Sauer 202

[jamesmc2104]

I recently passed the deer stalking corse and am now looking for a rifle im unfortunately need something left handed. Have been very taken but the sauer 202s just wondering what ever one thought about them. Also can any one comment on accuracy at range I no it depends on calibre but generally what to expect with them. More then likely going for a 6.5×55 as there's only really sika and fallow around here may travel to get a red but very rarely. Also if any one else can think of another rifle or calibre id be happy to take a look has to be left-handed and preferably timber stoke
Thanks

 

[Tapio270]

I have had a range of different makes of rifle over the years (BSA, Ruger, Mannlicher ) and have settled on using two Sauer 202s
Beautiful engineering, very accurate and very reliable
Safety is not for every one but I have grown to like it, silent and visible.
Bolt is very slick, trigger is superb and stock profile is good for using a scope
The friend can be a problem with the wooded sticks when using a bipod, the plastic sticks are much more rigid.
I have had a KKC stock fitted to my .308 .by Steve Kershaw which has made it superbly accurate with the bipod, really top guy, very helpful and very reasonably priced
Summary great factory rifles that can be improved

 

[Kiwiguy]

My wife and I own three Sauer 202s between us. Her rifle is chambered in 223 and my two are chambered in 22-250 and 25-06.
As @Tapio270 says they are a very smooth action and all three of ours are accurate.
It is a pity that Sauer didn't install a button that would allow the bolt to be opened with the safety engaged as they had on the Sauer 90 action.
Other than that I really like the safety.
They are not a light rifle, my 25-06 with a March 2.5-25 x 42mm scope weighs 10lb 3oz loaded and ready to go. No bipod or sling.
The original barrel on my 25-06 was nearly shot out when I bought it so I got a new barrel for it from Schultz and Larsen.
Due to Sauer dropping the 202 from their line, parts such as new barrels and magazines have become very hard to find.
Because of this I would suggest that you look at a Schultz and Larsen rifle, either a Classic DL or a Victory.
Regarding accuracy here are a couple of groups fired from my 202s, the first one is a 5 shot group from my 22-250.
The second is an 8 shot group from my 25-06 while I was working up a load, the first two shots are out to the left and the other six bullets are the clover leaf group.
Both are at 100m.

 

[Stalker-of-the-deer]

You cant go wrong with them tbh.

Just remeber they no longer make them, so if your heart is set on a sauer look at the 404/505.

I loved my 404 but times changed and had to get rid of it for a 6.5cm bergara for range work and consolidate my rifle platforms

 

[reiver]

I have a 202xt LH in 30-06 had it for around 10 years not had any problems and shot a lot of Boar with it . Quick and easy to work the bolt from the shoulder 5 &8 shot magazines available. Breaks down for airline travel .
I would go for the 505 rather than tha 404 if I was buying again . Just better mount options

 

[tarponhead]

I recently passed the deer stalking corse and am now looking for a rifle im unfortunately need something left handed. Have been very taken but the sauer 202s just wondering what ever one thought about them. Also can any one comment on accuracy at range I no it depends on calibre but generally what to expect with them. More then likely going for a 6.5×55 as there's only really sika and fallow around here may travel to get a red but very rarely. Also if any one else can think of another rifle or calibre id be happy to take a look has to be left-handed and preferably timber stoke
Thanks

I have 2 Sauer 202’s even though they are switch barrels, in .308 and 6.5x55. .308 is short barrelled 18” woodland gun and my 6.5x55 does high seats and meadows. I got two so I can have two different scopes and no changing zero’s. Can’t recommend them enough. Steve Beatty at Ivythorne is a Sauer expert and has lots of options, so worth a call. If zi had to keep just one then did probably stick to a 6.5Mm calibre.

 

[Tralle]

Good rifles.

I own one in 6.5x55 and have shot thousands of rounds through it, on its second barrel now.
Had it since 2013.

One-size receiver, so 6.5x55 is a good choice.
Adapters for threaded barrels are available, so barrel change is possible, even if you can't find an original.
Lots of target barrels available (in Scandinavia), due to interchangerbllity with the STR.

Trigger is not the best I have ever used, but it is absolutely decent.

Safety is not for everyone (you need to put your finger inside the trigger guard to empty the gun)
I have not heard about accidents due to this though, but I guess people dont brag about it, if it happened.

Depending on barrel, load and scope it should do fine at distance, it is not designed for it though.

Both my barrels have been the standard thin sporter (16mm at muzzle I believe) barrels and they shot/shoot fine.

130 GTX and n555

Both groups are from initial load development, top on the old barrel and lower on the new. I havnt bothered improving as it is way more than adequate for my uses.

Bipod attachment is not super straight forward, will take drilling in the forend.

Wooden forends can warp and twist over time, ensure the barrel is free floated, easy fix though.
I changed a my walnut monte carlo stock for a straight comb synthetic as the ergonomics suits me better.

I would stay away from models with aluminium receiver, it can have issues with the scope mount.

The 404 and 505 are way to over engineered in my opinion.

 

[404Boar]

I’m left handed, all of my rifles are true left hand.

My go to everyday rifle in the UK is a Sauer 202 Outback in 243. Very light, very accurate, very reliable mechanics. Sound synthetic stock with a nice feel, lightweight good looking fluted barrel, threaded for a moderator and an easy bipod fit with a drilled fore end. I have no hesitation in recommending it.

 

[404Boar]

Apologies I should have added I prefer the 202 to my Sauer factory custom 404.

 

[Sinistral]

I recently passed the deer stalking course and am now looking for a rifle. I unfortunately need something left-handed. Have been very taken by the Sauer 202s, just wondering what everyone thought about them. Also can any one comment on accuracy at range. I know it depends on calibre but generally what to expect with them. More than likely going for a 6.5×55 as there's only really Sika and Fallow around here. May travel to get a red but very rarely. Also if anyone else can think of another rifle or calibre I'd be happy to take a look. Has to be left-handed and preferably timber stock.
Thanks.

Consider Tikka? Much cheaper.
I don't think accuracy at long range depends on the cartridge very much, but it's not for me.
Shooting a deer within 20 - 200 yards just needs an accurate rifle, and a fixed 4x-6x scope.
All the rest is propaganda.

I have had a range of different makes of rifle over the years (BSA, Ruger, Mannlicher ) and have settled on using two Sauer 202s
Beautiful engineering, very accurate and very reliable
Safety is not for every one but I have grown to like it, silent and visible.
Bolt is very slick, trigger is superb and stock profile is good for using a scope
The friend (?) can be a problem with the wooded sticks when using a bipod, the plastic sticks are much more rigid.
I have had a KKC stock fitted to my .308 .by Steve Kershaw which has made it superbly accurate with the bipod, really top guy, very helpful and very reasonably priced
Summary great factory rifles that can be improved

You are totally left-handed? All BSA rifles were right-handed.
Plastic stocks can be very wobbly, so just can't agree with that as a generalisation.

Just remeber they no longer make them, so if your heart is set on a sauer look at the 404/505.

I loved my 404 but times changed and had to get rid of it for a 6.5cm bergara for range work and consolidate my rifle platforms

I would go for the 505 rather than tha 404 if I was buying again . Just better mount options

Du hast nach left hand gesucht | J. P. Sauer & Sohn

www.sauer.de

Same question as above really.
These posts have me puzzled, as the site shows NO left-hand in 404 or 505 models.

 

[404Boar]

Photographed in the Sauer factory in Isny where I selected the wood.

 

[JamesH]

I have two plus an extra 6.5x55 barrel. Very good rifles and the only downside compared to say a Tikka T3x is that there isn’t a huge amount of aftermarket kit if you are someone who likes to change and tinker with your rifle. The alloy action model is lighter but scope mount holes can strip (not a major issue to fix and JR firearms sorted mine last year)

 

[jamesmc2104]

Good rifles.

I own one in 6.5x55 and have shot thousands of rounds through it, on its second barrel now.
Had it since 2013.

One-size receiver, so 6.5x55 is a good choice.
Adapters for threaded barrels are available, so barrel change is possible, even if you can't find an original.
Lots of target barrels available (in Scandinavia), due to interchangerbllity with the STR.

Trigger is not the best I have ever used, but it is absolutely decent.

Safety is not for everyone (you need to put your finger inside the trigger guard to empty the gun)
I have not heard about accidents due to this though, but I guess people dont brag about it, if it happened.

Depending on barrel, load and scope it should do fine at distance, it is not designed for it though.

Both my barrels have been the standard thin sporter (16mm at muzzle I believe) barrels and they shot/shoot fine.
View attachment 462742View attachment 462743
130 GTX and n555

Both groups are from initial load development, top on the old barrel and lower on the new. I havnt bothered improving as it is way more than adequate for my uses.

Bipod attachment is not super straight forward, will take drilling in the forend.

Wooden forends can warp and twist over time, ensure the barrel is free floated, easy fix though.
I changed a my walnut monte carlo stock for a straight comb synthetic as the ergonomics suits me better.

I would stay away from models with aluminium receiver, it can have issues with the scope mount.

The 404 and 505 are way to over engineered in my opinion.

Thanks for the reply good information what kinda accuracy would you expect at say 300 yard 300 to 350 is more then likely the farthest is push it

 

[jamesmc2104]

I have had a range of different makes of rifle over the years (BSA, Ruger, Mannlicher ) and have settled on using two Sauer 202s
Beautiful engineering, very accurate and very reliable
Safety is not for every one but I have grown to like it, silent and visible.
Bolt is very slick, trigger is superb and stock profile is good for using a scope
The friend can be a problem with the wooded sticks when using a bipod, the plastic sticks are much more rigid.
I have had a KKC stock fitted to my .308 .by Steve Kershaw which has made it superbly accurate with the bipod, really top guy, very helpful and very reasonably priced
Summary great factory rifles that can be improved

I got to have a play with a left handed 202 in 243 at the Birmingham shooting show last month and was so mutch nicer then alot of newer rifals

 

[Tralle]

Thanks for the reply good information what kinda accuracy would you expect at say 300 yard 300 to 350 is more then likely the farthest is push it

Depends on how little variation in velocity you have shot to shot, and variation in BC bullet to bullet (though probably neglible at 300)

In theory, about 3 times larger spread than what I posted.
In reality wind and velocity variation will make it larger.

 

[jamesmc2104]

Depends on how little variation in velocity you have shot to shot, and variation in BC bullet to bullet (though probably neglible at 300)

In theory, about 3 times larger spread than what I posted.
In reality wind and velocity variation will make it larger.

Be all factory ammo to start with but wouldn't mind getting into reloading after a while.

 

[jamesmc2104]

I have two plus an extra 6.5x55 barrel. Very good rifles and the only downside compared to say a Tikka T3x is that there isn’t a huge amount of aftermarket kit if you are someone who likes to change and tinker with your rifle. The alloy action model is lighter but scope mount holes can strip (not a major issue to fix and JR firearms sorted mine last year)

I wouldn't really be big into customising or tinkering really sling and a scope all i really want and accuracy

 

[shbangsteve]

I have one in 7x64. Quality and better than the 404 or 505s. Shoots far better than me. I don't like the safety on mine though, too fiddly especially when wearing gloves so I will be swapping mine for a Schultz and Larsen.

 

[welshwarrior]

Love my 2 Sauer 202s. Barrels are still readily available via Lothar Walter

 

[jamesmc2104]

I have one in 7x64. Quality and better than the 404 or 505s. Shoots far better than me. I don't like the safety on mine though, too fiddly especially when wearing gloves so I will be swapping mine for a Schultz and Larsen.

Ye safety seems you like it or hate it