Hey CGN,
I have longed for this rifle for sometime. I have done tons of research, checked every dealer, and called every importer. Its been over a year sense I first really handle a Blaser rifle. It was a R93, and instantly thought it would solve my rifle problems.
What are those problems you ask? Well I am a long range junkie who loves to hunt. I found that all my bolt and semi guns somehow ended up wearing heavy barrels and weighed in at 12lbs+. This a hunting rifle does not make. Lets face it lugging around that all day kind of takes the fun away.
Another thing I started to notice was all my rifles wore same scopes, stocks, and sported the same triggers. They just ranged in many different cals. This starts to add up quick when it comes to money invested in rifles just to get a different cal.
So when I came across a R93, and the multi cal, barrel contours and quick change scope options. I thought I found what I was looking for. It didn't help that one of my favorite YouTube'rs, The Long Range Blog, uses a R93, and now has a R8.
I then came across the R8. With its removable mag system it appealed to me more. Also with the possiblity to get a heavy match barrel in 243, 308, 300winmag, and 338LM. Well that just pretty much matched what I already had in my safe.
So after all my searching I came to Grouse River, they had a wicked deal on a Professional they had used for demo. Though it was in a cal I was not set up to reload for, 7mm RM, I dove in. I would really like to thank Maciek aka "Magic" for all his help, information, and patience in my acquisition of this. He was probably the only Blaser dealer it seemed that actually wanted my business. He would always return my calls, and emails same day. Others seem to take a week for emails, even though when I called some of these places they told me its best to email them I would get faster responses...?
So my order was placed for the Professional in 7mm RM and a 1inch mount QD mount.
First Impressions
Rifle It looked "savage" like. I know people out there are going to take offense to this on either boat. It didn't look like it should cost at first glance. Then I picked up the stock. It feels solid, the build of the bedding block and slide area looks great. I don't feel any flex in it. If you have ever had the chance to pick up a mp5, that is the solid it feels like. This one happens to be an ambidextrous version. So it has rubber inserts in all the right places. Now it says it has a large palm sell, well I was expecting one like the HS Precision stock, but it is slightly smaller. Still fits great in my hands and the rubber gives an even surer grip feel. Now this stock is only setup for a standard barrel contour. You can purchase ones for semi-weight and match, or you can either open it up yourself, a smith or send it to Blaser and they will do it also. I have heard the semi-weights do fit nicely though and may try it out.
The rifle came disassembled in the custom case. Now with all my research I new instantly what to do. As every YouTube video shows how to put it together I won't really talk about this. I was very impressed still at how easily I preformed this. Being a precision guy it is going to take some getting use to in not torquing the barrel retention screws. Once together all thoughts of "savage" like disappeared. The straight pull action is slick. The de-cocker, yes not a safety, was a little hard at first. I think its more because its new to me. I proved this by passing the rifle off to several guys and gals, each said that it was weird and maybe a little hard to operate at first. Though within a few tries it became second nature. I like the de-cocking on a loaded chamber. This really solves the question of to have a round chambered or not. Though with time you can become fast with operating it, you still have to WANT it to ####.
The mag is the trigger. This is the next eye opener, and a place for contention among people. "What if you loose it?" Well the rifle isn't going to work now is it. Though Blaser has thought of people like you. It can be locked in place, and can only be unlocked through the action opening. I however like it. As it makes it easier to load, unload, and secure. You can remove the mag and it renders the firearm in-operable in all definitions of the word. Once removed there is a cover for both the mag, and the opening in the stock to keep everything clean. Cost to replace is a thing, you are looking 3-400 but when you think about it its just above what an AI mag and an aftermarket trigger cost, so kind of makes sense as to why its that pricey.
The first time I picked up the rifle fully assembled, it felt heavy. Mostly in the center. If you look at my pic you can see why. There is a lot going on there with the barrel, scope mount, and bolt. Most actions have this spread out over a few more inches. Sense there is no receiver it gets very centered. Though when placed into the shoulder, it felt great. My thoughts went along with a few other guys/gals I have let handle it. Actually one gal said the balance felt like it should be a "girls" gun. When asked to explain, she said "it feels like I can hold it up better then other rifles, though its heavy, it sits nicely in my smaller arms".
Scope Mount This is a very cool idea. Also another place my OCD on torque specs is being put to the test. Its just two levers that go into a machined area on the barrel. Slide them down with thumb pressure, and flip the levers closed. This doesn't seem right to me. Blaser claims return to zero, and everything I have read says return to zero, only one article I have come across mention no more difference then 10mm. Pull out your Canadian ruler and see what that actually looks like. That falls within the theory of a group. Have no fear I will put this to the test. The scope did come with probably one of the best allen wrench I have seen and tension screw driver, so if the mount becomes loose.
With this mount, in theory I can use it over several barrels. With this return to zero claim I should be able to zero it for multiple cals, and make notes for the scope settings for each. This would mean you would also have to have a very reliable and accurate scope. Though if its going on multiple barres you are saving money as you would only need one mount, and one scope. At $599 a mount, and well $300-$3500 for an optic you could really buy some high end scope and save. I do however see and read that most people just get a mount and scope per barrel.
The Case Is fancy on the inside, and pretty clean on the out. There is spots for two barrels, two bolts, two scopes, and two mags. Along with the stock of course and the couple tools it comes with. I never really wanted to purchase the case. In-fact I didn't even know it was coming in one. It is an extra $4-500 through most places. Though after seeing how its laid out and over all size, I am in. Yes you can use any other case out there, but if you are investing in a rifle like this, well lets face it you don't park a Mercedes in a barn. I would like to point out that it even has protected area for the barrel retention studs so you won't inadvertently knock the threads.
Range day Well today is going to be the first chance I have to probably go out. It is raining though. I hope it lives up to its internet and my hype!
Cal I did have one problem with cal. I am not set up for 7mm RM reloading and as it seems all my local ammo stores also aren't. I got two boxes of Winchester 175g, and one of Fusion 175g. We will see how it shoots. All claims says it shoots any ammo great. Though most people find it doesn't like the heavy's as much. So in my part of Ontario, it does not pass the Crappy Tire Test. I was really hoping on getting a 300winmag barrel, but this will have to wait. I know a few dealers on here that have barrels pretty cheap. Standard cals start at $1100 and magnum $1300. Or may just try and trade it on here. Though 7mmRM is on the list of do everything cal when loaded with the right bullet.
For all you pic hunters;
[URL=http://s1340.photobucket.com/user/dbaker42/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160930_171543_zpspej5jika.jpg.html]
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[URL=http://s1340.photobucket.com/user/dbaker42/media/Mobile%20Uploads/00411f9e-3795-440b-ae90-b6654ab14bc7_zpseiyifmcj.jpg.html]
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[URL=http://s1340.photobucket.com/user/dbaker42/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160930_171805_zpsszlqtvap.jpg.html]
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So don't worry, though vortex is good glass, it really doesn't seem right on this just by its name alone. Haha I am already turning yuppie!!
Alright so at this time I want to lay it out as I know everyone always comments on that you could buy 7 Savages, 4 Remingtons, or do a custom build for the price of this rifle.
First this is a custom in my mind, the straight pull defines it as such sense its design is on its own when compared to other straight pulls.
Next lets break down a custom rifle price. So action, barrel, stock, trigger, bottom metal, scope base/mount, and smith fees.
-Action $500-$1500 (Remington-Stiller)
-Barrel $350-$600
-Stock $399-$900 (B&C-McMillan)
-Trigger $60-$200 (Factory Rem-Timney)
-Bottom Metal $80-$350 (Factory-AI style)
-Scope Mount $70-$500 (Talley-LaRue)
-Smith Fees $120-$600 (Just a barrel mount to a full bed and truing job)
Ok, some of my prices maybe less, some maybe high. That is why I gave a range. So for $1579-$4650(+tax,S&H) you are looking at a build. Yes you can build for cheaper, but for a comparison your only using new parts. This gets you one rifle, one cal.
This rifle to my door was $4666.97 minus the scope. So I am right in-line with a high end custom, with all the benefits of quick barrel/cal change, QD scope mounts, and lets face it the straight pull bolt is slick.
Now could I have bought a bunch of other guns, sure. In-fact I sold a bunch of rifles to purchase this. Though now, I can take a small case, with a couple barrels on a mix bag hunt and that way I know I have the right gun for the job. Yes I could also pick one cal and a different projectile for each hunting scenario, but then I would have to make sure I remember the ballistics for each, less guess work under the crunch the better. Also this means I won't have a not enough/too much cal for the job at hand. Plus add the match barrel option, and off season I can still use the same trigger and stock and get as much practice as possible. If you follow THLR you will note his is a standard contour barrel also.
I will continue to update this as I shoot, and hunt. I don't see much on here about these rifles, so as long as I own it, I will have a running review. With pics of course.
Hope you enjoyed the read.
Pro Patria
I have longed for this rifle for sometime. I have done tons of research, checked every dealer, and called every importer. Its been over a year sense I first really handle a Blaser rifle. It was a R93, and instantly thought it would solve my rifle problems.
What are those problems you ask? Well I am a long range junkie who loves to hunt. I found that all my bolt and semi guns somehow ended up wearing heavy barrels and weighed in at 12lbs+. This a hunting rifle does not make. Lets face it lugging around that all day kind of takes the fun away.
Another thing I started to notice was all my rifles wore same scopes, stocks, and sported the same triggers. They just ranged in many different cals. This starts to add up quick when it comes to money invested in rifles just to get a different cal.
So when I came across a R93, and the multi cal, barrel contours and quick change scope options. I thought I found what I was looking for. It didn't help that one of my favorite YouTube'rs, The Long Range Blog, uses a R93, and now has a R8.
I then came across the R8. With its removable mag system it appealed to me more. Also with the possiblity to get a heavy match barrel in 243, 308, 300winmag, and 338LM. Well that just pretty much matched what I already had in my safe.
So after all my searching I came to Grouse River, they had a wicked deal on a Professional they had used for demo. Though it was in a cal I was not set up to reload for, 7mm RM, I dove in. I would really like to thank Maciek aka "Magic" for all his help, information, and patience in my acquisition of this. He was probably the only Blaser dealer it seemed that actually wanted my business. He would always return my calls, and emails same day. Others seem to take a week for emails, even though when I called some of these places they told me its best to email them I would get faster responses...?
So my order was placed for the Professional in 7mm RM and a 1inch mount QD mount.
First Impressions
Rifle It looked "savage" like. I know people out there are going to take offense to this on either boat. It didn't look like it should cost at first glance. Then I picked up the stock. It feels solid, the build of the bedding block and slide area looks great. I don't feel any flex in it. If you have ever had the chance to pick up a mp5, that is the solid it feels like. This one happens to be an ambidextrous version. So it has rubber inserts in all the right places. Now it says it has a large palm sell, well I was expecting one like the HS Precision stock, but it is slightly smaller. Still fits great in my hands and the rubber gives an even surer grip feel. Now this stock is only setup for a standard barrel contour. You can purchase ones for semi-weight and match, or you can either open it up yourself, a smith or send it to Blaser and they will do it also. I have heard the semi-weights do fit nicely though and may try it out.
The rifle came disassembled in the custom case. Now with all my research I new instantly what to do. As every YouTube video shows how to put it together I won't really talk about this. I was very impressed still at how easily I preformed this. Being a precision guy it is going to take some getting use to in not torquing the barrel retention screws. Once together all thoughts of "savage" like disappeared. The straight pull action is slick. The de-cocker, yes not a safety, was a little hard at first. I think its more because its new to me. I proved this by passing the rifle off to several guys and gals, each said that it was weird and maybe a little hard to operate at first. Though within a few tries it became second nature. I like the de-cocking on a loaded chamber. This really solves the question of to have a round chambered or not. Though with time you can become fast with operating it, you still have to WANT it to ####.
The mag is the trigger. This is the next eye opener, and a place for contention among people. "What if you loose it?" Well the rifle isn't going to work now is it. Though Blaser has thought of people like you. It can be locked in place, and can only be unlocked through the action opening. I however like it. As it makes it easier to load, unload, and secure. You can remove the mag and it renders the firearm in-operable in all definitions of the word. Once removed there is a cover for both the mag, and the opening in the stock to keep everything clean. Cost to replace is a thing, you are looking 3-400 but when you think about it its just above what an AI mag and an aftermarket trigger cost, so kind of makes sense as to why its that pricey.
The first time I picked up the rifle fully assembled, it felt heavy. Mostly in the center. If you look at my pic you can see why. There is a lot going on there with the barrel, scope mount, and bolt. Most actions have this spread out over a few more inches. Sense there is no receiver it gets very centered. Though when placed into the shoulder, it felt great. My thoughts went along with a few other guys/gals I have let handle it. Actually one gal said the balance felt like it should be a "girls" gun. When asked to explain, she said "it feels like I can hold it up better then other rifles, though its heavy, it sits nicely in my smaller arms".
Scope Mount This is a very cool idea. Also another place my OCD on torque specs is being put to the test. Its just two levers that go into a machined area on the barrel. Slide them down with thumb pressure, and flip the levers closed. This doesn't seem right to me. Blaser claims return to zero, and everything I have read says return to zero, only one article I have come across mention no more difference then 10mm. Pull out your Canadian ruler and see what that actually looks like. That falls within the theory of a group. Have no fear I will put this to the test. The scope did come with probably one of the best allen wrench I have seen and tension screw driver, so if the mount becomes loose.
With this mount, in theory I can use it over several barrels. With this return to zero claim I should be able to zero it for multiple cals, and make notes for the scope settings for each. This would mean you would also have to have a very reliable and accurate scope. Though if its going on multiple barres you are saving money as you would only need one mount, and one scope. At $599 a mount, and well $300-$3500 for an optic you could really buy some high end scope and save. I do however see and read that most people just get a mount and scope per barrel.
The Case Is fancy on the inside, and pretty clean on the out. There is spots for two barrels, two bolts, two scopes, and two mags. Along with the stock of course and the couple tools it comes with. I never really wanted to purchase the case. In-fact I didn't even know it was coming in one. It is an extra $4-500 through most places. Though after seeing how its laid out and over all size, I am in. Yes you can use any other case out there, but if you are investing in a rifle like this, well lets face it you don't park a Mercedes in a barn. I would like to point out that it even has protected area for the barrel retention studs so you won't inadvertently knock the threads.
Range day Well today is going to be the first chance I have to probably go out. It is raining though. I hope it lives up to its internet and my hype!
Cal I did have one problem with cal. I am not set up for 7mm RM reloading and as it seems all my local ammo stores also aren't. I got two boxes of Winchester 175g, and one of Fusion 175g. We will see how it shoots. All claims says it shoots any ammo great. Though most people find it doesn't like the heavy's as much. So in my part of Ontario, it does not pass the Crappy Tire Test. I was really hoping on getting a 300winmag barrel, but this will have to wait. I know a few dealers on here that have barrels pretty cheap. Standard cals start at $1100 and magnum $1300. Or may just try and trade it on here. Though 7mmRM is on the list of do everything cal when loaded with the right bullet.
For all you pic hunters;
[URL=http://s1340.photobucket.com/user/dbaker42/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160930_171543_zpspej5jika.jpg.html]
[/URL][URL=http://s1340.photobucket.com/user/dbaker42/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160930_171601_zpsatdjmthd.jpg.html]
[/URL][URL=http://s1340.photobucket.com/user/dbaker42/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160930_171727_zpsqf2bl5bz.jpg.html]
[/URL][URL=http://s1340.photobucket.com/user/dbaker42/media/Mobile%20Uploads/00411f9e-3795-440b-ae90-b6654ab14bc7_zpseiyifmcj.jpg.html]
[/URL][URL=http://s1340.photobucket.com/user/dbaker42/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160930_171805_zpsszlqtvap.jpg.html]
[/URL]So don't worry, though vortex is good glass, it really doesn't seem right on this just by its name alone. Haha I am already turning yuppie!!
Alright so at this time I want to lay it out as I know everyone always comments on that you could buy 7 Savages, 4 Remingtons, or do a custom build for the price of this rifle.
First this is a custom in my mind, the straight pull defines it as such sense its design is on its own when compared to other straight pulls.
Next lets break down a custom rifle price. So action, barrel, stock, trigger, bottom metal, scope base/mount, and smith fees.
-Action $500-$1500 (Remington-Stiller)
-Barrel $350-$600
-Stock $399-$900 (B&C-McMillan)
-Trigger $60-$200 (Factory Rem-Timney)
-Bottom Metal $80-$350 (Factory-AI style)
-Scope Mount $70-$500 (Talley-LaRue)
-Smith Fees $120-$600 (Just a barrel mount to a full bed and truing job)
Ok, some of my prices maybe less, some maybe high. That is why I gave a range. So for $1579-$4650(+tax,S&H) you are looking at a build. Yes you can build for cheaper, but for a comparison your only using new parts. This gets you one rifle, one cal.
This rifle to my door was $4666.97 minus the scope. So I am right in-line with a high end custom, with all the benefits of quick barrel/cal change, QD scope mounts, and lets face it the straight pull bolt is slick.
Now could I have bought a bunch of other guns, sure. In-fact I sold a bunch of rifles to purchase this. Though now, I can take a small case, with a couple barrels on a mix bag hunt and that way I know I have the right gun for the job. Yes I could also pick one cal and a different projectile for each hunting scenario, but then I would have to make sure I remember the ballistics for each, less guess work under the crunch the better. Also this means I won't have a not enough/too much cal for the job at hand. Plus add the match barrel option, and off season I can still use the same trigger and stock and get as much practice as possible. If you follow THLR you will note his is a standard contour barrel also.
I will continue to update this as I shoot, and hunt. I don't see much on here about these rifles, so as long as I own it, I will have a running review. With pics of course.
Hope you enjoyed the read.
Pro Patria
