- October 29, 2018
- Weapons and ammunition
- Alexey Emelyanov
It is not easy to achieve success and popularity among professional hunters in the hunting weapons market. There are more and more competitors, customers are more discerning about their products, and promising niches have long been occupied by large arms suppliers. It is especially difficult for young firms to achieve constant demand for their products. It is no longer enough for companies producing sporting and hunting weapons to present new design solutions in their weapons; they also need to take care of a strong financial base for the successful promotion of new products on the Russian market.
Blaser Jagdwaffen GmbH is considered a relatively young company. It first appeared in Germany in the mid-20th century. Less than a few years after the launch of its production facilities, it became one of the most popular and famous brands of weapons in the Old World. Today, guns under the Blazer brand are successfully sold all over the world.
The products of this German company belong to the premium class; prices for Blazer guns cannot be called cheap or affordable. But weapons are made from high-quality materials using high-strength steel, aluminum alloys, and rare wood species.
Blaser R93 carbine
The most popular weapon in the German company Blazer is the Blazer P93 carbine of the same name. This firearm belongs to the premium class. The sample went on sale in the early 90s of the last century and immediately attracted the attention of experienced specialists. The main feature of the weapon is its original modular design, which allows the shooter to quickly replace the magazine, as well as easily remove the barrel and bolt cylinder. Such functions allow the use of cartridges of various calibers on one Blazer shotgun. The decision to use one weapon for all occasions appealed to many shooters.
Another original idea of the designers, which was first used on the Blazer R93 weapon, is a longitudinally sliding bolt. This design allows you to significantly increase the rate of fire. This idea came to the mind of Gerhard Blenk, who was the managing director of the arms factory Blaser Jagdwaffen Gmbh. Many of his colleagues knew him as an avid hunter. The talented designer Manrad Tsey was able to bring the idea to life.
Since the start of sales, about 200 thousand Blazer carbines of the R93 series have been sold, which is a good indicator for this price segment. This confirms the high quality of the product and the excellent characteristics of the German rifle. For more than 20 years in a row, this carbine has been the most popular civilian weapon around the world among professional hunters. The R93 model is supplied to fifty countries, including Russia.
Features of Blaser weapons
There are some features for which the consumer appreciates the product of the German company.
The first is a modular system. Thanks to it, each hunter, based on the standard version, can assemble a unique weapon with unique features and advantages. You can replace not only the barrel, but also the stock. Installation of additional modules is available. This can be done while hunting. Shpanshiber (external cocking of the mainspring) is rarely found in the design of guns. Thanks to it, rifles become more reliable and safer. The hunter cocks the mainspring with his own hands. If the shot is not made, he simply relaxes it to its original position. The probability of an accidental shot is zero.
The internal structure of the model is thought out to the smallest detail; engineers spent a lot of time working on it. The result is a product in which every node is in the place where it should be. This made it possible to achieve small dimensions; the standard length of the gun is 1,020 mm, and versions with short barrels are even shorter - 940 mm. The build quality of each item is at a high level.
Carbine modifications
After the Blazer P93 carbine gained well-deserved popularity, the authors of the product began to think about modifying it. Work on creating the new product took almost five years. The efforts of the engineers were crowned with success, because in 2010, at the IWA-2010 exhibition (Nuremberg), dedicated to samples of civilian weapons, a new development was presented. Some experts immediately noted that the modification is nothing more than an improvement to the R93 shotgun.
The updated hunting carbine retained the main advantages of its predecessor, namely a sliding bolt, modular design, and high rate of fire.
The entry of a modified version into the market has nothing to do with a decrease in demand for the older model of the German plant. On the contrary, in 2009, the demand for the first version of the Blazer carbine (30-06 - its caliber) only increased.
general information
The high quality of the rifle is ensured by the use of durable polymer and natural materials. The high demand for this weapon is explained by its durability and efficiency. The rifle is not just convenient, it gives the shooter real pleasure with its successful design.
During its creation and subsequent modifications, the designers were guided by numerous reviews and wishes of weapon lovers. Thanks to this, the result was a sample practically free of flaws. In its price category, the Blaser R93 is ahead of its competitors in many respects, including accuracy and accuracy of fire.
Main advantages of Blaser R93:
Compact dimensions and light weight allow you to carry the carbine with you or transport it in any car; High accuracy is ensured by smooth operation of the trigger when firing; Even during a hunt, you can change some parts, which allows you to quickly switch to another type of ammunition; The strength of the spare parts is sufficient for operation in conditions with high humidity, at low and high temperatures. The weapon is not afraid of falling from a height of human height onto a hard surface.
Owners use this gun for hunting small and medium-sized animals, recreational and training shooting. The simple design makes it possible to familiarize yourself with the design of weapons of this class.
Gun options
There are several versions of the Blazer R93 carbine available for sale to hunters. The simplest and cheapest of them has the prefix “Professional” in its name. The more expensive version called "Imperial" differs from the previous one in that the rifle body is engraved and inlaid with gold. To make the stock and other parts of the weapon, walnut is used, which is at least 100 years old. The company provides its customers with more than 11 types of wood to choose from. Particularly expensive specimens are made from the root influx of a tree.
Conclusion
Blazer R93 is a real breakthrough in the weapons field. Despite this, many experienced hunters perceive it with skepticism, as they are accustomed to the classic design of hunting weapons. The weapon belongs to the elite category, the price of some copies reaches a million rubles. There is no point in buying it for a beginner, but the Blaser P93 will serve a true professional well.
Blaser R93 Professional can withstand any climatic conditions. It has been through numerous trips to Africa and the North, and can work even with minor sand contamination - but it is advisable to avoid this.
This weapon is deservedly considered one of the best in recent years. Lovers of the classics can choose a special design of the butt and stock, which imitate natural wood. There are plenty of modifications that involve replacing various components. Components can be purchased at gun stores. The working life of the tool is huge; it will last for many years.
Barrel Features
The barrel of the 308-caliber Blazer carbine is made by cold forging. It is then subjected to a procedure called nitration. It is carried out to reliably protect the metal from corrosion.
In the “Standard” modification of the weapon, the diameter of the internal hole at the muzzle of the barrel is 17 mm; in another version of the weapon called Semi Weight, the bullet exit is 2 mm wider and is 19 mm. In Match and Safari versions, the internal diameter of the barrel at the muzzle is 22 mm. As an additional option, at the request of the shooter, flutes can be installed on the weapon, which allow the weapon to quickly cool during shooting. This option also reduces the overall weight of the carbine.
Types of trunks
The manufacturing plant produces a wide range of replacement barrels, each of which has certain features and advantages:
Jagdmatch - has longitudinal grooves, lacks an open sight, channel diameter - 2.2 cm. Total length - 62.7 cm; Safari - has an open sighting mechanism, channel diameter - 2.2 cm. There is only a round section. 300 grams heavier than standard. Length - 62.7 cm; Simple round - similar to the previous version, without an open sight. Dimensions saved; Barrel with Mag-na-port - equipped with a Mag-na-port compensator. There are several vertical cutouts near the muzzle that reduce recoil by 20%; Barrel with Dural-Brake - at the end there is a thread for installing a compensator attachment with several rows of round holes. Recoil is reduced by 35-50%, the muzzle flame becomes smaller, and the barrel does not throw up.
Ammo magazines
Depending on the selected caliber, the magazine changes, as does its capacity. Magazine capacity for .222 Rem. is 4 rounds; for larger magnum-class cartridges, the carbine’s magazine capacity is no more than two pieces.
Many shooters have complaints regarding the too small magazine capacity, as well as the ease of filling it with ammunition. Loading a weapon one cartridge at a time, pushing it into the barrel from above, is too long a process. The complaints about this drawback are quite justified, because sometimes when hunting large animals, the rate of fire of a carbine can play a decisive role. The slightest delay during reloading can cost the shooter his life and health.
Shutter device
The German brand weapon is equipped with a special sliding bolt, which provides a high rate of fire, this brings its characteristics closer to self-loading weapons.
Over many years of successful sales, the ninety-third has proven that its shutter is very reliable. The collet design provides a larger locking area for elements compared to the legendary Mauser 98 rifle. The latter is considered the standard for the above parameter. The cartridge is fixed in the barrel of the Blazer R93 carbine due to a sliding sleeve, which is located in the annular protrusion of the chamber. This design makes it possible to reduce the size of hand-held small arms, as well as simplify them.
The mainspring of the Blazer R93 is cocked by the expansion bolt, which also plays the role of a fuse, protecting its owner from an accidental shot. Such a system is capable of de-cocking a weapon while leaving the cartridge in the barrel. Also, the spring for firing the shot remains blocked if the bolt is not closed completely for some reason.
The gun's trigger does not have a trigger. Instead, the designers paid attention to the smoothness of the descent. The hook for making a shot has a smooth descent without a preliminary move, which has an extremely positive effect on the accuracy of hitting the target. To fire a shot, the shooter must apply a force of 750 grams. It is noteworthy that for ease of use of the weapon, its magazines for various calibers of cartridges are made in such a way as to fit under one universal receiver.
Description and features of the weapon
Blaser R93 is a hunting carbine with manual reloading and the ability to change the barrel and part of the firing mechanisms for ammunition of various calibers. They range from the small .22 Long Rifle cartridge to the powerful .416 Weatherby Magnum. You can install a special bolt for left-handed people on your weapon, and you can do this quickly and in the field.
There are many versions of the Blaser R93, but even in the simplest and most budget ones (for example, Blaser R93 Professional), the appearance of the carbine is pleasantly surprising. And what can we say about the exclusive versions of the Imperial type with author’s engraving and gold inlay. To make wooden parts of weapons, walnuts that are at least 100 years old are used. The company offers its customers a choice of eleven types of walnut wood. And for especially expensive specimens of the “ninety-third”, the bed is made from the root influx of centuries-old trees, which has a unique texture.
Diagram of the weapon mechanism
The barrel of the Blaser R93 carbine, as well as any other weapon of the company, is produced by cold forging, after which the outer surface of the metal is subjected to nitration. This treatment provides additional protection against corrosion.
The receiver of the weapon is made of a single piece, which increases the reliability and durability of the weapon. A chrome-molybdenum steel barrel is attached directly to it. It does not touch the parts of the fore-end, which eliminates deformation due to swelling of the wood.
In the Standard modification, the outer diameter of the barrel at the muzzle is 17 mm, in the Semi Weight version - 19 mm, and in the Safari and Match versions - 22 mm. At the customer's request, flutes can be made on the barrel, which improves heat dissipation and reduces the weight of the weapon.
As mentioned above, the Blaser R93 can be used to fire cartridges of different calibers. In total, about 30 types of barrels can be installed on the carbine. Depending on the caliber, the magazine capacity also varies: from 4+1 for cartridges like .222 Rem. Up to 2+1 for magnum class ammunition. Moreover, the brackets for installing sights are fixed directly on the barrel and change along with it. Thus, the shooter gets the opportunity to have several barrels with already adjusted brackets for the carbine.
Barrel replacement options for using ammunition of different calibers
The R93 has open sights, with both the rear sight and front sight being made of plastic. However, due to their extremely rare use, they can safely be called rudiments.
The presence of a permanent magazine increases the weapon’s resistance to contamination, however, there are complaints among shooters about its capacity, which is considered insufficient for some types of hunting, as well as about the convenience of filling the magazine. Loading “from above” and “one at a time” takes some getting used to. But the speed of this process on a serious hunt may well mean the difference between life and death for the shooter.
At the customer's request, the barrels can be equipped with Dural-Brake and Mag-na-port muzzle compensators. They significantly reduce recoil and flame emission. Their use is especially important on powerful “African” calibers. Another design solution that can seriously reduce the recoil of a weapon is a special cylinder with tungsten granules, which is placed in the butt of the carbine. True, such an element is an additional option that is not included in the basic configuration of the weapon.
The Blaser R93 carbine is equipped with a longitudinally sliding bolt, providing the weapon with a high rate of fire. In this parameter, the “ninety-third” comes close to a self-loading weapon. In addition, the carbine bolt is very reliable: its collet design provides a larger area of locking elements than the famous Mauser 98 rifle, which is considered the standard in this matter. Fixation occurs due to a sliding sleeve in the annular protrusion of the chamber. This design made it possible to reduce the size of the receiver and simplify it.
The spanshiber will reliably protect you from an accidental shot
The R93 mainspring is cocked using a hammer guard, which additionally serves as a weapon safety device. Such a system allows you to remove the carbine from cocking, leaving the cartridge in the chamber. Also, the mainspring will remain locked if the bolt is not fully closed.
The weapon's trigger does not have a traditional trigger; instead, the developers paid special attention to the smooth release of the carbine. The weapon has a pleasant “dry” trigger without a preliminary stroke, which, of course, has a positive effect on shooting accuracy. The force is approximately 750 g. The trigger and magazines are designed to fit any receiver.
Optional equipment
At the request of the buyer, the Blazer R93 carbine can be equipped with a muzzle compensator, which significantly reduces recoil and erupting flames during a shot. Basically, such devices are used when firing large-caliber cartridges.
As additional equipment, special cylinders filled with tungsten granules can be installed on the Blazer R 93 carbine. Such a device is placed in the butt of a weapon and serves to reduce recoil.
Eight series rifle
The Blazer R 8 carbine is a multi-shot rifled weapon designed for game hunting. It has a longitudinally sliding bolt frame with radial locking. Compared to the R93, the newer model has a 45 percent increase in the locking area of the cylinder. In addition, the designers tried to enhance the strength characteristics of the firearm. Today, the Blazer R8 carbine (see photo below) is recognized as the most advanced representative of a hunting weapon in its class.
Main advantages
This model has retained its modular design, thanks to which the owner of the gun can shoot from several types of ammunition of different calibers. It is only necessary to replace the cylinder, magazine and barrel.
The removable magazine with increased capacity, which was so lacking on the R93, is made in a single block with a locking unit. This design is attached to clamps located in the receiver. The magazine can be detached with the press of a button, but the gun also has the ability to lock it. Also, cartridges can be placed in the carbine from above, directly into the chamber. To do this, you need to move the shutter back.
There are even more interchangeable barrels on the Blazer R8 compared to its predecessor. From the updated carbine you can now shoot 38 types of cartridges of various calibers, from small to large, even as powerful as .458 Win. Mag., .500 Jeffery and .458 Lott. Thanks to these properties, the Blazer hunting carbine is actively used by professional hunters in African countries for shooting large wild animals.
Development of a new model
The successful layout of the bolt and barrel of the rifle attracted the interest of sports shooters. They made a proposal to create a large-caliber rifle for military sports shooting. Improving the basic version of the Blazer, the engineers of this company eventually came to the creation of the LRS-2.
The first sports version appeared in 1996. At a distance of 300 meters, the dispersion of bullets was 3.6 centimeters. The result satisfied professional shooters, but the magazine and trigger mechanism of the LRS-2 required improvement.
The first two years of its operation revealed the weak strength of the stock, which was made of aluminum alloy to reduce weight. When she fell, she received serious injuries. In the future, a version with a stock made of durable glass-filled polyamide was released, and the 10-round magazine was replaced with an improved one with 5 charges. This made it possible to avoid increasing the mass of the gun.
The trigger mechanism has also been improved. The descent was shortened and made dry. There are more options for customizing the trigger mechanism. As a result, improvements to the original version lasted until 1999, after which mass production of the new model was launched.
Interchangeable barrels allow athletes and snipers to use the powerful .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition. The brackets make it possible to install optical sights of all types and diopter sights. The adjustable stock and trigger allow the owner to customize the rifle to suit his wishes and tastes.
All versions of the family are easy to disassemble. Each instance is divided into units that can be easily removed for cleaning, repair or other maintenance. This can be done in any conditions; no specialized tools are required.
Appearance of the R8
The design of the eight has changed slightly compared to the older R93 model. The designers slightly changed the silhouette of the gun, the shape of the linings, and the receiver. The rear sight and front sight are made of steel this time. The carbine has a straight butt with a comb, and it is made in such a way that all recoil is transmitted back, preventing the barrel from being thrown up or down. To soften the blow to the shoulder during a shot, a cheek piece and a rubber butt pad are installed on the butt of the weapon.
The new design has become even more convenient, and the materials used in the design have become more expensive.
The weight of the carbine is relatively light. The imbalance of the weapon is perfectly executed, which allows the shooter to aim more carefully without making much effort. Hunters also liked the not very long trunks. This characteristic is especially important for hiking through thickets and bushes while chasing game.
The manufacturer is ready for its customers to produce both the classic version of the Blazer R8 shotgun and the premium version of the weapon, adding gold inlay to the body or making the stock and butt from valuable and rare wood.
Expensive wooden parts do not come into direct contact with the metal parts of the weapon, especially those that are subject to extreme heat during firing. This is done to prevent cracks and dents in the soft natural material.
Device
The rifle uses a longitudinally sliding bolt. The locking is done using a collet type. If necessary, in any conditions, you can replace the combat cylinder, which is located in a cylindrical collet. An annular groove was placed behind the chamber in the breech of the gun. It receives the locking ridge of the collet when locked. The device has a classic butterfly valve design. The shutter handle can only be moved on its axis. She rises and falls.
Recharging is carried out manually. To eject the spent bolt casing, you will need to pull the bolt back. As soon as it is thrown out, the bolt and handle are brought to the extreme forward position. The mechanism is simple, it determines the high rate of fire.
To change the caliber of the charges used, it is necessary to change the barrel and install a combat cylinder that meets the required parameters. The basic configuration of the Blaser R93 Professional includes barrels of different calibers, which belong to the same category, so one combat cylinder is used for them.
The slider on the tail of the shutter moves until the red dot opens. It gives the shooter a signal that the firing pin is cocked and he can fire. The mechanism works smoothly, no effort is required. The movement of the slider directs the rod forward, which leads to compression of the mainspring. The lever blocks the cocked firing pin. Combat cocking is deactivated by pressing the head of the slide down and moving it back.
Under the chamber on the breech of the barrel there are two screws, the purpose of which is to secure the barrel to the receiver. To change the barrel of the Blaser R93 carbine, a special key is used. With its help, the nuts that are located on the bolt box are unscrewed. For safety, after installing a new barrel, you need to fire a few shots and check the tightness of the nuts.
Technical characteristics of Blaser R93 Professional:
Ammunition caliber - depends on the barrel used; Magazine capacity - 10/20/30 charges; The barrel length of the standard modification is 406 millimeters; The overall length of the rifle is 1,020 millimeters; Height - 202 millimeters; Width - 57 millimeters; The weight of the unloaded carbine is 4,890 grams.
