Sabatti
Sabatti
Sabatti Firearms & Shotguns : Three Centuries of Italian Gunmaking
Sabatti S.p.A. is a highly respected, family-owned Italian firearms manufacturer located in the heart of Italy's famous gun-making region, Gardone Val Trompia (Brescia). With a heritage stretching back over 300 years to the early 1700s, Sabatti stands as one of the oldest names in the world of gun manufacturing, committed to combining centuries of traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
History and Core Focus
The Sabatti family's involvement in gun-making began with master gunsmiths and master barrel-makers, such as Lodovico Sabatti in the 1700s. Today, the company remains a primary manufacturer, focusing on a diverse range of high-quality firearms for:
Hunting: Their traditional core market, offering reliable bolt-action rifles (like the popular Rover series), double rifles (Express), and shotguns.
Precision Shooting: A significant and growing focus, with a modern line of tactical and long-range rifles for competition.
Tactical Applications: Rifles designed for professional and advanced sporting use (e.g., the ST-18 and Tactical EVO).
⚙️ Manufacturing and Technological Edge
A key distinction of Sabatti is its commitment to in-house manufacturing, producing nearly every critical component—most notably their renowned barrels and actions—completely within their Italian facility. This extensive control over the production process ensures quality and allows for proprietary technological development.
1. Multi Radial Rifling (MRR) Technology
Sabatti's signature innovation is its Multi Radial Rifling (MRR) system, a proprietary barrel design that differs significantly from traditional cut or button rifling:
Design: MRR uses smoothly joined, different radius arcs instead of sharp-edged lands and grooves.
Benefits: This design provides a more efficient gas seal around the projectile, leading to:
Higher Muzzle Velocity: Often up to 10-12% faster than traditional rifling.
Improved Accuracy: Better group concentration and fewer flyer shots.
Less Fouling: Reduced friction minimizes copper and powder residue buildup, simplifying cleaning.
2. Advanced Rifle Actions
Sabatti designs and manufactures a variety of high-quality actions, including:
Rover Action: The classic two-lug design (90° throw), known for its reliability and use in their traditional hunting rifles.
Three-Lug Actions: Modern actions featured on their tactical and precision rifles (e.g., Tactical EVO, ST-18), offering a faster, smoother 60° bolt throw for quicker cycling and better scope clearance.
Flagship Models
Sabatti's current lineup is extensive, but their most notable models include:
Sabatti Rover Series: The cornerstone of their hunting line. The new modular Rover family of bolt-action rifles features lightweight actions and is offered in configurations from classic wood-stocked hunters to modern synthetic tactical variants.
Sabatti Tactical Rifles (STR, TLD, Tactical EVO): Dedicated precision rifles built for competitive long-range shooting. They often feature proprietary MRR barrels, match-grade triggers, and fully adjustable chassis or stocks.
Sabatti Express Rifles: High-quality double rifles built with traditional standards, often catering to African Safari or dangerous game hunting.
Sabatti's dedication to manufacturing all critical components in-house, particularly its pioneering MRR barrel technology, has solidified its reputation as a manufacturer of highly accurate, reliable, and value-driven rifles and shotguns for the international sporting and professional markets.
Would you be interested in a deeper look at a specific Sabatti rifle model, such as the Tactical EVO?