Anyone shoot blaser r93 in .375 or 416 rem.
What do you think. whats a good load.

I shot one in .416 it had the factory recoil reducer in the stock and was quite pleasant to shoot and VERY accurate. With the factory iron "express" sights I was able to put three shots into under 2 inches at 100 yards.

I don't know what the load was besides that it was factory Superior 400gr barnes solids.

As for a 375 H&H, 70 grains of RL-15 pushing a 300 gr TBBC shoots great in mine.

I have shot 40 rounds through a friends 419 R-93. Some with iron some with a scope. It had the kick stop in the stock. The recoil was not bad. The rifle shot very accurately.
I would already have a 416 Blaser bbl if all my big bores were not Doubles. I may get one anyway. I have tried to get Blaser to make me a 458 bbl... but they said NO!

I have 2 375 bbls, the 19 3/4" Tracker bbl and the standard [not Safari] bbl. Both shoot very well out to 200 yards, the farthest I have tested them on paper. I have several other Blaser bbls including a 28GA. shotgun bbl. I have never had a malfunction of any kind.

When I shoulder a Blaser with the Safari bbl the iron sights line up perfectly.
If you scope your R-93 be sure and get the European quick throw lever mount, it goes on and off without tools and goes back to zero 100%.
The American mount with the allen screws also goes back to zero 100% but you need an allen wrench to remove/install it. The European QD mount is much handier. I always detach the scope and put it in my carry on.

If you get a Blaser R 93 it will be accurate, will have a great trigger, will handle like a fine shotgun, IT will WORK. It will Feed, Extract, and Eject.

I have a .375 H&H barrel for my R93. Can't say I have used it a whole bunch until now (2 musk-ox, if memory serves), but when I have, it has worked just fine. I intend to take it to Africa next time I go, it is just too practical for travel to consider another rifle. Besides I like the manual cocking feature and the short length.

My barrel is a standard contour, and goes onto my standard synthetic stock. The stock has been made a tad heavier with some epoxy in the foreend, foam in the buttstock plus a Decelerator pad.

I agree with NE about the scope mount. The Euro version of the Blaser saddle mount is a lot easier to work with. I have one US version (hex screws) and countless Euro mounts - much the better system.
- mike

I have taken many big game animals with my R93 in .375 H&H Mag., including lion, leopard, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, etc.

I recommend that you install a Blaser "Kickstop" recoil reducer in the buttstock, and a counterweight (I use the small Breako reducer) in the fore end for balance. Without these, you will have about a 6.75 lb. .375, or about 7.75 lbs. with scope, and that's too light!

On mine, I also have an Answer Products recoil pad and muzzle brake, but only use the brake at the range. The Answer pad is very effective--much better than the thin and hard Blaser pad.

As others have said, the Blaser is pretty much a one hole rifle with the right ammunition. And very handy and quick into action as well. It unfailingly returns to zero after dismantling and reassembly and is just about the most reliable rifle I have ever used.

My .375 will shoot any ammo very well, but I have settled on a couple of factory loads for hunting.

I use the Austrian Hirtenberger ammo with the 272 grain ABC bullet (it's very similar to the Trophy Bonded Bearclaw in construction), which gets 2,700 fps in my rifle's 25.3 inch barrel. This ammo is no longer made, as far as I know, but it can be found from time to time. I have built up a good stockpile of it because it is so good.

For solids, I use the Federal Premium 300 grain Trophy Bonded Sledgehammer. Also accurate and reliable. Good shooting and good luck!

the only thing i dont like about the blaser is that your paying 4000$ for the damn thing and all it comes in is 375 and 416 and above all else its only a push feed. heck the scope mounts cost 300$+ sqrew that..... id rather just shoot my double rifles. or my ruger 1 416 rigby has great accuracy and was much cheaper and is built like a shit brick house.

700, you're right about the price. The weak dollar has driven Blaser prices through the roof here in the USA.

But I've had both of my R93s for many years now and didn't pay more than $1,500 for the more expensive of the two, IIRC. They are excellent rifles, but I would definitely NOT pay $4,000 for one today.

As for push feeding, the geometrics of the bolt, magazine and chamber are such that the cartridge is under control at all times. Mine will feed reliably and quickly in any position, including upside down--I know because I tried it once for the helluvit!

quote:

Originally posted by 700 nitro:
the only thing i dont like about the blaser is that your paying 4000$ for the damn thing and all it comes in is 375 and 416 and above all else its only a push feed. heck the scope mounts cost 300$+ sqrew that..... id rather just shoot my double rifles. or my ruger 1 416 rigby has great accuracy and was much cheaper and is built like a shit brick house.

I don't know which version you have been pricing, but Heritage Arms will sell you a .375 H&H with a synthetic stock, including one scope mount, for $2264. Nope not exactly cheap, but quite a way from $4000 - which I'm convinced you can pay if you look at one of the expensive models. But for a rifle to actually use, the synthetic will do just fine...

Heritage also lists the scope mounts for $227, a far cry your $300+. Unless you absolutely insist on having the Blaser in .416 Rem, all the standard barrels will fit the same stock. If you MUST have a .416 Rem and don't care about a slight gap in your barrel inletting, you can also use all standard barrels - otherwise you are limited to the heavy barrels. So all in all, you are indeed pretty "limited" in the Blaser with respect to calibers. Let me see, starting at .222 Rem and ending at .416 Rem - all in the same rifle, same trigger, same stock. That is a pretty tough constraint. (But I guess you are talking about heavy calibers ...)


- mike

quote:

Originally posted by mrlexma:
As for push feeding, the geometrics of the bolt, magazine and chamber are such that the cartridge is under control at all times. Mine will feed reliably and quickly in any position, including upside down--I know because I tried it once for the helluvit!

Mrlexma,

Ditto I've tried it as well. It is a push feed but it's an entirley diferent animal than your fathers push feed. The "Feed lips" maintain control of the round until it's most of the way into the chamber.

I am not really hot on the R-93 but it is a fine shooting peice of equipment and smooth and and fast to operate.

I shot doubles and Mausers up to .500 jeffery.

But what I really love and hunting with for the last 10 years is my R93, in africa .416 RemMag, .458 Lott and .500 jeffery. For the latter two don´t ask me from US.

Norbert,

You can't tease us like that.

How did you manage to get .458 Lott and .500 Jeffery barrels for an R93?

Norbert
Please tell us how you got a 458 bbl to fit your Blaser. I have talked to the "factory people" in person 3 times. The "rumor" I hear is they have feeding problems with round nose bullets, but the Barnes X bullets feed fine.

blaser93,

Hi N E 450 No2,

I've got a .375 H&H barrel purchased from a hunting buddy on my R93. He had it Magna-Ported so that's the way I inherited it. It shoots GREAT! Never had a hick-up with it. It's mounted with a S&B 6x42 and a 2xAimPoint in Blaser mounts, great combo's. Since I've already got a Winchester Model 70 .375 H&H I just used the same loads that I had developed for it and got great feeding & accuracy. Net, since I full-length resize I don't have any issues with interchangeability.

As for the .416 Remington, I shot an aquaintence's R93 in that caliber and IMHO it is ALOT of barrel for the R93 Blaser which is not excatly a heavy gun in the first place. One shot in a standard Blaser R93 w/plastic but cap sent me straight to the car to get the BIG sissy bag. This is the one caliber Blaser offers in the R93 that I would definately get the Kickstop, Magna-Porting and add the heaviest accessories I could.

Cheers,

Gerry

quote:

Originally posted by mrlexma:
Norbert,

You can't tease us like that.

How did you manage to get .458 Lott and .500 Jeffery barrels for an R93?

I cooperation with a gunsmith, who was formerly with Blaser and has access to the necessary workshops, I arranged the manufacture of some barrels and how to modify the magazin box. But export is not possible, so it is only a possibility in germany.

Hi,

See also my other post on R93 as DG rifle here

Concerning recoil (based on my expericence with the "Offroad" (i.e. plastic stock) modell in .416 Rem), I found it a lot less pleasant to shoot than my .416 Rigby (Ruger MK77 based), even with Magna-Port and recoil reducer installed (I thing it's just to light for that caliber, however a wooden stock instead of the plastic one might help).

In .375 I was suprised how low the perceived recoil was, both with the heavy safari barrel, as well as with the newer "normal" .375 barrel w/ standard dimensions. (I do not own a .375 barrel (yet), however I had quite some opportunity to shoot with both .375 barrels)

Regards, 500NE

NE500,

Welocme to AR forums!

I am in complete agreement with you.

The.416 Rem wasn't much fun but the sissy bag tamed it, although walking around the bush with a sandbag glued to your shoulder isn't practical!

The standard contour .375 H&H barrel on my OffRoad is just fine, with the Magna-Porting, even better.

Gerry

Gerry and Norbert, You guys obviously like your Blasers and, if you can live with only two calibers available for DG (I won't count Norbert's custom possibities as available to the average shopper), a limited number of rounds in the box (can't put more than 3 of the big ones down can you?), the total lack of options for safeties (Mauser flag type, two position or three position Winchester type), the impossibility of putting a peep site or ghost ring on it, the impossibility of putting claw mounts on it (the fastest quick release system), the high price of the scope mounts, the debatable reliability in dusty conditions, the ghastly aesthetics and the premium price for an industrially made product, then they are the right rifle. I would submit that the CZ 550 barreled action I purchased in 416 Rigby, to which I bolted on a MacMillan stock for a total cost of about 1,000 Euros is a better rifle for DG in African conditions. I could buy two (and probably will since the arrival of the new CZ in 404 Jeffery)for the price of one R93.

Wink,

My take on your objections:

1. Live with only two DG calibers. There are actually four DG calibers in the Blaser line up. You omitted the 9.3x62mm and 9.3x64mm.

2. Three down and one up the spout. Would five or six be better? Yes. Are four too few? No.

3. No safety options. One doesn't need options for safeties when one has the safest firing mechanism made: a decocker.

4. No aperture sight option. That's no drawback in the eyes of many if not most DG hunters, the vast majority of whom use scopes or open express sights.

5. No claw mounts. I find it hard to understand how you can claim that the impossiblity of installing claw mounts is a drawback and at the same time complain about the "high price" of the Blaser saddle mount--which does come in QD style, BTW. The Blaser saddle mount is far more robust, as quickly and easily removed and far less expensive than claw mounts.

6. Debatable reliability in dusty conditions. This is nonsense. I have carried and used my R93 in places where the dust was so thick that my scope lenses were nearly translucent and the Blaser's action rails made grinding noises when I cycled the action. It functioned and fired without fail. Utter nonsense.

7. Ghastly aesthetics. To each his own. But if you don't like the looks of a Blaser Synthetic or Offroad, then you don't like the looks of any synthetic stocked rifle.

8. High price. I'll give you this one.

9. Industrially made product. All rifles these days are industrially made products, unless you only buy bespoke English doubles.

10. CZs are better and cheaper. I'll give you this one too, with a qualifier. I own CZs and love them. Properly tricked out--at some considerable expense--they are better DGRs than Blasers. But don't kid yourself, the tricking out can be costly.

A chacun son gout.

GENT'S
My question on the blaser .375 and .416
have been answered, Very helpful.
I am just a wrench turner who loves hunting and guns. I scraped and saved to buy my blasers.
At the time they were not so expensive. I now
have three synthitic , lx and a luxus that I
stold at a good price .plus five barrels. I bought this for easy take down , to help on trips. It made airline travel much better, no
big case. Thanks for all your help, enjoyed
all the replys.

mrlexma,
I think we are actually in agreement, we're talking about options as opposed to absolutes. If you don't think CRF is all it's supposed to be, if you don't want a caliber like 404 Jeffery or 416 Rigby, if you don't want or need the options for mounting another type of rear iron sight other than express or leaf type, if you don't need to have the same safety mechanism you may already have on other rifles in your battery, if you don't think 4 down and 1 up is better than less, if you don't want or need the option of low cost Talley QD rings or expensive claw mounts and if you don't mind spending more for the basic rifle, and if you like the Blaser's aesthetics, then I agree, the Blaser is not only a viable option but has take-down and barrel changing options that cost quite a bit in other rifles. The old Mauser based actions have been around so long that there is a myriad of options which allow us all to tinker and fuss about minor details which we may think are important (even when they are not) whereas the Blaser would seem to be a love it or leave it type product, whatever its strong points, since there isn't much room for modification.

I'm reminded of the famous gun writers product/caliber reviews, "Would I feel ill-equiped with a Blaser R93 in the plains of Africa, no. Would I rather have a rifle with (see all of above), yes."

But I'm learning about this Blaser rifle through all of your comments. I've never seen a Blaser broken down into its parts. What follows are honest questions: How does it compare in the area of diverting gases in the event of case rupture? If I get a stuck case or a serious over-pressure on classic bolt action I can take a wooden mallet and tap up the bolt and then tap it back (I hate the thought and have never done this but I have seen it done). How does one deal with this on a Blaser? Would the hunt with this rifle be over? I know how to change the firing pin and firing pin spring on my bolt actions (and take those spares with me in the bush) and it's not that complicated. Is it as simple on a Blaser?

I lived in Africa for fifteen years and intend to live there again. Gunsmiths are non-existant in the countries I lived in. My context for evaluation is not PH guided safaris, but living in the bush. Can I deal with the minor problems on my own with a Blaser in those conditions, just as well as with a classic bolt action? I am willing to be convinced.

Norbert,

Do you know why Blaser does not offer their rifles to the public in .458 Lott and .500 Jeffery? Demand to support those calibers would seem to be there.

Wink,

If a case ruptured in the chamber of one of my Blasers, I would think that the bolt could be unlocked and pounded back just like any other bolt action. Then, of course, as with any other bolt action, you'd need some kind of stuck case remover to get back into action.

There is a gas bleeder hole at the back of the chamber end of the R93's barrel, but apart from that, I think the breech would be entirely sealed in the event of a case rupture. I have seen pictures of exploded Blasers--the result of massively overpressure handloads--and they are not pretty. But any rifle can be made to blow up by negligent handloading practices and nothing is idiot proof. Idiots are just too ingenious.

On the other hand, I've never had a case rupture in the field in many years of hunting and hope that I never do.


As for field repairs, with the Blaser they are incredibly easy. The entire bolt head, including the firing pin, is removable and interchangeable on the R93 (and comes in four sizes for different cartridge head types). An extra bolt head could easily be carried along if wanted. For that matter, an entire extra bolt assembly, including bolt head, could be brought on a hunt if wanted. Like the bolt heads, the bolt assemblies are also completely interchangeable.

And we haven't even discussed the fact that I can carry two complete rifles in a case the size of a takedown shotgun case, or that one receiver can accommodate barrels in over thirty calibers.

The R93 is a rifle system, more than a rifle, and is not for everyone. But IMO, it is a fine system and ably does what it was designed to do.

quote:

Originally posted by Wink:
I lived in Africa for fifteen years and intend to live there again. Gunsmiths are non-existant in the countries I lived in. My context for evaluation is not PH guided safaris, but living in the bush. Can I deal with the minor problems on my own with a Blaser in those conditions, just as well as with a classic bolt action?

Having owned a Blaser Offroad in 375H&H for a few years, and fiddled around with the bolt quite a lot (including taking it completely apart), I would say that the answer to your question is yes as long as you have the right parts with you. I personally would however choose another rifle (Mauser) for the use you mention.

quote:

Originally posted by ErikD:
I personally would however choose another rifle (Mauser) for the use you mention.

I've used my Blasers almost exclusively for hunting during the last 11-12 years or so, and I could not imagine ever being without one. But, I'd probably agree with Erik in his judgement above. There are rifles that are more rugged than Blasers. Under normal circumstances, the Blaser will continue to do fine, but if you intended to say goodbye to the World for a decade or so... At least bring a back-up...
- mike

I guess one of the many advantages with the Blaser is ease of travel. In the Americase (the size and looks of a trombone case) I can carry the rifle, a complete extra bolt, an additional scoped barrel, as well as all my knives and cleaning supplies. The gun is always dead on when put back together. I have a variety of calibers from .223 to .416 Remington. My original intent was to buy all the Blaser calibers I wanted and then sell most of my other rifles. That never happened. I enjoy hunting with all types of rifles but if all the chips are down and I had to choose one rifle to make the shot it would be the Blaser. These are one of the few rifles you can buy off the shelf and not have to redo everything. The trigger is light and crisp. You don't have to glass bed the action. You don't have to do anything but scope and shoot it. One question above was about not being able to add sights. You can get the safari barrel that comes with sights. Install quick release mounts and you are ready to use the iron sights. Here is a dated picture of my collection. I have added a few since the photo was taken.

Darn M16, I thought I had a few R93 barrels (3 stocks/bolts plus 8 barrels at present), but my modest "collection" pales to insignificance in comparison to yours.

It does look like you need to upgrade at least a few of your scope mounts to the Euro QD version, though. If you'll pardon my saying so. I have a feeling you might have a few of those already, and don't you think they are so much more practical than the screw operated (US version) mount??

Speaking of the AmeriCase for the Blaser, I find it a great pity that they don't do a version of that case, that allows you to carry two complete R93s in one case. Forget about the scopes, with a Blaser you travel with those in your handluggage anyway. But we desperately need a compact case made to accept 2 stocks and 2 (or three) barrels. I wonder if one could have an insert made for the top part of the Americase with cutouts for 1 stock and one barrel. How easy would it be to remove the factory top insert in your opinion??

- mike

Mike,

I have such a case. It holds two complete R93s, one on each "side." It was custom made for me by Americase for the same price as their standard "one rifle plus three barrels" case.

I'll post a picture later when I get time.

Nice collection, M16!

I have a couple of the Euro QD versions of the mounts. Yes they are very practical. To my knowledge they have just become available in the last year or so here. I looked at my Americase and the inserts are glued in so with my luck I would destroy the case trying to remove it. Do you have the canvas cover for yours? If not I would highly reccomend one. Mike that is great to know. I'm gonna have to get one as that has got to be the cat's meow.

M16,

Quite a collection, I'm impressed!
Beside my two plastic stocks, I always wanted to have the LRS version as well!

My priorities changed somewhat in between - I had to get a 500NE Krieghoff fist :-), but as big hole that the 500NE had made in my purse is gradually getting smaller, the LRS is now - again - high on my priority list.

As for the wood stocks, my favorite is the one with wooden sideplates and black receiver - a real beauty!

Many happy shooting & hunting days with your toys!

500NE

Keep it coming guys, I'm learning.

Hi Wink,

One additional point regarding sight option to what has already been said on this topic:

Not widly known, but on custom order Blaser will also install "proper" iron sights!
For my .416 Rem barrel I had Blaser install a wide V-type rear sight with a decent size gold front sight as I found it more suitable for the barrels intended purpose. And gods knows why, I even ended up not having to pay extra for it!

I have even seen classic "express-type" rear sights with folding leaves on an R93 Safari, so it certainly can be done.

Another extremly fast sight option is to put a red dot sight on the Blaser (it actually works on all there models, so not just the R93):

Since we're doing a lot of driven boar hunts here, those are the fastest sight I've came across so far and they would be just about ideal for DG work! I love my Docter Sight for this purpose, since it is incredibly small and I always carry it in my pocket:


(Photo from http://www.docter-germany.com)

Regards, 500NE

M16, Nice set up.
Have you tried the 28 ga. bbl? I have used mine to take ducks, quail, and turkey. I have killed 4 quail with one shot [skillet shot]

For use away from gunsmiths the R 93 is the best rifle around. Think about it. Look at M16's setup. ANY bbl will fit ANY stock [Safari and match bbls need a wider forend], ANY bolt assembly fits any reciever/bbl [with the proper bolt head], any scope mount fits any bbl.
All the spare parts you carry will fit any Blaser R 93. So if you had 2 Blasers and a few spare parts it would be hard to put you out of action.

I do have a safari stock not pictured. I got it along with the 416 barrel as well as a kickstop. I really like the stock design of the R93. Although they are light rifles they just don't seem to kick near as much as my other rifles in larger calibers. I shoot the .416 without the kickstop and while it does get your attention it is not bad.

Here's my Americase:

Yeah, yeah, that is the way the AmeriCase should look! Funnily, after I had written my last reply, I dropped AmeriCase a mail, and they came back to me with the information it was possible to customize. Now I even get to see what it looks like before I order, and I know what the price should be.

This is a great setup.

How do the barrel cutouts work if you remove the scopes?? Do the barrels still stay in place?? I always travel with my scopes in my hand luggage...

When you pack your slings like you do, do they rub on the barrels to the extent you can see it on the finish??

You remove the bolts, because the case is not deep enough to accomodate them in the stock, or simply because the cutouts for the bolts are there??

- mike

Does anyone have the Blaser sling?

If so, have you noticed that the swivels do not fit the studs properly?

The swivel does not close enoough to be relied upon.

M16 GRATE SET UP A BLASER MASTER.
HEY .500 WHY DON'T WE GET TOGETHER AND PETITION
BLASER FOR THE LARGE CALIBERS. THERE ARE ALOT OF US AROUND.I NEED TO GET AN AMERICASE TOO.
KEEP ADDING POSTS I ENJOY READING THEM. I AM ALSO LEARNING FROM THIS.

Mike,

It's a terrific case for traveling--two rifles in a case smaller than most suitcases.

As for your questions:

I don't know how the barrel cutouts would work without the scopes mounted, since I always travel with them mounted and only carry extra scope(s) in hand luggage. But it seems to me that there would be a fair amount of extra space and the barrels might shift around a bit. The divider would keep them from jumping out of their places, though, I think.

The slings don't affect the barrel finish. I wouldn't pack a sling like this with just any rifle, since leather will cause blued steel to rust, but the Blaser finish seems impervious to rust, scratches and finish wear of any kind.

Yes, I remove the bolts because the case is not wide enough to accommodate them in the stocks and I don't want the handles exposed to any undue pressure. On the other hand, the magazine receptacles aren't really necessary, since the magazines can be inserted into the stocks. So, the receptacles can be used to hold other odds and ends if desired.

Sodakhntr.

I use Brownells Latigo slings and Uncle Mike's QD swivels and they work just fine.

MR,

I also use various other swivels as the Blaser stud seems to be a standard dimension.

The Blaser sling however has swivels that appear to be made for a stud that is somewhat thinner than standard.

I have one of these and the swivels are riveted on so I guess I will drill them out and replace.

Was hoping someone could give me some insight as to what the possible intent was for the existing swivels.

I can't figure out what the sling might be made for unless the S2 or some other type of Blaser has slimmer studs.