The eleventh edition of the Trofeo Fiocchi-Sabatti, a prominent 500-meter precision rifle competition, recently concluded in Faicchio, Benevento, at the Zona Addestramento Cani (ZAC) "Monnerino." This year, Alessandro Marano claimed the coveted trophy, distinguishing himself in an event specifically designed to rigorously test pure shooter ability over equipment customization.
Celebrated for bringing enthusiasm to the Italian F-Class shooting landscape, the annual competition uniquely features a monothematic approach. Participants are strictly limited to Sabatti firearms chambered in .308 Winchester, exclusively using commercial Fiocchi Exacta ammunition loaded with 175-grain bullets. This specific regulation is put in place to "annul the variables related to the use of reloaded ammunition," shifting the focus squarely onto the shooter’s technique rather than an obsessive preoccupation with perfect load development.
Held amidst the scenic landscapes surrounding the ZAC "Monnerino," the event welcomed experienced marksmen, less seasoned enthusiasts eager to learn, and general observers, fostering a spirit of healthy competition. Notably, the Trofeo Fiocchi-Sabatti maintains an open entry policy, even for those not owning a Sabatti rifle. For these competitors, the organizing body provides Sabatti SSP rifles equipped with Sightmark Latitude 8-32x60 F-Class optics, alongside the required Fiocchi ammunition. This initiative allows newcomers to engage with the sport without initial equipment barriers.
The success of this year's Trofeo is a testament to the collaborative efforts of its official sponsors, Fiocchi Munizioni and Sabatti Armi, alongside key operational partners. Behind the scenes, the tireless work of the team from Armeria Diana Sport of Cerreto Sannita and its ASD Samnium Shooting Club, in conjunction with the management of ZAC "Monnerino," ensured meticulous logistical and organizational execution. This synergy cemented the event’s reputation as a vital fixture in the national shooting calendar, consistently surpassing expectations.
Beyond the competitive stages, the Trofeo Fiocchi-Sabatti also served as a platform for interaction and technical exchange among sport shooters, military personnel, and law enforcement. A notable addition this year was the opportunity for attendees to test the new Sabatti SSP-223. Introduced recently at IWA Nuremberg, this bolt-action rifle, part of the “Sabatti Superior Precision” (SSP) elite line, is engineered to leverage the ballistic capabilities of the .223 Remington cartridge.
The SSP-223 features a robust and smooth mechanical action, incorporating a chromated steel three-lug bolt with a rapid 60-degree throw. Its action is bedded into a lightweight Ergal 55 chassis, designed to maximize torsional rigidity and effectively absorb recoil vibrations. The rifle comes standard with a reliable Sabatti Match trigger, factory-set at 500 grams (1.1 lbs), ensuring a clean and consistent break. Further enhancing its modularity and ergonomics, the SSP-223 is equipped with an adjustable and folding tactical stock crafted from an aluminum and polymer blend, an M-LOK tubular handguard for accessory attachment, and a Picatinny rail for optics mounting.
The event, supported by local dignitaries including Nino Lombardi, Mayor of Faicchio and President of the Province of Benevento, and Pasquale Di Meo, President of the Titerno and Alto Tammaro Mountain Community, underscored the strong community engagement. The Trofeo Fiocchi-Sabatti continues to celebrate precision shooting talent and passion, reinforcing its standing as an indispensable event for long-range enthusiasts.
