Gun test
Over the past few years Sauer have seen several gaps in the market and have released more affordable guns without losing the quality of product
Exclusive to Sporting Gun, Shane Robinson tests the new Sauer Apollon.
“I was a little excited to finally get my hands on a Sauer that is affordable”
With the Glorious Twelfth just around the corner it’s time to dust off the loaders kit and get the dogs back under control prior to picking-up. With that in mind, it’s time to break out some game guns to show you all in anticipation for the forthcoming game season.
This month I’ve been lucky enough to be given the new Sauer Apollon to take a look at. I had heard that there was something new coming to market when I last spoke to Ian Spicer of Blaser Sporting UK (importers for Blaser, Mauser, Sauer and Minox) and I was really looking forward to getting my hands on whatever it was!
Sauer history
Sauer is the oldest German manufacturer still active today. Situated in the town of Isny in Southern Germany, the company was formed in 1751 by Lorenz Sauer in the “Suhl” region of Germany. The J.P Sauer and Son as we know it today was created in 1840 when Johan Paul Sauer took over the company.
As with most companies, you need to release something new every year for the big shows and this year I’m pleased to say that Sauer has released two new shotguns. Now, normally, Sauer shotguns are way out of my price range, but when Ian brought over the sample I have to say I was a little excited as I finally could get my hands on a Sauer that is affordable. Over the past few years Sauer have seen several gaps in the market and have released more affordable guns without losing the quality of product.
Two guns
The Apollon and the Artemis are both game guns and are available in 12 and 20-bore and in 28in or 30in. I was given a 30in Apollon to take a look at.
With RRPs from £1,550 to £1,750 depending on spec, it’s definitely pitched at the right price in the market. At a little less than the Browning 725 or Beretta 690, it will certainly get a lot of interest.
The gun comes in the standard maker’s
plastic case with a set of five flush fit chokes and a warranty booklet. I found it went together smoothly and handled nicely.
The stock and fore-end were a nice grained Turkish walnut. My pictures don’t really do it justice. I liked the Prince of Wales grip and the fact that there was no palm swell or cast, which as you know is a plus for me being left-handed. It mounted nicely in either shoulder although a little high in the comb for me naturally, but with some adjustment I got there in the end. The four-lock Anson action was plain black with the Sauer logo situated on the hinge pin. Understated but nicely done with the laser engraving on the underside of the action being a lot nicer than some of the laser etchings on other makes.
The chequering was nicely lined and well cut, but it was a little shallow for me with a feel of a well-used gun as opposed to new – if you know what I mean! The single selective safety was a nice size and very positive in its movement. Although strangely for a game gun it didn’t have an automatic safety – not that that bothered me because whenever I borrow my good lady’s 20-bore game gun on a day out I’m always forgetting to take the safety off!
Ladies gun
Speaking of ladies. This is where I mention the Sauer “Artemis”, which has been brought specifically to market for the lady shooter. There has been a massive upturn in ladies shooting over the last few years and this has spurred a few manufacturers into making ladiesonly options available – a shrewd move. I get a lot of ladies coming for tuition and most of them will struggle a little with the standard shotgun.
The Artemis has the same four lock action and barrels, but fitted with a Monte Carlo stock and red recoil pad. Giving a length of pull around 13.6in, the stock is also shaped to take in the ladies figuring.
Barrels
The 30in chrome-lined barrels were nicely put together and the ejectors were crisp as you’d expect from a new gun. The barrels, like most nowadays, are steel proof and the chambers are 3in should you get the odd duck drive, flightpond or wildfowling option. Although I would never take something that nice out on the marsh.
The 8mm rib led down the standard game gun brass bead.