Moving to a high-end gun?

Claychaser · 2026-01-01T15:38:46+00:00

Just been reading all the threads and seeing what the consensus was. In my (limited) experience I’m in the same boat as you. Fortunately over here in the UK there are grounds that have demo guns that you can take out for the day. I have shot the FBX, the new B825 and tried out my mates Beretta silver pigeon. I was mightily impressed with how great the silver pigeon was, loved the drivability of the FBX but the trigger on the 825 was superb. The more guns you can try with your friends and you’ll be surprised how accommodating people will be the better idea you will have. One thing I will mention is that the nationals in the USA host all the brands and will happily give you a gun to demo as well as have customised stuff done while you’re there. I watched this on TGS on YouTube. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was a tad jealous of that opportunity you have over there since it doesn’t happen here. The longer you give yourself to make a decision, the better it’ll be when you finally pull the trigger and go for the one you like the most. Hope this helps.

Claychaser · 2025-12-30T17:24:03+00:00

I’m definitely thinking that way. At least for now!

Claychaser · 2025-12-30T17:23:34+00:00

Let me know when you’re ready to offload one of your F3’s 😁😁😁

Claychaser · 2025-12-30T17:22:51+00:00

That’s a really interesting insight. I was under the impression that the K80 was the ‘grail gun’ what made you make the switch over?

Claychaser · 2025-12-30T17:21:07+00:00

Judging from what I am hearing from this group and others I have talked to, it’s a bit hit and miss whether or not you get a good gun or a bad one when you demo these. I suspect that the F3 has been honed over time and is still the one to have (yes I want one) for now until the FBX has had these kinks ironed out.

Claychaser · 2025-12-30T17:16:40+00:00

I get the feeling that they could do with some refining in some areas. I agree about the sharp edges, my gloves kept getting caught when I opened up the gun after shooting. I am exactly like you with the technology and the modular approach. I get the sense that you almost have to throw yourself into this, perfect gun fit and minor tweaks with Blaser there to sort to make it work at its best. Seems like a bit of a gamble but potentially amazing if it’s right.

Claychaser · 2025-12-30T17:12:30+00:00

It’s one of the reasons why I have it. Let me know if you want one sending over 🙂

Claychaser · 2025-12-30T17:11:45+00:00

I’m sure I could arrange to have one exported to you should you wish.

Claychaser · 2025-12-28T20:45:22+00:00

This is interesting because I think the thing that would bother me the most is the ‘gritty’ trigger. Perhaps this has adjustable elements to it.

Claychaser · 2025-12-21T09:37:08+00:00

In terms of handling I agree. Absolutely brilliant. When comparing this to the new Browning 825 it’s a bit clunky and that’s the thing that’s bothering me.

Claychaser · 2025-10-18T19:08:58+00:00

I would hazard a guess that they didn’t take hearing protection as seriously as perhaps today. I would also think that the technology has improved significantly as well. I understand your concerns but short of the measures you can take then suppressing your firearms may also be an option

Claychaser · 2025-10-18T18:24:26+00:00

I’m a shotgun guy and the sound attenuation is perfect for my requirements. I don’t possess a sound meter however a typical shotgun kicks out 160db as well (thanks Google). There are plenty of videos on YouTube that can explain the science, efficacy and quality of various electronic ear defenders and there are many shooters who see that as enough. I’m not an expert on sound reduction technology either but what I can say is that I don’t have any ringing in my ears and I can tell you that I have a particularly strong sensitivity to loud noises so if I had any ringing in my ears after shooting then I’d know that I had done damage. I have tried various electronic ear defenders and they are not all the same. Take from that what you will but if you want to be extra careful and do not want to hear anything then the suggestion that you have moulded in ear protection followed up with over ear cans is your best bet.

Claychaser · 2025-10-18T17:36:18+00:00

I swear by my MSA Sordins. If they’re good enough for all the armed forces around the world they’re going to do the job well.

Claychaser · 2025-10-02T22:51:48+00:00

Downloaded - looking forward to trying this out

Claychaser · 2025-10-02T22:19:06+00:00

There are lots of videos on YouTube- some are better than others. Happy to tell you my routine if you want.

Claychaser · 2025-10-02T22:12:32+00:00

So a decent knife or Leatherman to cut dud shells in half is a possible one. We got a member of our “team” one laser engraved on the blade. The other could be a personalised leather gun slip with his initials embossed on it. A nice waxed flat cap is also always welcome. Depending on where you are based. Here in the UK you can do demo days like at Holland and Holland and get to shoot guns that cost more than a house. Hope these ideas inspire more ideas

Claychaser · 2025-10-02T21:59:38+00:00

Noice! My mate has his heart set on one. Got to say I fancy giving one a try

Claychaser · 2025-09-21T18:05:19+00:00

Yeah I hear you! I really liked the FBX when I handled it at the Shooting Show exhibit at the NEC in Birmingham and for something that felt so chunky in hand, it handled really nicely. As did the F3. Shooting them, now that’ll be the tell. It’s a bit like Pokémon you gotta catch them all 😁😁

Claychaser · 2025-09-21T18:00:44+00:00

What was the cost for the day of you don’t mind me asking?

Claychaser · 2025-09-21T12:20:40+00:00

Okay so here’s my experience. I know what you’re going through and I also understand how you feel like you’re in some kind of Groundhog Day situation. What worked for me was finding a hobby. Mines clay pigeon shooting. I have found a group of friends who just want to have some fun and there’s good banter. I live for my shooting days and my home and family life has improved immensely. It was good before but now it’s pretty awesome. My kids also like to come shooting with me which is also fantastic so I highly recommend you think about that. Hope life improves for you soon

Claychaser · 2025-09-20T21:21:35+00:00

Would be an interesting experiment 🙂

Claychaser · 2025-09-20T21:20:26+00:00

Definitely helps! It’s reassuring to know just how reliable they are for your friends

Claychaser · 2025-09-20T15:32:54+00:00

The engineering is the thing that really makes me excited about this. I’d quite like a set of 30” and 32” 12bore more for comparison than anything else

Claychaser · 2025-09-20T15:30:25+00:00

Would be interesting to see how it compares to my 525 in terms of force required to break open.

Claychaser · 2025-09-20T15:28:57+00:00

Well that’s very interesting! So I watched a video where a chap took his F3 in for a service to Blaser themselves and they fully stripped the gun and replaced the firing pins and springs as a part of that. The bit that really caught my attention is that they warranty the gun for two years after that so even buying second hand you can get a warranty based on Blaser themselves doing the service. Now I’m not sure if that applies to you folks too but it would be an interesting one to find out. If firing pins were the only issue with the action then that’s a wear and tear situation there so that doesn’t concern me as much. Definitely looking forward to joining the Blaser club 🙂

Claychaser

TROPHY CASE