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....

 

[gearguywb]

There are few things (maybe political views) that will cause more of a "dug in" viewpoint than this.

Both can/will be great. You have to appreciate them for what they are, not what they are not.

I did laugh at the point of "Mauser is 127 years old so its far superior"

Its well below zero out right now, let me grab my horse and buggy to head to the gym

Blaser is a tool. When I was in Alaska moose hunting, banging a rifle around in thick stuff, on an aluminum boat, etc., I was damn glad to have it.

Does the Blaser have the feel and soul of a well put together bolt gun...no way, that's not where it shines.

There is room in the safe for both, but there is not telling what may happen in there when the door is shut and the lights are off!

 

[Challer]

Both are excellent. I chose two R8, one with an exhibition stock that would make a custom Mauser proud, and a plastic stock version. And yes they have the feel of a well put together gun.

Forget barrels. The return to zero scope detach is worth it. You’ll appreciate that if switching scopes on the 375 -red dot, open sights, 1-8x. And if I carry a spare bolt and trigger group I can fix nearly every conceivable failure in the field without tools.

Both currently owned by Blaser group!

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

I would go blaser all the way
But choose right model amd barrel thickness to suit you and your needs

 

[Philip Glass]

All I can say is that yall don't know what you are missing! If you are in the club you know.

 

[spike.t]

All I can say is that yall don't know what you are missing! If you are in the club you know.

Some clubs I have no desire to be a member of........

 

[Philip Glass]

Some clubs I have no desire to be a member of........

I'll leave it alone..................

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

if you know.....you know
i am in the club, and i know what i know

i really do appreciate and beautiful normal bolt action with a wood stock, and i have learned there is a place for synthetic stocks
i have a myriad of rifles, i love them all, but i have to say the blasers are my favourite to use

 

[CBH Australia]

Those that travel regularly have a valid argument for a multi barrel Blaser. Those who like traditional looking bolt action rifles might go with a good CRF blued/timber stocked rifle.
All weather rifles can be had in both.
You will hear all of the pros and cons here but ultimately you have to decide which suits your needs and tastes.

 

[KJE81]

I once saw a Blaser R8 that I thought looked very nice, It was some sort of custom variant, it had the classic sporter stock (the one with wooden sides covering the action) with ebony foreend, open sights and was very nicely engraved. Not over the top, but rather tasteful. It looked nothing like a Blaser, more like a Mauser M98 except for the difference in action design of course. The bolt was silver nitrated and also engraved.

Cant find a picture of it right now, but the stock was much like this one, only with better wood.