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Sauer 202 Classic XT rifle review

This Sauer 202 Classic XT rifle has quality engineering and a hard-wearing design that make it a rifle for serious deer stalkers.

Sauer 202 Classic XT rifle review
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Sauer 202 Classic XT rifle review.
Ever since rifle production started at JP Sauer & Sohn in 1751, Sauer’s reputation for building desirable and high-quality rifles has steadily grown.

The company’s rifles definitely occupy the upper end of the stalking or fox rifle market, but sensibly Sauer has many practical options to make its products available to people who want its engineering prowess, but not necessarily the fine walnut and engraved actions.

The Sauer 202 model was created in 1993 as a classic stalking rifle, but soon afterwards, professionals were asking for a hard-wearing finish to the metal work and synthetic stocks to handle the hard use that only a gillie or keeper would put it through.

/></p> <p>The Classic XT provided the answer, with tough synthetic stock and an almost impermeable polymer coating named Ilaflon, which was applied to all the metal parts, ideally suiting a ‘real’ stalking rifle with maximum weather resistance.</p> <p>The strength of the action is partly because the switch barrel locks directly into the chamber end of the barrel. Barrels can be easily changed, so it is possible to use a variety of calibres on one chassis.</p> <p>To a shooter who only wants one rifle, the Sauer switch barrel system will certainly appeal, especially if you have to travel abroad and want to keep your packing light.</p> <p><em><strong>BARREL AND ACTION </strong></em><br /> The Sauer’s switch barrel system differs from others in that the barrel is retained in a yoke at the front of the action where three cross-bolts securely clamp the barrel in place with a precise fit.</p> <p>The bolt lock-up and headspace therefore remain constant. The bolt then locks into the back end of the barrel with three large, forward-locking lugs and three smaller ones behind them in a radial position.</p> <p>The single claw extractor sited on the right side of the bolt face extracts empty cases while a sprung plunger initiates ejection.</p> <p>The locking lug arrangement means that either the bolt lift is shallow, or the angle at which the bolt elevates to open the action is short.</p> <p>This helps to avoid the Sauer’s bolt knob coming into contact with the eyepiece of any scope fitted and makes for a faster bolt-throw; it also contributes to the Sauer’s legendary bolt smoothness.</p> <p>This bolt handle has a nicely designed, round, plastic bolt knob, rather than the more traditional butter-spoon profile that is available on other Sauer models.</p> <p><img width=

The safety catch is unusual and allows a truly silent operation.

Sited at the rear of the action in a circular recess is a plunger which, when depressed, makes the XT safe.

As this top safety plunger is pushed down to safe, a button positioned inside the trigger-guard protrudes downward, just in front of the trigger-blade.

Pushing it up takes the Sauer off safe and it is then ready to fire.

The magazine is a detachable box with a capacity of three rounds in .270 calibre, with a single-column feed box giving a positive central feed of cartridges.

To release the magazine, simply press a small button at the front of the magazine well and the empty clip is forcibly ejected by a small spring sited to one side in the action wall.

A TWO-PIECE STOCK
The two-piece stock is a good idea, as if one part gets damaged, this can be replaced rather than changing the entire stock.

The quick-change barrel facility requires this type of two-piece stock.

ACCURACY AND TARGETS
Garlands offers the Sauer XT as a package deal with Warne scope mounts and the new Zeiss 3-12×50 Duralite scope for £2,300, this is how I tested the XT.

The Zeiss scope is superb, considering it costs only £665.

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