Sauer 202 vs Tikka T3X

[Leroux]

Buy the one that will make you happy. Both will work. Life is too short.

 

[Limpet]

Some newer models suit larger people as even the grips get fatter as the theory is peoples hands are now bigger than a decade ago and arms longer.

Gun fit is vital. Give some a try first.

 

[Sonicdmb73]

Some newer models suit larger people as even the grips get fatter as the theory is peoples hands are now bigger than a decade ago and arms longer.

Gun fit is vital. Give some a try first.

I agree entirely with that comment. Finding that when you are left handed and shoot off your left shoulder is harder than finding a right handed one

 

[Ben23]

I agree entirely with that comment. Finding that when you are left handed and shoot off your left shoulder is harder than finding a right handed one

Yeah that’s the issue I’m finding. And the 202 I might be getting is a good 4h away from me in Yorkshire, so unlikely I’ll get to try it!

 

[Sonicdmb73]

Yeah that’s the issue I’m finding. And the 202 I might be getting is a good 4h away from me in Yorkshire, so unlikely I’ll get to try it!

I am 5’11” and 15ish stone. I find the Sauer is a good fit. If a little low on the cheek depending on what mounts etc but I have added a riser so sorted that. However it is mainly the Picatinny rail and mounts that dictate that. It does however allow the use of the fitted open sights.
The stock has a slight cast which helps fit in my opinion. I also have a wooden stock which is very nice to use, but I intend to keep for “best”. Rather than using it knocking about the farms.
I would normally go for a scaled action. My previous purchase of both Sako and CZ527 were based in part on that. However the other advantages of the Sauer mean that I can live with a long action. The benefits are the ease of getting replacement barrels and the one rifle adage. The trigger and fit are the same regardless of the cartridge I happen to be using.
I am seriously looking at adding more 202’s at least one action a 223 size bolt and mag. Along with another when finances permit. I would like to have my current cartridge choices and maybe add something at the top end 35 Whelen appeals.

 

[Ben23]

So as to not create a whole new thread on the Sauer 202 - does anyone know any details of what the 'Europa' 202 model designates? I can find info on the 'Elegance' and other variants, but can't find a thing online about what the '202 Europa' means to the purchaser! Is it a grade of wood, a style of rifle...? I'm lost! Any help much appreciated.

 

[gixer1]

So as to not create a whole new thread on the Sauer 202 - does anyone know any details of what the 'Europa' 202 model designates? I can find info on the 'Elegance' and other variants, but can't find a thing online about what the '202 Europa' means to the purchaser! Is it a grade of wood, a style of rifle...? I'm lost! Any help much appreciated.

We’re the europa’s not blued with wood instead of ilaflon coated?? Steve Beaty at Ivythorn would know I bet!

 

[stumac]

The 202 is a better rifle surely being twice the price of the Tikka.

 

[sir-slots-alot]

The 202 is a better rifle surely being twice the price of the Tikka.

Exactly - not comparing apples with apples, is it.

Of course the 202 will have more of a luxury feel about it - that's what you pay an extra £1500 for.
Tikka will be no less accurate or reliable - they are excellent rifles and popular for a reason.

 

[Ben23]

Exactly - not comparing apples with apples, is it.

Of course the 202 will have more of a luxury feel about it - that's what you pay an extra £1500 for.
Tikka will be no less accurate or reliable - they are excellent rifles and popular for a reason.

The comparing apples with apples actually relates to the OP - the used 202 is the same price as a the Tikka, so in this instance they do cost exactly the same. In fact, that’s not actually quite right, the Sauer is £200 cheaper than the Tikka.

The question was never ‘new 202 vs new Tikka’, but ‘used 202 vs new Tikka for the same money’

 

[Sonicdmb73]

The comparing apples with apples actually relates to the OP - the used 202 is the same price as a the Tikka, so in this instance they do cost exactly the same. In fact, that’s not actually quite right, the Sauer is £200 cheaper than the Tikka.

The question was never ‘new 202 vs new Tikka’, but ‘used 202 vs new Tikka for the same money’

My money would be spent on the 202. As you can replace the barrel for less than a new Tikka (should you wear it out) and you still have a quality rifle, that started at twice the price when new.
It’s taken me a long time to get to that level of quality. I don’t intend to go back to any other make.

 

[Ben23]

My money would be spent on the 202. As you can replace the barrel for less than a new Tikka (should you wear it out) and you still have a quality rifle, that started at twice the price when new.
It’s taken me a long time to get to that level of quality. I don’t intend to go back to any other make.

I’m glad to hear it... as that’s what a deposit has gone on!!

 

[Scandially]

Some 202' had Aluminium actions with 4 screws that strip. Check them.

 

[Sonicdmb73]

Some 202' had Aluminium actions with 4 screws that strip. Check them.

Usually because of cack handed owners being over zealous. It is however easily cured, a ‘smith will re-thread them to a slightly larger screw.
Not the end of the world by any means.

 

[stumac]

Yes the threads are a bit delicate but they don't trip themselves, a heavy handed person might have something to do with it. Just a bit of experience and knowledge and maybe a drop of Loctite and it wouldn't be a problem.
But, Sonicdmb73 is exactly right Check them