Sauer 202 opinions?

[Sabian223]

Hi All

i'm in the market for a new 243 and the Sauer 202 has caught my eye. I'm off to see a local RFD later to possibly chop my 223 in.

If you have any hands on experience i'd be grateful to know the good and bad points or anything i should be aware of?

Thanks In advance

Dave

 

[8x57]

Is the 202 still available, hasn't that model been replaced by newer models?

 

[Steff]

It's been replaced with S404, which is a completely different rifle.
But there will still be a lot of 202's available in the shelves.
Do I like them? No. Seen too many jammings when cycling the bolt. Others will hate for this statement as they are happy users of a 202. So just my 2 cents.

 

[Davee]

Never had or heard of bolt jamming before, ours are as slick as ice. Check barrel securing bolts not loose/overtightened, two types of receiver, steel or alloy, check alloy for scope/rails bolt holes not stripped. You'll need a long allen key to remove stock segments, if not included get 5mm octagonal rod, or extra long allen key. I had to use a comb raiser. Usual checks for barrel corrosion at muzzle from numpty leaving a can on. Fore-end has a QR sling attachment covering allen key access hole. Otherwise a good bit of precision engineering. If you need a manual pm for a copy.

 

[reiver]

I have a 202 in 30-06 xt and love it.the rifle I should have bought years ago.
Riders comment of there bolts jamming is a first for me as the bolt is supper smooth on mine without any
sloppy play it could be just ” user error” that the rifle jammed??

 

[old keeper]

I've got a couple of 202 Elegance models, 223 and 243. Beautiful, accurate rifles that have worked perfectly for years. Never had a bolt problem.

 

[Steff]

To be clear. I don't mean the bolt as such getting jammed. I was refering to cartidges jamming up on feeding.

 

[kripton]

I liked my 202 save for two things : -
1. The set trigger which (unlike my Sakos) mean't I could not adjust the pressure or travel on the trigger when using it in unset mode and
2. It was very easy to under or overtighten the forend screw which mean't the wooden forend would contact one side of or underneath the barrel (depending whether over or undertightening) which in turn affected the accuracy of the rifle.

I was also not keen on the very slim forend but this is obviously very subjective depending on user preference. I was however seduced by the fabulous wood on both butt and forend.

 

[deerstalker.308]

Owned Sauer 202’s for years. Hands down the best rifles I’ve every had the pleasure of using, fantastically accurate and smooth bolt operation.

 

[Limpet]

I am a 202 fan and spoke to a rifle maker the other day who informed me he personally owns 4 of the 202 model in various calibers. Ive spoken to a couple of folk who liked theirs so much they bought another in a different caliber.

 

[Claret_Dabbler]

Fantastic rifle. Given the single stack in-line magazine, it would need a special effort to jam it.

 

[dodge1942]

I have two 202's in 243 no hesitation in recomending.
Accurate reliable, never had a jam and fast to cycle if needed

Hope that helps

Dodge

 

[deerstalker.308]

The only time I have every experienced a problem chambering rounds was with a particularly snub nosed lead free round from lapua, I believe it was the Mega round they offer, the angle from leaving g the mag to sliding into chamber was just wrong for that specific combination. Never had the same happen with all manner of other ammo types before or since.

 

[thomas]

I used a 202 Elegance for quite a few years, definitely a quality rifle. I had 2 barrels, 6.5x55 and 30.06 and both were superbly accurate with any factory ammo, I never once experienced any jamming issues in either caliber. The safety catch took a while to get to used too, but it is silent.

 

[Colonel]

I have two 202s, a 30-06 elegance with wooden thumb hole stock and 243 Classic synthetic stock both superbly accurate rifles. I had one round jam up in the 30-06 but that was my fault no the rifles. I have heard some say that the 404 is not as good as the 202 but I can’t say.

 

[deerwarden]

Best rifle I have ever owned, used it in Africa where the P.H.s loved the rifle, always held its zero and would not hesitate to buy another should I need too. Deerwarden

 

[Jon Smith]

Never had or heard of bolt jamming before, ours are as slick as ice. Check barrel securing bolts not loose/overtightened, two types of receiver, steel or alloy, check alloy for scope/rails bolt holes not stripped. You'll need a long allen key to remove stock segments, if not included get 5mm octagonal rod, or extra long allen key. I had to use a comb raiser. Usual checks for barrel corrosion at muzzle from numpty leaving a can on. Fore-end has a QR sling attachment covering allen key access hole. Otherwise a good bit of precision engineering. If you need a manual pm for a copy.

octagonal? did you have an eight-sided bolt in yours?

 

[Acm]

See good mates have them, I’ve used them. Really well built rifles, from an engineering perspective I’d say a cut above the sako (which is what I have) never seen one jam. Shame you cant top load

 

[Wills]

I have one in .270. Its great. No regrets, its a cracking rifle. Bolt is nice and slick. Ive held the 404 and its not 2 x the gun. Think Sako 75 and Sako 85...

 

[Ranger22]

Had one, hated it. Dislike the safety being within the trigger guard, single stack magazine (5 shot) stuck out to far for my liking. You could fire it by pushing the trigger forward. Barrel wore out quicker than quick.