Thread: R93 vs R8 -want the real info.

R93 was released in 1993. It’s old.
R8 2008. It’s new(er).
R93 is basically discontinued. Unless you can get it for a great price or have access to more barrels etc it’s going to be tough to move into more calibers which is the advantage of the system.
R8 does not interchange with R93 other than scope mounts.
R93 is considerably lighter than R8 and R93 is borderline heavy in the big picture. I don’t think the R8 platform is conducive to NZ hunting styles.
Both systems are extremely easy to use and have great ergonomics. I’ve not yet had a Blaser that won’t shoot better than me (or most others).
The straight pull gives a advantage not only in speed but it removes the receiver so a 20” Blaser will also be equivalent length to a 18” turn bolt.
There are some offshore options for carbon fibre stocks. I have a Stug one that is OK. It functions fine but is not a Christiansen (nor was it in the same eye watering price range).
I have just had my 7-08Rem barrel turned into a 284Win with some kiwi ingenuity so they’re still not stuffed by obsolescence. I’ve yet to shoot it but am not anticipating dramas.
Would I buy another? Probably, but I’ve made a bunch of changes that make it as bad as a Rem700 for being a bastardised rifle and I wouldn’t buy an R8 if I was hunting kiwi style.