The familiar feel of the pistol grip in your hand, the stock that rests naturally on your cheek and fits perfectly on your shoulder: the best conditions for flawless shooting and successful hunting. Every hunter wishes for such a harmonious bond with his/her rifle. Left-handed hunters often have to make do with ambidextrous or a second-best model when choosing their hunting rifle, which is far from ideal. J. P. Sauer & Sohn has found a remedy and has once again expanded its catalog of S101 series rifles built specifically for left-handed hunters.
Left-handed versions of the J.P. Sauer & Sohn S101
The Sauer S101 is a hunting rifle whose strong points are safety and reliability. The main features of this rifle can be summed up as accuracy, lightness and versatility, all "Made in Germany". Just as in the legendary Sauer 90, the "Safe Opener" allows opening of the bolt at the touch of a button whilst the safety is still fully engaged, so to ensure maximum safety for those handling a rifle for the first time. The "Dura Safe" safety is the only direct firing pin safety ergonomically positioned on the bolt shroud and also features a locking button to prevent accidental deactivation. Sauer wanted to increase safety by integrating the automatic firing pin lock into the mechanics, which only allows the firing pin to advance when the bolt is 100% closed. Finally, it should be noted that the price of the left-handed models is the same as that of the standard versions, so there are no surcharges.
The left-handed models include the 101 Classic version, with its oil-finished walnut stock and typically Central European-style schnabel fore-end, which, as its name suggests, embodies the most classic declination for this entry level firerarm dedicated to those approaching a hunting rifle for the first time. The standard calibers available are: .243 Win., .270 Win., 6.5x55 SE, 7x64, .308 Win., .30-06 Spring., 8x57 IS, 9.3x62, while the Magnum ones are the .300 Win.Mag. and the 7mm Rem.Mag.
This is followed by the 101 GTI model featuring a thumbhole type laminated wood stock with pistol grip and adjustable comb. On the end of the fore-end there is also an attachment for a bipod, underlining the vocation of this version for supported shooting. Calibers available are the same as the previous model. Barrel lengths are 22 inches (55.8 cm) for standard calibers and 24 (60.9 cm) for Magnum ones.
Also interesting is the Silence GTI model, which takes up all the ergonomic and operational features of the previous version and in addition features an integral silencer with an outer and inner titanium tube. The Silence is available in .308 Win., .30-06 Spring., 8x57 IS, 8.5x55 Blaser and the silencer offers a sound reduction level of up to 28 decibels.
Unlike all those mentioned so far, the 101 Select model has mechanical sights consisting of a drift-adjustable rear notch and a ramped front sight, making it suitable for driven hunting and instinctive shooting. The stock is made of grade 2 walnut and the bolt body is jewel-finished. On request, the Select version is also available with grade 5 or 10 wood.
The Artemis 101 model is designed primarily for female users and is characterised by a walnut stock with a shorter blade and slimmer grip that, together with the adjustable comb, allow this rifle to adapt more easily to the physical complexity of female hunters, making it easier to grip and manage recoil. Length of pull is 33.5 centimetres. A further touch of refinement is given to this model by the jewel finish of the bolt body and the cocking handle knob made of walnut wood. This version is available in .243 Win., .270 Win., 6.5x55 SE, 7x64, .308 Win., .30-06 Spring., 8x57 IS, 8.5x55 Blaser, 9.3x62, with 18 and 20 inch (45.7/50.8 cm) barrels.
We conclude our roundup with the 101 Elegance model, which is distinguished by a grade 4 walnut stock with red rubber recoil pad, a jewel-finished bolt body and an aluminum cocking handle knob with matte black finish. The buttstock is available with a height-adjustable comb (optional) and the entire stock can be made from higher grade wood on request. Prices for the Sauer 101 rifles start at around 2,500 euros for the Classic model and go upwards.
Find out more on the J.P. Sauer & Sohn website.
