So, with due respect what I'm getting to is Blaser makes a better productor the R8 is superior to Sauer S404. Essentially the configuration that the R8 provides is als possible in the S404. There is a price difference in the sense the 9.3 in R8 is priced closed to the S404 in 9.3 the advantage being the Sauer comes with a extra barrel i.e 243.
I'm a novice when t comes to this, so your expert advice is much appreciated.
The Sauer S404 and Blaser R8 are similar in the fact that they both have interchangeable barrels, but the similarities end there. Here is a picture for reference, top is Blaser R8, middle is a traditional bolt action Mauser M03 and Sauer 404.
Blaser put the magazine on top of the trigger group. This was revolutionary because no other manufacturer is doing this. The advantage is the barrel gets to move back nearly 4 inches, making it 4 inches shorter if everything else is equal. So a 26" barrel
feels like a 22"...more compact, better handling and moves the balance point to the rear.
This also allows the Blaser R8 to mount the scope directly to the barrel, not the action. This eliminates any possible play/misallignment that may occur between the barrel and action on the Sauer or the M03. I have 4 barrels, each with their own scope in a QD mount...lock up like a bank vault and never lost zero.
Another advantage of Blaser is (in general) they are easier to find in the US than the Sauer. Which also means parts, accessories...etc are also a little easier to find.
The downside is that the magazine is limited to 3+1 in most big game hunting calibers, but it's caliber specific and there's a chart. I haven't found it to be any hinderance for hunting, but your expectations may be different. Blaser came out with the Ultimate X that has a magazine in front of the trigger, but I've not seen one in person.
That brings us to the straight pull action that the Blaser has. Advantage of speedy reloading and no worry of the bolt/scope interference.
There are a lot of rifles out there with interchangeable barrels, but none are doing it at the level of the R8. Will you pay for going with them, yes...absolutely. And you will get exactly what you pay for. Precision quality, straight pull action, interchangeable barrels with loads of accessories.
If you have specific questions you want to ask, feel free to send me a PM and I'll help you out. My wife and I went through this a few years ago, but it's still fresh in my mind. Good luck with your decision.
