SIG Sauer 200 STR

Lore & Background

The Sauer 200 STR is based on the Sauer 200 receiver, introduced in 1985 and CNC machined from a single piece of steel. The bolt has six lugs that lock directly into the barrel, preventing bolt thrust forces from acting directly on the receiver. A radial collar and gas relief hole contribute to strength and safety. The rifle features a modular design allowing the user to change barrel, chambering, and trigger groups with simple tools, though stocks are factory-fitted and not easily exchanged. Available chamberings include 6.5×55mm, .308 Winchester/7.62×51mm NATO, and .22 Long Rifle, with genuine left-hand versions for all.

The rifle was developed to replace aging standard rifles used by Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish shooting associations, such as the Krag–Jørgensen, various Mauser actions, and other rebuilt models. An open competition was held in the early 1980s, with candidates from manufacturers including Heckler & Koch, Mauser, Steyr, Winchester, and SIG Sauer. After multiple tests in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway between 1984 and 1987, the Sauer 200 STR was selected on 4 December 1987. The first production rifles were delivered in 1989, and the rifle became approved for competitions in all three organizations starting 1 January 1990.

The rifle is fitted with a diopter and globe sighting line on dove tails, with the factory diopter adjustable in 0.1 mil increments and marked for 100–600 m. A mirage band aids sighting over a warmed barrel. The laminated beechwood stock includes an adjustable cheek piece and shoulder pad, and an aluminium UIT rail on the underside of the front stock allows attachment of a sling or bipod.

Reader's Guide

The SIG Sauer 200 STR holds significance as the standardized target rifle for the three Scandinavian national shooting organizations—Norway's Det frivillige Skyttervesen (DFS), Sweden's, and Denmark's associations—which sought to keep competition costs reasonable by restricting participants to a single rifle model alongside their historic military service rifles. This approach made the sport more accessible compared to allowing any expensive specialized rifle. The Sauer 200 STR's modular design, enabling user-level barrel and trigger changes, was a key factor in its selection. Its adoption ended a period of reliance on aging and varied actions like the Krag–Jørgensen and Mauser derivatives. The rifle's legacy includes its use in multiple chamberings for different distances: .22 Long Rifle for 50 m and field shooting up to 100 m, and 6.5×55mm for events at 200 m, 300 m, field shooting up to 600 m, and rapid-fire Stangskyting. Between 2005 and 2015, the DFS tested the rifle in 5.56×45mm NATO but decided not to introduce that chambering. The rifle remains in use as a standard competition arm, with its 15-year factory warranty and adjustable features supporting long-term service.

Did You Know?

• The Sauer 200 STR was selected as the new Nordic standard rifle on 4 December 1987 after a multi-year competition involving 13 manufacturers from 7 countries.
• The factory diopter sight adjusts in 0.1 mil increments and has sight markings for 100–600 meters.
• A lighter 500 gram trigger is available as an option.