Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Sauer 202 vs Sako 85

I've had several Sako's but no Sauer's. How does a Sauer 202 compare to a Sako 85?

The Sauer is not a light rifle (think M70 SuperGrade).

But the quality is exceptional, as is the accuracy (my experience).

I'd prefer the Sauer hands-down to the Sako.

Plus, many have had ejection issues with the Sako 85, so they are off my list.

The 202 is a great rifle but it has been replaced in the Sauer line by the 404 so if you're looking at one, take that into consideration. Barrels still remain available, mostly in Europe but some are here in the US, as well.

The Sako 85 ejection issue needs to be thoroughly understood before you make up your mind. I really wanted one, but after seeing one myself, and seeing the position of the ejector blade, I just can’t do it. It’s an obvious design flaw IMO. Sorry, no experience with the Sauer.

I have three Sako 85’s, Barvarian 7mm-08 Swarovski Z3 3x9, Barvarian Carbine 6.5x55 Leupold 6x36, Grizzly 8x57 Leupold VX 5HD 1x5, and I have never had an ejection problem with any of these rifles. All have optilock one piece low mount rings.

Forgot to mention that the accuracy on the 85’s I have is great. The Grizzly shoots less than 1/2 inch with Nosler 200 grain Accubond and just over 1/2 inch with Nosler Partition. The Barvarian shoots just under 1 inch with Norma 156 grain Oryx. I have not had a chance to take the Swede to the range.

Ive owned 7 85's, Finnlights in 300wsm, 6.5x55, 300WM, 243 and Varmints in 308, 204 and 243.....none of them had ejection issues. My Finnlight in 6.5x55 is my most used rifle.

SAKO 85 is a very nicely done so-so design. Sauer 202 the cream of the crop. I wouldn't get one. It'll make you wanna slap your Remington.

Have not owned the 202 Sauer,

do have a couple of the Sauer 200




Top: Sauer 200 Europa-Lux, 25-06 Rem.

Bottom: Sauer 200 Banquet Rifle

IMHO, at least on these two, the quality of the wood, fit and finsh are superior to the garden variety Sakos of the past. Quality rifles that shoot better than they look!

BTW, barrels are interchangable.

ya!

GWB

Now I need a Sauer with spoon style bolt handle.

You can always be counted on to produce quality gun porn.

That’s great, I know the “problem” is sporadic at best with most working fine. The good ones tend to have a strong ejector spring that overrides the extractor blade being in the 6 o’clock position. The problematic ones seem to have weaker springs. Philosophically, it bothers me to have to rely on that spring for proper function as it’s mechanical and will theoretically wear out. Then you are back to the fixed ejector to do its job which will kick the case straight up. Just seems like a design flaw, asking for trouble eventually. And it’s unnecessary, if they just would have put the blade over at the 8 o’clock position originally we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Worst of all, Sako/Beretta’s failure to address the issue is bothersome.

All that is just my own personal mental hang up. I could be convinced to own a properly functioning Bavarian Carbine in Swede. To me, it’s by far the most aesthetically pleasing full stock rifle out there.

geedubya, you're my hero. That's a beautiful pair of Sauer rifles.

202 vs 85, interesting reading. I have a Sauer 100 and an A7 Roughtech. The 100 is almost half the price of the A7 and the quality is better to me. I know, off-topic but maybe a bit valid regarding manufacturers.

I own four Sauer 202s. Let’s just say they are part of my retirement plan.

Very nice rifles indeed, made of the finest quality metal and wood available.

I always thought 202s were custom made for me.
And my kids.
Palm swell, cheek piece. Svelte.
Altogether we have 6 rifles.
Barrels include 4 chambered 6.5x55.
2 barrels in 308, a 30-06, 9.3x62, 6BR, 30BR, 223, 300 Win Mag and 375 H&H.

But I don’t throw them across the driveway to break in the barrels.
I don’t lay them in a pond to photograph.

I like 202s.
Hint.

Sauer is really nice but heavy so I went the Sako 85 route.

I’ve had 4 of them, I still have 2.. a 260, and 280 AI / 9.3x62 switch barrel. both with Krieger Barrels in Mc stocks...

Blasphemy

I have both and like both. They have somewhat different ergonomics - stock fit, handling and balance. I'd suggest you get one of each in hand before you make your buying decision. And I have had a couple Sakos that needed stronger extractor springs, a $5 part. But have never needed to do anything whatsoever to a Sauer. They just work properly and shoot straight.

Same here 3 85's and none had ejection issues