Colt Sauer Drilling

[jtex54]

Could someone be able to give me some advice on a Colt Sauer Drilling? I have been wanting one since they came out back in the 70's. I have never had the opportunity to handle one. Would like to know if they are good quality and handle well for bird hunting etc... I know 16's are lighter and such, but I am not sure if these Colt's are bulky or off balance. Thanks for any knowledge you all might be willing to share. Jim

[mike ford]

James,
I've never owned one, but have handeled a couple in "store" rather than "hunting" conditions. In fact, yesterday I checked one for a dealer friend that was a 12x12x222 with beavertail forearm from the 1960s.It was well made(had simple engraving)enough,but I couldn't see myself bird hunting with it.In my humble opinion, it is a mistake to try to apply American tastes to drillings. It can be technically accomplished, but it completely undermines the purpose of the drilling( I'm 5' 7''-230 lbs; if I were 6'6" 230 lbs I might have a different opinion).I came to my opinion by using drillings for more than 50 years, but it only applies to me. You may be better off forming your opinion by actually hunting with a drilling and if you don't like it, sell it and try another. For my use - 16 ga or smaller, 60-65 cm barrels, claw mounted scope,and einstecklauf (Rimfire insert barrel)- mid size rimmed rifle caliber. If your conditions demand something else, drive on with my well wishes.
Mike

[Doug Kellermann]

Could someone be able to give me some advice on a Colt Sauer Drilling? I have been wanting one since they came out back in the 70's. I have never had the opportunity to handle one. Would like to know if they are good quality and handle well for bird hunting etc... I know 16's are lighter and such, but I am not sure if these Colt's are bulky or off balance. Thanks for any knowledge you all might be willing to share. Jim

The Colt Sauers were made by JP Sauer in Eckernförde. They are commanding a premium on the market. Everyone I have seen is 12x12/30-06 or 243 which are great cartridges but I have found to be a challenge to extract from the lower barrel of a drilling.

I do think the drilling is the ultimate Texas gun and will do everything you would need in any Texas hunting situation.

My opinion is just that, you should get what works for you.

Doug

P.S. One of my fall/winter carry drillngs is a 12x12/30-06

[jtex54]

Thanks guys, looks like I may have to have 2 drillings as time goes on. I can see the value of each type, the american and 16 gauge versions. Now the shopping continues.

[mike ford]

James,
Go to Simpson Ltd., click on "Long Guns", then click on "Other Manufacturers". They have several Sauers for sale both with and without scopes( they also have other makes) and in good calibers.Their prices seem to be fair. Good luck.
Mike

[Doug Kellermann]

Mike
I looked at some of the Simpson guns and some are very rough while others look good. If I where to buy from them there would be a trip to their shop.

Also, if you search on drilling all the drillings will be listed.

Doug

[jtex54]

I agree with you Doug about Simpson's. I would have to go there and examine what they have. Seems like quite a few of their drillings have some issues.

[mike ford]

James,
You and Doug are both correct that some of the drillings have "issues", but this is how you stand to find a good deal. Most of them are Post War, so don't really fall into the collector category. Rather they are working guns and "work"(if well done) won't hurt the value, rather it will make it fit your needs better( also you get modern calibers and likely no "loose comming" ribs). I have recieved a couple from them that had misdescribed calibers, but they were agreeable to a "return" w/o argument.I just kept them because they were also calibers I didn't have. If you pay, you get to chose what you buy.
Mike

[jtex54]

Thanks Mike - good advice again. My concern with buying a drilling with non working cocking indicators, set trigger or a cracked stock etc. are the potential costs of repair and finding a competent smithy to do the work. I've been there and done that and I know it can turn a good deal into a $ pit costing more than the one I should of bought. I'm all about the deal but think I will hold out for good working shooter. I have a couple I'm watching on the auction sites and WTS on this forum. Appreciate the help.

[mike ford]

James,
I completly understand, it all depends on what you can do yourself and how much you understand how things work and what it may take to repair the described "issues". I sometimes forget that not everyone is blessed to have watched German (and American) gunsmiths do this kind of work. What can really turn into a money pit are bad barrels, loose ribs, no claw mounts, stock that is so bad it has to be replaced, etc. It also helps if you have a good local gunsmith buddy. In the end, if you spend the money, you get to be the one that decides what you buy. Good luck in finding one, they are a joy to use.
Mike

[jtex54]

Found One!

My first drilling and its a Colt / JP Sauer Model 3000. It weights 7 lbs. 14 ounces so its a bit heavy but it fits me like a glove and points great. The gun's DOB is 1975 and it has never been shot outside the factory or used in the field. It is so tight that I had to get some gunsmith help to put the barrels on the reciever. I didn't want to force anything so he was able show me how to "walk" the two together gently. This gun will get used and I plan on hunting over the holiday's with it. It's truly a beautiful gun and one I've always wanted and the price was right...

[mike ford]

James,
I'm happy you like it, I hope you have good luck with it. The main thing to remember when putting the barrels back on, is to make sure the extractor is extended.
Mike

[jtex54]

Thanks Mike - appreciate that.

[mike ford]

James,
You are welcome.
(I'm mostly trying the repaired website)
Mike

[bro.steve]

Congratulations, and it appears to me that you got an engraving upgrade to boot. The barrels on this model were hammer forged, and are consistently accurate. Good luck...Steve