make sure it is unloaded and point the gun straight up towards the sky and pull the trigger to make sure it is unloaded and uncocked and them hand it to the tracker.

I am just trying to find methods of carrying a very large and dangerous gun with the least amount of risk. Also adjusting gun choice and shooting/safety steps for all the stuff that happens like going thru brush, handing guns to other people (trackers) when getting on the truck ect.

Any thoughts?

Mike

Thoughts? Yes. Biebs is a bad influence!