The Sabatti Rover G2 Pathfinder is a repeating rifle specifically aimed at hunting beginners and is offered at a very attractive price of under 1,000 euros. The weapon was introduced by Sabatti last year and belongs to the second generation of the Rover G2 series. This report discusses an intensive practical test that provides insights into the performance and features of the weapon.
The Sabatti Rover G2 Pathfinder is characterized by its low weight, which is due to the use of an aluminum alloy in the system housing and mounting rails. The barrel is cold-hammered and features four longitudinal grooves to save weight and improve heat dissipation. The barrel is also coated with a protective hard anodization. The three-lug bolt has an opening angle of 60° and houses a massive extractor claw and a spring-loaded ejector pin in the retracted bolt face. The bolt cylinder is highly polished and hard-chromed, while the locking mechanism and chamber handle have a matte black finish. The barrel has a muzzle thread and a barrel extension that allows for quick barrel changes.
The Sabatti Rover G2 Pathfinder is currently offered in the calibers .308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, and 8x57 IS. The price does not vary between the different calibers. The magazine holds three cartridges but can be replaced for an additional fee of 59 euros with a similar replacement magazine with a capacity of five or seven cartridges. The stock of the Sabatti Rover G2 Pathfinder is made of brown polymer and features a fish-scale-like texture on the contact surfaces of the pistol grip and forend. The length of the stock can be adjusted using optional stock spacers. The two-position safety affects the trigger and chamber, but it still produces a noticeable click sound when engaged. The trigger is crisp and can be adjusted down to about 1,200 g.
The rifle is equipped with a multi-purpose rail in M-Lok format located beneath the forend. In a precision test on a 100-meter range, the Sabatti Rover G2 Pathfinder performed impressively. The best 5-shot group had a diameter of 29 mm and was achieved with the affordable hunting cartridge GECO Express. The average grouping of all five types of cartridges tested was a hunting-acceptable 33.8 mm. Overall, the Sabatti Rover G2 Pathfinder is a robust and reliable weapon at a very fair price. Particularly noteworthy are the excellent trigger characteristics and the precision demonstrated in our tests. The inclusion of a muzzle thread and barrel extension is also a plus, as it allows for quick barrel changes. The stock is solid and well-made, although it may be a bit too light for some shooters. The click sound of the safety could also be bothersome for some. Overall, the Sabatti Rover G2 Pathfinder is a recommendable choice for hunting beginners looking for a reliable weapon at an attractive price.