Guys, I am currently planning to treat myself to a new rifle, something nice, but really needs to be a factory item. Currently looking at either a Sako 75 delux or else a Sauer 202. In any case, calibre will be 270win.

I am leaning towards the Sauer, mainly because I can add a barrel in a heavier cal. at a later date for the big Africa trip which is going to happen over the next two years.
Anyone with experience of these rifles have any comments to make or advice to give?

Thanks.

Either is a great rifle. You can expect good accuracy from either. The Sako is a tad shiny for my taste, the Sauer can be had in several different versions. I don't particularly like the safeties of either the Sako (not positive enough for my taste) or the Sauer (different to all other rifles I have), but if you can get used to either, they should work, even if they are not "perfect".

Of the two options you provide, I think I'd also choose the Sauer - as much for the switch barrel option as for anything else. Other good options might include a Steyr-Mannlicher, a Mauser M03 (switch barrel PLUS a better safety system) or even the Blaser R93.

Good luck
- mike

I have Sako 75 Deluxe cal. 308 win. and sauer 202 Select cal 375 H&H. Both are fine rifles. Sako is made in Finland, which is my home country. Maybe that was the biggest reason for me to buy Sako. Anyway, I like Sauer more than Sako, because Sauer's lock works so smoothly and because I have Bavarian cheekpiece in Sauer's stock, which you can,t get if buy a Sako.

I have 3 Sauers and 6 Sako 75

Both are great rifles though I have found the blueing on the Sauers to be very delicate and prone to rust more than the Sakos.

Otherwise I find both comfortable and accurate, the Suaer has a lighter forend, the Sako are maybe a little bit more stable to shoot due to this.

It's a tough choice if you don't already have both!