Sabatti SKL-20 is a single-shot swing action specifically intended for alpine hunting which, while maintaining the classic stylistic features of rifled rifles kipplauf, takes advantage of the most modern materials and technologies to further improve the lightness and precision that characterize this type of weapon.
For a manufacturer of rifles with rifles Having a latest generation kipplauf in the price list is now almost an imperative given the spread of this type which combines, thanks to the recent revision of the Jäger system, an intrinsic precision of a considerable level together with the peculiar characteristics of the tilting single barrel: contained dimensions and weight . A brief look at the past sees the overlapping gardonese overlapping or single-barreled doors, equipped with the system that took its name from the city of arms with the double paired tenon, placed behind the fixed crosspiece obtained inside the back, in which mortises are wedges the piece moved by the key and placed at the bottom of the receiver face. The execution is less expensive than the classic one with the two tenons in tandem and the closure with the double Purdey, but does not fully satisfy the purists.
Resuming the project of the German gunsmith Jäger conceived in the early years of the twentieth century, first made it possible to overcome certain original shortcomings in resistance by using modern steels of higher caliber with zone thermochemical treatments, then industrializing the realization by passing a considerable number of operations on modern numerical control machinery: the executive precision, repetitiveness, ballistic performance and, always a factor of marked relevance, the expense decidedly lower than what would appear with traditional processes and perhaps a double Kersten to be adjusted manually as per the practice in force until a few tens of years ago in the most sophisticated pieces of Austrian and German production. The SKL 20 model of Sabatti it is based on this mechanics, but from the Gardonese company it is a pleasant obligation to expect something more than the simple reproduction of a standard.
SABATTI SKL 20 - Mechanics
The setting is now known and we give a brief outline of it: compared to the current productions, the breech block of this Sabatti SKL 20 it has a limited length and a section tapered upwards, almost in the shape of a clover. This steel component is machined to obtain the seat of the barrel and the sealing and closing elements such as the pocket in the upper breech extension and the two lower tenons: to these are added, peculiarity of this system, two blind holes next to the breech of the barrel.
Let's move on to the observation of the receiver, machined from a block of Ergal: from the face protrude, moved by the key, two conical pins, therefore with automatic play recovery, for insertion into the seats next to the breech of the barrel. Two wells separated by an intermediate partition are obtained in the U-section: in the rear one is hinged the oscillating block in L-shaped chromed steel, solid in the vertical part crossed only by the firing pin hole and with an upper semicircle profile, and with a recess square in the horizontal portion where the rearmost tenon is inserted. In the front cockpit there are two steel inserts: a squared and lying C block, seat of the first tenon equipped with the coupling recess for the rod rotation pin, and later on an elaborate detail with the function of hinge turn and point thrust for the extractor.
On the two halves of the table, just in front of the corner formed with the face, two steel inserts stand out, stopped by small Allen screws: as you can see in Sabatti, they are very attentive to the contrasts between details in this metal and those in aluminum alloy to avoid wear. precocious and gambling. Already at the presentation of the Saphire carbine, the hard metal insert in the rear profile of the bridge was pointed out, where the contrast with the handlebar for the primary extraction would have created a rapid bevel of the light alloy castle. Attention not to be small, especially for those who will fire a lot of shots.
Another nod to the outside of the receiver to observe the flattened sides with the two rounded covers of the barrel rotation pivot, the line of the head connected to the profile of the monobloc and the central insertion of the opening key, flattened and rather squared where the well rounded edges avoid discomfort in the maneuver. The box-shaped back with rounded edges welcomes the pleasantly designed guard with the right width to shoot even the gloved hand through joints.
SABATTI SKL 20 - The barrel and sights
The barrel made from carbon steel shows a cylindrical section with a slight taper: several interesting calibers are proposed and our option is finished on the traditional 6,5x57R to which the length of 60 cm allows to express excellent results. In the muzzle, a correct finish is highlighted with a rounded drop and a screwed flange for the possible assembly of a muzzle brake or a sound suppressor. The rifling is another inconspicuous but effective factor for shooting accuracy: the MRR (Multi Radial Rifling) drilling patented by Sabatti has proved to be an excellent solution for improving various factors such as intrinsic precision, mastering different types and weights. of ball, increase in speed under the same conditions, fewer parasitic deposits and consequent greater ease of cleaning.
The metal sights with a Williams-like notch with a view similar to the buckhornAmerican and with central U-shaped recess: a double dovetail allows the elevation on the inclined ramp, equipped with white references, and the translation in drift. The grain front sight is an integral part of the hoof stopped at the thickness of the barrel by means of an Allen key. Another detail obtained from the monobloc is the coupling slide for the base of the optic of which we reserve the description in the shooting tests: we anticipate how the system belongs to the Contessa brothers, perhaps removing that little bit of curiosity, but giving certainty that , also for this reason, we will speak of an all-Italian work of excellence.
SABATTI SKL 20 - Battery, sprint and stock
The battery operated by theHandspannung, the long slide button located behind the key and on the upper side of the rocker: pressing it forward until it locks arms the internal battery equipped with a spiral spring. The system allows, in the disarmed position, to drive in complete safety with the cartridge in the chamber: it is armed when already in the tappet and, having to postpone the shot, a slight pressure backwards or the activation of the key brings everything back to a position of tranquility. Equal deactivation effect occurs for a strong impact, such as a fall. The trigger is triggered by a suitably arched trigger with a large support surface for the finger: our predilection for the stecher is known, but this direct release system has fully convinced us.
The Sabatti experience in long-range shooting rifles comes to the surface with this mechanism that shows a release without any flaw or defect, including the annoying collapse of retrospect. Equally optimal is the weight calibrated in the factory, around 1070 g, with an exemplary constancy on waste of a couple of tens of g. We insist on this detail that always counts a lot for all rifles, but which counts even more on a kipplauf: this type of weapon must be well controlled when shooting with that skill that is learned at the beginning of the relationship by attending a shooting range with a good teacher. . In an ideal vote from one to ten we would give this trigger package… an eleven we liked so much in the various test sessions that we will soon exhibit.
In the stock you can appreciate the compactness of the fibers and the arrangement in axis with the force of the recoil, the closure of the mineralized vessels, the pleasant appearance due to the background color and flames even if the primer and the semi-matt varnish slightly obscure the whole. . However, it should be noted that the intention is to provide a heavy duty rifle so a certain austere tone fits perfectly. The lines grant to the homeland the Bavarian back that satisfies the eye in two ways: in terms of aesthetics and functionality by placing the visual axis of the shooter in parallel with that of the telescope. The pistol grip extended in length and with the bent guard places hands of different sizes in the ideal condition to stop the rifle properly and operate the trigger correctly. A thick, soft black rubber buttpad softens the recoil and offers good ground support.
The shape of the shaft under the barrel undergoes a prismatic section that immediately turns with high sides to allow the right grip in a possible shot to the race or giving a convenient support for the support on the backpack for the stationary one. The crosshead is recessed inside where the square strut stands out with a round recess that insists on the rotation pin located in the receiver: an Allen key allows adjustment of the draft. Said strut is part of the long box into which the prism detail fixed under the barrel is lowered, whose position, longitudinally adjustable, acts on the hooking tooth controlled by a button located at the apex of the rod. The additional function of this solution is to keep the shaft firmly without affecting the vibrations of the rod. The equipment is completed by a fine manual checkering with a medium-fine pitch, appreciable in its cusps on which the hand stands firmly without suffering discomfort, and the two fixed and articulated sling t-shirts.
SABATTI SKL 20 - Conclusions
We refer to a next passage, which will follow shortly, the exposure of the days well spent in three different shooting ranges: we anticipate that the results have been very satisfying thanks also to the Sight Mark "Citadel" optic and the Contessa attack on which we will focus our attention in combination with the passage on the ballistics of this SKL 20. As for the shotgun, we think there is little to add: we like the overall aspect and we find the Bavarian stock choice adequate for the reasons expressed above, even if some an expert would see a slightly different solution: perhaps it could be offered as an option.
On the technical details we note a care that substantially implements the basic system, referring above all to seals and closures, then underlining the MRR lining, pride and guarantee of Sabatti. Lastly, we observe the price of € 2.170,00, which is very competitive against many competitors, having seen and clarified what underlies the materials and execution. A postponed appointment for the shooting tests hissing in one ear that three shots at 100 m in 20 mm were the norm.
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