Want Review of Sauer S100 Classic XT
- Thread starter Rob
- Start date
dgradinaru
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- British Columbia
Good rifle, I have owned one in 8x57 since 2017 (have added a few more since). Super accurate, great trigger, nice 3 position safety. Has a smooth and fast action. Like the flush 5 round mag. I personally prefer the Sauer over my tikka's or other rifles of similar value (800-1000$ range).
- Location
- Vancouver Island, BC
Same comments for one in 30-06. Very hard to beat for $750-800, and uses common scope rings/bases. I shot a doe with one this year.
The stock feels very good for this price point.
The stock feels very good for this price point.
I bought a 100 xt classic in 6.5 Swedish a few years ago when they were on sale and was quite happy with it, good accuracy but not outstanding, 1 moa or a little better sometimes. Great factory trigger, very smooth action with 60 degree bolt lift, nice safety, and detachable five round magazine and not too heavy for carrying while hunting.
Then I thought I’d get another in 7mm Rem. mag. This one was a real dud for accuracy, would not group worth crap with any load, hand load or factory. Tried four different bullet weights, would get an occasional group of 2 moa or a little less, then go back to spraying them 3 moa or larger, didn’t matter what bullet weight or load, same results. Sauer advertise a 1moa or less accuracy guarantee so I sent it in for warranty. They tested it and agreed that it shot poorly but couldn’t figure out why, they even re-crowned the barrel but didn’t make any difference. So they replaced the gun with a new one.
The replacement rifle was slightly better in accuracy but still not very good. It would shoot an occasional 1 moa group out 5 or 6 groups. I managed to get a 3/4 moa group and thought well that’s more like it, maybe the barrel is starting to break in and it’s getting better. Then the group immediately after that went almost 4 moa, very inconsistent. So needless to say my Sauer experience has been sour. They also claim that the barrels on every Sauer, Blaser and Mauser rifle are made to the same exact specifications on the same machine at the same facility. Sauer does make some beautiful rifles but I’m not sure I’d ever buy another one, I couldn’t imagine spending thousands of dollars on a higher end model only to see the same inconsistent accuracy. My advice if you are planning to buy one is cross your fingers and toes, say a few prayers and hope you get a good one.
Another thing I will mention is there seems to be some discrepancies about whether 100 models barrels are press fitted or threaded into the actions, they are indeed thread to the action. BUT they use a breech ring spacer that the bolt lugs lock into rather than the lugs actually locking into the front of the action itself like most other manufacturers do. Because of this design it seems to be hard to find a gunsmith that is willing to do a re-barreling job on these rifles. At least the few I had asked didn’t want the job. That all being said, Sauer rifles are good, IF you get a good one, two out of three examples for me have been duds.
Then I thought I’d get another in 7mm Rem. mag. This one was a real dud for accuracy, would not group worth crap with any load, hand load or factory. Tried four different bullet weights, would get an occasional group of 2 moa or a little less, then go back to spraying them 3 moa or larger, didn’t matter what bullet weight or load, same results. Sauer advertise a 1moa or less accuracy guarantee so I sent it in for warranty. They tested it and agreed that it shot poorly but couldn’t figure out why, they even re-crowned the barrel but didn’t make any difference. So they replaced the gun with a new one.
The replacement rifle was slightly better in accuracy but still not very good. It would shoot an occasional 1 moa group out 5 or 6 groups. I managed to get a 3/4 moa group and thought well that’s more like it, maybe the barrel is starting to break in and it’s getting better. Then the group immediately after that went almost 4 moa, very inconsistent. So needless to say my Sauer experience has been sour. They also claim that the barrels on every Sauer, Blaser and Mauser rifle are made to the same exact specifications on the same machine at the same facility. Sauer does make some beautiful rifles but I’m not sure I’d ever buy another one, I couldn’t imagine spending thousands of dollars on a higher end model only to see the same inconsistent accuracy. My advice if you are planning to buy one is cross your fingers and toes, say a few prayers and hope you get a good one.
Another thing I will mention is there seems to be some discrepancies about whether 100 models barrels are press fitted or threaded into the actions, they are indeed thread to the action. BUT they use a breech ring spacer that the bolt lugs lock into rather than the lugs actually locking into the front of the action itself like most other manufacturers do. Because of this design it seems to be hard to find a gunsmith that is willing to do a re-barreling job on these rifles. At least the few I had asked didn’t want the job. That all being said, Sauer rifles are good, IF you get a good one, two out of three examples for me have been duds.
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fade2black
CGN Regular
- Location
- Central Ontario
I have one in 300WM and I'm very happy with it. I own a T3x and a few Vanguards and prefer the Sauer. The double stack detach mag is nice and easy to load. Externally adjustable trigger is very nice and easier to adjust than the Vanguard or T3x. The 3 position safety works very well. It will shoot 5-8 rounds into one ragged hole - until the barrel gets hot. The bolt has a short lift and cycles very smooth. It's a different type of smoothness than my T3x, the Tikka bolt is very loose in the receiver but the Sauer has much tighter tolerances and glides back and forth. The bolt is fairly easy to strip down, push a small retaining pin out and it will come apart if needed.
On the downside, the recoil pad is very hard, basically has no flex to it. The length of pull is also longer than most other manufacturers. So shorter/ smaller shooters will find it a but annoying or will need extended rings/bases to get proper eye relief. The lack of a stainless option in North America is also frustrating.
Overall, I wouldn't think twice to buy the rifle again.
On the downside, the recoil pad is very hard, basically has no flex to it. The length of pull is also longer than most other manufacturers. So shorter/ smaller shooters will find it a but annoying or will need extended rings/bases to get proper eye relief. The lack of a stainless option in North America is also frustrating.
Overall, I wouldn't think twice to buy the rifle again.
Could be a bedding issue on the ones that don't shoot, kind of an odd arrangement there.
Basically only one action screw at the front under the chamber and it needs to be tight and uses a socket head bolt. There is a separate aluminum block embedded in the stock, it's not very big, and that is all that holds it in place.
Basically only one action screw at the front under the chamber and it needs to be tight and uses a socket head bolt. There is a separate aluminum block embedded in the stock, it's not very big, and that is all that holds it in place.
Yes it is kind of an odd arrangement, with the “ever rest” aluminum bedding block on the front action screw, there is also a rear action screw so I guess it’s not the only thing holding it. Ironically there is a recall for this model only for the ones chambered in 6.5x55 something to the effect of accelerated barrel wear. I don’t know why it would only be for the 6.5 Swede, do they not use the same steel for all barrels? Due to my negative experience with the same gun in 7mm I am very reluctant to send my 6.5 Swede in because it does shoot quite well, to take the chance of getting a dud back in return. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
fade2black
CGN Regular
- Location
- Central Ontario
I would send it in if it was me....
6.5x55 needs plenty of freebore to accommodate long bullets up to 160 grains without signs of high pressure. European 6.5x55 loads are often loaded stout. This was likely the result of manufacturing error that didn't account for adequate freebore for specifically this chambering.
It is on the list but like I said I don’t really want to send in a good shooting rifle in exchange for one that doesn’t. Especially with the track record I’ve had with 7mm in the same model. If anything if I had to send it away,I would rather send it to a reputable gunsmith to rebarrel with a match stainless barrel but don’t know of any gunsmiths willing to rebarrel a Sauer 100.
Well got my hands on one today...Fieldshoot though in 6.5PRC, tore it all down, bolt comes apart easy with no tools, just have to compress the should and push the cross pin out, pretty easy. Whole firing pin spring was covered in grease, like way too much grease, cleaned it and oiled it and blew it dry.
Bedding block is inletted and epoxy bedded in the stock, so it is solid and not going anywhere.
I can't see how these would pose any problems to rebarrel, would be alot easier then some other rifles. The separate receiver lug ring is about 1/4" thick and does not contact the barrel, really plays no part in re-barreling one of these rifles, cutting chamber from a blank is very straightforward with this design.
Machine work is smooth and tight, no flaws or tool marks anywhere to be seen, finish looks to be basic hot bluing job.
Rifling is DEEP, nice thick smooth as ass lands, should be hard to wear one of these out. One of the thickest production heavy barrels I've seen anyway as well. With the laminate stock the whole thing balances quite well, it's a heavy rifle just under 10lbs, but it doesn't feel barrel heavy and points nicely off hand. I guess these are all considered long actions, but they are not that long, bolt is almost same length as short action bolts I have around here.
Trigger guard is one piece cast alloy of some sort, probably low grade aluminum, light but not like some of these units, bit of heft and thickness to it.
Trigger is really nice, zero creep, breaks clean and light, very little over travel. 3 position safety is positive clicks and quiet, not silent but very quiet.
Only weak and cheesy part I can find to complain about is the mag catch, it's a 2 piece plastic affair with a tiny little spring that is barely held in between the 2 pieces. That's one part that doesn't give me alot of confidence in longevity. Think like the cheesy mag catch on Ruger American mags, but add another piece of plastic and put it on the trigger guard. Wouldn't be hard at all to make the pieces from steel if it ever came to that.
Anyway, will find out how it shoots soon enough, loading up some ammo and will get out when I can.
Bedding block is inletted and epoxy bedded in the stock, so it is solid and not going anywhere.
I can't see how these would pose any problems to rebarrel, would be alot easier then some other rifles. The separate receiver lug ring is about 1/4" thick and does not contact the barrel, really plays no part in re-barreling one of these rifles, cutting chamber from a blank is very straightforward with this design.
Machine work is smooth and tight, no flaws or tool marks anywhere to be seen, finish looks to be basic hot bluing job.
Rifling is DEEP, nice thick smooth as ass lands, should be hard to wear one of these out. One of the thickest production heavy barrels I've seen anyway as well. With the laminate stock the whole thing balances quite well, it's a heavy rifle just under 10lbs, but it doesn't feel barrel heavy and points nicely off hand. I guess these are all considered long actions, but they are not that long, bolt is almost same length as short action bolts I have around here.
Trigger guard is one piece cast alloy of some sort, probably low grade aluminum, light but not like some of these units, bit of heft and thickness to it.
Trigger is really nice, zero creep, breaks clean and light, very little over travel. 3 position safety is positive clicks and quiet, not silent but very quiet.
Only weak and cheesy part I can find to complain about is the mag catch, it's a 2 piece plastic affair with a tiny little spring that is barely held in between the 2 pieces. That's one part that doesn't give me alot of confidence in longevity. Think like the cheesy mag catch on Ruger American mags, but add another piece of plastic and put it on the trigger guard. Wouldn't be hard at all to make the pieces from steel if it ever came to that.
Anyway, will find out how it shoots soon enough, loading up some ammo and will get out when I can.
Thanks for the solid info Hitzy, it is appreciated and moves the needle slightly back in the other direction again.
A few years back when I bought my Sauer from them when they had a bunch on sale I heard a similar story, that some other dealer placed a large order of Sauer rifles then backed out or something and PR bought them all. Not sure what the deal is. I heard the distributor recently changed too. Not sure who the official warranty centre is now, I don’t think it’s Gravel Agency anymore. When I sent my poor shooting 7mm away it went to The Shooting Centre in Calgary.
- Location
- Lloydminster, Alberta
you can see this on the MDC threads
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...8814-Sauer-Blowout-Sale-Dealer-List-Available
