I have owned a Blaser Tactical 2 in .338 Lapua Magnum since late 2009 and can quite honestly say I absolutely love this rifle. The straight pull action on it is amazing. The only thing I found a little off with it when I bought it was the fact that it came with a 12 MOA rail from factory; $500 later, I had the genuine Blaser 40 MOA rail on its way to me to be installed here at home.
For quite a few years I was happy shooting the Blaser in its .338 Lapua format; I had other rifles in .308 Winchester and .300 Winchester Magnum to ease the burden on my bank account. I also reload which takes that sting down to somewhere a little south of shooting $5 bills down range. Still, I love it despite the expense of feeding it, let alone the initial purchase price of the rifle and optic (around $13K). I eventually got to the point where I wanted a caliber conversion kit for the rifle. From the factory they were available in: .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum.

Now here lies my problem. The German government has banned the sale of what they consider military arms to civilians. This leaves me and others like me in a bit of a bind. Not only is it now almost impossible to get new conversion kits for these rifles; it is now almost impossible to source parts to repair these rifles should something go wrong and need repair. About 3 years ago I called my Blaser dealer here in Australia where I initially purchased the rifle from to inquire about a conversion kit and spare parts. This is where I was given the story above about the German government. What do I do now? I guess I have to see if I can find any spare parts on the second hand market. There is not a lot of them coming up here in Australia.
I had another idea; I know the Australian Army now uses the Blaser Tactical 2 in .338 and .308 as their new sniper rifle system. Who imports them for the Army? Through my research I found that an Australian company called XTEK does. Not only do they import them for the Army they also have made a new chassis for them and larger capacity magazines. I get on the phone to XTEK and I’m basically told not a chance of getting any parts or help from them, despite it being completely legal in Australia to own this rifle on the civilian market. At the very least I only want a spare bolt head for what I already have. Back to the 2nd hand market I go. Through a bit more fishing around on the internet I came across the John1911Blog and got in touch with Marky from there. He offered a suggestion for a barrel maker; however, nothing has panned out since.

My next option is to find a manufacturer to make the parts for me or find someone willing to sell me a .308 Winchester conversion kit. If you know of anyone, anywhere across the world please let me know. I know a few US Police departments have used them over the years. I’m happy for second hand parts. Please reach out if you have any. I have no problem importing it as I have a mate in the industry who can help me. I can be reached at precisionrifleguy@bigpond.com
Cheers,
Craig
Just out of curiosity, how is the accuracy of the R8 in comparison to the tactical 2? I am looking to invest in an R8 in 30-06 and was thinking of going with a third-party custom match barrel with a 11.25 twist rate since I intend to shoot 168 and 175 grainers. Can I expect decent accuracy (0.5 MOAish) out of it?
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The R8 is an extremely accurate platform mate. I have never seen a blaser that isn’t. Their factory barrels are probably the best in the business. As for your twist rate there. I would recommend a 1:10 twist. It will be better and allow you to shoot heavier pills if needed.
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Thanks, cheers!
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To keep this thread alive. I have a 338LM rifle.
Looking for another magazine.
But then I would be open to a 308 or a 300WM conversion too.
With an extension, I have a barrel maker that would put a hammer forged barrel on it.
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What barrel maker is that mate?
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Could it be time to buy Australian then? looks like Lithgow are selling good quality firearms a lot cheaper than Blaser, as good as they are. Do we want the Australian firearms industry to go the same way as our car industry? For example, it’s sad that a Landcruiser is considered an Aussie 4by.
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Could it be time to adopt an Australian made rifle? Lithgow seem to be doing some excellent weapons – a lot cheaper than Blaser AI etc. I can’t imagine the quality is too much different considering the standard of product people want. We ruined our own car industry by not buying enough Australian to the point where a Landy is considered an Aussie 4by. Are we going to do it to our small firearms industry too?
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Hey mate, the problem you’re having with sourcing Blaser is sadly not unique. Even Xtek is having trouble supplying the defence with parts because most of it comes from Germany. I dare say if Xtek are having trouble (and their priority is looking after the lads in SASR and Commando’s etc) then you’ve probably only got two chances of getting parts yourself, Buckleys and None!
Maybe things will change after the next military tender? who knows. In the meantime, keep looking
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Hi mate. The problem is they just aren’t making parts anymore. Shit happens really. The barrels are solid and will outlast many other brands. I do have some leads on parts though
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Chatting to a couple of 2 CDO Reg snipers a few years ago and they were actually looking at a replacement for their Blaser then. They didn’t know what for, could even have been a newer Blaser model.
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I Have the same problem to Canada , I need a spare bolt but I try no pieces for my blaser 338 !!!
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That suggested barrel maker didn’t happen to be J. Sip & Sons, would it?
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Hi mate. No. The suggested barrel maker was Hardy rifle engineering in New Zealand. However they required an old barrel to cut the extension off and thread it for a new barrel. There may be a US manufacturer tooling up for whole barrels with extensions soon though.
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Hey Guy’s I do have a Blaser Tac 2 in 308 win that is sitting in my save, I have shot it a few times (60rounds) and I had the barrel cut for a sound surppressor. I love it but,Its to heavey gun for me and its in the market, I live in Marietta USA and my e-mail is 2691kobus@gmaill.com
Kobus
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