Which one would you choose ? i would like one of either in 8x68 ,the plastic on the Steyr turns me off it .I have not personally looked at a Sauer, but they look better from a quality [no plastic] ,standpoint ,at the moment iam leaning towards the Sauer, thanks for any help

I have both, both are very good rifles.

The Steyr may be slightly more accurate than the Sauer, but that could also be because it is a 222rem and the Sauer is 270 without a moderator.

The trigger is better on the Sauer.

The safety on the Steyr is just the best out there, bar none, and it is in the right place.

I assume you mean timber stocked variants of each type?

The Steyr is somewhat lighter, the Sauer takes down for travel and the shape of the stock is just perfect for me.

All in all, I think the Sauer is a better rifle, but it would need to be as it is substantially more expensive than the Steyr.

When I bought my Sauer I also handled the steyr in the shop. And comparing them side by side there was no doubt in my mind to buy the Sauer, even tough the Steyr was cheeper, the Sauer looked better, the stock fitted me much better, the trigger was better and sliding the bolt on the Sauer was very smooth.

Tankhunter, here is a Steyr in 8x68s, should suit you perfectly, if you have $20K to spare....

http://v4.beta.gunbroker.com/A....aspx?Item=119913251

I have had two Styer SBS rifles; one plastic and one plain wood. I think they are finely engineered and very likely the most gun for the money in their class.

I have also owned two Sauer 200s (no 202s but I think they are similar enough for a valid comparison) and I think they are excellent value for their class as well.

But they are definitely two different classes of weapon; the Sauer being more refined to my tastes and usually a bit more accurate.

Now that the safety is on the tang of the 202, location is the same but I also love the safety system on the SBS. I just couldn't get attached to the SBS like I am to my Sauer (sold one and regret it still). Both Styers are long gone.

I did not like the plastic on the Steyr until I had it a while. The safety is intuitive and solid. It is my favorite deer hunting rifle. Mine is chambered in 6.5x55. I do not have any experience with Sauer rifles. There are not many to be found in my neck of the woods.

The Steyer is well designed but uses a cheap plastic wheel for the safety and steel roll pins to hold together important trigger assemblies.

Anyone encounter having the bolt of the SBS come apart when wiping down and try to reassemble without a major struggle? I sold mine cheap after too many disappointments.

Geoff

I agree with Claret Dabbler- I have both and the Sauer is probably better BUT I really like the Steyr- I think they are both great rifles. With the Sauer you can try for a 200 which is basically the same rifle, but in the US they are substantially less money.

As stated, if the take down - switch barrel capability is important, then the Sauer wins on that alone.

Thanks for the comments ,yes Claret Dabbler a timber stocked rifle umm err $20,000 is a bit more than i wanted to spend but iam sure that engraving would keep you amused if you ever got lost in the bush the Sauer comes across to me at least as a better quality rifle ,i would like to get a look at one first