Blaser’s R8 Ultimate was just that, standing at the peak price range of rifles tested. This rig has a hefty MSRP of $4,875, and its dedicated scope base will set you back another $487. Once you get past the sticker shock, the R8 will win you over with its buttery-smooth performance and attention to detail in fit, form and finish. Shankle was so bold as to describe it as “sexy.” This group of evaluators was a tough lot to please, with everyone being stingy when giving out “5s” in scoring. The R8 got a lot of them.
Considering that the group of evaluators has collectively bought, sold and traded enough guns in our lives to equip a small army, the concept of owning just one rifle is rather strange. But, if forced to own just one, the R8 would be a serious consideration. The R8 is highly modular, allowing the shooter to switch calibers by swapping out barrels, bolts and magazine/trigger groups. This rifle is made to be disassembled and put away in its case after use, and it does a splendid job of returning to zero when reassembled.
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The R8 Ultimate chambered in 6.5 PRC was accurate, capable of putting five shots into sub-MOA groups. Rich was the top shooter with the R8, printing 1.017- and 1.892-inch groups at 100 and 300 yards, respectively. On average among all evaluators, the R8 Ultimate tallied 1.17 MOA for five shots at all ranges
