Sauer 202 Hatari vs Blaser R8 Kilombero - 12/17/17
I am interested in comparing these two rifles in heavy safari calibers and, if possible, I would like to hear about the experiences of those of you who have actually used these two specific rifles.
My own experience from owning non-safari versions of both rifles is very positive:
Sauer 202 is full-metal, no plastics, feeds very smoothly and has detachable single-row magazines. The safety is also simply a "safety", not a cocking device which makes it easy to operate. My objections to Sauer Hatari would be I am not sure how well the take-down feature will work under extreme heat and dust etc. My own rifle's take-down feature works fine but I have not subjected it to harsh conditions yet. Also, I am guessing the Hatari models will be a bit barrel-heavy.
Blaser R8 is shorter and balances better (has a kick-stop in the stock). However, it has magazine and trigger assembly made of synthetic material. The action is also unique and I have not used it long enough to know if it could malfunction in harsh conditions. The cocking push-button is working fine on my 300 Win Mag R8 rifle but is it 100% reliable? Has anyone experienced issues with pushing the coking button under stressful conditions on a Safari?
458 Lott or 416 Rem Mag: Regarding calibers, I am not planning on a dangerous game hunt but would like to have a big-bore rifle for large plains game which I can also use with reduced-loads in North America. My research shows that 458 Lott is easier to reduce due to the larger variety of 45 caliber bullets available. However, with full charge, the 458 should kick much more than the 416. How do these two calibers compare in terms of feeding reliability?
Thank you
-Omid
My own experience from owning non-safari versions of both rifles is very positive:
Sauer 202 is full-metal, no plastics, feeds very smoothly and has detachable single-row magazines. The safety is also simply a "safety", not a cocking device which makes it easy to operate. My objections to Sauer Hatari would be I am not sure how well the take-down feature will work under extreme heat and dust etc. My own rifle's take-down feature works fine but I have not subjected it to harsh conditions yet. Also, I am guessing the Hatari models will be a bit barrel-heavy.
Blaser R8 is shorter and balances better (has a kick-stop in the stock). However, it has magazine and trigger assembly made of synthetic material. The action is also unique and I have not used it long enough to know if it could malfunction in harsh conditions. The cocking push-button is working fine on my 300 Win Mag R8 rifle but is it 100% reliable? Has anyone experienced issues with pushing the coking button under stressful conditions on a Safari?
458 Lott or 416 Rem Mag: Regarding calibers, I am not planning on a dangerous game hunt but would like to have a big-bore rifle for large plains game which I can also use with reduced-loads in North America. My research shows that 458 Lott is easier to reduce due to the larger variety of 45 caliber bullets available. However, with full charge, the 458 should kick much more than the 416. How do these two calibers compare in terms of feeding reliability?
Thank you
-Omid