Blaser R8 Ultimate w/ATZL Trigger

[Mojave]

I have one stock and four barrels here in Germany.

In the states I have gone through this several times and started with the R93 system.

I personally like the R8 better, I don't mind the pound plus increase in weight.

In Germany, it isn't the most popular rifle, but it is in the top 5-8. Cost is prohibitive everywhere on them. They are basically $5000-6000. New barrels are $1500ish.

There are aftermarket barrel options in the USA but both of them are absolute dog shit.

It excels for three or four reasons. Most of which are more important to European consumers who mostly do drive hunts.

1. It wasn't the fastest straight pull, the Strasser is a hell of a lot faster and the Browning Acera is faster still. But it is one of the more accurate straight pull rifles available in Europe. I owned a Savage Impulse and it was crazy accurate. Blaser's have good to great accuracy. Not the best though, and there are a lot of competitors even from the same house brand Sauer and Mauser.

2. The change barrel capability is quick and has high precision. Sauer is not quick, the other options are also not quick. So it single handedly wins in this category. Every Blaser made has this it doesn't matter if it is a single shot, drilling, over and under double, or side by side double.

3. Great trigger, mine is not an Atzl. Still good, not a Bix N Andy though. Atzl is Bix and Andy they make that trigger for Blaser.

4. The Safety is tops. Europeans are kind of used to de-cocker rifles. Blaser started this trend, makes for a very handy rifle as you can carry it loaded with one in the chamber safely.

I do not think it is the best rifle in the world. I think it is a good rifle.

Couple other concepts, good or bad.

1. Blaser was the sole source for parts. You couldn't get a barrel or scope mounts from anyone else. Now there are 8-10 guys making mounts.

2. A couple of guys are making the lower receiver, there is quite a bit of aftermarket stocks available.

3. Barrels are the only problem. There is only one company that was making barrels that was good at it, they are Bix n Andy. They are so busy making triggers they stopped doing that kind of thing. Maybe it will come back. They were not ever nor will they probably ever be imported into the USA.

4. The American ones all sucked, and had major problems and as far s I know they still do. There is an option of buying a used barrel and cutting it off and doing it that way, there is also a company that makes R8 stocks that makes a barrel extension like Bencharmk does for the Sauer SSG.

5. The r8 is heavy. Remington 700 Sendero heavy.

6. If you honestly don't need a 2nd follow up shot for rapid fire on game, such as a driven hunt. Then that part of the rifle is kind of lost on you.

7. Everything made by Blaser is crazy precise and can be taken apart and put together with minimal loss to precision.

 

[Mojave]

German buck like 20 years ago with an R93, a Hungarian buck from last year and a Slovenian fallow buck from last year.

 

[Snowwolfe]

The R8 has other advantages as well. Generally they are shorter than comparable bolt action rifles, they are a “take down” meaning they are much easier to travel with. This is especially useful when flying into an area in a bush plane or getting into camp on a ATV or UTV. Plus it is the safest rifle built that you can carry a round in the chamber.
Finally, the most important factor to me. The left hand bolt. No other rifle manufacturer makes as many left handed rifle calibers as Blaser does. Period.

 

[omicron1792]

The R8 has other advantages as well. Generally they are shorter than comparable bolt action rifles, they are a “take down” meaning they are much easier to travel with. This is especially useful when flying into an area in a bush plane or getting into camp on a ATV or UTV. Plus it is the safest rifle built that you can carry a round in the chamber.
Finally, the most important factor to me. The left hand bolt. No other rifle manufacturer makes as many left handed rifle calibers as Blaser does. Period.

Agree. All my barrels are either 18.5 or 20.5”. But since the magazine is built into the trigger housing the rifle is 3-4” shorter than non Blaser rifles of the same barrel length. That is the ultimate handy rifle and makes using a suppressor awesome.

 

[plebe]

.2. The change barrel capability is quick and has high precision. Sauer is not quick, the other options are also not quick. So it single handedly wins in this category. Every Blaser made has this it doesn't matter if it is a single shot, drilling, over and under double, or side by side double.

Changing the barrel of the Strasser RS is also extremely fast.

1. Push button releasing trigger group to obtain hex key
2. Use hex key to remove single fore-stock bolt
3. Slide fore-stock off
4. Retrieve lever tool from fore-stock
5. Use lever to release barrel clamp
6. Slide barrel off
7. Align pin and slide new barrel on
8. Tighten barrel clamp with lever
9. Put the fore-stock back on
10. Put trigger group back

There’s some things Blaser does better and some things superior about the Strasser, imo. But speed of barrel change is basically a wash between them.

There’s some other really cool straight pull rifles too, but the Blaser is the best supported high end model in the States. I should have got one awhile ago many times when the prices were better.

 

[Kjc103]

I have one stock and four barrels here in Germany.

In the states I have gone through this several times and started with the R93 system.

I personally like the R8 better, I don't mind the pound plus increase in weight.

In Germany, it isn't the most popular rifle, but it is in the top 5-8. Cost is prohibitive everywhere on them. They are basically $5000-6000. New barrels are $1500ish.

There are aftermarket barrel options in the USA but both of them are absolute dog shit.

It excels for three or four reasons. Most of which are more important to European consumers who mostly do drive hunts.

1. It wasn't the fastest straight pull, the Strasser is a hell of a lot faster and the Browning Acera is faster still. But it is one of the more accurate straight pull rifles available in Europe. I owned a Savage Impulse and it was crazy accurate. Blaser's have good to great accuracy. Not the best though, and there are a lot of competitors even from the same house brand Sauer and Mauser.

2. The change barrel capability is quick and has high precision. Sauer is not quick, the other options are also not quick. So it single handedly wins in this category. Every Blaser made has this it doesn't matter if it is a single shot, drilling, over and under double, or side by side double.

3. Great trigger, mine is not an Atzl. Still good, not a Bix N Andy though. Atzl is Bix and Andy they make that trigger for Blaser.

4. The Safety is tops. Europeans are kind of used to de-cocker rifles. Blaser started this trend, makes for a very handy rifle as you can carry it loaded with one in the chamber safely.

I do not think it is the best rifle in the world. I think it is a good rifle.

Couple other concepts, good or bad.

1. Blaser was the sole source for parts. You couldn't get a barrel or scope mounts from anyone else. Now there are 8-10 guys making mounts.

2. A couple of guys are making the lower receiver, there is quite a bit of aftermarket stocks available.

3. Barrels are the only problem. There is only one company that was making barrels that was good at it, they are Bix n Andy. They are so busy making triggers they stopped doing that kind of thing. Maybe it will come back. They were not ever nor will they probably ever be imported into the USA.

4. The American ones all sucked, and had major problems and as far s I know they still do. There is an option of buying a used barrel and cutting it off and doing it that way, there is also a company that makes R8 stocks that makes a barrel extension like Bencharmk does for the Sauer SSG.

5. The r8 is heavy. Remington 700 Sendero heavy.

6. If you honestly don't need a 2nd follow up shot for rapid fire on game, such as a driven hunt. Then that part of the rifle is kind of lost on you.

7. Everything made by Blaser is crazy precise and can be taken apart and put together with minimal loss to precision.

I think the main challenge with the American barrels is that they are not hammer forged. It’s much easier to fit precise tolerances, one to another, when every barrel is literally getting pounded around the exact same mandrel.

My case shoulders expanded exactly three thousands in this particular Blaser barrel. That is excellent performance, a testament to Blaser precision. I have had more than one custom rifle with cases expanding twice that or more.

I am suspicious of some of the negative reports I have read regarding American Blaser barrel makers. There are actually only a handful of them to be found. In one instance, the gentleman ordered a 25-06 AI. Without getting into a lengthy ordeal, an AI cartridge has to chamber with a crush fit or else you may experience case head separation. That’s exactly what happens in his case but only after he sent it back to be re-reamed deeper. My point is that this is a rather unique circumstance.

I’m waiting on a barrel from the same manufacturer in question. Who knows, maybe I too will have a bad experience and be vocal as well.

It should be pointed out that the American manufacturer have some important benefits. One, Blaser is in the stone ages on some of their twist rates. I would have preferred a 6.5 x 47 but the twist rate is 8.6. Why? There are mountains of excellent bullets that just aren’t on the table if you don’t have an 8 twist.

Two, very popular cartridges like 7 PRC, 300 PRC, 22, 6 and 25 Creedmoor, are not available from Blaser.

Three, Blaser charges steep premiums for fluting, threading etc. just having that 17mm cut to 18 inches and threaded was an additional $500. J Sip is half that cost. Again, I’ll know next week if their product compares or not though I suspect it will.

 

[Mojave]

Cutting off an existing Blaser barrel shank or using the Akila barrel shank is the only way to get a barrel as an aftermarket and have any high percentage guarantee of success.

If you spend any time on www.blaserbuds.com or the German hunting forums you will see over and over again anyone buying from the aftermarket Blaser barrel companies in the USA gets a shit product. I am not going to name names. There are two. Neither one of them uses the Akila Shank.

Even Heym, Schutlz and Larsen and Lothar Walther who makes aftermarket Sauer SSG, 202, 404 barrels doesn't make R8 barrels because of the difficulty in doing so.

There is a new post from a few days ago started where someone is complaining again about the aftermarket barrel support.

Blaser will in time support the 7mm and 300 PRC, 22, 6 and 25 Creedmoor if someone buys the barrels. I do not think I would be interested in a 7mm or 300 PRC in a non-Blaser barrel. As I would be concerned with Safety in the side walls of the barrel shank.

I would advise against 223 sized cartridges in the R8 or R93. I never had good luck with them feeding. They shot amazing though.

Blaser must use the CIP twist rates, this is not a choice. So that is why there are some strange twist rates. Getting things changed with CIP is a challenge.

 

[plebe]

I seem to recall the R8 stocks have only about 1/4” drop at heel, which is pretty darn good. But the scope mounting BHs are typically a bit high.

How are you finding cheek weld/eye-scope alignment without add ons?

 

[plebe]

Agree. All my barrels are either 18.5 or 20.5”. But since the magazine is built into the trigger housing the rifle is 3-4” shorter than non Blaser rifles of the same barrel length. That is the ultimate handy rifle and makes using a suppressor awesome.

What does an 18.5” Blaser weigh without the can?

I’m interested in what light configurations weigh in at. Thanks.

 

[Mojave]

They weigh 8-8.5 pounds with a regular 17mm barrel. Depending on bore diameter.

This is for a Pro Success that I have.

I also have a FBT carbon fiber sock coming in June, it is supposed to cut weight by 600 grams basically around 1.2-1.5 pounds.

 

[Mojave]

An R93 with a carbon fiber stock is a super light weight rifle, possibly in the sub 6 pounds range with a cut barrel at 18-120 inches and a carbon fiber stock.

Below is a list of all known aftermarket items for Blaser rifles.

Blaser R8 aftermarket stocks odds and ends first 10 - Blaserbuds; the worlds superlative information source, for these products

 

[Mojave]

Evidence of bad American aftermarket companies.

Jsip and Sons Sent me a Bad Barrel and Broke my Rifle - Blaserbuds; the worlds superlative information source, for these products

Aftermarket Barrels - CAUTION (wish I had known this) - Blaserbuds; the worlds superlative information source, for these products

 

[omicron1792]

Cutting off an existing Blaser barrel shank or using the Akila barrel shank is the only way to get a barrel as an aftermarket and have any high percentage guarantee of success.

If you spend any time on www.blaserbuds.com or the German hunting forums you will see over and over again anyone buying from the aftermarket Blaser barrel companies in the USA gets a shit product. I am not going to name names. There are two. Neither one of them uses the Akila Shank.

Even Heym, Schutlz and Larsen and Lothar Walther who makes aftermarket Sauer SSG, 202, 404 barrels doesn't make R8 barrels because of the difficulty in doing so.

There is a new post from a few days ago started where someone is complaining again about the aftermarket barrel support.

Blaser will in time support the 7mm and 300 PRC, 22, 6 and 25 Creedmoor if someone buys the barrels. I do not think I would be interested in a 7mm or 300 PRC in a non-Blaser barrel. As I would be concerned with Safety in the side walls of the barrel shank.

I would advise against 223 sized cartridges in the R8 or R93. I never had good luck with them feeding. They shot amazing though.

Blaser must use the CIP twist rates, this is not a choice. So that is why there are some strange twist rates. Getting things changed with CIP is a challenge.

I’ve got 4 of those aftermarket barrels and had nothing but success with all of them.

Most have issues with communication of seller and not the product. My products have been flawless. I’ve posted many kills here with them, including elk this past season.

I shot an aftermarket 223 1-7 twist last night. Flawless again.



I think posting info is awesome and people should be aware of the potential problems.

However, I personally have 4 of them. If you don’t have personal experience maybe don’t have personal level of grievance.

I have an Akila shank barrel ordered from evolved ballistics. But it’s been 4 month and I still don’t have it. All my barrels from j sipp came within a month or so.

 

[omicron1792]

What does an 18.5” Blaser weigh without the can?

I’m interested in what light configurations weigh in at. Thanks.

Your other answer was dead on. I have short barrels (18.5-20.5”) and bare they weigh from high 7 to low 8. Not lightweight rifle but not heavy. Now that companies are making carbon fiber after market receivers you can drop another pound or so if you want.

 

[Mojave]

I never posted that I had problems with JSIP.

I have had problems with Elmar's barrels in a 280 Ackley. I have several friends that have problems with other makers.

the problem with Blaser's is everyone thinks they can get around the hardness of the barrel shank, and they can't.

I hope you do not have any problems in the future. My choice is not to use a custom R8 builder that doesn't use the original R8 shank or an Akila one.

 

[Kjc103]

I never posted that I had problems with JSIP.

I have had problems with Elmar's barrels in a 280 Ackley. I have several friends that have problems with other makers.

the problem with Blaser's is everyone thinks they can get around the hardness of the barrel shank, and they can't.

I hope you do not have any problems in the future. My choice is not to use a custom R8 builder that doesn't use the original R8 shank or an Akila one.

I think it’s a fair risk assessment to just stick with Blaser barrels. You know that you will spend a lot but in return, you’re guaranteed an impeccable product.

I do have to point out that you’re reinforcing my point….you had trouble with an AI cartridge. If you read that Blaserbuds thread, I responded to the gentleman that claims J Sip “broke his rifle”. I have included a potential solution if you still have that 280 AI barrel.

In the end, I’m not sure I buy things like the hardness of the steel, machining tolerances or some inherent magic fairy dust being sprinkled on Blaser products. 416R steel is pretty damn hard and it is the standard for accuracy due to its machine-ability. Even Horst Blaser himself was hand making interchangeable parts back in the day.

I’m sure I’ll get the barrel this week. We’ll see what happens.

 

[Kjc103]

I’ve got 4 of those aftermarket barrels and had nothing but success with all of them.

Most have issues with communication of seller and not the product. My products have been flawless. I’ve posted many kills here with them, including elk this past season.

I shot an aftermarket 223 1-7 twist last night. Flawless again.

View attachment 887722

I think posting info is awesome and people should be aware of the potential problems.

However, I personally have 4 of them. If you don’t have personal experience maybe don’t have personal level of grievance.

I have an Akila shank barrel ordered from evolved ballistics. But it’s been 4 month and I still don’t have it. All my barrels from j sipp came within a month or so.

Do you have any trouble feeding .223 cartridges ad was reported? I plan on getting a .223 trainer barrel next.

 

[omicron1792]

I never posted that I had problems with JSIP.

I have had problems with Elmar's barrels in a 280 Ackley. I have several friends that have problems with other makers.

the problem with Blaser's is everyone thinks they can get around the hardness of the barrel shank, and they can't.

I hope you do not have any problems in the future. My choice is not to use a custom R8 builder that doesn't use the original R8 shank or an Akila one.

I see. My bad bro.

No problems so far. But I am excited to get my 22 creed with proof barrel made on Akila shank.

That said, It does take a one piece barrel and turns it into two (Akila shank and the proof barrel). So by nature it adds a failure point the j sipp barrels don’t have.

 

[omicron1792]

Do you have any trouble feeding .223 cartridges ad was reported? I plan on getting a .223 trainer barrel next.

No I don’t. But I’ve read about that too.

The magazine insert does allow for loading about as long of ammo as you want. I’m not a reloader but you could shoot 88’s in there if you wanted.

 

[Mojave]

There is something going on with the shanks of Blaser barrels that no one has been able to duplicate. I don't think it is black magic, I think it is a choice of steel hardening.

Here in Europe Blaser has the problem of having a very big and litigation happy defense team they have all the little guys scared.

My gunsmith in Austria says that they stopped selling him parts to build his FBT rifles stuff so he just found another dealer that he could order at volume and only have a small markup.