Tikka / Budget Sako Question.

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Northpoint

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Hi everyone I have a couple of ideas for a solid all-round accurate $1200 hunting rifle, and am looking for opinions:

Sako A7

Or

Tikka T3 lite and replace the stock with a Bell and Carlson Medalist Stock

I'm considering a 7 mag, 300 wm, or 300 wsm. Both set-ups are approximately the same price. I would like to know from the Tikka and Sako enthusiasts what set up would be preferred and why.

Thanks
 
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If you are looking to spend $1200ish, I would maybe watch the EE for a used Sako 75 or possibly an older model. They can be picked up for $1000-1200, and you won't regret getting them over the A7 or Tikka. There's nothing wrong with the Tikka's or A7's but the quality of the Sako models is noticeably better. You won't regret it.
If you are looking for a great long range accurate caliber, I may be selling my Sako 75 Stainless in 7mm STW in the next month or so, keep an eye out for it in the EE.
 
I sure like the looks of the tikka varmint stainless 300 wm 8lbs. with a heavier 24in. barrel,theres 1 sitting at wss in langley 1050.00
 
Would the varmint model be more accurate at distance? My goal is to become very accurate to 800 yards, and need something that is going to be a good platform for this. I already have a 14x rapid z 800 that's going on it and would like the rifle to match the scopes capability.
Another thing to mention is that my plan it to shoot this thing lots, as I want to become competent with it at distance with hunting as the end goal.
Is there a benefit to a 2 lug vs a 3 lug bolt for a mag calibre? As the A7 has a 3.
 
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seen a used T3 Varmint 300WM on Ellwood Epps site a little while back.

Me, I love my Sako m75 rifles....as mentioned, maybe wait and look inthe EE for one. Nothing wrong with the T3 - I prefer the LS models. I think Clay @ Pprophet River has a few T3's with the BC stocks.

The Sako A7, sell the scope that comes witht the rifle as you already have one.
 
I'm not 100% on the benefits of a 3 lug vs. 2 lug in Mag calibers, but from a physics stand point a 3 lug would seem to be more stable.
Ever see a 3 legged table wobble? No; and for this same reason it would seem to be a more stable bolt head configuration as well.
Then there is the merits of having less bolt lift to disengage the lugs from battery. That means you can put a larger objective closer to the bore without wrapping your knuckles on the scope when working the bolt.
 
The tikka 300 mag varmint models only have a 24 inch barrel. I would lean towards a 26 inch tube for a 300 mag. If you reload the mags are going tick you right off too, that being said all the t3's and the 223 varmint model I had shot something great- it just might not be the bullet you wanted.
 
The A7 in 300wsm, as I'd imagine it would be in all other offerings, a good accurate gun. 800 yards is a long shot for hunting though. At least with my skill set.
 
No Tikka/Sako is going to be more accurate than another. Barrels are all made (Hammer forged) in the same factory. I have two bone stock T3's currently (338 fed, 243) and they are sub MOA rifles, and I have taken game with both. Your dime, but there is no advantage to sepending more on rifles than you need to. More money does not mean more gun.

Any rifle fired prone or off a bench will kick the hell out of you. Hunting rifles fired from a torso-vertical position can recoil as much as they want. Sako is a nice piece of kit, but I sure love the magazine system of the Tikkas and they have never failed to impress the hell out of me.
 
i bought a t3 in 223 camo stainless nice enough stock for synthetic i dont know what everyone complains about. Its too light but the barrel is not lightweight the muzzle is. 62 or something same as my remington. You dont have to change the stock
 
Thank you to all who have contributed. After careful examination of both the other day, I believe that there is no more value in the sako a7 than a tikka. Now I need to find a laminated stainless 7mm mag. My wife wants the laminated stock, so i will be getting her synthetic stock, just swapping stocks when I get mine. A good trade i guess. Anyone have ideas where to look? EVERYONE seems sold out.
 
Maybe call/email Stoeger Canada and they maybe able to tell you what retailers have a T3 LS 7mmRM. I just looked at P & D's site and they didnt have one. They have one in camo and a LITE-left handed.

The LS model is sweet. I love my two LS T3's 270WSM-actually 1 now (sold to my broinlaw to buy a Sako m75ss 270WSM).
 
I bought a T3 lite 204. I found when I went to shoulder the gun the butt of the stock would always end up to high on my shoulder, the gun was not balanced due to the hollow light weight stock. I purchased the B&C stock and I think it's balanced perfect, I would highly recomend the new B&C stock.
 
mackillan said:
The T3 lite is too light for 300 win mag etc. It kicks like a mule in this calibre.
Click to expand...

2X

.270, .308 and 30-06 are good for any large games with less recoil and powder.

IMO A7 and T3 are about the same in quality.

In terms of cost, if you are planning on replacing the stock on a T3 you might as well buy a Sako.
 
In my opinion, after careful observation of shape, rigidity, and feel, any of the tikka stocks are better than the A7 stock.
It seems there isn't an aftermarket A7 stock is available. So Tikka it is for me. Same price as A7 with sweet B&C stock.
The only exception is if I could find a Tecomate stock, which is an A7 fit in a B&C Medalist stock, but only available to the US market.
 
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Sako A7 Tecomate

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