Blaser R8 - Why do African PH’s and Alaskan Bear Guides Choose Not To Use Blaser R8’s?

[CoElkHunter]

@Nhoro
The PH I hunted with wasn't that rich to have either a blaser or a double preferring a Mauser. As a matter of fact he dislikes blasers and wouldn't have one if you gave it to him and cringes when a client turns up with one but never says anything.
Bob.

Well Bob, I’m a non PH and have never hunted with a PH as I’m not rich, but I would take a Blaser if someone gave me one? Preferably one with a nice walnut stock and without a .35 Whelen barrel? And don’t cringe when I show up with one. Ha! Ha! Ha!

 

[Red Leg]

Of course I only know the best people- that is why we are not friends !

Serious question. What is making you so upset?

I have hunted in four different African countries. I have been around dozens of PH's in the field and know many others. My observations are based on those interactions. Of those, relatively few use a double. Many wouldn't be able to begin to afford one. The percentages are somewhat higher outside of South Africa and Namibia where dangerous game is more regularly on the menu. But not by much.

My favorite Mozambique outfitter is a typical example. The owner outfitter owns a double. It is a Merkel 470. During a typical season, he has three additional PH's working for him - all licensed for DG. One uses a .458, one a .375, and the other caliber I am unsure, but all are well used bolt actions. All three are superb PH's, but none of the three either would or could begin to make the investment necessary to buy a quality double rifle. And as I say, that is typical of what I have observed.

And to try to keep this remotely on topic, I would further add that a R8 would be a pretty far stretch for most of those PH's as well.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

To answer the original question, most of the older Zimbabwe PHs.(myself included) own more than one quality, dependable rifle, one being a double in .470 or larger bore. This will be their go to rifle. Most younger or new PHs use a bolt gun in either .375 H&H or .458 Win or Lott. I know many of the younger PHs that have told me that someday they would like to own and use a double. I have never had one say to me that someday they hope to be able to buy a R8. That does not infer that there is anything wrong with a R8. R8s, I have never owned, shot, or even touched one, maybe if I had it maybe it might have cast a magic spell over me, like it has over some of the people that actually own one. Or kind of alike a properly fitting double casted over me a very long time ago.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Time to make glue out of this thread yet?

 

[Tanks]

...

Of those 13 people, 2 cannot afford a double rifle. How do I know this- I have been to their houses or our kids go to school together. I have a good idea of their lifestyle and expenditure.

One can't really project anecdotal experiences into a trend. Most people live in a socio-economic bubble and interact less with those outside of it. Also, 13 is really a very small sample.

A personal example is if I were to do a poll of all the people I know and interact with about who they voted for in the last election Trump should have won CA, the most liberal State, with a 90% landslide. Based on that I could say the election was really stolen from Trump.

"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics." - Mark Twain

 

[Tundra Tiger]

Just to add another viewing perspective... I like threads like this. Maybe not some of it that has strayed towards vitriolic, but the like vs. not like for Blasers.

My own current view is this: I don't own one. I have never held one. I don't expect to ever own one. They are likely out of my reach financially because with the resources I do have, I choose to allocate my finances elsewhere, such as to the idea of a goat hunt this fall or getting back to Africa again. Frankly, I don't find the modern lines of a Blaser attractive. I absolutely believe what Blaser owners say about their reliability and functioning, and those certainly are attractive selling points. My own gun preferences run towards older looks, such as a Remington 141, Savage 99s, older bolt actions. I like the guns I have and enjoy hunting with the guns I have. So simply aesthetically Blasers don't appear to be my thing. That said, I enjoy reading the back and forth because I try to have an open mind about things, and I'd never say flatly I'd never own one. It's a firearm. I like firearms. It's just not really on my radar for reasons that are valid to me. But yes, I like reading about and learning about what people think of them just the same. To those who share, thank you.

By the way, I know a few bear guides up here. None have Blasers, that I'm aware of. I'd have to believe a big part of it is the price, though I've never asked nor have Blasers come up in conversation.

 

[Roller]

I have always wondered when reading these Blaser threads, do any of the regular commenters have any type of a financial or related interest in the company or an importer. etc.? If so, may be time to open the kimono. Some posts almost sound like stealth marketing. Or maybe it's just extreme, passionate love for an ugly ass gun.

 

[IvW]

I am too old school and set in my ways and I will stick to what has worked for me hunting and guiding DG for 31 years...I cannot afford a R8 and have absolute confidence in the rifles and calibers I use and have used over this period.....I admire those who can afford rifles above this...
If I could financially I would add a 500/416 NE in a Heym 89B for follow up on cats but I cannot so my 500 Jeff and 12ga/9.3×74R and 12ga/12ga poormans double will stand in for leopard and lion until such time......

 

[CoElkHunter]

Just to add another viewing perspective... I like threads like this. Maybe not some of it that has strayed towards vitriolic, but the like vs. not like for Blasers.

My own current view is this: I don't own one. I have never held one. I don't expect to ever own one. They are likely out of my reach financially because with the resources I do have, I choose to allocate my finances elsewhere, such as to the idea of a goat hunt this fall or getting back to Africa again. Frankly, I don't find the modern lines of a Blaser attractive. I absolutely believe what Blaser owners say about their reliability and functioning, and those certainly are attractive selling points. My own gun preferences run towards older looks, such as a Remington 141, Savage 99s, older bolt actions. I like the guns I have and enjoy hunting with the guns I have. So simply aesthetically Blasers don't appear to be my thing. That said, I enjoy reading the back and forth because I try to have an open mind about things, and I'd never say flatly I'd never own one. It's a firearm. I like firearms. It's just not really on my radar for reasons that are valid to me. But yes, I like reading about and learning about what people think of them just the same. To those who share, thank you.

By the way, I know a few bear guides up here. None have Blasers, that I'm aware of. I'd have to believe a big part of it is the price, though I've never asked nor have Blasers come up in conversation.

+1. I've handled two different Blaser R8 models at a local gun shop, but have never fired one. The pull bolt action was smooth and ergonomically they felt very well designed to ME, although seemed a bit light for the one .375 H and H I handled. I wouldn't be opposed to owning one, but I don't want to pay for it. I'll have to win one in a lottery somehow. I will have to stick with my Browning .338 for mountain (elk) hunting and my upcoming PG hunt at 9.5lbs. scoped and IF I ever hunt a buffalo some day, one of my CZ 550s will have to work for me. But I too, don't dislike this debate, as it's a learning experience from the many professionals and non PHs here who have hunted or backed up hunters on DG hunts with various actioned rifles.

 

[BeeMaa]

+1. I've handled two different Blaser R8 models at a local gun shop, but have never fired one. The pull bolt action was smooth and ergonomically they felt very well designed to ME, although seemed a bit light for the one .375 H and H I handled. I wouldn't be opposed to owning one, but I don't want to pay for it. I'll have to win one in a lottery somehow. I will have to stick with my Browning .338 for mountain (elk) hunting and my upcoming PG hunt at 9.5lbs. scoped and IF I ever hunt a buffalo some day, one of my CZ 550s will have to work for me. But I too, don't dislike this debate, as it's a learning experience from the many professionals and non PHs here who have hunted or backed up hunters on DG hunts with various actioned rifles.

This is my 375H&H at 7.75# and me at 70" and 160#...if my narrow little a$$ can do it, so can you.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/2Dy2D6endKhA7Art8

 

[CoElkHunter]

This is my 375H&H at 7.75# and me at 70" and 160#...if my narrow little a$$ can do it, so can you.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/2Dy2D6endKhA7Art8

Nice! Now shoot it with your .458 Lott barrel on it! Ha! Ha!

 

[BeeMaa]

Nice! Now shoot it with your .458 Lott barrel on it! Ha! Ha!

LOL! Sold the 416RM rifle kit to another member. I'll stick with the 375 for now.

 

[dchamp]

I have always wondered when reading these Blaser threads, do any of the regular commenters have any type of a financial or related interest in the company or an importer. etc.? If so, may be time to open the kimono. Some posts almost sound like stealth marketing. Or maybe it's just extreme, passionate love for an ugly ass gun.

To respond to your concern I am a Blaser enthusiast and have never worked in the firearms industry other than helping with instruction in defensive handgun for which I've never accepted compensation.

I came upon Blasers while looking for a rifle in 8x68s, a caliber not to common in the USA. I did stress and agonize about the expense of a Blaser and even had buyers remorse during California's mandatory ten day waiting period. Once I had the rifle in hand the agony and stress quickly evaporated and it is now my go to rifle. I have since acquired more Blasers.

If a person has no interest in Blasers or does not like something about them, then great to each their own. I like them a lot. So it is only right that I share what I have found to be good. If someone has found something wrong about them then please share that too. But those who spew unfounded faults and prejudices I find childish.

 

[C.W. Richter]

Interesting, how this thread has become an advertising for the R8!

The only reason left, why....

African PH’s and Alaskan Bear Guides Choose Not To Use Blaser R8​

......because some can not afford!

The Heym company has realized that, and offers it's "Professional Double Rifle" with a special price for Hunters with a professional licence.


HWL

It WAS an ad from the get-go. Don't fool the people even more! LOL

 

[C.W. Richter]

I have always wondered when reading these Blaser threads, do any of the regular commenters have any type of a financial or related interest in the company or an importer. etc.? If so, may be time to open the kimono. Some posts almost sound like stealth marketing. Or maybe it's just extreme, passionate love for an ugly ass gun.

"The Power of Advertising." why people buy shit that kills them. i've long since given up on commenting on the gun-it is the ugliest-as-sin plastic, blued (painted?) POS with a 50s gearshift knob 'ever seen. Never, ever would i consider it. An accurized, custom bolt-action rifle in whatever caliber I desire, for every purpose. If you cant wheel a case with 2, 3, 4 guns-get a wife that can! But, here's to those troopers that are gifted a free gun for their TV show in exchange for BS praise! God Bless you and know that the weird rifle has paid your bills!

 

[C.W. Richter]

Why hasn't your great-grandmother's bridge club mentioned the R8? OMFG. Enough. We do NOT want one.

 

[Red Leg]

The strangest thing to me is how those who don't own a Blaser (indeed, many of whom have never ever seen or handled one) seem to be those most threatened and vocal by both the rifle and the positive reviews from its owners.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

I’m not going to say I have no concerns with the R8, mostly how the polymers will act in 35 years. Also the lack of initial extraction you get with a turn bolt rifle, but I don’t see that being an issue with a clean rifle and modest loads.
But I do like a lot of the about the system, and would love to play with one sometime. I don’t know if I will ever own one, I’m kind of nostalgic, but certainly wouldn’t rule it out.

 

[IdaRam]

As I’ve read this thread, with great pleasure and some amusement I might add, I’ve learned a few things and had a few truths reaffirmed. Not the least of which, thank God the little boy in us will always remain, although usually lurking deep in the background. Along that vein the only contribution I can make to this thread is the following:

MEL PORTER, FIGHTER PILOT
Because somewhere in me is still the little boy,
who wants to kick the can and write on walls,
and hitch rides on the tailgates of trucks,
and pull little girls pants down.

And somewhere in me is still the go-to-hell pilot,
in the go-to-hell hat flinging an aircraft
down boundless halls of space,
and talking with hands for airplanes,
and reliving the Po Delta and the Mekong Delta,
and reaching out to touch the face of God,
and profaning those who are tied to earth,
and pulling girls pants down.

And somewhere in me is the Descartes
and the Sartre
who philosophises on the here and the hereafter,
and the deism of all that lives and not lives,
and the beauty of the sky and water
and cloven hoofs and man,
and girls with their pants down.

And deep inside me there is that uncompromising realist
who knows that this is all a terribly temporary gift;
that sometime, perhaps this next second,
he must run into that last hard object,
be it the side of a mountain, the slam of a bullet,
or the massive grasp of a giants hand
on a faltering heart.

When that time comes, if there is one thing to remember,
it will be that sweet memory that transcends them all,
the little boy, the go-to-heller, the philosopher, the realist;
it will be the ineffably beautiful picture of a girl...
with her pants down.

- Mel Porter, Fighter Pilot

 

[Tra3]

I have always wondered when reading these Blaser threads, do any of the regular commenters have any type of a financial or related interest in the company or an importer. etc.? If so, may be time to open the kimono. Some posts almost sound like stealth marketing. Or maybe it's just extreme, passionate love for an ugly ass gun.

I have no financial or related interest in recommending a Blaser. I do so because it is by far better than any of the rifles I’ve owned or fired. After using an R8 for only a short while I was/am so convinced of the quality, function and safety, that I purchased one for each of my kids. It was not a small expense, about 2-2-5x the cost of a normal “good” rifle. It has been absolutely worth it. It is hard not to be effusive over something that is made just right.

btw: if you are going to bring 2 guns to Africa, for about $1000 more you can bring a Blaser and 2 barrels.
Oh, I’d also posit that one who thinks a Blaser is expensive should evaluate the total cost of regular range trips. A quality amount of shooting prior to a safari is a few thousand dollars of ammo alone.