Blaser R8 Silence: Simply the best gun ever made (with a catch)
17-Mar-2025
Mark Eves
I’ll put it out there straight away: the Blaser R8 Silence is, hands down, the best rifle I’ve ever used. From its whisper-quiet shots to its pinpoint accuracy, this straight-pull beauty has redefined what I expect from a hunting rifle. I’ve taken it stalking across the UK, and it’s never let me down. But there’s a catch—every Blaser attachment, from scope spacers to a blasted screwdriver, costs an arm and a leg. Here’s my take on why this rifle is a masterpiece, tempered by the sting of its pricey extras.
The good: Perfection in every shot
Where do I start? The R8 Silence is a marvel. That integrated reflex moderator isn’t just a gimmick—it slashes noise to a level that keeps my ears happy and my dog calm, even after a long day in the field. Blaser quotes a 28 dB reduction in .308 Win, and I believe it; the sound’s more a soft “whoosh” than a crack. I took it out on a windy Dartmoor stalk last month, and the compact 42 cm barrel (or 47 cm, depending on calibre) paired with the straight-pull action made it a joy to carry and lightning-fast to cycle. At 8.3 lbs bare, it’s not featherlight, but the weight’s so well balanced it never feels muzzle-heavy like some moderated rifles.
The engineering is pure genius. The radial-locking bolt snaps shut with a satisfying thunk, and I’ve never had a dud feed or extraction—primary extraction’s flawless, unlike some straight-pulls I’ve tried. Swapping barrels and bolt heads for different calibres (.223 Rem to .300 Win Mag) is a doddle with two screws and a hex key, and my zero holds rock-solid every time I refit my scope. I’ve been running a Blaser Infinity 2.8-20x50 IC on mine, and it’s a laser—half-inch groups at 100 yards with Hornady 178-grain ELD-X in .308. For a stalker who loves precision, it’s a dream come true.
The build screams quality too. The matte black action with gold “R8” lettering and that sleek bull-barrel look turn heads at the range. The detachable mag-trigger unit—four rounds in standard calibres—renders it safe when I pop it out, and the manual cocking system gives me total control. It’s the rifle I’d grab for anything from roe in tight cover to reds on an open hill.
The bad: Eye-watering costs for every extra
Here’s the rub: as much as I adore the R8 Silence, Blaser’s attachment prices make my wallet weep. Want a scope spacer to tweak your eye relief? That’ll be a small fortune. Need a special screwdriver to adjust the proprietary QD mount? Cough up £15 for a tool that should cost a fiver anywhere else. I lost a tiny screw from my mount once—£18 to replace it! Every little add-on, from bipod adaptors to extra mag inserts, carries a premium that feels downright cheeky.
It’s not just the cost—it’s the principle. This rifle’s already a big investment (north of £4,000 depending on spec), and I get that you’re paying for German engineering. But when I’m forking out for a spacer or a tool I’ll use twice, it stings. I’ve switched to Innomount mounts to save a few quid—they’re solid and oddly cheaper—but even then, the Blaser ecosystem locks you in. Want the full experience? Be ready to shell out for every bell and whistle.
Oh, and a minor niggle: that “Blaser click” when the bolt isn’t fully home caught me out once or twice early on. It’s a learning curve, not a flaw, and it’s gone quiet with use. But the attachment prices? That’s a gripe that doesn’t fade.
My verdict: Worth it, if you can stomach the extras
The Blaser R8 Silence is, without a doubt, the finest rifle I’ve ever owned—bar none. It’s accurate, quiet, versatile, and built like a tank. For me, it’s the ultimate stalking companion, whether I’m after deer in the Highlands or foxes at dusk. The tech, the balance, the sheer reliability—it’s perfection in metal and wood (or synthetic, if you prefer).
But those attachments? Blimey, they’re a kick in the teeth. If you’re like me and love the rifle enough to overlook the cost, you’ll grit your teeth and pay up. Otherwise, you might balk at the extras and stick to a simpler setup. Me? I’m smitten. I’d sell half my gun cabinet to keep this beauty—and I just might, if Blaser keeps hiking the price of screws!
Final thoughts
The R8 Silence is a masterpiece that lives up to its hype, but it’s not cheap to play in Blaser’s world. Have you got one—or been put off by the accessory costs?
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