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A Lemon Story (Sabatti Rover Tactical)

leendertp

Private
Minuteman
Jul 4, 2021
74
32
The Mooooon
So, this is my first time in this situation and I don't really know what to do.

I have been very lucky I guess. Howas, tikkas, ruger; I have over the years had some really great inexpensive rifles that shot amazingly well.

2 years ago, my mom wanted to buy me a gun. She's a cool mom. It was admist shitty covid supply lines.

I gave some input but in the end she bought me a Sabatti Rover Tactical in 300WM.

We have a 500y range on the farm and 1000m like 5 mins drive away and theres endless open land just a bit further so I thought this would be a lot of fun. My goal was to set it up to shoot a mile.

The rifle shot terrible, whatever bullets, powders, ammo I tried, it didn't matter, it just shot terrible like 4MOA + terrible.

The stock it came was complete junk, so soft. So that was first to go. Custom McMillan A5, beddings, pillars, 3 gunsmiths, too many wasted components and even some broken rifling just inside the crown later, I think I've given up. I don't want to rebarrel it, it just feels like more waste at this point.

It was a gift for my mom so i wanted if to work, but I have spent much more than the $1000 she got the gun for on trying to get it to shoot.

It has a warranty, but that's effectively meaningless. I have done too much stuff to the gun so doubtless I'll be blamed and sending a gun to Italy and back, with export permits and such will take ages.

So after the long preamble, what do I do now? Feels wrong to sell it, and I don't think I'll get much for it. Or literally just drop it in the trash and move on. Leave it in the safe till it becomes my son's problem?
 
Tough call since your Mom gave it to you. I’d probably work on it. I have a Remington 783 that just shot okay. Put a prefit on it and it’s a fantastic shooter now. Not sure if yours will take prefits or not.
 
Write or call to the US importer.
That aint cool to hear, that rifle that should be a precision quality, does not do the thing it should do.
Dont let your mom down.
(800) 450-1852
[email protected]
 
Tough call since your Mom gave it to you. I’d probably work on it. I have a Remington 783 that just shot okay. Put a prefit on it and it’s a fantastic shooter now. Not sure if yours will take prefits or not.
It's pretty niche, so doing anything to it is difficult. But a new barrel is definitely possible
 
Write or call to the US importer.
That aint cool to hear, that rifle that should be a precision quality, does not do the thing it should do.
Dont let your mom down.
(800) 450-1852
[email protected]
I will try that, I think. I have nothing to lose. I called the retailer it was bought from. He explained that it would be a nightmare/impossible because they work on the rifles in Italy. But the importer should know better.
 
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it's a risk, but having a quality gunsmith rebarrel it is probably the best way to go if you want to keep it

accuracy is the ammo + barrel, contact the better known smiths on this forum and ask them what they could do for you in this situation, they may wish to help you just to get the experience with this issue/make/model

you may have to ship the entire gun to them, but they can take a look at it and check it over BEFORE spinning up a custom barrel for it

if it's feeding and ejecting reliably 100%, it's probably what I would do

---

could also sell it with honest seller's statement of your experience, and put that $ toward some other rifle action
 
it's a risk, but having a quality gunsmith rebarrel it is probably the best way to go if you want to keep it

accuracy is the ammo + barrel, contact the better known smiths on this forum and ask them what they could do for you in this situation, they may wish to help you just to get the experience with this issue/make/model

you may have to ship the entire gun to them, but they can take a look at it and check it over BEFORE spinning up a custom barrel for it

if it's feeding and ejecting reliably 100%, it's probably what I would do

---

could also sell it with honest seller's statement of your experience, and put that $ toward some other rifle action
I think my hesitancy about rebarreling it are in part atleast superstition and I don't really *want* to spend more money on it right now. I think what you suggesting is exactly the right way to do it if I do decide to bite the bullet.
 
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Sounds like there is bad feelings with it.

If so, just let it go. Feel no guilt over doing so.l for your mom.

Be honest with buyers for a clear conscience though.

Resell and put that $ toward one you will use and love.

Even if less snotty (Tikka, Impact, Tl3, Origin, AI)

Not a bad juju paperweight that gives you stress.

show your mom the new one and tell her "Thank you!" again.

Take her to a nice dinner just the two of you and bring her flowers. That you will not regret.
 
Sounds like there is bad feelings with it.

If so, just let it go. Feel no guilt over doing so.l for your mom.

Be honest with buyers for a clear conscience though.

Resell and put that $ toward one you will use and love.

Even if less snotty (Tikka, Impact, Tl3, Origin, AI)

Not a bad juju paperweight that gives you stress.

show your mom the new one and tell her "Thank you!" again.

Take her to a nice dinner just the two of you and bring her flowers. That you will not regret.
That's more or less where I am at. It can still be a gun from her.

I will call the importer on Monday, maybe I am surprised. Failing that I think I'll try sell it.
 
I am sure a gunsmith could get it where you want it... you just have to keep sinking money into the problem, right? If you're cool with another chunk of change for a new barrel and, potentially, work on the action as well, a good smith WILL get it to shoot. The mom factor is what matters here. I sold my M70 for cheap because even after I got it shooting acceptably I wasn't happy with its performance... and just encountering a string of setbacks and issues I said "enough is enough."
 
I am sure a gunsmith could get it where you want it... you just have to keep sinking money into the problem, right? If you're cool with another chunk of change for a new barrel and, potentially, work on the action as well, a good smith WILL get it to shoot.
Guess 3 gunsmiths later, I'm a bit over that. The last of the three is supposedly quite good.

It's sort of a how long is a piece of string problem. If I knew it was on more gunsmith trip, $500 or whatever then I could meaningfully choose that. As is it's just another gamble..
 
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I will try that, I think. I have nothing to lose. I called the retailer it was bought from. He explained that it would be a nightmare/impossible because they work on the rifles in Italy. But the importer should know better.
But they should have a company in US that does take care of the warranty issues.
No way they can assume, that they will just sell them stuff in US and give a shit of the warranty and problems, because there is no
gun manufacturer that could do only a perfect guns that never fails.
You need to tell this retailer, that you want your money back if they dont give a fuck for the problem you have with this italian rifle.
 
I started with a Savage 10 FCP-SR in 6.5 CM and it shot sub MOA right out of the box. I paid less than $400 for the rifle after rebate. Rifle has never missed a lick and shoots consistent .5 MOA groups with handloads but now with MDT chassis and muzzle brakes and vertical grips and all that. If I'd have purchased what you purchased and spent this much time fucking around I'd have come unglued by now and be seeking my money back.

The OP has much more class and restraint than I do. Kudos.

VooDoo
 
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Many decades ago, I purchased a well known, Very Well Respected handgun for use in IHMSA. Purchased it used. Did not know.

Initial trials showed it was everything promised. Not long after it went south, in a hurry. Nothing could be done to get it on target. Typically it would be shooting a foot to the left at 50 meters. No issue, set the scope (or iron sights which I also used on it.) to shoot to the right. Result, it shot more to the left. set the scope to shoot to the left, it might shoot right or shoot right. Come to find out this brand of firearm had an issue with the frame. Once worn, it cannot be repaired other than purchasing a new firearm. Like you, I spent a small fortune trying to get it right.

One afternoon at the range, while trying to come to terms with this particular firearm, shooting from a stable position, I missed the 50 meter chicken ten times in a row. Picked up my Ruger Super Blackhawk, stood on my hind legs like a man, fired three rounds and hit it twice. Our son who was shooting with me that day looked over and said, "Dad Don't Spend Any More Money on that Gun."

My advice, your mom gave it to you, don't sell it or give it away. Put it in the back of the safe and right before she drops by for a visit, move it to the front. If it can't shoot, spend your money on something that can. And, I would send a letter to the manufacturer and CC the importer, extensively listing all the issues you experienced with their rifle, and all the efforts you have done to try to correct these. Be nice, don't burn bridges, but they need to know what they sold you and your mother.
 
I started with a Savage 10 FCP-SR in 6.5 CM and it shot sub MOA right out of the box. I paid less than $400 for the rifle after rebate. Rifle has never missed a lick and shoots consistent .5 MOA groups with handloads but now with MDT chassis and muzzle brakes and vertical grips and all that. If I'd have purchased what you purchased and spent this much time fucking around I'd have come unglued by now and be seeking my money back.

The OP has much more class and restraint than I do. Kudos.

VooDoo
It's come pretty close, I assure you.
 
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If you look at that picture you can see the bright spot. That is some broken rifling just inside the crown. There is another spot too. The last gunsmith found that, chopped it off and rethreaded the barrel.
 

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I called and spoke to them. Nice guy, who sounds like he wants to help me.

They need to me to write down everything that has happened, etc etc and then they will send that off to Italy for approval and then either rebarrel or replace the rifle. Or obviously tell me there is no more warranty because some of the barrel was removed or whatever squirmy grounds they can find. We shall see.
 
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I called and spoke to them. Nice guy, who sounds like he wants to help me.

They need to me to write down everything that has happened, etc etc and then they will send that off to Italy for approval and then either rebarrel or replace the rifle. Or obviously tell me there is no more warranty because some of the barrel was removed or whatever squirmy grounds they can find. We shall see.
Mine went back to the factory. A total waste of time, effort and money. still shot like (insert the exceptionally negative four letter cuss word of your choice)
 
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If it's rebarreled by a decent Smith it WILL shoot. Changing stocks isn't going to make a 4 moa gun a .5 moa gun. Changing barrels can.
If money is not a concern I would rebarrel if. Send it to LRI or GAP. Get a sub .5 moa gun back. Be happy. Have something from your mom that you will love and enjoy.
 
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Keep us updated. I'm always interested in how companies treat there customers. For what i would do is see about the warranty first and then re barrel if that don't work and new barrel for sure will.
 
Guess 3 gunsmiths later, I'm a bit over that. The last of the three is supposedly quite good.

It's sort of a how long is a piece of string problem. If I knew it was on more gunsmith trip, $500 or whatever then I could meaningfully choose that. As is it's just another gamble..
I get it, truly. I've had a least a couple rifles that I decided I was done with rather than keep on as projects. I vastly prefer turn key solutions at this point... and not every smith can deliver that, regardless of price or reputation.
 
So what did the 3 gunsmith do? It says it's threaded and in a stock.
The first threaded it and said it looked fine to him.

The second just bedded it, because I'm lazy. Also said everything else looked fine to him. To be fair, I probably don't need to count this one. At this point I was sure it was going to be fixed.

The third got it as a problem. He found the spots of broken rifling. Apparently spent a lot of time with a borescope. Chopped off the barrel, re crowned and threaded.

The agent is now arranging a courier to collect the gun to take it their gunsmith, write report for Sabatti.
 
I get it, truly. I've had a least a couple rifles that I decided I was done with rather than keep on as projects. I vastly prefer turn key solutions at this point... and not every smith can deliver that, regardless of price or reputation.
I enjoy a project, I guess all rifles are. This particular rifle was supposed to be less of a project and more turn key. With that expectation I guess there has been.more disappointment.
 
So, figured I should update this.

It has been a saga. Eventually got hold of a regional manager for the company that imports the Sabattis.

I sent them the rifle. They paid for everything. They then went and shot it. Shot terrible. Then their gunsmith did all kinds of tests and found the barrel to be out of spec in all kinds of ways.

They then met with the relevant Sabatti people at Shot Show who said they can replace the rifle for me.

I imagine it'll be a year's worth of badgering emails by the time it is done but atleast the story ends as happily as one can hope.

I think might sell the new rifle, get a Bergara or Tikka, have same money left for brass. As much as I am happy they are standing by their rifle, I'm not sure I want another Sabatti.
 
My mom sucks i would throw it in the trash.


However I'm guessing by this post that you actually like yours, i would keep it in the safe until you wanted to rebarrel it.
 
My mom sucks i would throw it in the trash.


However I'm guessing by this post that you actually like yours, i would keep it in the safe until you wanted to rebarrel it.
Hey, let's keep moms put of this 🤣
 
I own three Sabatti rifles. The only one that has given me trouble is the 300 Win mag. It won’t eject a case. It would extract fine. Took it to my gunsmith. He said it needed a stronger extractor spring. Call the US importer. They don’t have any. Gunsmith came up with a spring. Problem solved. Wanted to pick up another magazine for the one I have chambered in 223 Remington. Looked everywhere. None to be found. Called importer. Was told sorry. None available. Found a distributor in Canada who had a few. But they don’t sell or ship to the US. I am thankful that I picked up a spare so at least I have two.
 
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I own three Sabatti rifles. The only one that has given me trouble is the 300 Win mag. It won’t eject a case. It would extract fine. Took it to my gunsmith. He said it needed a stronger extractor spring. Call the US importer. They don’t have any. Gunsmith came up with a spring. Problem solved. Wanted to pick up another magazine for the one I have chambered in 223 Remington. Looked everywhere. None to be found. Called importer. Was told sorry. None available. Found a distributor in Canada who had a few. But they don’t sell or ship to the US. I am thankful that I picked up a spare so at least I have two.
Road trip…
 
Well I just saw on gunbroker 223 Sabatti rover magazines for sale. I bought two for $35 a piece. Gentlemen said importer had an auction and he ended up with six. Another member on this forum said he had relatives in Italy that could look for me over there. And that motivated me to look again on Gunbroker .And low and behold there are the magazines I’ve been looking for.
 
Since this is the bad luck journal, I figured I would continue it.

I got a replacement Sabatti which I sold without ever even receiving it. I used that money to buy a Bergara HMR Wilderness in 300 PRC.

This rifle has not been a disaster like the Sabatti, not at all, but...

I have shot 80 rounds, I have 19 group sizes. All I have used it the 225 ELDM, H1000 and Lapua brass. I have shot most combinations from about 3.650" to 3.730" and 75-78gr of H1000. The average group size is 1.35". Once or twice I though I was onto something, but invariably when reshooting, it went poorly. Worst groups are 2-2.2"

I am using a Maven RS4 with Burris XTR rings. I have put the Area 419 arca rail on it. I have shot it just about exclusively suppressed, not with the factory brake and I have removed the paint on the inside of the chassis from the aluminium blocks. I also borescoped it and saw nothing obviously wrong, but I am not a gunsmith.

The scope rings and actions screws are all torqued to spec.

I am quite sure its not me, I have a 308 I can keep in the 0.2"'s.

I called the Bergara reps about sending it back, their attitude was send it and we'll fix whatever you doing wrong and send it back. It felt a bit antagonistic. I am also expected to pay shipping which isn't cheap.

Okay, so my question.

Just change bullets/powder and keeping plugging away or send it back?
 
Personally I think it’s worth buying guns from local gun stores that have a lifetime warranty. I do this after a bad online order experience.

Maybe there’s no shop near you with such a warranty, but I think paying more money upfront to have them deal with reluctant manufacturers is worth it (and shipping is on their dime). Plus you support a local business.

Too late now but maybe next time?
 
Personally I think it’s worth buying guns from local gun stores that have a lifetime warranty. I do this after a bad online order experience.

Maybe there’s no shop near you with such a warranty, but I think paying more money upfront to have them deal with reluctant manufacturers is worth it (and shipping is on their dime). Plus you support a local business.

Too late now but maybe next time?
There are three shops close to me, none offer specific warranties, they really just forward the distributor warranty.

So instead I bought the rifle from a friend of mines shop in a city fairly nearby. The alternative would just have been a custom build, probably should have done that.
 
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A 10 pound 300prc may not be super easy to shoot in the .2s...Certainly wouldn't have been my choice to shoot a mile.

Also the lighter barrel profile may not like strings of fire.
 
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Try a Berger bullet. If it dosent shoot then, I would send it back. I have had a couple guns just not care for specific bullets.
I think that's what I'm going to, try a Berger and a Sierra, maybe the Atips. If it doesn't like either, rebarrel locally. Don't think the warranty is worth the trouble.
 
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Sounds like your on the right path. And just curious, you have loaded ammo that has shot tight before correct? Try jumping your bullet around the .1 range. Here lately I have started coming back off the lands and having great results. Also if u havent just to rule it out, toss on another scope.
 
A 10 pound 300prc may not be super easy to shoot in the .2s...Certainly wouldn't have been my choice to shoot a mile.

Also the lighter barrel profile may not like strings of fire.
Its not light, I'm lazy to go weigh it, but with everything I'm sure it's 15-20lbs. Doesn't need to shoot in the .2s, would have been fine if it looked like wanting to group, didn't keep throwing bullets far away. Also, the weight doesn't matter, with a big suppressor and brake it's very mild.

The barrel is 21.5mm at the crown and not too skinny. It's not been a noticeable case of 4 shots looking good, then a fifth or second group flying away. I've actually never seen that with any gun yet.
 
Sounds like your on the right path. And just curious, you have loaded ammo that has shot tight before correct? Try jumping your bullet around the .1 range. Here lately I have started coming back off the lands and having great results. Also if u havent just to rule it out, toss on another scope.
Okay, I normally do what the Berger manual suggests with testing jump. The groups that have been sub-moa have mostly been in the 0.060 jump range.
 
With the VLD type ogive I run up close but with hybrid ogive I have had great luck around the .1, Imo if it don't shoot with a Berger Hybrid, it just won't shoot. That gun and a good bullet u should be able to toss the rounds together and get moa atleast.
 
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