Blaser or Steyr or Barret Long Range Rifle to choose?

[ask1353]

I am looking for a long range rifle and perhaps may get into competition shooting in the future and have narrowed down my search to the following rifles.

- Blaser R93 Tactical 2 338 Lapua
- Steyr SSG 08 338 Lapua
- Berrett 98B 338 Lapua

My question to the forum members is that can people who have handled any of these pieces provide their view/input since I have not seen/handled any of these in person. Thanks.


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[russ69]

What type of competition do you envision shooting a 338?

[ask1353]

What type of competition do you envision shooting a 338?

My understanding is that 338 is idea all ammo for long distance shooting, is that incorrect?


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[Rodell]

The Blaser and the Barrett would get my votes. I love the Blaser platform but don't shoot it in that caliber. You can shoot a 6.5 and then switch to the 338 at will.

What do you consider "long range"?

[dwalker]

I personally picked the 300WSM and the 6.5CM for my long range competitions. There is a place for .338LM, but in many competitions it is not on the allowed list.

That said, if you want to spend serious money on a serious rifle, I would buy a Surgeon, Defiance, or any of about a dozen others over the ones you listed.

[ask1353]

The Blaser and the Barrett would get my votes. I love the Blaser platform but don't shoot it in that caliber. You can shoot a 6.5 and then switch to the 338 at will.

What do you consider "long range"?

1000 meters and above. Unfortunately the Blaser is not California approved and very rare to find at the marketplace.


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[ask1353]

I personally picked the 300WSM and the 6.5CM for my long range competitions. There is a place for .338LM, but in many competitions it is not on the allowed list.

That said, if you want to spend serious money on a serious rifle, I would buy a Surgeon, Defiance, or any of about a dozen others over the ones you listed.

What brands/models do you recommend?


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[dwalker]

I really like Surgeon rifles. I have never bought one "off the shelf" so the only recommendation I can give is to call them and tell them what your trying to do, including what sort of competition you are wanting to do, and they will fit the rifle to you.

I also really, really like the Christensen Arms Carbon rifles. My buddy has one in 6.5CM and 1000yard shots are just too easy. At 100 yards suppressed it will put 5 shots inside a dime. No real recoil. Just an awesome gun to shoot.

[major burnout]

I think steyr supplies 50's to the competition.

[Fjold]

The 338 isn't even trying until you get out to 1,500 yards and there's really only one group in SoCal and one in NorCal that shoots regularly at distances like that.

For 1,000 yards and below I would recommend a non magnum cartridge in a 6mm, 6.5mm, or 7mm caliber. They are much easier on the shoulder and the barrels stand up better to the 15 - 20 shot strings of competitions. There are a couple off Norcal and 4 or 5 SoCal ranges that shoot out to 1,000 yards regularly.

If you are set on a 338, the Blaser R93 has impressed me.

[alfred1222]

1000 meters and above. Unfortunately the Blaser is not California approved and very rare to find at the marketplace.


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There's no such thing as an "approved list" for bolt action rifles...

Let's get into the particulars of this: do you have a place to shoot at the distances necessary for that caliber. Do you have the ability to shoot those distances. There are plenty of guys who want to shoot at 1000 and quit when they can't hit.

[ask1353]

There's no such thing as an "approved list" for bolt action rifles...



Let's get into the particulars of this: do you have a place to shoot at the distances necessary for that caliber. Do you have the ability to shoot those distances. There are plenty of guys who want to shoot at 1000 and quit when they can't hit.

There is a range near me that permits shooting up to .50 BMG and at 600 yards.

I have an email from the manufacturer stating that this Blaser rifle is not California compliant. Their distributor confirmed the same.


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[ar15barrels]

My understanding is that 338 is idea all ammo for long distance shooting, is that incorrect?


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It's not ideal for any organized long range shooting that I am aware of.
It's more appropriate to extended long range shooting where you are at 1400yds and behind.
Normal long range shooting is done between 800 and 1000yds where a 338 Lapua is quite overkill.

[ar15barrels]

There is a range near me that permits shooting up to .50 BMG and at 600 yards.

I have an email from the manufacturer stating that this Blaser rifle is not California compliant. Their distributor confirmed the same.

If you are limited to 600yds, all you need is a 308 or 6.5 creedmoor to compete.

Their distributor does not know what they are talking about.

[Rodell]

There's no restriction on Blasers in CA. In fact, there are dealers around.