We had the opportunity to rehearse the Blaser R8 air rifle chambered for the 6 XC shooting cartridge developed by Norma, combining the new Leica Magnus 1,8-12 × 50 spotting scope: a set where the well-known prerogatives of the weapon are added to those of balance and precision of a cartridge known to shooters and about to spread also among hunters, ending with yet another Leica product which has entered the aiming optics sector for show, if ever there was a need, the level of his lenses together with the determination to create a mechanic that lived up to the expectations of a knowledgeable and savvy public.
The mechanics of the Blaser carbine it is based on a light open castle embedded in the stock, here in a blond walnut of captivating beauty for its veins, elegant and functional lines, an impeccable oil run. The barrel, fixed to the stock by means of two Torx screws, rests on the castle and engages in as many pilierini, internally threaded, obtained from the solid breech: the result is a floating barrel that can be replaced with others of the same group of calibers. The shutter made up of various parts joined together with interlocking games or with other small Torx screws slides on the internal guides with V-profile: starting from the bottom we observe the sheet metal cap, shaped to contain the opening and closing mechanism controlled by a handlebar inserted orthogonally, with round knuckle and pendular movement of a few degrees.
The obturator is made up of a cylindrical head with a hollow face, a ratchet ejector and a robust prismatic extraction nail with a highly reliable wire spring, even though there is no primary extraction; behind there is a cylinder body made up of twelve elastic laminae, provided at the front apex with a raised tooth: the pendular movement of the handlebar advances an internal cone and the relative expansion of the laminae sends all the protrusions into a circular crown milled in the breech of the barrel, thus implementing sealing and closing.
The separate armament of the battery is delegated to a slide placed on the breech shank: by pushing the slider forward, the kinetic spring is armed, revealing a red stamp that warns of the situation. Attention must be paid to the prerogatives: by firing and embroidering a new cartridge, the battery remains armed allowing the continuation of the shots while, if you want to postpone the shot, it is disarmed by pressing the button a little forward which then retracts, occluding the red stamp: mind local on this situation it is decisive for safety. The shutter with the battery disarmed remains locked avoiding unexpected opening: it is released by pressing the usual button for a couple of mm. Depending on these factors, the release can be kept light on 730g and really works well in any situation.
Given the mechanics of this weapon, the polymer magazine, with a circular arrangement of the cartridges, also had to enclose the trigger so that, once the two side plates are unlocked, the whole assembly, guard, bridge, trigger and thrust tip is taken. included. The 58 cm barrel and 17 mm muzzle allows, thanks to the dimensions and the hammered rifling processing, a favorable precision to enhance the 6XC cartridge created by Norma about seven years and distributed to international level shooters who have won a remarkable series of competitions. The study sees a 3,35mm shorter case than the .243 Win. with the possibility of resistance to high pressures, those that guarantee the best and most regular combustion of the powder by ensuring a V / 6,8 of 105 m / sec to the 0 g (920 gr) ball with excellent constancy and good wind resistance lateral.
The groups are indicative of the possibilities where even theLeica Magnus optics reveals its adaptability to any type of hunting with a range of magnifications from 1,8 to 12x, the 50 mm objective for a strong brightness, and then the turrets with graduated elevation and a commendable intervention regularity; furthermore, the optics boasts the best compactness and the widest exit pupil in the category with an obvious advantage in carrying, handling and target acquisition. A set of excellences that on the hunt as in the shooting range allows sure satisfactions.
Data Sheet
Manufacturer: Blaser Jagdwaffen GmbH, Ziegelstadel 1 - D 88316 Isny - [email protected] - blaser.de
Distributor: Jawag - 39020 Marlengo (BZ) - Tel. 0473 221 722 - - www.jawag.it
Model: R8
Type: bolt action rifle with ordinary repetition in-line movement
Castle: light alloy supports trigger and power system
Shutter: expansion with twelve attachment points directly to the barrel
canna: in carbon steel - cylindrical type standard 17 mm length 65 cm Replacements: barrel and bolt head can be replaced within homogeneous groups of calibers
Percussion: coaxial firing pin in the shutter with helical spring
Supply: 3 + 1 cartridge mobile charger
Triggering device: direct action with single trigger - cocking controlled by an external button
Extractor: nail with external wire spring - orthogonal movement
Ejector: with elastic button in the bolt head
External sights: adjustable notch and front sight - 4 scratches on the castle with specific quick release base
Safety: entrusted to the arming and disarming button
Stocking: in a single piece of walnut wood - pistol grip - rubber buttplate
Finishes: semi-matt bluing of the metal parts
Weight :: Approx. 3.200 g without optics
CALIBRO: 6 XC Norma (others on request)
Optical: Leica Magnus 1,8-12 × 50 with graduated and lockable turret
Importer and distributor: Forest Italia - San Giovanni Lupatoto (VR)
The author thanks Mr. Giorgio Rosso of the polygon of Carrù (CN) for his exquisite courtesy and availability during the tests.