Used Sako Hunter or New CZ 550?

Chuck

Chuck

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I'm looking to get a sporter weight .30-06 and I've got my options narrowed down to a used Sako 75 Hunter or a new CZ 550 American. Both are $900, the CZ will include rings the Sako does not. Other than that, the Sako does have open sights but the CZ does not. Both have very good triggers, the CZ has a set trigger.

Anyway I look at it the CZ is a new rifle for the same money, less if you figure in the cost of rings for the Sako. On the other hand the Sako is still a Sako, used or not and it has been very lightly used.

I was looking for information to help my decision making process and I came up with this stuff. Specifications on the rifles are quite similar in many ways and I'm sure both are great rifles

The Sako 75:
http://ww w.berettausa.com/product/rifles/series_page.cfm?currentseries=1

http://ww w.fishingandhuntingconnection.com/productreviews/sakorifles.htm

The CZ 550 American
http://ww w.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=18

http://ww w.riflemagazine.com/magazine/article.cfm?tocid=701&magid=53

http://ww w.go2gbo.com/forums//index.php?PHPSESSID=045dbeebdc1b7923db2296b3a450c69d&topic=97535.new


Any opinions on the two rifles?

Chuck
 
They are both excellent rifles, but I have never owned a Sako 75 (or older) that didn't shoot exceptionally well and, frankly, a bit tighter than most of the Brno/CZ rifles that I have owned.

I'd go for the Sako 75 and put a set of Warne Maxima rings on it.
 
Buy the Sako, you'll never look back. I currently have 4 Sako rifles and have owned two others. All functioned flawlessly, had great and easily adjustable triggers, all were very nice looking rifles and lastly all were just stupidly accurate.
 
Me, and that's just me....I would take the new CZ, because:

1. I don't know how many rounds have gone through the Sako and what if anything ails it. The CZ is covered under warranty.

2. Yes Sako's are nice rifles, but I don't get overly excited about them. I have a Sako 75 here which my friend is now begging me to make it shoot like any of my less costly rifles (he paid $1800.00)

3. I've never seen a CZ I didn't like or one that didn't shoot very well.

But, it seems to me you will probably do well with either. Goo luck ;)
 
I've had two Sako 75's and they shot well. Well machined with little bolt flop when the action is open...silky smooth action....about a 70 degree bolt lift which gives lots of clearance between bolt and scope. Sako is well balanced and most have decent wood. The barrels are already free floated. Rings and bases are expensive if you buy the optiloc but there are more reasonable options... Nice detach clip. The biggest issue with Sako is the resale depreciation, so going used is a good way to go.
Never tried a CZ 550 but if I did, it would be the American which has a clean barrel...not sure if it is free floated? Cz makes good quality rimfires.
 
I had a Sako A3 Deluxe, I kept the CZ , both were in 30-06, both shot equally well, CZ stock fit way better and was handier to pack and CRF which is important to me as well. You would be well served by either it comes down to whats important to you.
 
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I don't have much experience with CZ, other than a .22 I bought for my son. Although I have used a BRNO ZKK600, and I do like it quite a bit.

I have owned seven Sako's; L579, L61R, A-III, two A-V's, M995, and 75. I still have six of them. The one 75 I own is a Finnlight, and it is the rifle I hunt with the most. I do prefer the older (CRF) models, but I'm not worried about the weather when I'm packing the Finnlight, and it is lighter than the others. As far as quality and accuracy, my experience is you can't go wrong with a Sako.

Having said as much, it does seem that most regard the CZ 550 as a really good deal, but then again if the used Sako is in nice shape then it's not a bad deal either.

BTW Optilocks are heavy and expensive, but they're an excellent product IMO.
 
The big mike dude is right, he's got an awesoe rifle. In my opinion, Sako's are overpriced for what you get. A nice rifle mind you, but you're paying a lot for the name. Again, just me. :)
 
I just bought a Sako 85 30-06 and am very impressed with the quality of it, hopefully it lives up to it reputation at the range.

I don't think you would regret buying the Sako in the least.
 
gitrdun said:
The big mike dude is right, he's got an awesoe rifle. In my opinion, Sako's are overpriced for what you get. A nice rifle mind you, but you're paying a lot for the name. Again, just me. :)
Click to expand...

That's the beauty of buying them used, somebody else paid the first 30% depreciation.
 
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