Sako or kimber

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barry1974w

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So, I'm starting to shop for a long range ( long range for me might be a lot less than for some of you) hunting rifle. I think I've narrowed it down to either a sako A7 rough tech pro in 7mmRM or a kimber 84 hunter in 280AI. So from the guys that have tried either or even better, tried both, what are your thoughts? I know there's much higher end rifles out there, but for me even these are a fairly major investment.
And while I'm here I'll ask about optics as well. I'm currently leaning towards either a Leupold with the CDS system or a Swarovski with the ballistic turret, probably try to keep the objective between 40-44 so that it can still be mounted reasonably low. Are there any other manufacturers with a similar system, and if so what's it called so I can look it up?
 
When you say "long range" what do you mean? I ask as even though those are both nice rifles, there may be better choices for long range hunting rifles.
 
Also for optics, will you be dialing the scope lots? Or is this mainly a hunting rifle that will shoot some steel? Is this your one and only gun? All these points make a difference when we recommend caliber and optics. For a medium to longer range of 500 to 700 yds I think either the 7 Mag or 280 AI will be good. I shoot the 168 Berger classic hunter in my 280 AI with great success. It is just a hunting rifle but I do have have the info loaded into shooter and have shot steel out to 910 yds. It has a NF SHV for optics. If you plan on dialing lots I would look into a NXS or Sightron SIII.
 
A friend of mine bought the Sako A7 RTP in 300WM couple years ago. Got it for good price new that was quite a bit less than a Sako m85ss. Most of us at moose camp have either Sako m75 / m85 or Tikka rifles.

I have all Sako m75 rifles but I would highly consider the A7 RTP for a new rifle.

CAnt comment on the Kimber, never handled or had one. I have a friend in the USA that initially bought a Kimber then took it back and exchanged for a Sako m85....something he didn't like about it after he got it home and did some reading.

I have Leupold scopes on all my rifles. Some have the Duplex reticle. A couple have the LRD and a couple have the Boone & Crockett reticle. The CDS is one I would consider for custom load with new rifle and scope.

Seen Leupold has new models out.

VX-5HD 2-10x42 CDS-ZL2
VX-3i LRP 4.5-14x50

Maybe one of the VX-6 scopes.

NightForce would be sweet.
 
Walleyewhiz said:
When you say "long range" what do you mean? I ask as even though those are both nice rifles, there may be better choices for long range hunting rifles.
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I think for myself I'd like to get proficient enough to take shots at game out to 500 yards under very good conditions. I know there's much better genuine long range rifles out there, but during hunting season it'll be carried much more than it'll be shot.
 
beeman2 said:
Also for optics, will you be dialing the scope lots? Or is this mainly a hunting rifle that will shoot some steel? Is this your one and only gun? All these points make a difference when we recommend caliber and optics. For a medium to longer range of 500 to 700 yds I think either the 7 Mag or 280 AI will be good. I shoot the 168 Berger classic hunter in my 280 AI with great success. It is just a hunting rifle but I do have have the info loaded into shooter and have shot steel out to 910 yds. It has a NF SHV for optics. If you plan on dialing lots I would look into a NXS or Sightron SIII.
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It will primarily be a hunting rifle. That being said, I hope to shoot it a fair bit cause I need to get better. With a young family, mortgage, and a job, I don't get to shoot as much as I used to and have definitely noticed how much worse my shooting has gotten.
It's definitely not my only rifle, but I'm thinking it would become my primary general hunting rifle. For a designated moose or bear hunt I'd still grab the 375 :)
 
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Mighty Peace said:
A friend of mine bought the Sako A7 RTP in 300WM couple years ago. Got it for good price new that was quite a bit less than a Sako m85ss. Most of us at moose camp have either Sako m75 / m85 or Tikka rifles.

I have all Sako m75 rifles but I would highly consider the A7 RTP for a new rifle.

CAnt comment on the Kimber, never handled or had one. I have a friend in the USA that initially bought a Kimber then took it back and exchanged for a Sako m85....something he didn't like about it after he got it home and did some reading.

I have Leupold scopes on all my rifles. Some have the Duplex reticle. A couple have the LRD and a couple have the Boone & Crockett reticle. The CDS is one I would consider for custom load with new rifle and scope.

Seen Leupold has new models out.

VX-5HD 2-10x42 CDS-ZL2
VX-3i LRP 4.5-14x50

Maybe one of the VX-6 scopes.

NightForce would be sweet.
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I currently have Leupolds on my 375, 308, and 223, and a redfield on the wife's 7-08. I'm pretty happy with all of them, but I think I'd like to try the CDS (or something similar) on this rifle cause I want to start stretching things a bit. Unfortunately I imagine my budget will limit me to something in the VX 3I kinda range.
 
98ssuck said:
The Kimber has a much smaller receiver diameter and stock dimensions. It simply carries better imo.
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I'd like to handle them both, but that being said there's a severe lack of gun stores around here for some reason, so it'll probably end up being an online purchase..... if I'm lucky maybe I'll find a good price on a used one.
 
I've had numerous Sakos (almost all of them older A-series guns, not the newer A7) and a few Kimbers. Based strictly upon my own experience with the two brands, I would run, not walk, to buy the Sako before considering another Kimber.
 
jjohnwm said:
I've had numerous Sakos (almost all of them older A-series guns, not the newer A7) and a few Kimbers. Based strictly upon my own experience with the two brands, I would run, not walk, to buy the Sako before considering another Kimber.
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Can you give details? You just dashed my fantasy to kimber. I remember that Dogleg had good words about kimber and he is a very knowledgeable gun nutz. My 15 seconds of experience with sako is that its action is sooo smooooth. But kimber is a CRF
 
My vote is Kimber. They handle great, are light, and I'd say they can be accurate as well. This is a 84L Montana 30/06. Groups at 100 yards, and 250 yards with Nosler Ballistic Tips, and Accubonds. I've since settled on the Accubond load.




 
elker said:
Can you give details? You just dashed my fantasy to kimber. I remember that Dogleg had good words about kimber and he is a very knowledgeable gun nutz. My 15 seconds of experience with sako is that its action is sooo smooooth. But kimber is a CRF
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PM sent.
 
elker said:
Can you give details? You just dashed my fantasy to kimber. I remember that Dogleg had good words about kimber and he is a very knowledgeable gun nutz. My 15 seconds of experience with sako is that its action is sooo smooooth. But kimber is a CRF
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Oh come on now, post where everyone can see.....
 
I've been looking and reading. The kimber is almost two pounds lighter than the sako, it is something to consider when you spend more time packing your rifle than shooting it. And now to contradict myself.... I want a detachable magazine for this one. When I'm hunting with my son I've been doing lots of fairly short walks cause he gets tired and bored after not too long, and I'm getting sick of loading and unloading an internal box a dozen times a day...... yeah I know, suck it up princess.....
 
Mount Sweetness said:
Either or, go play with each at your LGS and pick the one you like.
I have plenty of both and love both, not one complaint, high end quality products!
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I was at my local gun store yesterday. They don't have either. They don't carry kimber, and the the guy behind the counter never heard of a rough tech pro...... but they did have an A7
 
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