These are exactly the reasons I am thinking about a Sauer 202. I won't know how I feel about the safety and fit of the stock until I try one but they are by all accounts very well built and they make a barrel in the calibre I want as well as other calibres that are easy to get a good choice of ammo for which could easily solve any problem I had with ammo supply if I were to travel and my ammo didn't arrive for some reason. I want to try a couple of more traditional alternatives as well, probably a Sako 75 or L691 and maybe the CZ550. Once I have tried a few different rifles I will know what fits me and feels right. The Sauer looks like a winner on paper but until I try one out I won't know if it's worth the extra money over a CZ, Tikka or Sako.
Ok so the safety is a bit marmite. Personally I don’t mind it, if you keep your thumb on it as you push the button in the trigger guard it’s silent.
My CZ had a three position safety and I did like it. The action takes a bit of a knack to get smooth reloading, but once learned comes without thinking.
Sako 75 is a nice rifle too, a step up in build quality from the CZ. I have an action one in 20 Tac (223 based wildcat) and it is my go to for fox and vermin. Even though the CZ527 in 222 makes silly small holes. The Sako is just more refined.
I might even be tempted to get a 223 Sauer and go down the “one gun” route. But it is not a priority as the Sako is filling that ATM.
The Sauer does have advantages that you cannot beat without having another switch barrel rifle. However I wouldn’t discount a CZ but it would have to be cheaper than the alternatives. I think I paid around £200 for my CZ the Sauer cost me £500 before adding mounts and the second barrel. But it was ridiculously cheap, I think the seller was too honest in his description of its previous use (culling serious numbers) and the marks on the stock etc. Didn’t bother me as I expect something to be used, not be an ornament. Saying that I have a nice stock now too. But I have been lucky to be in the right place at the right time.
I do honestly believe barring some kind of failure that makes it an uneconomic repair. I will be using the 202 for many years.
A word of caution though, I am not sure if you are aware. The 202 comes with either a 3 or 6 lug bolt. The 6 lug starts at 6.5x55, the 243 and 22-250 are the same action but 3 lug. The ‘smith had a 243 barrel fitted to his 6 lug (there’s adapters for the job). I might be tempted to get a fast twist one one day.
The 223 etc is a different bolt again I have half an eye out for a deal on one of them. Other than that I am pretty much sorted with what is in the cabinet.
