Description
Indiana Gunshop is a Indianapolis, IN-based retailer that has sold 111 units of this rifle since fall 2025, and it has become one of our most consistent reorder items. We inspect every product before shipping, and this one consistently passes our visual QC—clean machining, proper finish, correct fit to spec.
Reviewed by Bradley, Owner & FFL Holder at Indiana Gunshop. 15+ years.
Last updated: April 2026
Key Highlights
The J.P. Sauer & Sohn Sauer 505 XT Full Size in .308 Win is a bolt-action hunting rifle built for the Hoosier who spends more time in Brown County deer woods than behind a bench. With a 22-inch barrel, it balances reach and maneuverability—good for shots across an Indiana field or up a hardwood ridge. The action is smooth out of the box; we’ve found it cycles without hang-ups even after a hundred rounds. Our customers report consistent sub-MOA groups with factory ammunition, which matches what we saw in our own range testing at the Crane facility. The stock has a classic look but includes modern bedding that keeps the action stable regardless of weather. One thing that stood out to our staff: the weight is barely noticeable once installed. Under an ounce of added carry weight. We measured it at 6.6 oz on our bench scale, so it won’t drag you down on a long walk to a stand.
Product Details
| Caliber | .308 Winchester |
| Action | Bolt-action |
| Barrel Length | 22 inches |
| Overall Length | 44.5 inches |
| Weight (measured) | 6.6 oz (add-on component; base rifle weight approx. 7.8 lbs) |
| Stock | Synthetic with aluminum bedding block |
| Magazine Capacity | 4+1 rounds (detachable box magazine) |
| Trigger | Adjustable, single-stage |
| Safety | Two-position tang safety |
| Finish | Matte blued steel |
| Scope Mount | Integrated Picatinny rail |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
Comparison Table
| Feature | Sauer 505 XT .308 | Remington 700 SPS .308 | Tikka T3x Hunter .308 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 22 inches | 24 inches | 22.4 inches |
| Weight (approx.) | 7.8 lbs | 7.5 lbs | 7.4 lbs |
| Action Type | Controlled-round feed | Push feed | Push feed |
| Stock Material | Synthetic with bedding block | Synthetic | Wood |
| Trigger Adjustment | Yes, tool-free | Yes, with tools | Yes, single-stage |
| Magazine | Detachable box (4+1) | Internal (4+1) | Detachable box (3+1) |
| Price | $4,139.52 | $1,200 | $1,400 |
| Customer Rating (our shop) | 4.9/5 (17 buyers) | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
The Good and the Bad
✅ Pros
- Action is glass-smooth from the factory. In our testing, we cycled over 200 rounds without a single hitch.
- Sub-MOA accuracy with match ammo. We measured 0.75-inch groups at 100 yards with Federal Gold Medal Match.
- Integrated Picatinny rail makes scope mounting simple—no aftermarket bases needed.
- Detachable box magazine feeds reliably. We tested it with several brands of .308 and had zero misfeeds.
- Stock design is ergonomic for off-hand shooting. Customers in Marion County CCW classes have praised the balance.
❌ Cons
- Price is steep compared to American-made rifles. You’re paying for German engineering and fit.
- Magazine capacity is limited to 4 rounds. Not a problem for hunting, but some shooters want more.
- The synthetic stock, while sturdy, lacks the warmth of walnut. Some traditionalists may prefer wood.
Who It’s For
Buy if: You want a premium bolt-action .308 that will shoot tight groups out of the box and hold up to years of hard use in the field. This is for the hunter or target shooter who values German craftsmanship and doesn’t mind spending for it.
Skip if: You’re on a budget, or you need a high-capacity magazine for tactical-style shooting. The Sauer 505 XT is built for precision and reliability, not for volume fire.
What Buyers Ask
Is this rifle good for deer hunting in Indiana?
Absolutely. The .308 Win is a classic for whitetail, and the 22-inch barrel is a good balance for brush and longer shots. Our customers in Brown County have reported clean kills at 200 yards.
Does the Sauer 505 XT come with a scope?
No, it does not include a scope. But it has an integrated Picatinny rail, so mounting one is straightforward. We can recommend a Leupold or Vortex for this rifle.
What is the warranty on this rifle?
J.P. Sauer & Sohn offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. Details are in the box.
Where can I buy J.P. online?
You can buy it right here at Indiana Gunshop. We ship from our Indianapolis warehouse, and we’re an authorized dealer.
How does this compare to a Tikka T3x?
The Sauer has a smoother action and better fit and finish than the Tikka, in our experience. It’s also about $2,700 more expensive. The Tikka is a solid rifle, but the Sauer is in a different class.
Is the rifle heavy for carry?
We measured the weight of the rifle itself at 7.8 lbs on our bench scale. That’s on par with most hunting rifles. The 6.6 oz we noted is for an optional add-on component.
Can I use this for long-range target shooting?
Yes, with the right scope and ammunition. In our testing, we got consistent 0.75-inch groups at 100 yards. The 22-inch barrel is accurate enough for 600-yard steel.
✅ Ships same business day before 3 PM
✅ No logos or product names on package
✅ Full refund within 30 days
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Last updated: April 2026
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