Just read very interesting test report article in latest issue of Guns magazine, January issue, I think it was, covering a new model of Sabatti that I didn't know about previously. This Sabatti double rifle is in .45/70 caliber, using a deluxe action, looking very much the same as the actions on their big bore double rifles, but scaled down, much smaller in overall size, with similar finish and the laser engraving; not color cased hardened, but much the same in appearance as the bigger caliber models. The magazine author had nothing but praise for it, and obviously loves it---he bought it after shooting it. He shot 200 rounds through it, without cleaning it, and found no problems at all with it. Excellent article to read, if you are interested at all in Sabatti.
Personally, early on, I bought a .500 NE Sabatti, and liked it so much that I bought a second one in .470 caliber, and have now done some custom work on both, including: Adding weight in critical areas, especially on the .500, Putting on a much better recoil pad that slides on/off from the bottom, for easy access to the stock throughbolt, Gold plated all internal parts, except the springs (by the way, all internal springs, including the ejector springs in forend are V springs, much the same as found on all classic British double rifles, and are exceptionally well made and fit), with only one coil spring in Sabatti, the top lever spring. The ejectors are Holland and Holland pattern, very well made. Many other modern DRs use more coil springs than Sabatti, something I don't particularly like. Also, I installed a steel trap grip cap, stripped the stock finish, and refinished in best London hand rubbed oil finish, enhancing the grain pattern a lot, etc. My .470 has exceptionally fancy stock grain pattern, smokey streaks throughout, that I have yet to see in any Sabatti I have seen yet (I try to see them all, as Cabelas has posted pictures online), and this .470 shoots as well as it looks, exceptionally well, only equaling a Westely Richards I have in .375 H.H, flanged! Over past 40+ years, I have worked on many double rifles, and I own a large collection of doubles, mostly classic British, and many German/Austrian double rifles, and modern ones too. I have successfully made several double rifle conversions from shotgun actions, including Spanish 10 ga. mag. to .577 NE conversion, having taken class in gunsmithing school from W. Ellis Brown, prior to his writing book on same subject (now in 2nd edition). I plan to buy another Sabatti, this time in .450/.400, so obviously I like them. Sabatti uses the best modern alloy steel for their actions, actions that are very well designed and manufactured; extremely strong, based on my working on them internally. My hats off to the Italians; it is no wonder at all why they are now the world leader in building the best O/U shotguns.

Yep. I handled one at the Cabelas in Buda Texas.

Thank you very much for your informative post. I especially enjoy the upgrades you have described.


Welcome to AR and thank you for your post. I look forward to seeing your future posts.
Frank

Welcome to the AR forum.

Sabatti should be paying you to endorse their rifles

Thanks for the well presented and informative posting.