Mauser 98 vs Blaser R8

[Ravensview]

I don’t have any fancy high end rifles, the fanciest one I have is my Shiloh Sharps model 1874, but all of my rifles have a wooden stock on them except 2 (one being a tikka 1x .22 that I love), that being said if I was starting out fresh I would probably go the R8 route, a lot about it just makes sense to me. Good luck in your choice

 

[WesRic404Jeff]

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.
View attachment 665082

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.
View attachment 665082

Could it be this one?

 

[KJE81]

Could it be this one?

It looks very similar but the one I found had open sights and a banded sling swivel on the barrel.

 

[Red Leg]

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.
View attachment 665082

Less the engraving, it might have been like this one which has taken a couple of buffalo and a small host of plains game. It has the sadly discontinued classic sporter stock.

I love and own both Mauser based rifles and Blaser R8s. This is my Rigby .275 in use on my last safari to Zambia (much to @spike.t 's relief, I did not bring the Blaser).

Both can be wonderful tools of our trade. But, I have concluded, and frankly it is not really close, the R8 is the finest production hunting rifle ever created. It has the best ergonomics and trigger that I have ever found on a production rifle. The brilliant trigger magazine design creates the sort of handy, short action package that one only finds in something like a No. 1. The barrel/change of chambering capability works perfectly. Only a double rifle, with a far more limited utility envelope, is as easy with which to travel. They are a truly remarkable creation.

As Stuart @Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS suggest, weight is important. In a .375, the standard barrels on the alloy receiver create a perfect rifle. With ammunition and scope, it will top out just over nine pounds depending upon stock. That is ideal for a rifle that might be carried all day following a buffalo or an eland.

 

[KJE81]

Less the engraving, it might have been like this one which has taken a couple of buffalo and a small host of plains game. It has the sadly discontinued classic sporter stock.

I love and own both Mauser based rifles and the Blaser R8. This is my Rigby .275 in use on my last safari to Zambia (much to @spike.t 's relief, I did not bring the Blaser).

Both can be wonderful tools of our trade. But, I have concluded, and frankly it is not really close, the R8 is the finest production hunting rifle ever created. It has the best ergonomics and trigger that I have ever found on a production rifle. The brilliant trigger magazine design creates the sort of handy, short action package that one only finds in something like a No. 1. The barrel/change of chambering capability works perfectly. Only a double rifle, with a far more limited utility envelope, is as easy with which to travel. They are a truly remarkable creation.

As Stuart @Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS suggest, weight is important. In a .375, the standard barrels on the alloy receiver create a perfect rifle. With ammunition and scope, it will top out just over nine pounds depending upon stock. That is ideal for a rifle that might be carried all day following a buffalo or an eland.

Yes it is very close, aside from engraving the only difference was that If I recall correctly it was silver nitrated rather then blued on the action/bolt area.

I am sure that the Blaser R8 is of very high quality and probably superior to most other bolt action rifles, but it does not appeal to me in quite the same way as the Highland Stalker in your post does

However your Blaser R8 with the classic sporter stock and open sights does come much, much closer to a Mauser M98 then a regular R8 with the two part stock. If I were ever to buy a Blaser I would go for one with classic sporter stock. I actually had a Blaser BD880, but that was built before Blaser started with their more modern offerings.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

No Klingon rifles for me. Don't like the price tag and see no need for straight pull. Interchangeable barrels is a gimmick. If I'm too wimpy ro carry a normal two gun case to and from baggage check in, I'm WAY too wimpy to be hunting big game. Okay, to be clear I don't classify sitting over bait or a waterhole as real hunting.

 

[V.Veritas]

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

"You know what you know.
You know what you don't know.
You don't know what you don't know.
You know what you know, but what you know it ain't just so."

This is one of my favorite sayings.

 

[roklok]

Mauser 98 for me. I have been tempted by the Blasers from time to time. They certainly have a list of advantages, and are highly regarded by many. You will never convince me the Blaser is as reliable as a time tested bolt action though. There is a term, "Blaser click" that was coined because of failures to fire with Blasers. I know, I know, it is user error, or improperly loaded ammo, or dust, or..... My PH recounted a story of an elephant hunter he guided that had three clicks in a row with his R8. Elephant wasn't taken. Luckily it went the other way. The dust in Namibia in October is extremely fine and airborne, it coats everything and gets into small spaces. In these conditions I would definitely feel more confident in a Mauser which has been proven in very adverse conditions for well over 100 years. I am not one who gets hung up on push feed vs CRF, but I do think its amusing how staunch CRF guys make an exception to the Blasers. Why ? Because they cost a lot of money ?

 

[uplander01]

It's a matter of style really, classic or modern. I've made it clear how I feel about Blaser Rifles,..but it can't be denied, they work quite well. I'd get 98's or Dakotas, much classier rifle, better open back up sights as well.

 

[Green Chile]

It's a matter of style really, classic or modern. I've made it clear how I feel about Blaser Rifles,..but it can't be denied, they work quite well. I'd get 98's or Dakotas, much classier rifle, better open back up sights as well.

I've got Mausers but it's interesting how after many years of owning and using different rifles, I've ended up having both Dakotas and Blasers as my favorites that are usually taken on hunt trips. I look over at the rifle rack and see Dakota and Blaser single shots...and Dakota and Blaser bolt actions. All of them run well and work well for me. I've used them both for DG and PG. No complaints.

 

[Red Leg]

Mauser 98 for me. I have been tempted by the Blasers from time to time. They certainly have a list of advantages, and are highly regarded by many. You will never convince me the Blaser is as reliable as a time tested bolt action though. There is a term, "Blaser click" that was coined because of failures to fire with Blasers. I know, I know, it is user error, or improperly loaded ammo, or dust, or..... My PH recounted a story of an elephant hunter he guided that had three clicks in a row with his R8. Elephant wasn't taken. Luckily it went the other way. The dust in Namibia in October is extremely fine and airborne, it coats everything and gets into small spaces. In these conditions I would definitely feel more confident in a Mauser which has been proven in very adverse conditions for well over 100 years. I am not one who gets hung up on push feed vs CRF, but I do think its amusing how staunch CRF guys make an exception to the Blasers. Why ? Because they cost a lot of money ?

The only rifle that I have truly had fail me while hunting (let's leave scopes out of the discussion) was an FN Mauser in .375. Upon cycling the bolt, I ended up with it in one hand and the rifle in another. Fortunately, the target was an expiring oryx rather than an inbound wounded buffalo. In more than 10 years of use and multiple trips to Africa, the R8 has been totally reliable.

 

[MS 9x56]

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!

My apologies I did not make clear, in the OPs original post he asked which would be more durable. I was merely trying to point out that in its 127 year history the 98 has proven to be extremely durable whereas since the R8 has only been on the market a short time there is not enough history to ascertain its durability. Yes I am a fudd my personal choice was not asked for so I did not give it only trying to provide information. I did state your money your choice. To each there own go forth and enjoy.

 

[Challer]

Could it be this one?

Who made that stock?

 

[TOBY458]

Who made that stock?

I think that’s a factory Blaser Classic Sporter stock.

 

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[WesRic404Jeff]

Who made that stock?

If I remember correctly, it was a German who made this stock. I don't have the name of the gunsmith, but it was made in Austria.
The wood is made of grade 7, Turkish walnut with an ebony front piece.
This R8 was for sale not too long ago, but was sold quite quickly.

 

[WesRic404Jeff]

I think that’s a factory Blaser Classic Sporter stock.

Far from factory, it's custom 100%

 

[BeeMaa]

Blaser R8. I own three stocks and four barrels. Here's a brief rundown of why...

• Best factory trigger I've ever had at 2#.
• Magazine on top of trigger group shortening the rifle by 4".
• Quick takedown for easy travel.
• One stock fit for any caliber from 17HMR to 500J.
• QD scope mount.
• Mix and match as you please to find the right balance for you.
• Multiple barrel contours for the same caliber, further customizing your fit.
• Kickstop easily added to help with felt recoil.
• Timber, synthetic, thumbhole, adjustable...etc stocks available.
• Easy resale of most components you don't need along with good deals being found on the used market.
• Incredible accuracy with factory ammo.
• Incredibly reliable, I've shot thousands of rounds with no failures.
• Decocking safety mechanism that is arguably the safest in the industry.
• Scope mounted on the barrel for more consistent accuracy and return to zero.
• Do I need to mention how fast they reload?
• Dealer support is excellent

 

[One Day...]

OK, let's take the plunge

There is no right or wrong answer AcidBurn, both are illustrating the epitome of the art of gunmaking, one from the 19th century, and one from the 21st century, and you will see a lot of passionate answers in this thread (and many other similar threads).

What we are discussing is vastly emotional vs. rational decision.

Let me try to summarize...

Emotionally - and Lord knows I have been on that bandwagon myself for a long time, and I still own both genuine Mauser 98 and Mauser-system CZ550s - I would summarize things by saying that if your dream of an African safari looks like this:

Out of Africa

then Mauser 98s is the way to go.

Rationally - and this is where I am now, having finally buried Denys Finch Hatton and come to grip with the reality that I will never "own a farm in Africa" (Karen von Blixen-Finecke, a.k.a. Isak Dinesen) - I would suggest that you read the following thread that explores at length all technical aspects:

Thread 'Transitioning To A Blaser R8 - A Two Months / 500 Rounds Review'

Nov 27, 2020

Transitioning to a Blaser R8 - A two months / 500 rounds review series of articles

So, the deed is done, I have purchased a Blaser R8 and 4 barrels.

This came as a shock to some friends on AH.com who know me to be a fervent advocate of the CZ 550 as the best value in the affordable DG rifle market, and as a bomb-proof rifle after a bit of debugging…

I am not recanting!

After two months and 500 rounds with the Blaser R8, I would like to share some thoughts with those who, like me, have been on the fence regarding the R8:

1. First, I want to thank AH members Red...

• One Day...

• 
• 

To make a very long story very short, a Blaser R8 will allow you to bring to Africa a full 3 calibers battery (light, medium, heavy) in an airline compliant <62" linear and <50 lbs. rifle case.

Mauser 98s will not.

Pelican 1700 case <62" linear and <50 lbs. with R8 Pro stock, bolt and magazine inserts, .458 Lott barrel & scope, .375 H&H barrel & scope, and .300 Wby barrel and scope.

Pelican 1700 case <62" linear and <50 lbs. with R8 Pro stock, bolt and magazine inserts, .375 H&H barrel & scope, .300 Wby barrel and scope, and .257 Wby barrel and scope

In addition - the Blaser R8 will give you the opportunity to match your battery to any safari PG / DG mix you may ever think of, and will afford you the incredibly useful opportunity to practice endlessly with the very rifle you will take to Africa.

My own R8 battery comprises:

• .458 Lott barrel (Elephant, Hippo on land, Buffalo... and Rhino if I could afford it...)
• .375 H&H barrel (Lion, Leopard where legally mandated, Eland, one-rifle PG/DG safaris)
• .300 Wby barrel (heavy PG, one-rifle PG safaris)
• .257 Wby barrel (light & medium PG and MG [mountain game])
• .223 Rem barrel (300 yards economical practice)
• .22 LR barrel (100 yards virtually-free practice... and quasi daily practice since I own my own 100 yds range)

I have re-sold several genuine Mauser 98 and Mauser-system CZ 550s, and even my Krieghoff .470 NE, and have become a Blaser R8-only safari goer. There is truth to the old say: "Beware the man with only one rifle, he likely knows how to use it".

This is of course only my perspective, and I will not have the pretense to say that it is better than others' perspective, but I am not regretting the decision taken a few years ago, and I have validated its rationale over a number of safaris since. It works for me

I am also impressed by the number of folks who own truly awesome gun collections, including several genuine Magnum Mausers and numerous doubles, and who seem to mostly show up in Africa with a Blaser R8...

 

[Altitude sickness]

There is a sporter R8 with very nice wood at my local store. Reasonably priced.

BeeMaa you left out “ Best factory iron sights”