Blaser rifles

[Mike]

Anyone have first-hand experience with Blaser rifles? From what I can gather reading about them online, Blasers seem to have a love-it-or-hate-it type of following. The unique design & ability of the R93 and R8 to easily change calibers caught my attention, but my interest is more a curiosity than anything else.

[Wrangler John]

I can't answer your first question, but the following does answer why I can't.

Too pricey, and few advantages is why they aren't popular. Any Savage is a swap barrel rifle, and even a Remington bolt action is suitable for quick change barrels, and both can change calibers across cartridge sizes (especially single shot actions) without much if any modification. The Blaser system is pretty much limited to proprietary barrels, while the Savage and Remington can be fitted with any aftermarket barrel. Parts too are easily available for the domestic product. Accuracy is not superior to the domestic rifle, even those I screw together myself. The Blaser does have a neat gold colored trigger and bolt head though. Sometimes trying to reinvent the toilet seat becomes a PITA.

[Mike]

John, it is my understanding that Blasers are somewhat popular over in Europe. That popularity hasn't transcended the Atlantic Ocean and my initial reactions mirror many of your own. With that said, there's sometimes more to a rifle than what shows up on a stat sheet so I'm trying to keep a slightly open mind.

[kenbrofox]

Don't quote me on this, i think the trigger unit comes out with the magazine on some Blaser models. KB.

[Mike]

Don't quote me on this, i think the trigger unit comes out with the magazine on some Blaser models. KB.

You are correct about the trigger unit.

[drumie]

I am new to this site and to 204, but I have had a Blaser LRS-2 in 22-250 for over 4 years now. I must be one of the "love em" guys. This rifle is a tack driver. It is the most accurate rifle that I own, and I have 2 guns built buy G.A. Precision, and another custom buy a great gun builder. It just puts the bullets where I am every time. The gun comes with a great trigger. The action is a straight pull back action, a little different, but very fast to work. The stock is a love it hate it design, but i love it. It fits me great, and the adjustability on it is endless. The barrel swap is a snap, but the new barrels are pretty expensive for it. The negitives on this rifle are, the price. You can buy a custom for the same price as this gun. The magazines are expensive, around $200 each. But they do work flawlessly. I have never had a feeding issure. And also the mounts are kinda expensive, and limited. I had to do some work to the factory mount to get my US Optics scope to fit on it. But i do love this gun. I know everytime I get it out it is going to hit what I want it to.

[Mike]

Welcome aboard, Drumie. I appreciate your insights about the LSR-2 and they seem to mirror a lot of others I have read.

You have a fine collection of shooting sticks. What kind of .204 do you shoot?

[drumie]

Mike,
I actually just bought a TIkka T3 lite in 204. Just waiting for it to show up. That will be my first gun in 204. I got 2 other T3 lites, one in 223 and one in 243 and love them. Now the fun part...... Waiting for it to show up. LOL

[Big_Bullseye]

Sorry for the OT but drumie those T3 lites are nice little guns aren't they. I have a T3 lite stainless in 25-06 and it shoots very well, wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

[Rick in Oregon]

Another OT in regard to the Tikka T3's: A game and varmint outfitter & guide I know here on the high desert tried a T3 in 270 Win. He liked it so much, he now has an entire gun collection of T3's in every caliber (I believe) they chamber it for. It does have one of the smoothest cycling bolts I've ever tried.....very nice indeed.

[drumie]

Any new hunting gun that I will buy will be a Tikka T3. You can't beat them for the price and what you get for them. And yes they do have one of the smoothest bolts I have felt.

[Gube]

I have two T3 lites and they are one of my favorites. Both are "tack drivers". One is a grey laminate stainless in 204 and the other one is a synthetic camo, stainless in 243.