Blaser SR850 Bolt-Action Rifle Review: Specs, Mods, Price & Hunting Use

Blaser SR850 Bolt-Action Rifle Review: Specs, Mods, Price & Hunting Use Table of Contents Blaser SR850 1. Introduction to the Blaser SR850 Rifle 2. Blaser SR850 Specifications and Calibers 3. Modifications, Limited and Export Editions 4. Price, Historical Value & Market Availability 5. Effective Range, Ballistics & Hunting Applications 6. Pros and Cons of the Blaser SR850 7. Accessories, Stocks, Triggers & Mounts 8. Interesting Facts & Collector Appeal 9. Conclusion --- 1. Introduction to the Blaser SR850 Rifle The Blaser SR850 is a rare, bolt-action hunting rifle produced in Germany between 1988 and 1993. Developed before the R93 and R8 era, the SR850 combined Blaser’s early trigger and barrel systems with traditional walnut furniture. Though only manufactured in limited numbers, it laid groundwork for Blaser’s later modular designs and still draws attention from collectors and hunters alike. --- 2. Blaser SR850 Specifications and Calibers Specification | Detail Action | Bolt-action, turned-bolt Caliber | 7×64 mm; in many sources only 7 mm Remington Magnum (7 mm Rem Mag) Barrel Length | 22” (56 cm) Magazine Capacity | 3 + 1 rounds Weight (with Carl Zeiss 1.5–6×42 T*) | 3.685 kg Stock | European walnut, straight grip Trigger | Two-stage Blaser system Scope Mount | Dovetail rails on action ring Production Years | 1988–1993 Other chamberings occasionally fitted by custom shops include .30-06 Springfield and .300 Win Mag, but genuine Blaser-factory SR850s are overwhelmingly in 7 mm Rem Mag. --- 3. Modifications, Limited and Export Editions • SR850/88 Export Version: Identified by “/88” marking, shipped to Turkey and Middle East markets. • Custom Shop Builds: Individual orders added engraving, gold inlays and upgraded barreled actions; not catalogued. • Prototype Variants: Early test rifle in .270 Win and 8×68 S exist in Blaser archives but never reached series production. --- 4. Price, Historical Value & Market Availability • Original MSRP (late 1980s): ~3 200 DM without optic. • Modern Private-Party Value: €2 500–€4 500 for 7 mm Rem Mag SR850 in good condition with scope. • Rarity Factor: Fewer than 500 units estimated total production; scarce in both Europe and North America. • True Gun Value notes zero recent sales data, underscoring rarity and collector interest​. --- 5. Effective Range, Ballistics & Hunting Applications • Effective Hunting Range: 200–300 m on medium to large game. • Ballistics (7 mm Rem Mag, 140 gr bullet):• Muzzle Velocity: ~ 3 000 ft/s • Energy @ 200 m: ~ 2 500 ft·lb • Ideal for red stag, chamois, roe deer, pronghorn and mountain goat. Lightweight profile and walnut stock offer manageable carry on alpine hunts. --- 6. Pros and Cons of the Blaser SR850 Pros: • Unmatched collector appeal and historical significance • Precise two-stage trigger and tight factory tolerances • Lightweight, balanced handling for long treks • European walnut stock with classic lines Cons: • Limited availability of spare parts and factory manuals • Fixed dovetail mounts restrict modern optic choices • Magazine capacity low for driven hunts • Older finish prone to wear without careful maintenance --- 7. Accessories, Stocks, Triggers & Mounts • Trigger Upgrades: Custom-tune shops can retrofit a 1.0 kg lighter pull. • Stock Options: Aftermarket high-grade walnut or synthetic replacements available from specialist gunsmiths. • Scope Mounts: Blaser saddle mounts fit dovetail; Weaver-style adapters exist but require gunsmithing. • Suppressor Adapters: No factory thread; third-party systems clamp to barrel shank. --- 8. Interesting Facts & Collector Appeal • The SR850 debuted Blaser’s first two-stage trigger system before the R93 family. • A prototype .22 Hornet variant was trialed with junior hunt clubs but never released. • Several Turkish customs officers still field original SR850/88 rifles in mountain patrol roles. • Collector-grade SR850s with original Zeiss scopes fetch premium above €5 000. Legacy and Influence on Modern Blaser Rifles The SR850’s engineering principles—particularly its precision-machined bolt and early modular barrel interface—directly influenced the development of the Blaser R93 and later the R8. While the SR850 lacked the straight-pull bolt that defines modern Blaser rifles, its emphasis on tight tolerances, lightweight design, and premium materials set a precedent. Collectors often cite the SR850 as the “missing link” between traditional German bolt-actions and the revolutionary modularity of the R-series. Why Hunters Still Seek the SR850 Today? Despite its age, the Blaser SR850 remains a desirable rifle for alpine and long-range hunting. Its chambering in 7 mm Rem Mag offers flat trajectory and high energy retention, ideal for mountainous terrain and medium-to-large game. The rifle’s balance, crisp trigger, and classic aesthetics appeal to those who value craftsmanship over mass production. For hunters who appreciate heritage and performance, the SR850 delivers both—making it not just a tool, but a legacy in the field. --- 9. Conclusion The Blaser SR850 remains a cornerstone in the brand’s evolution from classic bolt actions to today’s modular R8 system. Its limited run, precise trigger, and elegant walnut stock appeal to both hunters seeking a lightweight Magnum-caliber rifle and collectors valuing Blaser heritage. Though modern optics and accessories require adaptation, the SR850’s proven ballistics and handling keep it relevant for anyone pursuing medium to large game on steep terrain. Foto: Alexander jagdgraf