Just to hopefully save any other Blaser R93 9.3x62 owners from the problems I've experienced. While field testing for my Aug Zimbabwe buff hunt I had the following failure to feed - with a variety of ammo incl Lapua 286gr SPs the bottom cartridge in the mag migrated forward under recoil and tipped up the front of the one above leading to the bolt failing to pick up the cartridge. Result bang bang click! This is probably unique to this calibre as it uses the same mag as 30-06 etc but the rifle as set up for me had the mag well long enough to take .416 Rem cartridges. Blaser have probably corrected the problem (I haven't been able to get to the range for weeks to test it) by providing me with a larger rubber insert to fill the front of the mag and prevent cartridges moving forward. There is also apparently a 'new improved' magazine which will hold cartridges more firmly which is on the way to me.
I'm very relieved I discovered the problem before arriving in Africa or while firing follow-up shots at a buff. Blaser have been very unapologetic and not acknowledged the major financial and safety implications involved. I am still waiting months later to hear whether they are going to warn/trace 9.3 owners and amend the product manual to stipulate the requirement for the appropriate insert etc. Incidentally - another example of the need to test extensively before going on safari - the Swiss Arms SHR 970 in 9.3x62 I bought as a back-up failed to feed all the factory loads and reloads available to me, but ONLY when the action was cycled really fast.I have been satisfied with the Blaser system for deerstalking etc (I have 3 barrels and 2 stocks), but cannot recommend them for dangerous game.

Interesting story!

Well I'm not a Blaser owner, if I want something that I can play with and construct myself I go with LEGO .

Good luck with you further testings.

Regards

Mads

Well said Mads!!
Cducat.
Thanks for shering it with us.

Thanks for the comments, guys - well, guess which rifle is going with me - my old .375 H&H Winchester Classic Stainless, the one I had put away in disgust due to the open sights being crooked, the finish agricultural etc, but it's growing on me now that it's got decent express sights, the barrel 22 inches to improve the balance, the trigger job done etc! One of the reasons I played with the Blaser was for the convenience of being able to travel with it in an inconspicuous suitcase in these post 9/11 days.

[ 07-11-2002, 12:08: Message edited by: cducat ]

Cducat.
Now you're talking rifle!!
I was'nt meant to offend you.
Blazer is a very accurate rifle, but not for me.
I'm a sworen classic bolt action -guy!

MADS

Most of my friends call it the IKEA rifle since you get a hex wrench in the package and some parts

Stuff from Ikea and Blaser never seems to fit or function properly.

Isn't LEGO a Danish invention

JOHAN

[ 07-12-2002, 20:46: Message edited by: JOHAN ]

Well to true about the Blaser: It is a good rifle rifle for many things - I just don't like it!

It truly makes me think of LEGO or IKEA - not that there is anything wrong with them, but tehy want go with me on hunt!

The Blaser gives a good oppotunity to try differnet things (eventhoug I like one rifle for every caliber not every caliber for one rifle) , I just don't trust it in the longrun on hunts.

I know some African PH's who hates them, they have just seen them jam to often after being filled with dust and so.

For regular hunting I believe that a Blaser is as good as any rifle. But you often hear people who just buy a new barrel zero it and go hunting with out testing if everything matches and works - they just trust blindly in the Blaser consept.

So the real winner here is the Blaser owner CDUCAT - because you went out and tested the gear before you brought it hunting.

Best Regards

Mads

Mads

How kind you are

One caliber, one rifle

JOHAN