Help me make the final decision. Now with pics.

870supermag

870supermag

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So im looking to buy a hunting rifle that will serve me for years.

What i want.
300wsm
Stainless
Sub moa
A bolt lock when safty is on
Box magazine

So i have kind of narrowed it down.
Sako 85 hunter ss laminite
Sako 85 finlight
Sako a7
Browning xbolt tungsten
Browning xbolt all weather


I like the sako 85 but is it worth the $$? I dont mind spending the money but is the price worth the product.

Sorry i know there are tons of these posts but nothing beats first hand experience.
 
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Wander in to the Powderkeg as I'm sure Mark should have those in inventory.
Shoulder them and find the one that fits best.

The Xbolts have sure caught my attention.

Wasn't there some issues with them Sako's ejecting spent cases with a scope
perched awn top?
I'd do some homework on these before spending les $$$$.
 
I did see some complaints with the ejection pattern of the 85 but to me its a blade style extractor so most likely it can be worked around with how fast you pull the bolt.
 
870supermag said:
So im looking to buy a hunting rifle that will serve me for years.

What i want.
300wsm
Stainless
Sub moa
A bolt lock when safty is on
Box magazine

So i have kind of narrowed it down.
Sako 85 hunter ss laminite
Sako 85 finlight
Sako a7
Browning xbolt tungsten
Browning xbolt all weather


I like the sako 85 but is it worth the $$? I dont mind spending the money but is the price worth the product.

Sorry i know there are tons of these posts but nothing beats first hand experience.
Click to expand...

Why not a Tikka?
 
There is no easy fix to the Sako 85 ejection issue. Do some research before you drop two grand and have to mount your scope sideways or stupid high. If I had to choose from your list it would be the a7. But I would buy a Tikka and put the savings towards a better scope and mounts if I was buying.
 
Thanks i will look further in to the 85 ejection problem. I do plan on running a sfp scope with exposed turrets so the scope wont be small. The cost savings is not a determining factor as i have $2500 set aside for glass.
 
870supermag said:
All plastic magazines and the bolt release when safe makes the a7 more appealing
Click to expand...

Bolt release? As in you want the bolt to not be able to move while the safety is engaged? Because this is how my TIkka operates. You have to remove the safe to unlock the bolt.

You don't like the all plastic magazines? They are light and reliable, and less than half the price of the Sako Mags.

For what its worth I have a sightron SIII 8-32-56 scope on my T3, set in the lowest possible rings on a EGW 20 MOA rail, with the scope objective clearing the barrel by less than 2mm, and I've never had an ejection issue after 1500 rounds.
 
870supermag said:
Guns like the 85 a7 and x bolt have a bolt release that allows you to keep the gun on safe and open the bolt.
Click to expand...

Ah. Yeah the tikka doesn't have that. You need to remove the safe in order to open the bolt. Can't say that this is something I would have ever considered necessary. To each their own.
 
I have an a7 in 243 that I had AI'd and I like the safety for the kids. Not something I worry about for adults that are experienced though.
 
I am a Sako man, fit is much better with them for me, than browning's .
I have several Sako's in hunting Calibers, (6 Ppc, 708, 7x64, 2506, 9.3x62) The brass ejection issue, if you consider it one, is pretty much with the 2506, 270, 3006, I have only found a problem, when at the range bench shooting, and slowly opening the bolt, in the field, standing etc, one is much more aggressive with the bolt, thus no problem.
Cant tell you what is best as that personal, but a stainless Sako, will likely hold its value well.
 
I'm a big fan of Tikka product, but seems it is not your cup of tea. That said, I would stay in the Sako family and go with this Sako 75 on the EE ... especially if you handload or plan to. The 75 is a tried and true product. Though I'm sure an 85 would make a fine rifle as well. I've just read too many complaints about ejection. No hands on experience though with the 85. I owned a 75 in .270win at one point that I foolishly sold. It was an excellent rifle by all accounts IMO

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1879588-Sako-75-Finnlight-in-300wsm?highlight=sako+75
 
870supermag said:
So im looking to buy a hunting rifle that will serve me for years.

What i want.
300wsm
Stainless
Sub moa
A bolt lock when safty is on
Box magazine

So i have kind of narrowed it down.
Sako 85 hunter ss laminite
Sako 85 finlight
Sako a7
Browning xbolt tungsten
Browning xbolt all weather


I like the sako 85 but is it worth the $$? I dont mind spending the money but is the price worth the product.

Sorry i know there are tons of these posts but nothing beats first hand experience.
Click to expand...

Buy the Browning and spend the difference on the glass...preferably Leupold VX II or III.
You will not regret it.

I am a Browning and Leupold Fan Boy...no, zip, Nadda with Sako...just dont like the feel.


kamlooky said:
Wander in to the Powderkeg as I'm sure Mark should have those in inventory.
Shoulder them and find the one that fits best.

The Xbolts have sure caught my attention.

Wasn't there some issues with them Sako's ejecting spent cases with a scope
perched awn top?
I'd do some homework on these before spending les $$$$.
Click to expand...

Iirc one needs the Sako rings and do not buy Leupold scope for the new gun.
Something about the spent shell bouncing off the elevation knob and then landing in the magazine causing all kinds of kerfuffel.
Heck, the op should look up Kimber and weigh the pro and con of the drop plate magazine.
Rob
 
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