What's a Blaser R8/R93? Answer to the Question

[rodell]

"Addicted" PM'ed me on another forum and asked me to offer some information about the Blaser modular rifles.  So ...

The Blaser R8/R93 rifles are unique in today's marketplace.  They are a straight pull action, and, allow you to change barrels, scopes, actions, and calibers with a minimum of fuss.  The action is very fast and after some practice you can cycle it without removing it from your shoulder.

The system is inherently "safe" in that you don't cock the rifle until ready to fire.  What you might think of as a safety is actually cocking the rifle for shooting.  It can't fire if it isn't set.

The scope mount system allows you to remove the scope/mount combination and replace it without any loss of zero.  That's been proven over and over.  On trips I can carry a pre-zeroed scope and change out without any issue and with complete confidence.  Also, I can switch scopes as the conditions or quarry change without worry.

I can change calibers in less than 5 minutes, closer to two.  I might hunt in the morning with a large bore, shoot varmints during the day, and return to the large bore in the evening.  Same stock, same trigger pull, pretty much same weight and balance.

The locking mechanism is also unique.  Rather than a turn bolt engaging lugs, it is a set of radial "fingers" that completely encircle the case head and lock into the barrel. The design also makes the overall length a couple of inches shorter than a conventional turn bolt.  Very handy.  The barrels are a nitrided steel and and very, very hard.  Some gunsmiths won't even touch them due to tool breakage.

The rifles are available in a variety of calibers, both US-centric and European.  The R93 has been out longer and has a wider variety of calibers available.  It is about 8 ounces lighter than the R8, which was only recently introduced and is capable of larger calibers than the R93 (in addition to the smaller ones).

Most Blaser rifles are very accurate.  I have barrels in 6.5x55, .30-06, and 9.3x62 and all are capable of sub-moa groups.  Barrels are available in differing lengths, calibers, and weights.  I can pack two or more barrels on a trip in a take down case and it isn't even recognized as a rifle.

I find this is the only rifle I need, and, collecting to make it more flexible is addictive.  I have plenty of others but they don't get used as much as the Blaser.  Now, I am not a Blaser employee.  I'm just a regular guy who was intrigued and bought in and am not disappointed.  This is not an inexpensive endeavor, though.  They are fine rifles and they cost a bunch, but not more than a custom rifle.

More information is available at http://www.blaser-usa.com and http://www.blaser-usa.com/r8/.

I'd be happy to answer any questions, as long as they are about "why did I spend this kind of money" and equally nonsensical crap.  If you want to know about my experiences and the rifle, I'm happy to oblige.

[jackelope]

How much do the barrels cost?
You can have multiple scopes sighted for the same barrel, is that what you're saying? Couldn't you do that with some QD rings with just about any scope/rifle?
Very cool rifle with a neat design.
I'm a fan of the barrel switching thing but I do it with the T/C Encores at this time. I do agree with the addictive collecting thing.

[jackelope]

p.s. Welcome to the site! and thanks for the info.
Please do stick around and share some stories and pics! We like that.

[addicted]

Thanks for coming over Rodell,

Jackelope,

many regular new barrels go for around a grand as far as i've seen if they dont have any special contour or fluting. You see used ones around for as low as 600.

many american QD rings only return to within 1 MOA and most can be shifted by the user adding more or less pressure than the last time they mounted the scope.

[rodell]

How much do the barrels cost?
You can have multiple scopes sighted for the same barrel, is that what you're saying? Couldn't you do that with some QD rings with just about any scope/rifle?
Very cool rifle with a neat design.
I'm a fan of the barrel switching thing but I do it with the T/C Encores at this time. I do agree with the addictive collecting thing.

Barrels cost $900-$1800, depending on what you get(sights, flutes, etc.)

Yes, you can have multiple scopes for the same barrel.  The QD rings are pretty good, in my opinion, but not perfect.  You can take a Blaser mount on and off fifty times and it will not move.  The design means it has to go back into exactly the same place. (Precision circles).  Some people disassemble their rifle to pack into the high country and assemble when they get to their lookout.  I wouldn't do that with QD rings but I would with the Blaser mount.  However, like everything Blaser, they sock it to you.

[jackelope]

thanks for the info.
I don't do QD rings anyway so it's a non-issue...I would really have trust issues with them.
Those Blasers are beautiful rifles. I'd really be afraid to use one I guess. My stepdad just bought a new Blaser high rib clays gun...wow...beautiful weapon also. I saw the Blaser rifle you guys are talking about reviewed on one of the gun shows on TV and they spoke very highly of it.

[addicted]

there are some sweet package deals out there for the R8 that include a zeiss scope and a bunch of other goodies.

[carpsniperg2]

Great info. Welcome to site. I have looked at them more then a few times. One of these days I will add one to my collection.

[addicted]

Great info. Welcome to site. I have looked at them more then a few times. One of these days I will add one to my collection.

I knew you'd catch this thread carp.
did you get my pm?

[addicted]

3 Shots from my New R8 @ 100 meters.