Mauser 98 vs Blaser R8

[AcidBurn]

Looking to purchase either 2 Mauser 98 experts in .375 H&H and .308 win or Blaser R8 Kilombero with a .375 H&H barrel and .308 win barrel. Which would you choose and why and which would be more durable.

 

[Velo Dog]

Looking to purchase either 2 Mauser 98 experts in .375 H&H and .308 win or Blaser R8 Kilombero with a .375 H&H barrel and .308 win barrel. Which would you choose and why and which would be more durable.

I fail to see the point in straight pull rifles so, Model 98 Mauser all the way.

 

[HWL]

What to hell is a Blaser R8.....?

HWL

 

[Surgeon1]

Mauser 98 or Mod 70 Winchester CFR. I have a Lexus R8 that is a beautiful gun level VIII wood and engraving with 3 barrels (375,300,6,5) very accurate took to Africa on extended Safari took 2 buffalo and 13 plains game (buffs eland & waterbuck were taken with 470NE Heym). Won’t likely use again in Africa. An custom Mauser or nice Mod70 or clone like a Dakota is much more to my likes
There are lots on this site who love the Blazer but it’s not for me. And what a nice blazers with 2-3 barrels and scope mounts cost you can buy 2 really nice Dakotas

 

[Hunter-Habib]

You can like one without looking down upon the other. Both the Mauser 98 and the Blaser R8 will give you excellent service.

The only reason I would pick a Mauser 98 over th Blaser R8, is because I like traditional old school firearms. Purely whimsical on my part.

 

[KJE81]

Mauser M98 all the way, but would probably go for custom rifles instead of factory ones, or if going with factory offerings I would rather choose Rigby Big Game for the .375 H&H and the Highland Stalker for the .308 Win. Would not consider the Blaser R8, just a personal bias against them and a personal love for conventional traditional/classic rifles.

 

[mark-hunter]

 

[mark-hunter]

Without speculation which one is better.

You want style?
Take Mauser 98. (all bespoke rifle workshops make Mausers, not Blasers, straight pulls or push feeds, or similar)

You want fashion, and to travel light?
Take Blaser R8. (modern engineering marvel)

 

[R eight]

Looking to purchase either 2 Mauser 98 experts in .375 H&H and .308 win or Blaser R8 Kilombero with a .375 H&H barrel and .308 win barrel. Which would you choose and why and which would be more durable.

I’ve got Rigbys in both 375 and 30/06 and I’ve also got a few R8’s including the PH version with a 375 and 416 REM barrels.
So, whilst not exactly what you’re trying to compare but pretty close.

My advice would be that, if you already haven’t, you really need to handle the Heavy Safari model of the R8 before you go any further. I think that the 308 barrel and the Kilombero R8 will not compliment each other.

I think that in the cartridges that you suggest that The Mauser option would work best.

 

[MS 9x56]

Looking to purchase either 2 Mauser 98 experts in .375 H&H and .308 win or Blaser R8 Kilombero with a .375 H&H barrel and .308 win barrel. Which would you choose and why and which would be more durable.

Well the R8 has only been out for 15 years while the Mauser 98 has been around for 127 years so by my math the 98 wins hands down. On pure aesthetics the Mauser wins hands down again. On performance again the 98 has history on its side. For versatility the R 8 wins. Your money, your choice.

 

[spike.t]

Well as it's well known on here you couldn't even give me a blaser ...the m98 ....instead of 308 I would get the m98 in 30-06...had one in shop here was very nice...I have my m98 in 7x57...one of my favourite rifles .....what I seem to carry in the cruiser when out here the most compared to my other rifles....also bit strange for me being a rigby boy of a few decades, but I prefer my m98 in 7x57 to the rigby Highland Stalker in 275....just feels better ...I know a Stalker owner who prefers a couple of things on my m98 over his Stalker as well....