The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

I'm thinking of getting a German straight pull, either a Merkel Helix or Blaser R8. To be used predominantly on paper, statics to 200m and running Deer at 100m, with occasional deer and boar trips.

Does anyone on here have either? Any comments you'd like to share? Accuracy? Maintenance? Return to zero after a barrel swap?

I'm tempted to go all in and 1-for-1 a couple of calibres and get the equivalent barrels/bolts for the modular (GAS), but my sensible side says save the cash, get one calibre first and if that works out look to change another at a later date. Thoughts?

Best

- daman

Used a Blaser R8 a fair bit. Belonged to someone else. I would have one in a heart beat!!

I shot a R8 recently, with 7mm Mauser and .458 Win Mag barrels and it was a very nice rifle indeed.The gentleman that owns it has a scope for each chambering and he said it holds zero perfectly when changing between scopes.Barrel and bolt changes were very easy ito say the least and the straight-pull action was very smooth and the trigger pull was near perfect.

Thanks guys, the Blaser certainly does tick a lot of boxes.

I slightly prefer the Merkel (on the scientific basis of 'it looks purty') anyone have any experience there?

I’ve used both and had clients with both not a lot in it at all personally there is something I like more about the helix that I can’t put my finger on. Both return to zero no issues on barrel changes both slick and fast on driven game.
6 of 1 half a dozen of the other