The general census is that any shotgun that has a raised or high rib is for Trap shooting. And until a few years ago I thought the same. I had always shot flat-rib shotguns because I didn’t know any different, but then I started shooting a gun that completely transformed my shooting ability.

Flat-rib shotguns are great to shoot and most shotguns on the market are built with this style of rib. But in recent years there are more models of shotguns being produced that have raised ribs fitted to the barrels.

Why is that?

A shotgun with a raised rib will have stock dimensions that are higher than the conventional flat-rib setup. This allows the shooter to mount the gun with a head-up position as opposed to having to lower their head down to the stock. This puts less strain on the neck and eyes to clearly see a target and shoot it.
 
There are many raised rib shotguns on the market but there is one in particular that I have become particularly fond of and have shot for a long time now. I introduce to you the Blaser F3 Vantage.

Blaser F3 Vantage

Blaser are known for producing high-end rifles and shotguns. They are a German manufacturer that use premium materials and traditional craftsmanship with the latest technology to produce the finest competition and field shotguns that will last for generations.

Blaser’s range of shotguns is very simple; there are currently two models – the F3 and the F16. For this review we are going to focus on the F3. Within the range of Blaser F3 shotguns there are the Professional, Vantage, Super Sport and Super Trap. In UK we generally see the Professional and Vantage. The main difference between these two models is that the former has a flat rib and the latter a raised rib.

I have shot a Professional many times and they are a fantastic gun to shoot. However, a few years ago I had an accident where I damaged my back and shoulder and at times shotgun shooting became very uncomfortable. After seeking advice  I was introduced to the Blaser F3 Vantage, which I had never taken much interest in because had I assumed it was a Trap gun and therefore little use for the Sporting and bird shooting I was doing at the time.

After hearing the theory of the Blaser F3 Vantage enabling the shooter to have a comfortable upright shooting position that would reduce the strain on my injured neck and shoulder, I decided to give one a go. From the first moment I was completely amazed. The theory was correct. It was incredibly comfortable to shoot, the recoil was much less than with any shotgun I had previously used, and after a day shooting it I was in no discomfort at all. From my experience I would highly recommend a Blaser F3 Vantage to any shooter who has back, neck or shoulder problems.
 

Blaser F3 1

Overview

The gun I am reviewing is my own gun so it is a true left-handed shotgun. The stock has a healthy left-handed cast and the top lever also opens left handed, which is an added extra that Blaser offer. I am a massive fan of the left-hand opening top lever as it means I can open the shotgun with ease without having to reach over the top.

An interesting feature of the F3 action that is different from other actions on the market is that the firing pins are cocked as the gun is opened. This means that all Blaser F3 shotguns are incredibly easy and smooth to close, which is extremely satisfying.

Blaser shotguns have a chunky palm swell that sits comfortably in my palm and I believe aids in a more consistent hand position and therefore a more consistent mount. The trigger is adjustable, so mine is moved completely to the back as I prefer to have my finger around the blade as opposed to on the tip.

This particular F3 Vantage has a Grade 6 wood set, which is beautifully figured and in my eyes very attractive. The F3 wood sets range from a basic Grade 3 through to breathtaking Grade 12. There really is a selection of wood sets to suit a variety of budgets. I would urge you to take time to consider what grade wood set is best for you, not only because of its value and gun fit, but in consideration of what activities you will be using the gun for.

For example, my wood set is a Grade 6, which is attractive but also very strong. My gun is used heavily and a higher grade would increase the likelihood of it cracking. If you are an occasional shooter who likes to look after and constantly maintain their shotgun, then a higher grade wood set would be a lovely addition if your budget allows.

I have this Blaser F3 Vantage perfectly balanced on the hinge pin, which I believe suits my handling of the gun precisely. The gun weighs 8lb 7oz but is balanced by the 32" barrels, so it doesn’t feel too heavy. It is quick enough to move and hit a close, fast target while giving excellent control on longer targets.

Although all Blaser shotguns leave the factory balanced on the hinge pin, all the Vantage models have the option of customising the balance via the stock weights and barrel weights that are provided. Therefore each shooter can achieve their personal preferences very easily and without extra cost.

The F3 has a mechanical trigger that is very reliable and the pulls are beautifully crisp – exactly what I expect from German engineering. Arguably the receiver is boring, but if you do require pretty engravings on the action, Blaser offer some incredible custom actions. Just sit down before you look at the prices.

All new Blaser F3 Vantage shotguns are presented in a top-quality hard case with protective socks, barrel weights and a selection of five extended Briley chokes. The chokes are colour coded to easily show what you are using. These chokes include Skeet, ¼, ½, ¾ and full. From my experiences I would highly recommend using the ¼ and ½ chokes. They both pattern incredibly well with clay and game loads.

The Vantage in action

I have put tens of thousands of shots through my Blaser F3 Vantage over hundreds of days out in the field and on the clay range. The memories I have made are too many to mention, but If you are interested in seeing how the gun performs and why I like it so much, then head over to my YouTube channel, ‘Fieldsports with Speed’. There’s no better way to see how a gun performs than to watch someone out in the field using it.

My F3 Vantage is used in many of the videos, whether in the hide, on a game day or shooting clays. I use it for all types of shooting. These are expensive shotguns, so why wouldn’t you take it out on all your shooting adventures?
Blaser F3 2

Conclusion

I genuinely adore my Blaser F3 Vantage and I can honestly say that it is one of the best shotguns I have ever had the pleasure of using. The raised rib allows me to obtain a very quick and clear acquisition of the target, which leads to better results. The Vantage rib is not the correct setup for every shooter, but if you shoot with an upright posture or have a long neck then I implore you to give one a try. The Vantage is incredibly smooth on recoil with no muzzle flip and it has allowed me to continue shooting comfortable even with my back and shoulder injury.

There are only two minor negative points. The stickers on the side of the receiver are known to fall off and for a quality product like this I expect better. Also the rubber grommet on the bottom of the barrel can easily be lost during cleaning and without it the forend rattles. These are little quibbles but I expect the best when paying for a premium product.

In all the years I have used Blaser shotguns I have never had a mechanical issue. The Blaser F3 Vantage is an incredible piece of German engineering that is very unlikely to let you down mechanically. Blaser have great confidence in their products, which is why they give a 10-year warranty with every new gun. They are an expensive investment but I have great faith that they will last you a lifetime of shooting.

TECH SPECS

Make: Blaser
Model: F3 Vantage Grade 6
Calibre: 12 gauge
Mechanism: Over and under
Orientation: Left handed
Barrel Length: 32"
Stock Length: 14½"
Weight: 8lb 7oz
Chamber: 3"
Chokes: Multi
Steel proofed: Yes
Importer: Blaser UK
Warranty: 10 years
More information from Blaser UK Telephone: 01483 917412

Price: £9495