blaser r8 safari outdoor

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R8 safari questions

• Thread starter mms45
• Start date Feb 20, 2024
• Feb 20, 2024

So I have the itch to get an R8 in 458 Lott. This will be my first R8. I was looking for feed back on the configuration, from what I have gathered there are 3 options alloy with kick off should be a 9lb rifle so little light but more usable with other calibers, steel receiver with out kick off what would this weigh? And steel with kick off the heaviest, is the kick off user removable? I have a cz550 in 404 jeff that was worked over by matrix gunsmith and a Montana rifle co 375hh in stainless that I’m considering parting with to fund it.  

I can only comment on the aluminum receiver with no kick stop. Mine is a standard professional model, and I have both 416 Rem Mag and 458 Win Mag barrels for it. Bare rifle weight for the rifle and either one of those two barrels is 8lbs 4oz. With 4 rounds of 450gr ammo, a lightweight sling and a Nikon 1-4×20 scope, my 458 weighs 10lbs, 2oz. The Lott rifle that you mention will be the same weight. My loads are 450gr @2200 fps. Recoil is not bad at all at this level, and will handily kill anything that walks. Unless you're sensitive to recoil, I see no real need for a kickstop or a steel receiver. They just add extra weight that you will have to carry around for miles and miles if hunting buffalo and elephant.  

Thank you that is the feed back I was looking for seems like just the steel receiver adds 2k to the price  

that is a beautiful rifle  

ay2626 said: This is the kilombero model with steel receiver. The trigger housing is steel as well. No kickstop installed wearing the aimpoint acro comes in right at 10.5 pounds. Very easy to instal or remove kickstop with 5mm Allen wrench (which is the same as the barrel screws). View attachment 588521 Click to expand...

I have a R8 Professional Hunter in 500 Jeffery (previously owned by a member on here). It has had some weight added and comes in a touch over 11lbs. It has the steel receiver and is a comfortable rifle to shoot in the big 500J cartridge. The Blaser rifles are superbly accurate as well.  

The kick stop is easy to deal with. Finding the slits in the butt pad is entertaining. I personally like the added weight of the kick stop. An R8 pro with kick stop, .375 barrel and Z8i 1-8x is a little over 10 lbs. I don’t find it too heavy for a long walk. I also like a lot less recoil than @TOBY458 If you do find it too heavy, just bring your Allen wrench and remove it while on safari.  

Tra3 said: The kick stop is easy to deal with. Finding the slits in the butt pad is entertaining. I personally like the added weight of the kick stop. An R8 pro with kick stop, .375 barrel and Z8i 1-8x is a little over 10 lbs. I don’t find it too heavy for a long walk. I also like a lot less recoil than @TOBY458 If you do find it too heavy, just bring your Allen wrench and remove it while on safari. Click to expand...

TOBY458 said: I don't actually like recoil. I just don't like a heavy rifle. Too much weight, to me, takes away from the quick point ability of a lighter weight rifle. The 416 barrel I recently bought is about perfect for the package I have. Same recoil as 458 Win Mag, with a little flatter trajectory for the incidental PG you may run across. It's probably the combo I'll use on my upcoming Elephant bull/buffalo hunt I just booked. Click to expand...

Tra3 said: phew! Then I also can admit that I don’t like recoil! Which is why an R8 375 H&H with the ultimate stock with the recoil system works great for me. It weighs 9 lbs with a scope. I’ve practiced enough with that to shoot it well enough. No need for me to increase caliber, but I would love to test the .416 or .458. Where are you hunting Ele and Buff? And, an R8, with increased prices, is still cheaper than that hunt! Click to expand...

@TOBY458 that will be about as much excitement as can be had! What combo of rifles/scopes are you bringing? Or will that change in the ensuing months? I’ll be with my .375 and 9.3x62 this summer again. I’m putting together a late season trip to Namibia. Last summer I brought 3 barrels. I’ll probably bring a .270 or 7 mag as the 3rd barrel.  

Tra3 said: @TOBY458 that will be about as much excitement as can be had! What combo of rifles/scopes are you bringing? Or will that change in the ensuing months? I’ll be with my .375 and 9.3x62 this summer again. I’m putting together a late season trip to Namibia. Last summer I brought 3 barrels. I’ll probably bring a .270 or 7 mag as the 3rd barrel. Click to expand...

TOBY458 said: Most likely I'll bring my R8 416 Rem Mag. I don't really have any plans to hunt PG, so the 416 should do all I need. If the odd Eland pops up, (which could happen in that area) I'll still be well armed. Click to expand...

• Feb 21, 2024

thanks for the input, seems like steel is a good option but certainly for a 375hh the alloy is fine especially if adding a scope  

It’s always easier to add weight to a rifle than take it off. As your level of experience goes up, you will want a lighter rifle. Having the aluminum receiver with a kickstop would be a good starting point because the kickstop is easily removed. Changing a steel receiver out is another story. Highly recommend going with the aluminum receiver. My 375H&H R8 is the synthetic stock and aluminum receiver and standard (17mm) barrel comes in just over 10 lbs with four rounds of ammo, sling and Z8i 1-8x24. Bare rifle is 7.75 lbs with no ammo. Truth is that my rifle is very soft shooting even without the added weight of the scope and sling. Rifle fit makes a HUGE difference in felt recoil.  

It’s always easier to add weight to a rifle than take it off. Secondly, rifle fit is just as (if not more) critical than the weight of it. As caliber goes up, rifle fit becomes more important. As your level of experience goes up, you will want a lighter rifle. Having the aluminum receiver with a kickstop would be a good starting point because the kickstop is easily removed. Changing a steel receiver out is another story. Highly recommend going with the aluminum receiver to allow this. My 375H&H R8 is the synthetic stock and aluminum receiver and standard (17mm) barrel comes in just over 10 lbs with four rounds of ammo, sling and Z8i 1-8x24. Bare rifle is 7.75 lbs with no ammo.  

Forrest Halley

So the steel receiver vs. the aluminum is a $2000 price difference. That's just stupid and ridiculous. There is no justification for it IMO. Safari...now rob them of more money.  

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Blaser R8 Bolt-Action Rifle Review

Referred to as “the most innovative bolt-action rifle of the 20th century” and as a “technological wonder,” the blaser r8 straight-pull rifle is fast, safe, and versatile..

A lot of serious riflemen have been thoroughly impressed with the Blaser bolt-action system since it was introduced in the 1990s. I’ve heard many of them remark about how speedy the action works. Every one of them was what I thought was a bit overenthusiastic in describing the system, especially those who were hard-core hunters. But after recently spending a considerable amount of time with two new R8 rifles, I’m a believer. And readers need to know that the Blaser R8 has a lot more going for it than just speed. In fact, Blaser calls out the R8’s safety, versatility, and accuracy in addition to its speed.

Speedy, Safe, Versatile

In 2000, when Shooting Times devoted an issue of the magazine to celebrate the close of the 20th century, then Rifles Editor Rick Jamison wrote an article entitled “The Bolt-Action Rifle of the Century.” Within that article he gave the Blaser rifle a special mention, saying it was “the most innovative bolt action of the century.” He cited the design’s practicality, functionality, and aesthetics for why it was the runaway winner for most innovative bolt action of the 20th century. About 10 years later, Shooting Times writer Greg Rodriguez called the Blaser rifle a “technological wonder.” He, too, was impressed with the gun’s fast action and versatility.

Back then, the Blaser rifle was called the R93. It has morphed into today’s R8 model, but many of the features Jamison and Rodriguez liked about the rifle are retained, including how the bolt locks up and how barrels in a wide range of calibers interchange.

The Blaser R8 straight-pull rifle does not have a lug-type bolt-locking system, and the bolt does not rotate to lock. Instead, the bolt head is an entire ring of thin, spring-like fingers (a collet, if you will) that go all the way around the bolt about a half-inch behind the boltface. These fingers are wedged outward when the bolt is closed (the bolt cams forward and backward rather than turning as with a conventional bolt action), and the wedge is driven back on contact with the cartridge in the chamber. This forces the collet fingers outward, and the knuckles engage a circular ring that is integral with the rear of the barrel. The setup provides 360 degrees of lockup. And as pressure builds upon firing the round, the cartridge head pushes back against the boltface, and the locking surfaces wedge even tighter, making the rifle incredibly safe.

The system is designed in such a way that bolt heads can be interchanged, and the unique way that barrels attach also enhances the rifle’s versatility. You can make the same rifle shoot everything from .22 Long Rifle rimfire rounds to .500 Jeffery dangerous-game rounds simply by swapping bolt heads, magazine inserts, and barrels.

The system is centered around an alloy frame that serves as a bedding block and is imbedded into the stock. The frame has recesses for the bolt’s bilateral rails, and the barrel is attached to the bedding block by two screws that are easily accessed from the bottom of the stock. Each R8 comes with a T-wrench that mates perfectly with the screws and makes swapping the barrels very easy.

Changing bolt heads isn’t quite as easy, but it’s not difficult, either. First, decock and unload the rifle. Then open the bolt assembly and remove it. Place it on a stable surface with the underside facing up. Use a small screwdriver or similar tool to push the bolt head retaining latch to the left, leverage it out, and swivel it up. Then rotate the bolt head counterclockwise a quarter turn and pull it out. Install the new bolt head by lifting the retaining latch, pushing the bolt head over the firing pin until it touches the stop in the bolt housing, and turning it clockwise a quarter turn. Stop when the retaining latch can be positioned into the groove of the bolt head. Tilt the retaining latch down and engage it.

One of the most notable features of the R8’s unique design is the incorporation of a detachable magazine that is integrated with the trigger guard and trigger assembly. When you remove the R8’s magazine, the trigger guard and trigger come with it. It’s all one assembly.

Integrating the external trigger linkage with the magazine offers a safety advantage. If you leave a cartridge in the chamber when removing the magazine, there’s no trigger left in the gun to fire it. When the magazine is taken out, the R8 automatically decocks, and while the magazine is out, the cocking slide cannot be engaged.

Video That May Interest You

Speaking of the Blaser R8’s cocking slide, the rifle’s safety system requires the cocking slide to be pushed forward to cock the rifle. A red square is visible below the cocking slide when the safety is disengaged. It’s a silent operation, so hunters don’t need to worry about that. The system takes some getting used to, but one benefit is it allows the rifle to be carried with a cartridge in the chamber and uncocked.

Back to the trigger group/magazine assembly. It reduces the overall length of the rifle by about 3.5 inches compared to a rifle of equal barrel length or stock length that has a conventionally located magazine forward of the trigger guard. Consequently, the R8 is compact.

Additionally, the R8’s trigger pull quality is not compromised by being removable. The triggers on the two R8s I used for this report both broke at a clean, crisp, and consistent 1.75 pounds each, no matter how many times I took the magazine/trigger system assemblies in and out of the guns.

Recommended

Yet another innovative component to the Blaser system is the scope mount. The barrel is not drilled and tapped for scope mounting. Instead, four recesses are machined into the barrel (two on each side), and they accept a specially designed saddle-type scope mount. The scope mount utilizes two swiveling levers that turn and lock the scope mount in position. The levers then fold against the mount, keeping them from getting in the way when operating the rifle. The system is fast, easy to manipulate, and does not affect zero when reinstalling. The scope mount is sold separately at an MSRP of $452.

Shooting Times received samples of the R8 Success and the R8 Professional. The Success model came with a .223 Remington barrel, and the Professional came with a 7mm Remington Magnum barrel. The Success has an elegant European walnut thumbhole stock, and the Professional has a synthetic stock that is dark green with black inserts. The details of both rifles are outlined in the accompanying specifications boxes.

And Accurate, Too

As illustrated, the R8 is innovative, safe, versatile, and speedy. And it’s accurate to boot. I found the bolt cycling and function on both R8s I fired to be smooth and clean, with reliable, no-flaw extraction. As for accuracy, both rifles were very close to MOA with five separate factory loads in various bullet weights for each caliber. Specifically, the .223 Rem. R8 Success averaged 1.03 inches overall for three, five-shot groups with each load at 100 yards. My best five-shot group measured exactly 0.5 inch, and it came with the Browning 50-grain BXV ammo. The 7mm Rem. Mag. R8 averaged 1.38 inches overall for three, five-shot groups with each load. Its best five-shot group was 0.78 inch, and it came with the Remington 150-grain Core-Lokt ammunition. Clearly, the R8s can shoot very well.

So, what you get with the R8 is a very nicely crafted modular rifle that retains zero while being disassembled and reassembled easily in just a few minutes. You get a great rifle whose chambering can be switched out for a wide selection of other chamberings.

You get a rifle that is incredibly safe. You get a rifle that is compact, well-balanced, and fast to operate. You get a rifle that handles well and shoots accurately. Obviously, the Blaser R8 is an expensive rifle. The two rifles I fired for this review have MSRPs of $6,109 and $4,397 respectively. But for riflemen for whom money is not the top concern, the Blaser R8 is a top choice.

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The Supreme Versatility Of The Blaser R8 Ultimate

One gun to do it all? The Blaser R8 Ultimate switch-barrel, straight-pull rifle might not cover every base, but it gets pretty darn close.

What sets the r8 ultimate apart from other straight-pulls:.

• Interchangeable bolt heads, magazines follower and barrels makes it capable of chambering nearly any cartridge.
• Conversions require a minimum of tools.
• Radial lugs offers extremely fast and strong lock up.
• Adjustable buttstock allows a supreme fit.
• Optics are quickly mounted via proprietary scope mounts.
• No matter the caliber, the rifle knocks out the bullseye.

I have a safe full of rifles. I probably have too many rifles. No, wait! My wife sometimes reads my stuff, so let me rephrase: I have all the rifles I need and some for hunting buddies. From .22 LR to .470 NE, I’ve got a rifle for just about any occasion.

They all have a sling, mounts and optics (well, most of them) and, after a while, they start to take up a considerable amount of room. Not that I’m getting rid of any of them … .

While I was at the Dallas Safari Club convention, I wandered past the Blaser booth and paused to consider the benefits of owning a rifle capable of covering all—or at least nearly all—the bases. After chatting with the Blaser folks, I think I might have found a definite answer.

About the Blaser R8 Ultimate

The Blaser R8 Ultimate is the latest iteration of the R8 straight-pull bolt-action rifle and gives about as much flexibility from a shooting system as anyone could ask for. If you’re unfamiliar with the basic design, it’s a magazine-fed repeating rifle with interchangeable bolt heads, magazine followers and barrels, as well as a proprietary scope mounting system. The rifle is fast—once you get used to the straight-pull bolt—and is well-suited for both precision shooting and fast follow-up shots.

The action locks up using a set of radial lugs, and while it’s a radical departure from the traditional dual locking lugs of the Mauser 98, Winchester 70 or Remington 700, it’s strong and reliable. The modular design of the action might take some getting used to, but with a few tries, you’ll be assembling/disassembling the action quickly. In fact, removing and installing any part of the system is relatively “mindless,” and the only tool required is the Allen key that locks down the barrel.

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It all goes together in a relatively simple manner, with the parts either sliding or snapping into the receiver, which, itself, is permanently mounted in the stock. The barrel is screwed to the forend with two Allen-head bolts; the manual indicates that “finger-tight” is sufficient. The magazine is snapped into the trigger assembly, which is then snapped into the bottom of the receiver. Then, the two rails of the bolt assembly (with the proper bolt head installed) are slid into the rear slots of the receiver. This unit contains the cocking/de-cocking lever.

You’re now ready to shoot.

Switching bolt heads is just as easy. There’s a retainer latch underneath the bolt assembly. Using a fingernail, small screwdriver or the tip of a pocketknife, move the latch to the left and outward (while keeping the slightest amount of rearward pressure on the bolt). Twist the bolt a small amount to the right, and it’ll slide out easily. Reverse the process to replace the bolt head.

I find that when using this straight-pull design—although it might be initially awkward to those of us used to a conventional Mauser-style turnbolt—it’s easier to keep the butt of the gun on the shoulder while reloading. While most of the R8 rifles have a more traditional, pistol-grip-style stock, the R8 Ultimate uses a thumbhole-style design with a palm swell grip and a nicely textured grip.

The comb and buttstock are both adjustable, providing all sorts of flexibility to the unit. A spring-loaded button on the left side of the stock allows the shooter to raise and lower the comb height, and a lever on the lower left side of the butt releases the recoil pad to customize the length of pull. In the middle of the recoil pad on the left side is another spring-loaded button to raise the recoil pad up and down. In short, a perfect fit is easily attainable in a matter of seconds.

The proprietary scope mount uses four recesses on the barrel and a rail attachment to quickly and easily attach the optic to the rifle. The test rifle came with a Blaser Infinity 2.8-20×50 scope that featured a fine duplex reticle and an illuminated center dot. While rather heavy—the Infinity weighs in at 27 ounces—it was crystal clear and took adjustments just fine.

The Cartridge Trio

With all this in mind, I thought of the best choices in cartridges to maximize the effectiveness of this rifle … without overdoing things. While I was staring off into space at the Blaser booth, I was informed of the new .22 LR conversion kit.

“I’m sorry; the what?!?”

“Yes, Phil,” the Blaser folks confirmed. “We’re now offering a conversion kit for the R8 to allow the same stock, receiver and trigger system to be used for a .22 LR.”

This system is slick.

So, in the name of universal availability, I chose the trio of .22 LR, .30-06 Springfield and the .375 Holland & Holland Magnum. I can’t think of too many scenarios that couldn’t be effectively handled by that trio. Yes, a serious prairie dog hunter might opt for a speedier small-bore, but these three cartridges are among the most popular ever developed and work wonderfully.

Range Time With The Blaser R8 Ultimate

I packed up a big box of ammo (because I had three cartridges to test) and my range bag to head over to the proving grounds (better known as “Dad’s Backyard”).

Ol’ Grumpy Pants’ initial reaction to the Blaser R8 was what you might have come to expect: “What the hell is that thing?”

After going through the barrel/bolt head/magazine changing routine, he started that raised-eyebrow-cocked-head look he gives when he’s thinking about giving his approval. And, once I had 15 rounds downrange, he was on board with the whole idea.

I started with the .30-06 barrel and took a few shots to get the gun zeroed. Because both barrels were sporter barrels, I decided on three-shot groups for accuracy testing. I had a couple of Federal loads, a pair for Sig Sauer and a Nosler factory load that I’m particularly fond of.

It was apparent from the first group that this gun was a shooter. I like bullets between 165 and 180 grains for an all-around load for the .30-06. The worst group—coming in at an average of 1.1 MOA—was Federal’s new 175-grain Terminal Ascent load. The best load was Federal’s 165-grain Fusion load, which put three shots into just over ½ MOA.

The Sig Sauer Elite Hunter Tipped 165-grain load and 175-grain Elite Performance load each averaged right around ¾ MOA, and the Nosler 180-grain Ballistic Tip load printed just a bit bigger. The 22-inch barrel gave velocities just a bit below the advertised values on the boxes, but nothing to the point of concern.

Next up was the .375 H&H barrel, with which I decided to test Federal’s Cape-Shok 300-grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claw softpoint and the Norma 300-grain Oryx load. This was an eye-opener: I know the .375 can be an accurate cartridge, but the group size rivaled that of the .30-06 barrel. The Federal load printed three shots at exactly 1 inch, and the Norma load measured .65 inch, with the best load at ½ inch. The 24-inch barrel showed 2,520 fps for the Norma load and 2,415 fps (advertised 2,400 fps) for the Federal load.

Using the same scope for the two calibers, I had to make an 8-inch elevation adjustment and about 2 inches of windage. All things considered, it was pretty consistent.

I next converted the rifle to handle the .22 LR—just about as radical a departure from the .375 H&H as you could ask for—and moved from the 100-yard target board to the 50-yard board. Federal’s Gold Medal 40-grain bullets put five shots in a dime, and Remington’s Thunderbolts put five in a nickel.

This rifle is the bane of limb rats everywhere. When using the .22 LR conversion, the bolt throw is shortened up to about half the distance of the .375 throw. While I had no issues whatsoever with feeding or extraction, I will say that loading the .22 LR magazine was a bit of a chore, because the cartridges tended to roll to one side or the other of center instead of in the loading groove. I found it easier to remove the trigger assembly, load the magazine and replace the assembly.

Pros and Cons

Is the Blaser R8 Ultimate the ultimate rifle? It’s a matter of taste. The Blaser is a great system, especially for the traveling hunter. It can be broken down and housed in a compact case and is wonderfully repeatable. And I suppose the price ($5,428) will play a major role in your decision-making process. Does the Blaser, with two or three barrels, satisfy your needs as a hunter?

If you intend to hunt a wide variety of game animals, which will require a number of different calibers, the Blaser R8 will certainly fit the bill and provide you with a wonderful level of consistency. The trigger pull will be the same for all your chosen cartridges: My Lyman digital trigger scale indicated the test rifle’s trigger broke at just under 2 pounds. And, with the fast flexibility of the Ultimate’s stock, you can modify the rifle for the amount of clothing you’ll be wearing. The bolt location, safety, stock feel, balance, trigger pull and other features will all be the same every time you go hunting. There’s definitely something to be said for that.

If you enjoy the driven hunt—during which multiple running targets are a strong possibility, if not a certainty—the speed of the R8 is an assured benefit. This rifle can send the lead downrange faster than any turnbolt and second only to an auto-loader. It’s more than accurate enough for precision shooting at nearly any distance and is both ergonomic and portable.

All that said, you probably know I’m a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to rifles. I love the old cartridges, their history, and the rifles and actions in the style of the late-19th and early-20th centuries. A worn walnut stock, replete with the scars of many hunting adventures, grabs my attention. I enjoy a stock with a good figure and flat top checkering, as well as the simple warmth of walnut. I enjoy the craftsmanship and hand touches of a Gewehr 98 Mauser or pre-1964 Winchester Model 70.

Does the R8 Ultimate have those characteristics? Well, no, but that might be a good thing in your book. The Blaser R8 is its own animal and doesn’t try to be something it’s not. Being completely honest, I prefer a Mauser-style action or double rifle for dangerous-game work. That said, I know a good number of professional hunters who rely on the R8 for guide work among Africa’s most dangerous animals.

If I had to find one major issue with the rifle system, it would be in the safety/cocking system. It’s undeniably safe, but I’ve seen hunters have issues pushing the lever into the “fire” position. It takes considerable effort and, with cold hands, it can be a struggle.

Blaser’s R8 Ultimate could end up being a “new classic.” Col. Townsend Whelen said it very well: “Only accurate rifles are interesting.”

The R8 is most definitely an “interesting” rifle. For those who are forming their own opinions about what a rifle is or isn’t, the R8 has the potential of being one of the quintessential designs.

If you appreciate flexibility, I can’t think of a better system for you than the Blaser R8 Ultimate.

Blaser R8 Ultimate Specs Action: Straight-pull, bolt-action repeater Caliber: Wide selection—from .22 LR to .500 Jeffery (tested: .22 LR, .30-06 Springfield and .375 H&H Magnum) Length: +/- 42 in., depending on stock configuration Weight: +/- 10 lb. scoped, depending on barrel Magazine capacity: Cartridge dependent Length of pull: Adjustable from 14 to 15.25 in. Sights: Barrels drilled for Blaser rail scope mount; some barrels have iron sights MSRP: R8 Ultimate with one standard barrel: $5,428; .22 LR conversion kit: $1,499; Extra standard-taper barrel with magazine insert: $1,299; Blaser R8 scope mount: $459; Blaser Infinity 2.8-20×50: $3,895

For more information on the Blaser R8 Ultimate, please visit blaser.de/en/ .

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the June 2020 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine .

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Blaser USA R8 Custom SAFARI Bolt Action .375 H&H 23.5″ Rifle

$ 12,995.99 Original price was: $12,995.99. $ 10,995.99 Current price is: $10,995.99.

Blaser continues to create magnificent firearms and the R8 Safari Kilombero is one the finest models display their dedication to quality firearms. Equipped with a 23.5″ barrel, grey finish on the receiver, grade 7 walnut stock and open sights.

Out of stock

• Action: Bolt
• Barrel: 23.5″
• Caliber: .375 H&H
• Finish: Grey
• Length of Pull: 14-3/4″
• Sights: Open Sights
• Stock: Grade 7

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• R8 Bolt Action Rifle
• R8 Models with Wooden Stock

The big game rifle in classy traditional style. 

R8 Selous receiver

• Integrated custom case hardened steel receiver (weight increases by approx. 550 g/1 lb. 3 oz.)
• Selous lettering inlayed in gold
• Gold-plated trigger

Safari barrel contour

• muzzle diameter: 22 mm
• weight increases compared to Standard barrel (depending on barrel length and caliber)

Illumination Control

Rifle Cocked = Illuminated Dot Active

• Illumination Control (iC) couples the control of the reticle illumination to the operation of the rifle
• A sensor in the eyepiece recognizes the position of the cocking slide and automatically regulates the switch-on/-off function of the illuminated reticle

Ring sling swivel

• available in combination with a Safari barrel contour (surcharge)
• comes as standard with the Big Bore Edition

Silver recoil pad red

• reduces recoil considerably

• for rifles and combination guns
• The stainless steel cylinder, filled with tungsten beads, is inserted into the stock and reduces recoil by about 20%.
• stock weight is increased
• improves the balance with heavy guns

Wood grade 7

Safari fore-end

• Safari forearm with ebony forearm tip

Barrel without open sights

• For all R8 models, you can select a barrel without open sights, which is also available as interchangeable barrel.

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• receiver, bolt head and buttstocks are also available as left-handed version

R8 Trigger, DLC coated

• "Diamond Like Carbon"- black high gloss finish

Bolt handle ball "steel"

Engraved with gold inlay

Barrel with open sights

• For all R8 models, you can select a barrel with open sights, which is also available as interchangeable barrel.

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When selecting your stock wood, you can choose between eleven quality grades of exquisite walnut wood.

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• available from wood grade 8

Saddle mount ZEISS rail

• for ZEISS ZM and VM rifle scopes with patented inner rail

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• for Swarovski rifle scopes with patented Swarovski inner rail

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SIG Blaser Tactical 2 Overview

• Thread starter LoneWolfUSMC
• Start date Apr 24, 2011
• The Hide Armory
• Bolt Action Rifles

SFC Carpentier jr

Full member.

• Jul 1, 2011

Re: SIG Blaser Tactical 2 Overview John, I had a chance to play around a little bit with the very first SIG Blaser rifles. The one I shot was very ACCURATE. It would shoot 1/2 moa or better. I like the trigger, the rifle I shot had the trigger set to 1 1\2 pound, but was not to crazy about throw back bolt. The first time I loaded and fired the first round I brought the bolt back and loaded the next round. I then went to pull the trigger and the rifle did not fire. As I worked with the rifle a little I found out that you had to really work the bolt back. Good job on the review for the little time you spent with the rifle.  

Re: SIG Blaser Tactical 2 Overview Oh and as to the pronunciation: I have most often heard it as "Blah, Blah, Blahser".  

Oddball Six

Commander of meh.

Re: SIG Blaser Tactical 2 Overview <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: .300 AT&T</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Oh and as to the pronunciation: I have most often heard it as "Blah, Blah, Blahser".</div></div> After the discussion on here today, I called Blaser USA. "Blaasser" Almost like the sound the O makes in Octopus. Here is one of the advertising vids for Blaser that is how the chick said it on the phone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4Un4mjhDwY  

Re: SIG Blaser Tactical 2 Overview a local gunstore owner and friend of mine who also runs a shop in south germany, told me, when i asked him what hunting rifle i should get when i demand absolute accuracy out of the box: the most accurate hunting rifles he sells in his store from all the feedbacks of customers, and to his own experience (he shoots in many rifles for hunters), are in generally blasers.  

teknikallysekure

Gunny sergeant, casey simpson.

Re: SIG Blaser Tactical 2 Overview Okay. Foreign languages aren't going to be accepted here. Lets just stay with Remingtons and Winchesters since that seems to about the limit of some of our friends' intellect or acceptance. "Condemnation before investigation is the corner stone of ignorance".  

Re: SIG Blaser Tactical 2 Overview <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Casey Simpson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Okay. Foreign languages aren't going to be accepted here. Lets just stay with Remingtons and Winchesters since that seems to about the limit of some of our friends' intellect or acceptance. "Condemnation before investigation is the corner stone of ignorance". </div></div> Du bist ein Auslander?  

Re: SIG Blaser Tactical 2 Overview 300AT&T I take it by your post that the main platform will accept all these mag. sizes without any modifications ?? Short action to Long (.338LM) Change barrel ,and slap in corresponding Mag. and that's it ?? 4. Caliber change - you can run any of the Blaser R93 barrels in the chassis (the sporter barrels look a little silly) but of the fluted tactical barrels there are .222, .223, .22-250, 6mm BR, .243, 6.5x55, 6.5x284, .308 and .300 WM to choose from. (Note the Tactical II is a slightly larger frame and will accommodate only .223. .308 .300WM .338 LM Tactical II Barrels).  

Re: SIG Blaser Tactical 2 Overview Morgan 711 The tactical rifles that Blaser offers are the LRS-2 Tactical II Both of these rifles are more similar than different. The difference is that the LRS-2 is slightly smaller and will fit all of the barrels that blaser makes for the R93 sporting/match/varmint rifles. The Tactical II is slightly Larger to accommodate the .338 LM round and will only accept barrels made specifically for this platform (223,308,300Wm, 338LM). As such, the tactical II and LRS/r93 barrels/bolts are NOT interchangeable. Both platforms will allow caliber changes without modification beyond dropping in the appropriate boltface, mag etc. If you must have a .338 then you have to purchase the tactical II model. Otherwise, the LRS II is more flexible in the caliber choices. Good shooting ...  

ogonzalez13

Re: SIG Blaser Tactical 2 Overview Nice review or overview. Hope to see some more on other rifles. Do you have one of your AI AE you talk about in this overview? Thanks.  

Re: SIG Blaser Tactical 2 Overview Morgan 711 I just realized that I may not have answered your question completely. If you are asking can the Tactical II be converted from a .223 all the way up to a .338 LM without modification the answer is yes. Takes about 60-120 seconds. You have to change the mag, change the barrel (two screws), and change the boltface in the bolt. Good shooting ...  

Re: SIG Blaser Tactical 2 Overview Thank You ... as you stated yes it is an Expensive RIFLE .. but if you look at it as a Complete SYSTEM then I see the reasons for the costs and it is reasonable with all the options available and extreme barrel life ...(3x or more over std. rifle barrel ??) I got probably $2.5k in my .308 w/factory LTR 20" and should get 3-5000rds before accuracy goes ?? How much does a re-barrel cost ?? x 3 ?? so yea I guess it would be worth it if you did alot of shooting..  

Re: SIG Blaser Tactical 2 Overview I came to the Blasers from the other direction - hunting. When my father bought a sporter in 375 H&H I thought it was the dumbest thing that I had ever seen. We took it out to the range and the .375 shot 1/2" at 100. He then put in a .30-06 barrel which shot under 1/2" and then He put in a .300 WM barrel which again shot under 1/2". After I purchased one for hunting I came across a lightly used LRS that was cheap and decided to try it out ... the rest as they say is history ...  

• Jul 2, 2011

Re: SIG Blaser Tactical 2 Overview They do look goofy but I tried a buddies in 308. Standard hunter grade. It was about 1/3 MOA shooter 5 shot groups with FGGM. Also the QD mount system and barrel takedown system was the best I have ever seen. I took the gun down and the scope off 3 times firing a 3 shot group at 100 each time. The resulting 9 round group was something just over 1 MOA as I remember. Great system. One advantage not mentioned is they are short as well. Since the really have no action, the bolt locks into the barrel the gun is about 3 inches shorter than a standard bolt. Makes them real handy in standards caliber with 22" barrels and not too long in the 25" magnums. I also know that their barrels last a LONG time. My buddy has something like 6-7K through his 243 varmint barrel it he said it shoots as good as it did knew. Z  

LoneWolfUSMC

Lt. colonel.

Re: SIG Blaser Tactical 2 Overview <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ogonzalez13</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice review or overview. Hope to see some more on other rifles. Do you have one of your AI AE you talk about in this overview? Thanks. </div></div> I will be doing a AI AE MkII review soon.  

• Jul 9, 2011

Re: SIG Blaser Tactical 2 Overview From 17HMR to 416RemMag, with one stock and just a bolt face and barrel change. Not to forget that they produce all calibers and actions in a left hand version. I have three stocks, nine barrels and an R8. It's the only one rifle system, that allows for real versatility. The barrel steel is so hard, that after 6500 rounds of 223Rem through my LRS barrel, on prairie dogs with only one cleaning per evening and not being a barrel friendly prairie dog shooter, less that 1mm of throat erosion can be seen. I know of one 6.5x284 with 2200 rounds through it and it still shoots sub .3 moa, try that with any other rifle barrel. The live expectancy of a 308Win barrel is 13-15000 rounds. On a cost per shot, Blaser's are much more economical to own than anything else out there. I have nearly 25000 rounds through mine. And I still pronounce it like and American...and I stared Blaserpro.com.  

• Oct 25, 2012

Re: SIG Blaser Tactical 2 Overview Pulling this one out of storage... I appreciate the unbiased opinion of the OP, I'm toying with buying one of these rifles and what I see here helps me with making that decision. Thanks for the effort.  

• Jun 12, 2013

Nice review. Thinking about getting the LSR2  

Ke = (mv^2)/2

Bit of a necropost, but 300ATT's breakdown is spot on. I spent some time back in April with the Tac2 and was really impressed. It was a lefty model and as I was a righty, I found it incredibly fast to cycle with my support hand while remaining on target, but as mentioned, you can't baby the bolt. The stock is very adjustable but the ergonomics take a bit to get used to. I too wouldn't want to hump or jump that rifle, but it's an excellent switch barrel precision platform.  

• Apr 2, 2024

Just got a Blaser Tac 2 in 223 (sans manual). Just wandering what is the recommended torque for the two screws attaching the barrel to the stock using the hex key?  

• Apr 4, 2024

Anyone know what the recommended torque is for the two screws to change the barrel?  

whitetailnut

• Apr 5, 2024

Barn Side said: Anyone know what the recommended torque is for the two screws to change the barrel? Click to expand...

• Apr 6, 2024

Page 6. 12NM = 8.85 Ft lbs Tac 2 Info  

• Apr 11, 2024

Would the Blaser Tac 2 in .223 with 1:10 twist barrel @ 24.7 inches be OK with the Federal 69gr match ammo or would it be too heavy?  

How many guys still have a Tac2? It's a damn shame you can't get replacement barrels for them. Here's a few pics of my Tac2 backup duty rifle.  

Attachments

I need a new gun.

https://jsipandsons.com/ Just received a custom 26 inch 6.5 Creedmoor from them. It included a 20 MOA Pic rail. Cost was $1700. Took about 2 months to get. I'll give it a try next time I hit the range.  

I'm waiting for my 6 Creed barrel to arrive from Jsip. .308 is fine for animals, not so much for PRS. The TacII will be back in the saddle again. SJC  

Barn Side said: Would the Blaser Tac 2 in .223 with 1:10 twist barrel @ 24.7 inches be OK with the Federal 69gr match ammo or would it be too heavy? Click to expand...

I was looking for someone else who used to do barrels for Blaser rifles and found this: https://jsipandsons.com/ They do barrels for the Tac 2.  

• Apr 12, 2024

I'm very interested in the performance of the replacement barrels. What brand barrel do they use?  

Dvldog458 said: I'm very interested in the performance of the replacement barrels. What brand barrel do they use? Click to expand...

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