Sauer 505 or Sako S20……Thumbhole style stock?

[Emistie_89]

Good evening everyone,

I currently own a Tikka T3X and after some discussions with some friends on a stalking trip today I’ve decided that it’s maybe time for a new rifle. I really like the idea of a thumbhole style stock and after a very brief search this afternoon and having the opportunity to handle some rifles I really like the look of both the Sauer 505 XT and the Sako S20 Hunter, does anyone here have experience of them both with a view as to which is best in their opinion and why. Like I say I’ve done very little research so far and this is just a quick post out of curiosity.

 

[Dickie]

Don’t matter about anyone else’s take on which is best, most people will tell you what they have is best, see which one fits you best and if you can shoot them which is the most comfortable for you to use.

 

[andychas]

As above. I really liked the idea of thumb hole stocks but some just weren’t comfortable in use (not just handling in a gun shop) After using a friends Blaser for a while, that’s what I settled on but it’s really down to personal fit.

 

[JH83]

I really like a thumbhole stock. I have seen them bashed on here by pretty knowledgable chaps, but whatever…it’s a personal choice. Ignore those who say they slow you down……rubbish, certainly to the extent it would make a discernible difference.

Both mine are lazzeroni, one an original mcMillan, the other a SSS copy, seem to suit me nicely. I’d love to attach a picture but as usual it is refusing to let me do so.

 

[Edinburgh Rifles]

One is twice the price
For a reason

 

[suburban bushwacker]

The 505 has that trigger Sauer developed for the 404, it's pretty amazing .

 

[Rural Management Services]

The S20 is right at the top end of the weight scales for a stalking rifle. I know allot of people use them, but I would think twice before taking one out on a hill.

 

[wytonpjs]

^^^ Exactly this - that’s why I have a lightweight .308 T3X Lite in MDT HNT26 stocks as a lightweight hill stalking rifle as well as my .308 S20. Putting a Swaro dS on the S20 didn’t help but it is a bomb-proof culling combination if a heavy one. Both have the same barrel and chamber so fire-formed brass from one fits the other and vice-versa and the ballistics are the same.

 

[Rural Management Services]

^^^ Exactly this - that’s why I have a lightweight .308 T3X Lite in MDT HNT26 stocks as a lightweight hill stalking rifle as well as my .308 S20. Putting a Swaro dS on the S20 didn’t help but it is a bomb-proof culling combination if a heavy one. Both have the same barrel and chamber so fire-formed brass from one fits the other and vice-versa and the ballistics are the same.

Still enjoying the HNT26 then. My Tikka in the HNT has become my go to rifle for everything this winter.

 

[Long drag]

Don't like the S20, it's to plastic, but that said I believe it a good rifle, the 505 is beautiful looking and top shelf rifle, but its expensive, heavy, and I would be afraid to to take it across the fields in case i damaged it, horses for courses.

 

[Tazz]

Sako or Sauer, Ford or Mercedes in both price and quality that’s the choice. Sauer all day long if you can afford it I have a Sauer 202 and two 404’s all in thumbhole they are great rifles, well designed and very well engineered.

 

[Jon69]

S20 with a side mounted biathlon style sling sits very nicely and is quite comfortable to carry for hours over the hills. Shoots very well too which is reassuring when you do eventually get a target to shoot at on your hike!

No experience of the 505 sorry!

 

[Ronin]

Sako or Sauer, Ford or Mercedes in both price and quality that’s the choice. Sauer all day long if you can afford it I have a Sauer 202 and two 404’s all in thumbhole they are great rifles, well designed and very well engineered.

What is the accuracy like of the 404 - Coukd you comment on bolt cycling - fired cycle (I’ve heard the reason the 505 came to be done is that thr 404 wasn’t slick enough for purists

 

[C&K Suffolk]

Sauer all day long!

 

[Tazz]

What is the accuracy like of the 404 - Coukd you comment on bolt cycling - fired cycle (I’ve heard the reason the 505 came to be done is that thr 404 wasn’t slick enough for purists

I have two 404’s both XT thubholes the 270 is used weekly on Fallow and I have fired hundreds of rounds through it the cycling is very slick, equally my other is in 300 wm I have been to SS 8 times and Namibia twice it’s a great bit of kit. Interestingly I am now getting in to driven boar and have been on 3 trips in the last year and in that environment you do need fast and repeatable cycling on all 3 trips it’s been fantastic. The development of the 505 was largely driven by wanting/needing to take circa £1K out of the price hence steel receiver allowing the move to Blazer scope mounts, whole bolt now needs to be changed when moving to magnum calibers no removable bolt head. The two other great attributes are the safety/ cocking system ensures real safety and the take down using the onboard tool means you can take it apart in seconds and it will go in a shorter Peli case

 

[Long drag]

Don't like the S20, it's to plastic, but that said I believe it a good rifle, the 505 is beautiful looking and top shelf rifle, but its expensive, heavy, and I would be afraid to to take it across the fields in case i damaged it, horses for courses.

I have a Sauer 404 XT, great weapon, cycles no issues, have mine about 10 years in 6.5x55

 

[foxinmad]

Got to be the Sauer.

 

[grimstone]

Two different leagues. If you have the money then 505 all day long

 

[Andy - Fish]

Like Jon69 no experience of Sauer but own S&L Hunter Thumbhole - CZ limited edition Thumbhole- GRS Berserk Stock etc but if I had to only own one rifle it would be my Sako S20 Hunter

 

[Emistie_89]

Thank you everyone for the advice, I’ll start getting the overtime in now and hopefully by the time I manage to save a few pounds I will have made up my mind