Inexpensive Italian Bolt Actions Coming to the US: Sabatti Rifles

In this episode of TFBTV, @JamesReeves is at IWA 2023 visiting the Sabatti booth. Sabatti is a 300-year-old barrel and firearm manufacturer, known outside of the US for making excellent bolt actions. However, this company is not well-known inside the US. That's about to change, as Sabatti's rifles are going to start being imported soon.
According to Sabatti's website:
"The Val Trompia is a mountainous region in northern Italy, in the province of Brescia. Numerous historical documents certify the presence of metalworks and arms manufacturing in the Val Trompia region for Centuries. Some samples of the antique Italian craftsmanship in arms are on display in numerous important museums all around the world, a testament to the ingenuity and high level of finesse reached by traditional handcrafters in those long-gone days.
Sabatti's tradition in gunmaking is deeply rooted in this history, with a numerous family that has been active in firearms manufacturing in all specialties for three hundred years.
Among the most famous members of the Sabatti family we can find Lodovico Sabatti, working in the early 1700s in the city of Gardone Val Trompia as an "archibusaro" (master gunsmith), a well known manufacturer of excellent flintlock guns as well as a qualified master "cannoniere" (barrel maker).
Giuseppe Sabatti, another esteemed and skilled gunmaker, worked in Gardone Val Trompia from 1760 to 1815.
Another man by the name of Giuseppe Sabatti worked in the first half of the 1800s as a barrel maker: extremely well respected in his craft, he is considered one of the best damascus barrel manufacturers ever."
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[@SS-tr5ru]

Guaranteed 1/4 “ accuracy is pretty impressive

[@stevennewman4778]

That has to be hand loaded ammo. I’ve never seen factory ammo that would shoot 1/4 MOA. But if they can make a chassis rifle that shoots 1/4 moa minimum with hand loads and sell it for $2500, they’ll be very popular.

[@gearhead682010]

@@stevennewman4778 I had a Savage model 110 chambered in 7mm Remington Mag and totally stock using 150 grain Winchester rounds I could stretch bullet holes at 218 yards for $360 brand new

[@fullmindstorm]

And for the price 🤯

[@nicolasjones5276]

Probably meant 1/4 mrad guaranteed..

[@TheSuburban15]

@@stevennewman4778 You can't guarantee accuracy with handlioads. You would be relying not only on the skill of the shooter behind the gun, but also on their skill at making ammo, the wind during the firing of the group, and the quality of the scope, the bullets, brass, powder, and even the primers. The number of amateur reloaders that can produce just 20 rounds of 1/4MOA ammo even once accidentally is very small, although some may occasionally put 3 shots into 1/4" at 100 yards just by pure luck. I lean toward the guarantee having lots of fine print and exclusions. Basically just marketing.

[@Extra_Ordinary_Gary]

"Bruno.... Price" haha poor guy likes to ramble in his second language

[@_hi_pwr]

He knows two languages unlike you, do you happen to know two separate languages well enough to have a conversation?

[@Extra_Ordinary_Gary]

Where's the disrespect? Y'all need decaf. And yes, I know German, champ.

[@1024dram]

He rambles like me when speaking norsk

[@Extra_Ordinary_Gary]

@@1024dram haha yeah he looks like he's a good sport about it though. The translation brain just starts running

[@alvolante4164]

😄

[@theopinion9452]

My Dad has a Sabatti that he bought back in 1972 I believe,in Spain where he lives,he still uses it at 76 years old on his walks in the country side in Galicia

[@cosaqueexiste9647]

Galicia is beautiful

[@theopinion9452]

@@cosaqueexiste9647 El cielo en la tierra.

[@cosaqueexiste9647]

@@theopinion9452 perdon pero eso es mi Andalucia

[@theopinion9452]

@@cosaqueexiste9647 Cierto? haha

[@EEST-Militia]

Yo tengo un Sabatti también, en Galicia se celebran competiciones de tiro a larga distancia donde algún Sabatti se ha alzado con el 1º lugar.

[@joseromano]

Sabatti makes some of the best rifle barrels in the world.

[@A.Chp-Schweppes]

I'm a shooter and hunter here in France and I assure you that Sabatti rifles are prestine firearms, extremely accurate and precise and they've taken a turn recently to modernize their esthetic, more tactical. I love shooting and hunting with my Sabatti Rover Patrol .308

[@dirtysanchez2k]

Pretty impressed with the rifles. That carbon fiber stock was absolutely beautiful. Can't wait to see them state side.

[@ulfhednar9304]

You don't have to say expensive. They're Italian, it's implied.

[@IlNamelessKinglI]

I mean we got nice prices. This is gonna be pricey for a bit because they werent big on US market.

[@cs-rj8ru]

Actually, the majority of Italian goods are affordable. If you want pricey, buy German.

[@johnnymossville]

The Rover Scout at 5:40 does it for me. Really great looking rifles.

[@alexanderhikel2350]

I have a half brother who lives in Rome and he uses these for hunting , they are superb especially for their price point

[@originalterrorsquad]

Very short supply of iron sight bolt guns I'm all for it. But at their prices they would exceed near everyone in price I hope it's adjusted a bit for the American market otherwise it'd be a tough sell for a new company to the American market. 900 euros is a 1k$ rifle base model rifle

[@maledetto1221]

They have some configurations with iron sight

[@originalterrorsquad]

@Maledetto Yes I know I'm in favor of such things. I am not so favorable at the price for such rifles at their most basic level for a relatively new company to the US market. I would imagine they MSRP on their precision rifles and Cooper style scout rifles will be considerably higher.

[@maledetto1221]

@@originalterrorsquad consider that 1k is VAT(21%) included, so the american MSRP should be closer to 800$ plus your taxes

[@SabattiArmi-Gunmakers]

Dear friends... first of all, to come to the US has a cost, as our rifles are Made in Italy, not in the US... so you cannot expect to compare a Sabatti rifle with anything else under 800-700-600 USD... Second: of course, we do not want to make any comparison, but Sabatti is a 300 years old family company, and please allow us to say that our main goal in presenting us to all of you, wondedrful americans, is not to compete on the "lowest price point" with big brands like Ruger, Mossberg, Savage, Bergara, ... We do have some quality to offer, in our barrels and actions... 👍 Sabatty Italy Staff

[@ardiansadiku7626]

I own Sabatti STR for the last two years, in 308. They are great rifles, the only downside on mine is that it is a bit heavy. One very important feature they forgot to mention here is that it has proprietary and patented rifling, Multi Radial Rifling or short MRR, which is unique. Because of this, the round comes ~12% faster than factory predicted muzzle velocity, and also it has tighter grouping. I've shot 1.5 inch group at 600m with SIG Sauer Elite,150 grain round, factory rounds. I have put MeoptaZD 6-24x56 RD scope on it.

[@TylerHulan]

Those look pretty nice. IDK if $1000 starting price is inexpensive to most people here

[@danielaramburo7648]

1000$ is expensive compared to a budget Ruger or Mossberg, but compared to a premium bolt action hunting rifle, it’s not a bad deal.

[@Schregger]

$1K is around that threshold point where the differences between cheap/expensive lies. Really, $1K can be a pretty good deal to most people into bolt guns, as $3K+ is not uncommon for "Good" bolt-action rifles.

[@CHMichael]

If you can afford to go hunting in Europe that's the least of your expenses.

[@edstringer1138]

yup that is a pistol and a AR

[@kilnier]

I'm Italian! Keep in mind that the cheapest Remington 700 goes for 800-1000€ here so the price is pretty good relative to the market!

[@johnkeisterelquattro2553]

That is super awesome! I had a Sabatti 22 that I had picked up from a local mom and pop gun store, back in 1997. The action was based on the 10/22 and used their mags. But the walnut stocks….. just gorgeous! And then the 18” bull barrel that was on it…. That little 22LR could, all day long, shoot the spent primers out of 12 gauge shot hulls lined up on their sides, at 100 yards, no problem. So I believe that 1/4” MOA!! Fantastic barrels and gorgeous guns!

[@TheDiameter]

@@nytia117 I can make dime size groups @ 100y with shit .22 out of my Plainsmen w/ 1960s Weaver scope so I can absolutely believe that

[@johnkeisterelquattro2553]

@@nytia117 it’s really not that hard to do. 100 yards ain’t shit for shooting distances. The point is, Sabatti makes some supremely accurate stuff. If you cannot grasp this, that’s not my problem. How about instead of being a naysayer and not believing what others say, you go see if you can do such a thing before naysaying it.

[@jaksahn3370]

We're you using glass?

[@johnkeisterelquattro2553]

@@jaksahn3370 irons and glass. Irons could do up to 50 yards, but then the eyes weren’t real good even back then so I put an old Bushnell scope on her for out past 50

[@jaksahn3370]

@@johnkeisterelquattro2553 nice

[@Kadeo-ms6qw]

I’m not a bolt gun guy, but I will keep my eye out for one of these.

[@wheelguns4wheelmen802]

So, a rifle made by a European company that specializes in extremely accurate barrels and all types of stocks? Sounds like the Italian version of Bergara or Tikka. Price is about the same as those companies, too. Problem is they lack name recognition in the US, so they're gonna need to go down by like $150-$300 depending on each price-point to remain competitive.

[@Barlargwar]

“Inexpensive” the last time I heard this man say “coming in under a thousand” it was $999.99 lol

[@Lucky-bg1di]

Finally more bolt actions with iron sights. Was getting tired of these +$1000 rifles that didn’t even offer irons because “Muh competition shooters.”

[@bmstylee]

Sorry but iron sights are obsolete on anything that isn't a safari rifle. Even then it's widely known a low power variable or red dot is faster in close up engagements. If you're shooting at longer ranges a magnified optic will get you a more ethical shot on whatever your game is. You wouldn't watch an antique TV or drive an antique car why use an antique sightings system in 2023?

[@Lucky-bg1di]

@@bmstylee Because I'm not a Meal Team 6 sniper pretending to be all tactical. Like people driving classic cars in manual that are practically obsolete compared to modern vehicles, some of us just like doing it the old fashioned way. Also if I was that worried about ethical shots for hunting with irons, I'd stalk my prey to get closer. Our ancestors did the same with bows so what changed when it came to our rifles?

[@John_Redcorn_]

@@Lucky-bg1di what changed? Literally everything. If our ancestors had optics they damn sure would have used them. No matter how accurate you think you are with irons, youll always be more accurate with an optic. Facts. To piggy-back on the classic car analogy, it would be like dropping in an expensive high-end crate motor but leaving on the shitty old drum brakes.

[@johnshields9110]

@@bmstylee The last rifle I pursched was an English made rfle with a fancy fold down rear sigh, with a custom see through scope mount, similar to a rifle I let get away from me in 1976. So function and nostalgia still sales. As you, everything I have modern is scoped except for my squirrel rifles and military rifles, but back in the day, I eagle eyed out shot many scoped shooters with my selected rifles with micro adjustable peep sights. I may get one of those scout rifle.

[@SmokesKwazukii]

@@bmstylee okay but i still want sights if i dont have a scope

[@ViktoriousDead]

“What’s the price?” “Four score and seven years ago”

[@Brazilian.Off.Duty.Cop.]

I love how this old guy talk about Sabatti with so much pride.

[@_AVAM]

As an european I was looking for a double barrel shotgun for sporting clays. No one recommended sabatti or fabarm, they say these suck. I am in the process of buying a precison rifle for 300m shooting and absolutely no one recommends sabatti

[@MrKingArthurhk]

I am Sanatti curious.

[@17cmmittlererminenwerfer81]

Accuracy is what matters in a bolt rifle. Price is secondary, and "inexpensive" means different things to different shooters.

[@acorgiwithacrown467]

"Price is secondary", yea, maybe to a millionaire. Cheap and accurate is a good mixture for ordinary people.

[@kotm1]

@@acorgiwithacrown467 yeah like a ruger american in 6.5 that shoots sub moa, and have a half of the price of European rifles

[@jshappart]

Sabatti rover in 6.5 creedmor is currently available from Bimart in my state of Oregon

[@SmokesKwazukii]

what was it going for?

[@jshappart]

@@SmokesKwazukii $949.99 for Rover Alaskan in 6.5 creedmoor. Not what I think is "inexpensive" for a good quality hunting rifle at a reasonable price, such as a Ruger American or CVA cascade. But I do like that the Rover Alaskan comes with iron sights.

[@13mikezebike]

Very good rifle, very accuracy. I have the tactical evo 300 wm, at 100m with rws élite match, and a titan élément rifle score, 3 rounds in just one hole

[@g0ddamnitjeremy]

Wouldn't mind one of those Hunters. That one on the bottom row of the second shelf has a beautiful vintage vibe.

[@danielgreen6547]

2:21 A notched rear sight? I've missed seeing those.

[@user-dt9lm7vk2m]

Would like to see how these compare to Bergera B14

[@bulgedtrunnion7761]

I want that over under double rifle at 6:17. Probably can’t afford it.

[@itsDIETZ]

These look amazing

[@mudbutton2]

They look great

[@CHMichael]

Very pretty - just look how the lines flow.

[@italianduded1161]

I am so happy that you finally looked up at the Sabatti!!! 🇮🇹🇮🇹 Can’t wait to see a video about Fabarm.

[@sg7392]

I have used a Fabarm u/o since 1980 fired approx 45000 cartridges in comp and hunting just replaced firing pins and springs and replaced it with a Beretta 692. Used to have a 10 year Warranty.

[@italianduded1161]

@@sg7392that’s cool!

[@youneszreika]

We've got those in Australia

[@cacinaz8802]

Any updates on when, or distributors? Thanks.

[@0BAAC0]

Looking forward to these.

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Nice looking rifles

[@BeingFireRetardant]

That mean looking scout rifle at 5:45 seems pretty feature rich and lightweight. Especially at 1/4 MOA...

[@meisenhut31]

James is a Sabatti boy

[@adamethridge7824]

I want one of their double rifles

[@juanherrera2672]

Haven’t done the full load development on my sabatti urban sniper yet shoots ok with some factory Norma that’s gunna be handloads eventually. Looks a lot like the franchi bolt action except Sabbatii welds the recoil lug to the notch area on the receiver I wonder if sabatti makes the actions for franchi or vice versa also the bolt lift is awlful has like a 2 stage shtuff going on and throws you way out position. Need to smooth that out . Still not sold on the smooth barrel grooves yet but I’ll find out eventually.✌️

[@ViktoriousDead]

They claim guaranteed ONE in group at 400 yds…. I’m doubtful 99% of shooters can’t accomplish that anyways

[@aaronwilcox6417]

If there's some left hand versions in the states I'd try one

[@SmokesKwazukii]

Bruno is a chiller

[@a.c.m.4548]

Serious "I'm getting too old for this" vibes here.

[@raystephens2078]

Do you plan on reviewing one on the range? I would like to get your impressions on the MRR they offer, also.

[@YERAFirearms]

You ere welcome to expand in the USA. Bring out some Italian magic to this side of the world.

[@1024dram]

Yes Lord knows the americans have no pride in their work

[@YERAFirearms]

@@1024dram Really, Do you think that those who built F-22 are not proud?

[@baldieman64]

Legend has it that they work best while moving away from the target.

[@tydengr]

I want one

[@alexanderren1097]

I know James says he doesn't like kids but this video proves he'd make a really good dad if he wanted to ;)

[@67claudius]

Only three hundred years old? in Italy it is a start-up

[@cycadaacolyte6349]

Just a little company some friends threw together, they might make it one day...

[@redmudpei]

they're available on special order in Canada already, thinking about one

[@geezerkyle]

I’ve ordered a sabbati urban sniper in .308 😊

[@RandomStranger69]

Looking forward to getting a patrol model in .223

[@roycevaughn6472]

Ive been looking for the Alaskan scout rifle in 308 for awhile now and can't find one in the U.S.A

[@a.joegevara3519]

I believe I'll stick to my Howa 1500s. The only feature that catches my eye is the M-lock slots in the stock.

[@Paladin1873]

I fee like the man is selling me handcrafted Italian leather shoes. I generally think of Sabatti as large double rifles for the African veldt and selling for about ten grand, which is considered very reasonable for a 470 or 500 Nitro Express.

[@intelmike181]

The first time a cheap Itlian bolt action rifle came to the US it didn't go to well. Here's looking at you "Mannlicher-Carcano..." Great work as always my favorite short-short-wearing guntuber (no homo...ok quarter homo) and TFBTV.

[@aceman1126]

It only didn't go well for ONE guy in texas... it's ah not ah Guido's ah fault ah.

[@cycadaacolyte6349]

@@aceman1126 The other guy who took two round have that great of a day either...

[@neutronalchemist3241]

The rifle did great.

[@aceman1126]

@@neutronalchemist3241 some would say it did miraculously well lol

[@conductorcammon]

I'll take one in .308...thanks

[@MCarrick-ss7xc]

Great I'll take a dozen for personal

[@chasewalden3644]

Neat

[@ssn711]

Impressive.

[@mikea.6608]

Mossberg MVP is just fine

[@mylifeisdope916]

They look pretty sweet. With the express sights are they offering anything bigger than a 300 win mag?

[@tomytb4135]

i have a rover 30 06, great accuracy. I shoot with it at 437 yards rams (live)

[@ProfessorBidoof]

*Reads title* "That's not a carcano..."

[@werre2]

super good looking guns

[@jasonogle6602]

I wish you could have talked about the action more

[@apfolklore]

Salutti sabatti!!

[@dionysis84]

These look really nice. I wonder if the bolt cycles as smooth as a tikka/sako

[@p47rr]

No. I own three.

[@ratagris21]

James should have asked for the Fazools pricing. Good looking rifles priced right, and various options. ♠️🎩🎯🎱🏁🇺🇦🔱🌼🌸💮🏴‍☠️🏹

[@vicdiaz5180]

Bruno fell asleep, talking and forgot to mention the price

[@number1squib488]

These are in canada. And mine is a tac driver in .270

[@D70340]

Do the tyrants up there know you have a gun?

[@number1squib488]

Its a bolt gun so they pretend they don’t want to take it away. But that day will come soon. Hopefully you guys down south annex us soon anyway. 🍻

[@piotrnowak7730]

Nice

[@aceman1126]

Damn that box mag rifle with irons tho... import now while I still have tax refund money damn it!

[@thequantumvacuum]

Can I have a Sabatti scout please?

[@davemclaughlin8625]

Didn't some guy in Texas order a cheap Italian bolt action rifle?

[@tsuchinokoz5036]

Ah the iron sights! I wouldn’t use but it’s nice they’re there in case. And all made in house? Very nice

[@BabaNovac792]

SABATTI : "Everything is made in-house "....... TFBTV : "Everything ? " SABATTI : "...anyway , our rifles blah blah blah..."

[@TheSteve2305]

Unless they can make 3 quick hits on a moving target from a book depository building window....I don't want to hear about it.

[@Deuceblank]

TFB is prob a lil high, sabitti rep prob a lil drunk in that interview 😆

[@dannysmith9217]

Bring it on. We could use a Bolt Action Ferrari in America.

[@p47rr]

Alfa Romero yes. They are not priced like a Ferrari.

[@EtherFox]

Sabatti has had ads/info online for a while now. Like, a year and change. I was wondering if they were ever actually coming over, as it was obvious their info applied to relatively new designs, but there wasn't a peep on the major retailers or auction sites.

[@tormentorxl2732]

7mm PRC candidate.

[@wila4134]

The land that gave us Sophia,Monica Bellucci and Pinot Noir does not disappoint.

[@mrshort2379]

I have never been much for a bolt action. mainly because I have not found one I like, that I can afford

[@photobyTaps]

I would like an expensive 357 or 44 Magnum

[@kentcostello5286]

Sharp looking guns but do they make in lefthanded shooters?

[@maxuchenik4345]

Let me know if you get a reply

[@elsart0]

On their website they list the older Rover model as lefthanded.

[@kotm1]

900 for a basic hunting rifle? Cmon

[@kotm1]

@@LaughingMan44 yeah but not in the US, here you can get very high quality rifle for that price. Not just "basic" hunting rifle.when European companies come to US market they should adjust the price accordingly otherwise nobody gonna buy it

[@D70340]

@@LaughingMan44 Well, "coming to the US" isn`t europe.

[@chaimafaghet7343]

@@kotm1 Show me the "basic" US made rifle with a 1/4 MOA guarantee. Or for that matter any US made rifle under two grand with a 1/4 MOA guarantee.

[@kotm1]

@@chaimafaghet7343 he said ony the competition version are 1/4 moa, but as you asked get ruger american 6.5 well under a 1k shoots sub moa no problem

[@chaimafaghet7343]

@@kotm1 They're crap m8. Fine if you're shooting durr at 50 yards from a stand I guess.

[@jonathanhoup9988]

Damn…. Shoulda asked about good o/u Italian shotguns for not beretta price.

[@seanforsythe78]

1/4 moa for under $1K? ill certainly give em a try

[@elsart0]

Maybe they stretched the thruth a bit ;)

[@mckenzieb92]

I don't see anything inexpensive about those bolt actions in terms of something for hunting

[@chaimafaghet7343]

It's inexpensive for a guaranteed 1/4 MOA 3-lug rifle. Hunting means different things to different people, blasting at oblivious Bambi from a hide at 50 yards is a far cry from stalking over moors.

[@mckenzieb92]

@@chaimafaghet7343 1/4 MOA isn't necessary in most hunting applications

[@chaimafaghet7343]

@@mckenzieb92 Well that's what I said, most people are sitting drinking coffee in a stand until a deer wanders into pistol range. Some would not consider that to be hunting.

[@mckenzieb92]

@@chaimafaghet7343literally any form of hunting you don't need that MOA, I really wonder how people got by without a 1/4 MOA gun 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@chaimafaghet7343]

@@mckenzieb92 You don't need a gun at all. That doesn't mean your piece of shit Ruger is useful for stalking.

[@nathanwright5757]

That's a sexy group of Italians!

[@dopemanricky7196]

Fallout 4 sniper irl

[@robertjones2811]

Are they based off the carcano action?

[@chaimafaghet7343]

3 lug, like AI.

[@neutronalchemist3241]

Most modern bolt-actions are in the sense that they are single-piece bolt instead of dual pieces like the Mauser, but almost none cocks on opening like the Carcano did (that was useful for a service rifle to give a "second chance" to a hard primer, but it stiffens the lever).

[@dothwalrus370]

Misspelled spaghetti* rifles

[@10mikemike89]

I'm not going to lie. It would be cheaper to pay the ransom. 😆

[@D70340]

Inexpensive??? Pfffff, average folk can`t afford those! Then have to spend huge money for a decent NON CHYKNEEZ made scope? Nope, not this guy.

[@Swollenfishy]

If you’re poor just say that. average folks most definitely can afford this it’s very reasonable for the price and value of the rifle

[@jamesschneider3828]

There is nothing about guns or shooting that is inexpensive starting in 2020.

[@lukeduke6693]

Some of those look like tikka stocks

[@ronaldlucero4258]

.3OO SHAMBOOZI, CUZ I LOOKING FOR SHAMBOOZISTS .