Sauer 202
- Thread starter jamesmc2104
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jamesmc2104
Member
Thanks for the reply reliably dosnt seem to be an issue then
jamesmc2104
Member
It doesn't really anoy me that thay dont make them any more I have an old tikka 595 and love it also shoot and own hammer guns so as long as it works and is accurate I dont mind
So practice with good technique in real hunting situations is what you need - there is no magic calibre or rifle that will do that for you.
Sonicdmb73
Well-Known Member
I have just added another to my cabinet. Well more accurately another barrel, bolt and mag. I own three actions. One is going to my lad so he’ll have two. I have 6.5x55 which is what I would recommend (as opposed to a 243) as it is the smallest of the cartridges that fit the same bolt (6 lug, 243 is 3 lug) and magazines for all but the 9.3x62 iirc which is a different mag.
I have a small bolt and magazine with 223 and slot for 20 tac. So basically anything from vermin to some of the largest quarry in the same action.
I got mine because my rifle smith has a couple as his personal rifles. Which considering he could (and has) built with some of the best components (allegedly) available. Is saying something.
Yes the alloy action can suffer from issues, but they are almost always caused by misuse. ie over tightening the barrel screws, or dropping on the scope, or loose screws in the bases.
A picatinny rail on top, and a torque screwdriver will mitigate both.
With a custom barrel the ‘smith was shooting rabbit sized targets at 600yds on a long range “range day”. The scope was the limiting factor as he just couldn’t see the targets further away.
I intend to keep my two actions and keep adding or replacing barrels as needed.
I have a small bolt and magazine with 223 and slot for 20 tac. So basically anything from vermin to some of the largest quarry in the same action.
I got mine because my rifle smith has a couple as his personal rifles. Which considering he could (and has) built with some of the best components (allegedly) available. Is saying something.
Yes the alloy action can suffer from issues, but they are almost always caused by misuse. ie over tightening the barrel screws, or dropping on the scope, or loose screws in the bases.
A picatinny rail on top, and a torque screwdriver will mitigate both.
You ask about accuracy, well I get 1/2 moa (or 1 1/2”) at 300yds with my 6.5x55 with 129 SST’s. I don’t doubt I will get that or better with the 223.
With a custom barrel the ‘smith was shooting rabbit sized targets at 600yds on a long range “range day”. The scope was the limiting factor as he just couldn’t see the targets further away.
I intend to keep my two actions and keep adding or replacing barrels as needed.
jamesmc2104
Member
Thanks thats kinda what I wanted to hear so sould do everything I want and more
jamesmc2104
Member
Also where is everyone getting the barrels for these
Edinburgh Rifles, Ivythorn Sporting and Garlands seem to have a few barrels normally. I’ve had one made by JR Firearms and other gunsmiths will do them too.
jamesmc2104
Member
Thats perfect was just curious if I was to buy 202 a barrel in 270 and one in 6.5 x 55 are something like that would be nice
I have a 6.5 x55 with a spare 308 barrel option. They are very good. I have a nice set of wood as well but that would be my only issue with them as they are prone to cracks where the stock meets the action. Mine has been repaired twice. I have synthetic options so not a drama.
jamesmc2104
Member
Synthetic would probably be better for what I want but look the look of the wood
jamesmc2104
Member
What do you use the 7x64 for
Bigger deer, especially when I want to stop them as quickly as possible like land with boundary problems (anti shooting neighbour). also boar but I haven’t been successful on that yet. 6.5x55 will do everything in reality but I like options.
jamesmc2104
Member
Yes kinda what I was thinking wouldn't mind giving the boars ago but thall be down the line
Sonicdmb73
Well-Known Member
Plenty of people have stock of new and secondhand, and shot out/knackered barrels. There was a company making adapters that you (your gunsmith) could fit a barrel to.
You do have to be aware of the differences between chambering’s and their respective bolt types/sizes.
22-250 and 243 large bolt face three lug. 6.5x55 upwards (not including the magnum cartridges) large bolt face six lug. Small bolt face is three lug but measures different from the large three lug. So you can use the small bolt face for 223, 222, 20 Tac or Vartarg etc etc. then I would skip (well I have) the three lug large bolt face. I got a 6.5x55 with 270 barrel spare. Then added a 30-06 as a full rifle later. Bought another rifle 223, got the bolt and barrel added to my FAC. My lad is having the rest to make a second rifle for him.
My ultimate goal is to have all my centre fire cartridge's chambered in a 202 barrel. That way I can swap them as needed. Have one for Boar one for Roe for example or vermin and deer. However they do hold zero well swapping barrels if you have a scope per barrel and use a torque screwdriver to put barrel and scope on each time.
I have discussed 35 Whelen previously as the largest cartridge but that’s a while off as I would need to buy a reamer as well, and I already have a reamer to buy for my 20 Tac at some point.
Sabian223
Well-Known Member
I genuinely can’t fault my Sauer 202 with the synchro XT stock. It’s accurate, dependable, and if I’m honest, I actually prefer it to my Blaser R8. Compared to the newer Sauer 404 and Sauer 505, it is noticeably heavier. Also, if you’re planning on swapping barrels regularly, the later models are the better bet, as the 202 isn’t designed to reliably retain zero when you change barrels (or at least it’s unlikely to).
As for mounting options, just fit a steel Picatinny rail and you’re sorted. I regularly swap over to my C50 using Innomounts, and I run steel TPS mounts on my day scope, torqued properly with a wrench. I’ve had no loss of zero doing it that way.
The only real downside to the 202, and the reason some people aren’t keen on them is the bolt unloading process. To disengage the bolt and empty the rifle, you need to put your finger inside the trigger guard to push the safety up, so you do have to be very mindful. On the plus side, there’s no stiff or awkward de-cocker to wrestle with like on the back of the 404 (the 505’s safety is a definite improvement in that respect).
Lastly, be aware if you go with the soft touch rubberised stock, the coating will start to melt at some point and will need to be stripped.
All in all, I don’t think you’d be disappointed going down the Sauer route.
As for mounting options, just fit a steel Picatinny rail and you’re sorted. I regularly swap over to my C50 using Innomounts, and I run steel TPS mounts on my day scope, torqued properly with a wrench. I’ve had no loss of zero doing it that way.
The only real downside to the 202, and the reason some people aren’t keen on them is the bolt unloading process. To disengage the bolt and empty the rifle, you need to put your finger inside the trigger guard to push the safety up, so you do have to be very mindful. On the plus side, there’s no stiff or awkward de-cocker to wrestle with like on the back of the 404 (the 505’s safety is a definite improvement in that respect).
Lastly, be aware if you go with the soft touch rubberised stock, the coating will start to melt at some point and will need to be stripped.
All in all, I don’t think you’d be disappointed going down the Sauer route.
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jamesmc2104
Member
Thats a very good group what distance is that and what calibre is it
Sabian223
Well-Known Member
243, 5 shots at 100 metres, 85grain Barnes TSX with Reloader 17.
jamesmc2104
Member
Thay seem very accurate then I take it thats on a rest of some sort
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