Thoughts on the Sako A7 - please provide

The stock on the early models was prone to breaking at the front sling stud but those with the second generation stock seem solid. The second generation version are about 4oz heavier than the original but they still make a nice light-weight, affordable option for those looking for one. Both mine were very accurate and other than the stock, I never had an issue.
 
stay away from the rifle/scope deals the burris scope offered with the rifle is very dark and the optic is no where near clear enough for most hunting applications, first thing everyone did was to upgrade to a better scope. The muzzle jump with the heavier hitting calibers is a unreal, so quick follow up shots while hunting or keeping your eye on your game is not a easy task.

The sako has the same weak points as the tikka, plastic bolt shroud and single stack mag that doesn't hold enough ammo, 3 rounds in a magnum and if I were to go this route again I think I could save money by going to a stainless T3 rifle in the same chambering, buy a manners stock and a 5 round mag.....but that's just me
 
My experience with a stainless .270 A7:

Pros:
Super smooth action (this is the main reason why I chose the A7 over the T3)
Accuracy is superb (Accuracy Guaranty: 1", 5- Shot Group at 100 Yards)
Ability to cycle bolt with safety on is a nice feature
Light weight stock with good cheek pad and grip

Cons:
Magazine is not the best design.
Extra mags are expensive

Everyone talks about the plastic bolt shroud, I understand that some have cracked prematurely, but mine has certainly never been an issue. If it bothers you, I understand there is an aftermarket aluminum shroud available.

I think the A7 is the best bang for the buck in an under $1000 hunting rifle. Mine came with the free Burris 3-9 scope which I expected to replace, but it has actually turned out to be a reasonable scope and I don't intend to change it anytime soon.

Also you may be interested in this recent thread:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1011215-Need-your-opinions-on-a-rifle-boys/page5?highlight=A7
The OP gives his reasons for choosing the A7 in post # 43
 
I love my A7 in 7mm-08. The only time she gets the call is on drizzly/snowy hunting days. I heard that if you do not use a bi-pod on the sling stud, you should not have a problem with breakage.
 
two-dogs said:
I love my A7 in 7mm-08. The only time she gets the call is on drizzly/snowy hunting days. I heard that if you do not use a bi-pod on the sling stud, you should not have a problem with breakage.
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You won't have a problem even with a bipod on the second generation stocks. They have been reinforced significantly.
 
I have reloaded for a buddies 300 win mag version. The cheap plastic magazine limits your coal and you can't optimize hand loading wih respect to seating depth. It shoots to about 1.5" which is fine i guess. The stocks are junk too IMO. Trigger is good and adjustable.

I can't remember, can you top feed the mag through the receiver or does it have to come out to put a round in?
 
I really liked the one I had in 300 WSM. The only reason I sold it was that I got a good deal on a Browning XBolt in 300 WSM. It was very accurate and lightweight. The only problem I had was that I "lost" my magazine and had to buy another. Figures that right after the new one arrived I found my original one.

If anyone needs an extra mag for their 300 WSM, 270 WSM, or .308? PM me.
 
If you are getting the long action, I do not see any difference between the A7 and Tikka T3. Same same, except cost.
 
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As I said above, it's a different action and a different stock. Three locking lugs vs two to start with in the action.
 
dpopl8r said:
What's different about them in the long action?
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sako-a7-6.jpg
sako-a7-3.jpg

Tikka T3 (rear).
The Sako A7 action (middle)
Sako 85 (front).

sako-a7-10.jpg

T3 (left) A7 (middle) S85 (right)
 
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