J.P. Sauer & Sohn/Colt Sporting .243 Win 24″ Bolt Action Rifle & Scope 1982
SOLD FOR: $1,425.00
LSB#: LSB251010MN037
Make: J.P. Sauer & Son; Germany. Imported by Colt MFG; Hartford, CT., under the Colt name.
Model: Sauer Sporting (Based on J.P. Sauer & Sohn Model 80 action)
Serial Number: CR26819
Year of Manufacture: 1982 (JC Date Code)
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action fed by Detachable Magazine.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO., HARTFORD, CT., U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “Cal. .243 Win.”. The right side of the barrel is marked with two proof marks. The left side of the receiver is marked “CR26819 COLT SAUER / SPORTING RIFLE”. The right side of the receiver is marked “Made in W. Germany / by J.P. Sauer & Sohn”, along with a series of proof marks and the “JC” date code.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Bushnell Trophy XLT 3-9×40 scope, with a BDC reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light wear, with scattered scratches and dings throughout the scope’s finish. Overall, the scope rates in Good condition. The scope is mounted on a two-piece Leupold-style base, and sits in 1″ rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered wood stock, with a semi-pistol grip with right hand palm swell, fluted monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, rubber buttpad, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock has been refinished, and painted camo. The stock shows light wear, with a few minor dings and scratches scattered throughout. The camo paint is worn in a few small spots at the front of the forend and on the belly of the buttstock. The checkering remains well defined, and overall, the camo paint refinish is largely intact throughout. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 3rd factory magazine, in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Matte Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a small patch of corrosion in the bore, about half way down from the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its current metal refinish. The balance of the finish shows no notable wear on the refinish, but there are patches of pitting at the muzzle, both sides of the receiver, magazine floorplate, screw heads, trigger guard, and on the bolt handle. The pitting is more than likely what warranted the refinish. These rifles normally came with a high gloss blued finish from the factory, with a stainless bolt. The matte blued refinish is deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads, though showing pitting, are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the tang mounted safety. The trigger has a crisp and clean break. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the scope and magazine as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Colt-Sauer Model 80 represents one of the most distinctive and mechanically refined bolt-action sporting rifles of the late 20th century. Manufactured by J.P. Sauer & Sohn in West Germany and imported under the Colt name, these rifles were engineered with an exceptionally smooth action, precise lockup, and European-style fit and finish. Their unique multi-lug bolt system, sculpted stock geometry, and premium machining placed them firmly in the “luxury sporting rifle” category during their production years.
Chambered here in .243 Winchester, a flat-shooting, mild-recoiling cartridge introduced in 1955, this rifle would have originally been marketed toward serious varmint hunters and medium-game sportsmen seeking accuracy, versatility, and manageable recoil. The .243’s reputation for excellent external ballistics and fine accuracy makes it a natural partner for Sauer’s precision-milled action.
This particular rifle has been refinished, and the matte blue refinish presents cleanly with strong, uniform color. Underneath, patches of pitting are still visible around the muzzle, receiver flats, bolt handle, and floorplate; likely the reason for the refinish. The barrel’s bore remains bright with sharp rifling, though a small patch of corrosion halfway down slightly reduces the bore rating to 8/10. Mechanically, the action cycles smoothly, the safety functions appropriately, and the trigger breaks cleanly.
The original checkered walnut stock has been fully refinished in a custom camo pattern. While non-factory, the refinish is executed neatly, and the stock retains its tight fit, crisp checkering, and proper geometry. Only minor handling marks appear on the painted surface.
The mounted Bushnell Trophy XLT scope adds practical field utility, complementing the rifle’s intended role as a sporting arm, though its condition is consistent with regular use. The included factory magazine remains in good working order. Although refinished and showing prior pitting, this rifle still represents the precision engineering and smooth operation that make Colt-Sauer rifles sought after among enthusiasts. With its excellent mechanics, bright bore, and custom camo stock, it remains a capable and attractive sporting rifle rooted in one of the most refined bolt-action designs of its era. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – J.D.
