Go semi-custom rifle or factory Sako?

Chuck

Chuck

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I'm in the market for a long range rifle and I'm undecided as to which way to go. I've got some good, accurate bolt actions but nothing that is my go to rifle for long range. It's use would be deer hunting, occasional coyote hunting and target shooting. Based on the broad use I don't want a heavy barrel as I cover a lot of ground when I hunt. I also enjoy shooting itty bitty groups as well as long range shooting (perhaps out to 600 yards on targets). The easy route would be to buy the Sako I've been eyeing up lately (it's a .270). My other consideration is to buy a custom barrel and either build a standard weight sporter on a commercial Mauser action in .270 or 30-06 (if it's a Mauser I'm going to be traditional) or to do up a heavy sporter on a trued Remington 700 action, likely in 6.5 Creedmoor. No matter what it will be a blued steel and walnut sort of rifle simply because that is my taste.

Looking at pricing, either semi-custom option will run 50% more cost than the Sako I was looking at. Given that I enjoy shooting small groups and I like to shoot targets at long range how much do you think I stand to gain in terms of accuracy with a high quality custom barrel on a Mauser or a trued Remington over a factory Sako rifle? I used to own a semi-custom 6mm BR and I miss its accuracy potential. I'm no longer interested in competitive shooting and I want a versatile, highly accurate rifle that can be the best compromise of accuracy, power and portability.
 
With all the 6.5 hype these days, makes me think that a 6.5-06 is a good idea. Lots of room in a 700 LA to seat out bullets.
 
I would recommend paying the extra money for a custom build. I have a few Sako hunting rifles. I like them a lot but they average 1.5 M.O.A. with factory ammo And getting them to print sub M.O.A. with handloads is a challenge.
 
I am beginning the higher quality less #'s of rifles in the safe journey. Sounds like you have enough experience to know what you want. Contact a smith who does good work and understands your vision. Cull the herd to build the budget and end up with what you actually want to keep for the shooting and carrying you do.
 
Chromeheart said:
I would recommend paying the extra money for a custom build. I have a few Sako hunting rifles. I like them a lot but they average 1.5 M.O.A. with factory ammo And getting them to print sub M.O.A. with handloads is a challenge.
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I would have expected better. That's good information to have. Thanks for sharing your experience.
 
I have a rifle at the 'smiths right now for a similar purpose as you describe.

It's a Tikka T3x in 30-06 to rebarreled to a #3, 8T Benchmark finished to 23" in 280 AI, the chambering will complement a 162gr ELD-X.

This set up will be good for deer out to ~700 yards and do double duty slamming steel.

I have several Tikka's and find they do not require action truing/blueprinting, after market triggers or anything else other than employing a 'smith to do the barrel and chamber.

Tikka has a pretty good after market for things like trigger springs , stocks, user installed bolt handles.

The last one put together was a 6 Dasher with a #5 Benchmark, a friend bedded the factory stock 'Nathen Foster' style its a 0.4 moa set up when I'm in the mode....sports a Sightron 6x24 scope and Talley 20 moa rail in Burris Signiture Zee Rings.

For the 280 AI I am leaning toward a SWFA 10X Mil-Quad.

An avenue to consider.
 
I have two Sako M-85's, these are for hunting, one in 9.3mm the other in 30-06.

I haven't found them to be fussy at all to shoot sub 1 moa at 100m.

The 30-06 has been out to 1000 yards and has printed <8" three shots and 15" 5 shot groups.....this is with a 6x42 Leupold scope.

Certainly not a target rifle, just a hunter with near 2000 rounds on it.
 
bearkilr said:
A custom will net you less than 50% of your input cost should you decide to sell. The Sako probably closer to 75%. Just something to consider if you get bored easily. Any Sako I've had has shot at or under 1 MOA with very little tinkering.
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I would sure like to find out if my Sako85 will shoot 1moa, but I can't, its been at Stoeger for over 2 months trying to get it to eject brass
 
jerrya said:
I would sure like to find out if my Sako85 will shoot 1moa, but I can't, its been at Stoeger for over 2 months trying to get it to eject brass
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Yes, a few in certain cartridges seem to have that issue with specific scope/ring configurations. I've had about 5 or 6 different ones and none have had an issue, so I guess I maybe got lucky.Still, I wouldn't bother with Stoeger. There's a relatively simple fix by going to a different spring, just do a google search with "Sako 85 ejection problems".
 
I've had 5 different 75s oops one is a 85 and they all shoot sub moa with my reloads . Not all groups were sub moa with factory but that's why I reload .

Also agree that the sako would hold its value and can't imagine that just any gunsmith would beat a sako every time
 
I would go Semi custom. For a long action build go with a 6.5-06AI. Short action go 260, 6.5 Creed, 6.5X47. All depends how far you want to shoot game. With my X47 on deer size game I'd be comfortable out to 600 yds. With my 6.5 Sherman it's good out to 1000 yds. Love the X47. The Sherman is awesome but the brass prep is a lot of work. You won't get any more performance out of a 270 parent case than you will out of a Sherman. 140's at 3300 fps.
 
I can build whatever I want for the cost of parts - I still shoot a factory Sako in a McMillan as my main rifle.

The only time I build now is if there is no factory version, and I fully realize and accept going in that I will most likely lose a bunch of money when I get bored and sell it.
 
Chamber a custom to 6 Dasher which will do everything you asked for in your OP. Not much will shoot better at 600 yds as witnessed in the equipment lists among the top 20 at virtually every 600 yd competition among Intermational Benchrest Shooters Assn. The Dasher is nearly a ballistic twin f the 243 Win which is a fine choice for deer. I have several 6 Dasher sporter weights and will be using one when I hunt deer come November. Not many days that it will not hold 1/2moa to 300m.
 
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