A steel action inlaid by hand with around 40 grams of fine gold and diamonds – overall, a total of approximately four carats – added to elegantly round off the design.
This are some of the unique features of the R8 OWN, the rifle that the Blaser Custom Shop has created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first hunting exhibition in Hungary on the occasion of the World Hunting Exhibition “One With Nature” (OWN) that will be held between 25 September and 14 October 2021 in Budapest. More than 70 hours of work were required for the gold inlays of the R8 OWN, while Master engraver Ralph Salzmann also developed a floral ornament from the logo of the world exhibition. The hand-engraved bolt handle ball features the Argali logo which is also inlayed in gold. The walnut stock of wood grade 11 is finished off with a butt plate that has been perfectly covered with leather by hand.
Blaser R8 OWN, “perfection with a purpose”
The rifle is chambered in 8.5x55 Blaser, with a 580 mm barrel and features the world-famous Blaser's straight-pull action with radially locking bolt system, of course. But perhaps more interestingly, the R8 OWN will be auctioned off until 14 October via https://store.blaser.de/en/R8-OWN/Auction - the minimum bid is 20,000 euro - and the auction proceeds will go towards the company’s sustainability strategy. In particular, they will be used to expand the "Blaser Fawn Rescuers" wildlife protection project internationally in 2022.
“In 2021 alone the 'Blaser Fawn Rescuers' came to the rescue of more than 270 fawns, three young cranes, 3 leverets, three mallard clutches as well as a deer calf in Germany. That is why from next year onwards, drones with thermal imaging cameras will also be made available on loan to district hunting associations, hunting clubs and hunters in Hungary (as well as other countries) for the effective protection of small game during the mowing of grassland in early summer,” they explain at Blaser. “This project reflects the spirit of the OWN, which would like to show how the harmony between hunting and nature conservation can lead to a sustainable approach to nature.”
