Sabatti SKL-20 "kipplauf" hunting rifle
The classical kipplauf design of the new Sabatti SKL-20 hunting rifle conceals unique internal features which set it apart from other rifles of this type
The new Sabatti SKL 20 "Kipplauf" is a single shot break action rifle specifically meant for alpine hunting which, while following the classic lines of the traditional kipplauf rifles, takes full advantage of the most modern materials and technologies to further enhance the lightness and accuracy features for which this kind of weapon is rightly famous.
The action is CNC machined from a billet of Ergal 55 aluminum alloy, with hard anodized black finish.
The breech adopts the classical Jaeger tilted block system found on the majority of kipplauf rifles, but takes a very different approach when it comes to the action locking system which, instead of using a bolt to lock on a notch in the underside of the Jaeger tilted block, adopts two conical plungers plungers with built-in wear take-up, seated in corresponding recesses midway of the barrel block: this limits vertical oscillation of the barrel during barrel time, enhancing the shooting accuracy.
Sabatti SKL-20 "kipplauf" hunting rifle
The locking surfaces on the action and barrel block are themselves machined to exacting tolerances and the actual contact points, both on the breech and on top of the action sides, are adjusted with calibrated shims, each one accurately tuned by skilled workers so to guarantee the tightest possible fit.
The barrel block itself is longer than usual, granting greater support to the barrel. This ensures a far more rigid action, reduces barrel vibration and enhances accuracy and consistency.
The barrel block larger dimensions also allow the handguard to lock directly on the block itself without touching the barrel, which is completely free-floated, thus eliminating one of the main causes of reduced accuracy in break action rifles. This makes the Sabatti SKL20 carbine as accurate as a well-made bolt action rifle.
The cold hammer forged barrel adopts the award winning Sabatti multiradial MRR rifling: it’s 24” (61 cm) long and has an M14x1 muzzle thread, protected by a cap of the same material and finish as the barrel, so that, when the thread protector is on the barrel it all looks like a single piece of blued steel.
The threaded muzzle allows to mount a muzzle brake like the Sabatti Jet Brake, which significantly reduces recoil, something to take into consideration with a rifle as light as the SKL-20.
The front sight is fixed, whilst the rear sight is adjustable. On a milled base on top of the barrel block an 11 mm dovetail insert allows the mounting of a rifle scope.
The Sabatti SKL-20 was fire tested with a Sightmark Core 3-12x56 HDR riflescope
Group of 5 rounds at around 150 meters, Fiocchi lead-free Freccianera 165gr ammunition
A slider button at top of the grip allows to manually cock or decock the hammer, allowing the safe transport of the rifle with a chambered round
Single shot weapon, chambered cartridge.
The possibility of manually "cocking/disarming" the firing pin is the most practical and safest solution for having the weapon ready "when needed", without running any safety risks.
And above all with rifled weapons of this type, for example when hunting ungulates, where you find yourself in front of the animal and you have to decide WHETHER shooting is feasible or not, therefore WHETHER to arm or not... manual cocking is a solution perfect.
Practical and simple = safe.
Rifle in the shoulder, shot in the barrel: sometimes we walk (and chat) for hours. The important thing is to to do it without any risk.
The rifle adopts the new Sabatti 2 lever trigger group, with specific machining methods and a carefully designed sear engagement, tuned to grant a crisp and flawless shot release, with no overtravel. The trigger group also has Sabatti new balanced trigger, that guarantees maximum safety even in case the rifle is dropped from a height with the hammer cocked.
The hammer is not armed by the action opening, but is manually actuated: a slider button at top of the grip allows the shooter to smoothly cock or decock the hammer, quickly and easily, allowing the safe transport of the rifle with a chambered round.
The Sabatti SKL-20 is a sleek, graceful, light yet very accurate single shot rifle in the best alpine hunting tradition.
For price and availability please refer to your local dealer, and visit the Sabatti website:
Sabatti "kipplauf" SKL-20...
Sabatti SKL-20 "kipplauf" hunting rifle