Advice for a friend: new Tikka T3 or used Sako 75

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buckchaser

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A friend of mine is looking to purchase his first big game rifle. He's looking at a new Tikka T3 in 308 and a used Sako 75 in the same caliber. He says both fit him about the same and the Sako is about $200 more.

I've told it is pretty much a flip of the coin. Any other thoughts I should pass his way from long term owners of each?
 
The Tikka's are nice rifles. I bought one for my Dad in 243 several years ago and it's a great rifle. The stocks are not as nice as the Sako's I feel, especially the synthetic version. They feel and look cheap to me and is one of the reasons they cost less. I personally prefer the 75's over the T3's any day. The mags are steel on the 75 where the T3 are plastic. There are other areas where Tikka is lower quality and again is why they are less expensive than the Sako. They are not of equal quality but damn fine rifles. It's a tough decision.
 
I've sold almost all my Tikkas and replaced them with Sakos. Was nothing wrong with the Tikkas but they were not the same feel as a Sako. If money is tight for him right now he could buy the Tikka and have a few extra dollars to spend on glass otherwise IMHO buy the Sako.
 
Buy the Sako. Quick. $200 more than a new T3 won't be on the shelf long.

Heck, on the EE, used Sakos are listed for $200 more than a new *Sako*!

All that said, the Tikka is lighter and has a more convenient and pocketable magazine. If you miss the used Sako, the Tilka will still please.
 
For me it would be the Sako for that little difference in price. Everyone's situation is different though. I can usually sort out used gun glitches if and when they occur and I really don't like Tikkas that much. Too much plastic and even the wooden ones feel like a water pistol.

Having said that, new shooters are often better of with a fresh start. Sort of like new snowmobilers, quadders and new boaters. Sometimes its better to learn how to drive something than risk learning how to fix one at the same time. Some things are notorious for being for sale because the old owner was less than thrilled by it.
 
Kevan said:
Sold all my Sako rifles, kept the Tikkas and never looked back.
A used Sako will often sell at auction for more than new price...
Click to expand...

I've replaced almost everything with a tikka. My 270 Vanguard got replaced by a T3 lite stainless in 6.5x55, my Marlin 1895 got replaced with a Battue in 30-06, and my BAR in 300 WM got replaced by a T3 stainless in 300 WM.

All long action, so all use the same magazine, part commonality means I always have spare parts... Except bolts and barrels, of course.

Light, accurate and dependable all around.

That only leaves my Lakefield 22, and my 80's era Wingmaster as keepers. And, er, some black stuff. About 10 guns going on the EE starting next Saturday.
 
The only modern rifles I own now, with exception of a Savage 22 and a Rem 870, are Tikka T3s... they are truly excellent modern rifles that you won't worry about carrying in the field.
If I want to spend any more money, I go semi to full-on custom... and usually in a Mauser 98 action (though I am slowly growing fond of my Martini single shot). :)
 
The Kurgan said:
The only modern rifles I own now, with exception of a Savage 22 and a Rem 870, are Tikka T3s... they are truly excellent modern rifles that you won't worry about carrying in the field.
If I want to spend any more money, I go semi to full-on custom... and usually in a Mauser 98 action (though I am slowly growing fond of my Martini single shot). :)
Click to expand...

Dang. It was your battue threads on here that made me want one, and that battue won me over to the brand! Now it turns out you chose the same 22 and shotgun.

Do you have the other half of this amulet?!?
 
I bought several used Sako rifles when I first started in to riflle shooting. The 75 is a great action with a real nice trigger. will it shoot any better than any other rifle, probably not. It will hold its value much better over time and argueably will feel better in ones hands over time as well. All of my model 75 rifles are now owned by other men in Canada and I'm sure they are being enjoyed. FS
 
The Sako will most definitely shoot better than the crap you can buy today. At least you have the best chance of the 75 doing so. I'm sure there are 75's out there that don't shoot well but it's unlikely.
 
I considered a Tikka T3 lite for hunting until I went and held one in my hands. Changed my mind quite quickly as they feel cheap with all the tupperware parts and the bolt itself IMO is to light and cheap feeling.
 
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