r/canadaguns • u/Benefit_Waste • Apr 08 '26
Misc Multi cal rifle benefits ?
Looking into mutli cal rifles. Never owned one a couple questions
Whats their benefits ? And how does “multi cal” work? (Wasnt sure which flair to use)
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u/Remote_Mistake6291 Apr 08 '26
Are you talking something like a .357 magnum that also shoots .38 special, or rifles that shoot two different calibers? The latter is usually a shotgun/rifle combo and typically an over and under configuration. Savage 24 is an example. There are also single shot rifles with multiple barrels available to shoot different calibers.
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u/Low-Preparation4419 Apr 08 '26
He’s probably talking about a break action 12GA that also shoots .50 BMG
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u/c20710 Apr 08 '26
tfw you take your 30lb shotgun out for skeet and accidentally shoot down a helicopter
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u/Flat-Dark-Earth Big Bore Specialist Apr 08 '26
So they are a big deal in Europe where many countries limit how many rifles you can have for hunting and or sport shooting.
A multiple cal like the Blaser R8 can fit many needs from 22LR all the way up to 500 Jeffery. Just need a new barrel and bolt head.
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u/DougMacRay617 Apr 08 '26
500 jeffery eh? Sounds interesting I'll be looking into this cartridge
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u/Flat-Dark-Earth Big Bore Specialist Apr 08 '26
Yeah? It’s a canon.
I’m not actually considering a R8 in this cartridge right now, problem is it’s a reloaders special.
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u/DougMacRay617 Apr 08 '26
You don't reload?
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u/Flat-Dark-Earth Big Bore Specialist Apr 08 '26
I don't. I'm a sucker for feeding my rifles at $20 per round.
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u/Fast_Introduction_34 Apr 08 '26
r8s are a load of fun though, i picked one up years ago and the zero stays with the barrel (if you can afford mounts and optics for each barrel)
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u/NeruLight Apr 08 '26
“Sub caliber” firearms have existed since the 1800s. You put an insert into the gun and it can shoot a different round. If I were buying new I’d look at the Chiappa ones because although they are a bit pricier they have longer barrels (and rifled) and will presumably be a bit more accurate. The only reason I got into them was to experience shooting unusual calibers, like say 10mm, without needing to find a whole gun. It’s fun in a sense but also a bit messy. The shooting experience is like any other single shot break action. The accuracy is just okay at very short ranges.
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u/613mitch Apr 08 '26
Benefits are less space for storage, consistent manual of arms, one mounted optic for multiple calibers.
Cons are they tend to be expensive and heavy.
Its just a receiver with a threaded barrel and easily swappable bolt assembly. They are normally gonna be a long action for the magnum calibers so you'll have oversized mags for 308.
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u/romayama Apr 08 '26
Absolutely worth it and is a great money saver if you like playing with calibers and handload
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u/Brymes13 Apr 12 '26
I picked up a Desert Tech srs m2. Was it cheap? Not at all. Can I swap between 6 different calibres and shoot each one within 10 mins? Hell yes I can.
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u/hafetysazard Apr 08 '26 edited Apr 08 '26
Rifles with swappable barrels and bolts? There isn’t much benefit over having two separate guns. They typically cost a LOT. If you have to swap between .308 and .338, or vice versa you’ll have to re-zero each time; plus you’ll need different magazines. It makes a bit more sense for people who are limited in the amount of guns they’re allowed to own. Sauer and Blaser did it with hunting rifles in Germany, where your hunting certificate limits how many guns you can own. Sako also did it with rimfire cartridges.
On the tactical/le/military side, it popped up when military contracts started requesting it (I suppose to save $ on ammo, and having a single nearly identical setup for training vs. combat). On something like an AR-15, it literally just means swapping the whole upper receiver with a different chambering.
Or did you mean something else?