Sabatti Unveils STR Overwatch Precision Rifle
Sabatti, is a relatively unknown company in the United States. But overseas they are a respected builder of high-quality precision and hunting rifles. Lately, the Italian company have been concentrating on chassis rifles like their STR. But these guns have massively long barrels which make them ill-suited for the tight confines of urban sniper work.Â
To address this, Sabatti just released their most compact chassis rifle to date: the STR Overwatch. This new reduced length version of their Overwatch still incorporates the Multi-Radial Rifling (MMR) technology that Sabatti is famous for. What is MMR? Check out the offical explanation from the presser below.
Multi Radial Rifling
“Instead of traditional lands and grooves, MRR employs two offset radiuses that impart the spin on the bullet. This process seals the bullet more perfectly to the bore, reducing stress on the projectile while producing less copper fouling, better accuracy, and increased muzzle velocity. The reduction in friction also produces longer barrel life and slower accuracy degradation over time.”
Sabatti offers their new STR Overwatch rifles in both .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor, and both feature a 22-inch bull barrel. Clearly this guns are designed for precision work.Â
Additionally, both models feed from AICS pattern magazines, and feature an aggressive multi-port brake. Under this brake, the Sabatti STR Overwatch has 5/8×24 threads allowing shooters to mount a suppressor or other muzzle device of their choosing.
Nuts and Bolts
“Imported exclusively by the Italian Firearms Group (IFG), Sabatti’s new STR Overwatch is designed for competition, precision and serious long-range shooters who want long distance capabilities in a shorter-length rifle. Shorter, thanks to a 22-inch long barrel designed with Sabatti’s revolutionary Multi-Radial Rifling (MMR)– the next generation in precision rifling.
For the last 400 years, Sabatti has produced shotguns and rifles for the most discerning hunters and target shooters worldwide. Now, IFG brings the Sabatti STR Overwatch to the American market for the first time, offering the rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win., using the highest-quality materials and latest shooting science.
Built with precise attention to detail, the STR Overwatch is designed around Sabatti’s proven, extremely stable three-lug bolt system, featuring a tactical handle with a removable knob. A match-grade trigger is standard. The 22-inch, heavy-contour barrel is cold hammer forged, has a threaded muzzle (5/8×24 threads), and comes with a muzzle brake. The brake can be removed for a suppressor.
The STR Overwatch’s lightweight, foldable and fully adjustable skeletonized stock is designed for years of hard use in any conditions. Adjustable for length of pull and cheek height for a perfect fit, the stock is specifically designed for precision shooting, and accepts AICS patterned magazines.
For optics, the STR Overwatch is supplied with a one-piece Picatinny rail and also accepts standard, readily available Remington two-piece model 700 bases which can be easily mounted to the rifle’s receiver. The rifle also has a rail beneath the fore end for attaching a bi-pod and other accessories. The STR Overwatch is shipped in a hard case with one seven round magazine.”
These guns should be hitting stores soon. For more information visit www.ifg-usa.com
Jim is a freelance writer, editor, and videographer for dozens of publications who loves anything and everything guns. While partial to modern military firearms and their civilian counterparts, he holds a special place in his heart for the greatest battle implement ever devised and other WW2 rifles. When he’s not reviewing guns or shooting for fun and competition, Jim can be found hiking and hunting with his wife Kimberly, and their dog Peanut in the South Carolina low country.