Longrange blog 309: Blaser R8 Ultimate in the Highlands

[@JimFleming1953]

Another successful, and ethical harvest, Thomas... Well done, sir.

[@THLR]

Thanks Jim, glad you are enjoying the films. I am currently editing last seasons hunting so there will be a long string of hunting films now.

[@JimFleming1953]

@@THLR No worries, Sir, I'll enjoy them all, I'm sure.

[@THLR]

@@JimFleming1953 thanks!

[@enill31208]

Wish I could like 100 times. Love your videos.

[@THLR]

Thanks Evan, very kind of you!

[@nwopeneve3619]

Great scenery, another top video, thanks Thomas

[@THLR]

Thanks, glad you liked it and took the time. Been trying to learn some new skills to better do the landscape justice.

[@Norton3139]

I am glad I found your channel. I have an R8 and I love it. I may ask you for some advice in the future for my next barrel.

[@THLR]

Thanks, glad you enjoy it. Doing a "brush off the rust" series with the R8 now.

[@Krigarhund]

I ALWAYS carry a bundle of clean gloves for dressing but those arm protectors took it to the next level! :D Gotta get me some of those... Great video, as always.

[@THLR]

Some people look funny at me, but it's all about hygiene and cleanliness. Search "painters sleeves" on Amazon, should make for a lot of option.

[@nwopeneve3619]

@@THLR I used to use gloves and sleeve protectors but blood can get in the gaps so now use long gloves Arco Safety Haika NX 16 or Bodyguards long cuff - code GL891

[@THLR]

@@nwopeneve3619 I have noticed, so great tip & thanks!

[@oaklindphoto]

Fantastic as always, great stalking and shooting.

[@THLR]

Thanks for that Calle, appreciate you taking the time...

[@stephencurry7543]

Hi Thomas what's the jacket and trousers your gilly is wearing called .very good at braking his out line up.as ever bloody good filming mate

[@THLR]

Kuiu Verde. It's ok, but a bit short. Dermizax is the working membrane.

[@johansoderberg5158]

What bipod are you Using? Great film!

[@THLR]

Thanks! It's a RPS Titanium. Rifle Precision System.

[@luigileone396]

hi there thomas, can you help me with info on the arm gloves at 7.52 ? the name, the order reference and where you buy it ? thanks and best regards.

[@THLR]

Sure. Polyethylene sleeves www.amazon.com/s?k=polyethylene+sleeves&crid=3MQL7757YHYMJ&sprefix=polyethylen+sleeves%2Caps%2C288&ref=nb_sb_ss_sc_1_19

[@alexanderwinchester9923]

Nice video! Nice shot! Like!

[@THLR]

Thanks for taking the time, glad you liked it.

[@MrNonschi]

Hello Thomas👋 great Video ! What’s the name of the Kuiu jacket ?

[@THLR]

It's the Kuiu Yukon rain jacket. The returning complaint from Andrew is that it is too short on the waist (as with any Kuiu). If you are looking into Kuiu raingear, I would say from my experience (by looking at the fabric specs), the Yukon is the only raingear with sufficient breathability to be comfortable enough. With lower breathability you just build up moisture inside the jacket. The Talus hybrid series could be worth a look if you don't need 100% waterproof, it will offer a much higher comfort level.

[@rolandfeuz2306]

Best jacket!🇨🇭

[@LastCaress7]

Provided you had a very stable position, whats the farthest shot youre comfortable with on an animal. With the 6XC in particular.

[@THLR]

I don't know, there are so many variables. It's not just the matter of hitting the animal, it is also handling the consequences if something goes wrong - how to track it, can a followup shot be made, will a poor windcall deplete the monetary value of the carcass etc. I have shot foxes a fair distance out and they die on the spot, but most of the time there is no real economy in taking a really long shot.

[@er5221]

Unlike some of their Cervidae cousins, red deer have a sixth sense for nearby bipods unfolding and lens caps opening, hence their vast numbers.

[@THLR]

:D I don't doubt it!

[@longsnipz]

Really nice 👌. Wish I could get that rifle here in the US. A bit pricey.

[@THLR]

A bit pricey here too now.

[@karelbrusten7591]

Hoi Thomas waidmannsheil! Which trigger is your favorite ?The Atzl or the one that comes when you buy the R8?when you put the selector on the “stag” is it the same crisp trigger then the genuine trigger? Karel

[@THLR]

Waidmannsdank! On my R93 I had the excellent Bix'n Andy trigger set to 500 grams and my biggest regret with the R8 was not getting the Atzl. That has been corrected now and I am very happy with that. I don't care for the dual match or hunting weight selector (with my nerve injuries the match option is more or less useless), but I do care for the quality of the trigger pull and the imagined benefits from that. I say imagined as there seems to be no change in the end results when compared to the original R8 trigger. The stag/hunting option is slightly better quality trigger pull than the standard R8 and perhaps a tiny bit lighter, I'm not sure as I haven't measured it.

[@MP-ol5hj]

Thank you for a wonderful vid once again! They are a great inspiration. Did you try the GRS stocks on your R8 yet? The jacket you wear in the vid looks very good. Especially with the big sidepockets. What brand is it?

[@THLR]

No GRS are not for me, the shape just doesn't do well with my hand, being full of scar tissue. The jacket is the best in the world, a true hunter's tool - I made it! :D

[@MP-ol5hj]

That’s interesting. How did you do this? You should make a video about it!!

[@THLR]

@@MP-ol5hj when I'm finished I might, still some finetuning to do until everything "sits" just right.

[@jimmywestergren3490]

Använder du samma kula till jakt som långhåll? har äntligen fått hem min 6xc pipa och tänkte mata den med Berger 105gr

[@THLR]

Her brukte jeg Hornady 105 Amax, ELD X batchen jeg fikk fatt på funket ikke i min pipe. Til rådyr har jeg stort sett brukt Nosler 90gr Accubond. Berger kulen er super på blink (det er vel den Norma bruker i sin fabrikkammo?), men fra mine NZ venner har jeg fått tilbakemelding om at den er upålitelig på geiter/hjort så jeg har ikke brukt den på jakt. Sierra har kommet med 90 og 100gr Gamechanger kuler nå, de kulene var på min "to test" liste. Men nå har jeg solgt min 6XC til fordel for 6,5x55 som har mindre driftskostnader.

[@jaycupples4362]

Good hunting and video

[@THLR]

Thanks Jay, glad you enjoyed it.

[@KSM22LR]

Добрый день спасибо за видео 🤝😊👍👍👍

[@THLR]

No problem, glad you liked it!

[@cal79]

Nice work my friend...

[@THLR]

Thanks Cal, glad you liked it!

[@kristianreymertstakkevold3441]

Hva slag pipe har du? 17 mm? Semi weight? Skal kjøpe ny pipe til min r8 i 6.5 prc, er usikker på presisjonsforskjellen mellom disse

[@THLR]

Med unntak av 300 NM (semiweight) så er alle mine piper standard 17mm og jeg kapper dem til 50cm. Det er ingen presisjonsforskjell, samme emner slått på samme maskiner med samme mandrel. Jeg ser ingen grunn til å bære den ekstra vekta med mindre det er snakk om spesielt sterk rekyl. Husk at du må ha magnum bolthode til PRC og sjekk at du får fatt på ladesett/komponenter/fabrikkammo før du kjøper pipe. Jeg strulet i oppunder i over 6 måneder før 6,5x57R var i boks...

[@THLR]

Forøvrig er 6,5 PRC høyt på egen liste og ville vært mitt førstevalg om ikke jeg allerede hadde alt av komponenter for 6,5x284. PRC er rett og slett et bedre valg mtp utvalg av fabrikkammunisjon osv.

[@JH-jo9wt]

Enjoyed that lads- what calibre was the rifle and what distance do you estimate the shot at?

[@THLR]

Thanks. 6XC with a 105gr bullet and distance was right around 200???

[@teo59]

Thomas, what jacket do you use?

[@THLR]

One of my DIY projects

[@teo59]

@@THLR thanks As always!

[@Josefselvadek]

Good approach and shooting ! That color scheme though..... :-) Told you already...if you need a Spotter next season, do not be shy. ;-)

[@THLR]

I wouyldn't mind, but unfortunately I'm in no position to extend invitations.

[@ton1911]

The last crawl with your scope hood down was climactic. I really thought you would had pulled of the shot on time.

[@THLR]

Extending the bipod legs and opening scopecaps was literary what caused me to lose that opportunity. Just as I got in the scope I saw the deer starting to move en masse with no intention of stopping.

[@visiter127]

Great job nice herd there, I've done the same rifle away then bumped into more deer, it happens!!

[@THLR]

Actually, looking at the timestamp, that clip was filmed just before we loaded the deer. My most memorable "rifle away/bump deer" was whilst glassing some hinds. I was moving slowly sideways between a screen of trees and walked straight into a hugesleeping stag. As I noticed movement in the corner of my eye, I turned to see him raise his head. He went straight up, no sound, and skipped into the forest without raising any alarm. Nevermind the women and children... :D

[@visiter127]

@@THLR best I've done, was head straight into a farm, It was in my head that they woukd be in a far field beside a forest, had no mag in walked into first field ant 2 lovely stags take of from my left hand side never stopped ha ha a well live n lern!!

[@THLR]

@@visiter127 :D been there, done that! The surprise feeling and the desire to rewind time is priceless :D

[@visiter127]

@@THLR I know I was kicking myself ha hs

[@CLODiO31]

Best episode thomas

[@THLR]

Thanks Claude, glad you liked it. Put some effort into learning new skills to edit this properly.

[@jean-lucbaert1559]

This is real hunting 👍👍👍...Nice Thomas

[@THLR]

I agree, enjoy this way of hunting very much!

[@peterlovett5841]

Thomas, you may not be seeing these comments now the video is nearly 2 years old but if you do, at what ranges are you shooting when in the Scottish Highlands? Thank you.

[@THLR]

It's usually right around 200 something. If I push it too far, image quality will be crap and if we get in too close it's going to be very hard working the cameras and the rifle as both noise and movement suddenly becomes crucial. At 200 the small noise from moving arms, clicking in cameras on tripods etc just disappear.

[@peterlovett5841]

@@THLR Thank you for taking the time to reply. I am enjoying your videos immensely and have subscribed.

[@THLR]

@@peterlovett5841 No problem Peter, I make a point of replying to every comment or question. Even the haters (which seems non-existent on this channel)

[@akibi-mf1nr]

Good hunting and great video! Do you use a standard 6xc barrel? What is your experience re accuracy between semiweight/match barrels and standard R8.

[@THLR]

Thanks! Whenever possible I use a standard barrel, they are made from the same stock with the same procedure and on the same machines as the other variations, so there should be no difference. Only exception has been 300NM where only a semi barrel was available. I see no reason to carry the extra weight.

[@tobiasgriffin4263]

I got a question I'm thinking of getting a firearm license can you go hunting anywhere or are their certain place. And what are the chances of someone who lives in a town and family never owned guns before getting one?

[@THLR]

Depends on what country you live in. If UK, I would start with a Deer Stalking Certificate level 1 course. I'm afraid you're in for a long haul if you don't have friends or family that hunt. I was the same, and just as for an outsider on any subject, it takes time to get contacts and build a network. Regardless of where you are, I'd start with finding a course.

[@n0ink]

Did you paint the stock yourself?

[@THLR]

Yes. Ordinary spray. I should have invested in Cerakote or similar.

[@Tralala7512]

Is the Ultimate Stock the Money worth ? How call you this underarm plastic protection ?

[@THLR]

Difficult to answer if it's worth the money. If it's spending $$$$$ on tools that last, I seem willing to pay whatever. If it's tools with a limited lifespan (like my cameras), I'm much less willing and look hard whether to spend $$$ or $$$$. When it comes to luxuries (like buying a coffee) I'm basically not willing to spend $. The Ultimate is a good option and I would choose it over the Success any day, but it's not magic and you really need to ask yourself what (if anything) it will change for you. I do everything with the same rifle and I wanted a trigger upgrade as well as the adjustability in a "hunting weight" rifle. The Ultimate offers better shooting on the range but for hunting there really isn't any significant change in the end result, but also there is no negatives like there would be carrying a heavy target rifle in the field. It's a little early to say, but it might perhaps be a little easier to handle in awkward shooting positions. I'm finding the rifle very easy to manouver as I can just lift it via the thumbhole and set it where it needs to go. The plastic painters sleeves are nice, they protect both myself and the carcass. Living in B&B's there's limited access to laundry and I don't like entering someones home looking like a bloody ogre. You'll find plenty buying options online www.amazon.com/s?k=painters+sleeves&crid=1BU9CJ5IOX4QM&sprefix=paintersd+slee%2Caps%2C340&ref=nb_sb_ss_sc_1_14

[@wolverinekut]

Very hard work 😓💯

[@THLR]

More of a challenge.

[@rnuk5609]

Just wondering why you put your rifle back to its none shooting state after shooting, ie drop the comb raiser and the butt extender, surely it gives you more to do the next time you see a deer.

[@THLR]

No idea. I was mentally finished for the day and put it in "transport" mode I guess. I normally don't bother, only when I pack up proper and put it in a case or slip.

[@rnuk5609]

@@THLR Of course, I should of thought of that.

[@THLR]

@@rnuk5609 Actually, looking at the timestamp, that clip was filmed just before we loaded the deer. So that was basically me finished and packing up to leave.

[@jamesmoon6042]

Do you like the ultimate stock better than the old stock or this just some thing different to try? And a excellent video as always

[@jamesmoon6042]

Oh and the reason I asked I'm looking at a ultimate stock gun myself just curious about it thanks for the info sir

[@THLR]

Short version is that I like it and it's "natural" to me now. I have grown fond of the thumbhole, seems to make the rifle easier to manouver whilst in position.

[@user-ui1ke1uy2w]

Nice!!!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@THLR]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@wolverinekut]

👍👍

[@THLR]

Thanks!

[@dirkholl2512]

Well done Thomas, good stalking and hunting whilst filming too! I’ve been thinking about all this meat you are harvesting; have you considered a channel for cooking the game meat?

[@THLR]

Grill it! Follow me for mire recepies. I have no kitchen skills I'm afraid, all the meat goes to gamedealers

[@toreklbo2827]

Hei, flott video. Har sett på avstandsmålere og funnet ut at dette hadde vært et kjekt verktøy og lurer derfor på hvilken avstandsmåler du ville anbefale til skyting og jakt. Vet det finnes avstandsmåler i kikkertsikter og kikkerter, men ønsker ikke å bruke så enorme summer ;) Har du noen anbefaling til en håndholdt avstandsmåler så svar gjerne!

[@THLR]

Takk for det Tore! Ja som du selv har kommet frem til, en laser avstandsmåler er et godt verktøy. Spesielt på ettersøk av toppfugl, hjort i fjellet og rådyr på hogstflater synes jeg det er helt topp. Feks når laseren viser at det er 120 meter til fuglen så går jeg omtrent på kompasskurs inn i skogen og stopper når laseren viser 125m. Da vet jeg at treet er rett bak meg og det er som regel bare noen minutter søk som gjenstår. Samme med hjort som ramler og forsvinner i lia, gå de meterne laseren sier, finn første blodspor og som regel ser jeg hjorten etter noen meter. Jeg kjøpte første generasjon Leica da den kom og førstegenerasjons Leica håndkikkert med laser da denne kom. Å bytte ut en kikkert har nå blitt så dyrt at til baneskyting bruker jeg en håndholdt Leica fremfor å slite på kikkerten. Tidligere var det slik at de billige laserne rett og slett ikke fungerte godt nok, idag har heldgvis utvalget blitt større. Jeg ville brukt Finn.no og funnet en brukt Leica, Sig eller Vortex. En basic avstandsmåler er nyttig, ballistiske funksjoner ser jeg ikke behovet for. Du må nok beregne 1700 til 2500kr for å få et varig produkt.

[@toreklbo2827]

@@THLR Tusen takk for svar, hadde vurderte en Vortex Impact 850 så da blir det vel denne:) Litt synd at den ikke kommer med rød "retikkel" som man kan stille på lystyrke, men er det slik at man ikke ser talla så er det vel et tegn på at det for mørkt til å fyre av skudd uansett.

[@BugsBunny-st8lf]

I have seen that you pick up your rifle after the first two shots by grabbing on the scope... The R8 is heavy... I wouldn't do that, beeing afraid of changing the POI...

[@THLR]

Sound advice, POI did shift on this trip and in a future episode you will see me horribly gut-shoot deer. Turned out screws on rear scopw ring lost the torque and rattled loose.

[@cratxn1]

concur...A scope is not a handle. Not so much the weight of the rifle as the torque put on the screws by the torsional gripping action. TH now go and sin no more. Ha Ha Great videography of crawling through the moor (mud ).

[@THLR]

@@cratxn1 that was a lucky catch! I've started using the small cameras more in order to catch authenthic details like that.

[@joehalbwirth7144]

Was ist das für ein Zweibein?

[@THLR]

www.rifle-precision-system.com/product-category/rps_bipods/ version Titanium. Also check out Tier One, seems to have much of the same features at a different price point.

[@ВладимирПавлюк-н2х]

доброго дня відео супер калібр 6.5 кредмор.

[@THLR]

I like the 6,5 Creedmoor too. Only reason I don't use it is because it is more expensive than 6,5x55 here.