The Blaser R8 was presented to the public back in 2010. Since then, it has established itself as one of the most established premium firearms. After all, it has everything that the modern hunter appreciates: safety thanks to a manual cocking system, self-explanatory function, fast follow-up shots thanks to the straight-pull action and a high degree of customisability. Blaser has now added the special "Success Vintage" and "Success Vintage Silence" models to the range. The brand new model combines fine wood and leather. But first a brief review: what's inside the R8 in technical terms?
Technical background: Blaser R8 straight-pull rifle
As already mentioned, the R8 has been on the market for more than 14 years. It followed the Blaser R93, introduced in 1993, as the company's second straight-pull rifle. The centerpiece of both rifles is a radial bolt action. In contrast to conventional bolt-action rifles, this type of bolt does not lock using conventional lugs, but using lugs that expand into a radial recess in the inside wall of the barrel’s shank. The R8 also comes with a support sleeve that additionally reinforces the bolt. Compared to the R93, the locking elements are enlarged and two cams secure the closed bolt to the rear. This technology allows extremely fast firing strings with a high level of safety. This is also ensured by the manual cocking system. This also locks the bolt and can only be unlocked by cocking the firearm or gently pushing the cocking slide upwards.
Another trademark of Blaser and the R8 in particular is the high degree of customisability of the rifle. The company offers its own configurator for the R8 models, in which everything from the stock, caliber and barrel length to the bolt handle can be designed in detail according to the hunter's personal preferences. It is also worth mentioning that Blaser is one of the few manufacturers to offer customers a complete solution from factory. In addition to the gun itself, scopes and ammunition are also available under the Blaser brand. Prices for the gun (without optics) start at 3,801 euros (for the Blaser R8 Professional model). The price scale is more or less open at the top, if you like.
Presentation: Blaser R8 Success Vintage and Success Vintage Silence – aesthetic and technical details
Blaser has now further expanded its already wide range of models in the R8 segment with the aforementioned Success Vintage and Success Vintage Silence models. The core feature of the new additions is the combination of wood and leather. According to Blaser, the special model features a combination of hand-selected wooden stock in wood grade 6 and saddle leather. The brown tone of the leather is based on the color nuances of the stock with a matte finish. The saddle leather inserts on the recoil pad and the inlays on the pistol grip and fore-end are intended not only to ensure a secure grip in any hunting situation but also to create a symmetrical overall impression.
The receiver and trigger guard are made of satin-finished aluminium in black, which creates a visual contrast. The walnut bolt handle ball and the gold-plated trigger blade complement the visual appearance of the model. There is also a black, satin-finished stock brace with gold-colored "R8 Vintage" lettering on the left side of the gun and a gold-colored bolt.
The R8 Success Vintage is also available as a Silence version. Blaser equips it with the familiar integral silencer of the R8 series. The price for both models is 8,500 euros (RRP). According to Blaser, the rifles will be available in stores from spring 2025.
Further information on Blaser firearms and the configurator mentioned above can be found on the manufacturer's website.
