I like my Sako A7, but it's really a variant of the T3, so if you don't like the T3, I wouldn't think you'd like the A7. The A7 has a different safety, one that allows opening the bolt while safe, it has stainless feed lips on the plastic magazine, and a heavier receiver with a larger ejection port and weaver scope bases. Similarly good trigger and smooth bolt. The synthetic stocks are very similar between T3 and A7. Oh yeah, the A7 has a different mag release procedure.
Which stainless/synthetic hunting rifle?
- Thread starter Iron Sighted
- Start date
Yes, only one action length in Tikka's. To me that negates any advantage in selecting a short action cartridge where Tikka is concerned, but on the bright
side, should you decide to re-chamber to a long action cartridge in the future, then action length would not be an issue.
I hear you dude, I just picked up a Tikka Laminate Stainless in 6.5x55 and the fit and finish on this gun is superb. I put a Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44 scope on
it and it looks absolutely #####in; I can't wait to get it to the range for sight in and shoot in. If the rifle, cartridge and scope live up to their reputations, then
it should be an outstanding bean fielder.
Get A Model 70! You get a Bell and Carlson stock that is higher quality than browning and ruger, I don't know what weatherby has. Look at it this way, if you were to buy a rifle strictly for the action to build a serious custom hunting rifle a M70 or M77 action would be good choices. You would also want a trigger capable adjustment and without creep or drag (like M70 triggers). You would then buy a good sporter wieght stock ($400-500) from an after market maker (like B+C). And then a sporter weight barell from a barell maker $??. With a M70 you already have 3/4 components. It is a good platform to start with. You could buy any of the rifles youl isted and probably get something that will work. If you ever decided to go the extra step and screw on a custom tube you wouldn't be left wondering if you should buy a stiffer stock or better trigger or CRF action to make the rifle perform to its max capabilities.
Just my 2 sense
Just my 2 sense
Solid Gold
Tikkas and Sakos are really pretty different aren't they. Not like Husquvarna/Jonsered or GM/Chev or Savage Stevens..
The Sako A7 is strikingly similar to a Tikka T3, with the variations listed above. The other Sako models are higher end and quite different. I don't own a model 75 or 85, but I've owned by a T3 and A7 and the same time and compared them side by side, and there's no mistaking that they are variants of each other.
Considering Sako's affiliation with Tikka (I've always thought of then as the same company - correct me if I'm wrong), I've often wondered why Sako
bothered with the A7 at all? You seem to be in the know Griz, so this is why I ask.
Considering different number of lugs, feeding and extraction type, overall receiver differences? Sako may be a much pared down tikka receiver but I think they are not strikingly similar.
I handled a A7 last year and can honestly say I like the feel of my T3s better...strange cause IMO both rifles are very similiar.
T3 and A7 bolts are not identical, but they are both push feed, plunger ejector. The A7 does have 3 lugs instead of the T3's 2 lugs. Both look similar and have the plastic bolt shroud. It's kind of a hybrid between a T3 and Sako 75. More like a 75 than an 85.
Here's a good review of the similarities and differences:
http://www.biggamehunt.net/reviews/sako-a7-review
I don't think you can go wrong with the Fn Mod 70,I got 3 of them and they are accurate and well made.The x-bolt is another rifle that I really like,the one I got is very accurate and they are also light.Go handle them and see what fit you better they are both excellent choice imo.
Rocket Surgery
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
If you're looking for a detachable magazine short action SS, the Sako and Savage are pretty much the only rifles out there. Everything else is HINGED FLOORPLATE, which is possibly the dumbest configuration available for a scoped rifle.
If you're running 2 ammo types, you can't just switch mags. If you see a buck on the way to your hunting spot, you can't just put a mag in and get him. If you want to make safe your rifle, you have to dump cartridges into your hand, but then where do you put them? Into a container or your pocket, why not just have a box magazine? You're also limited to the size of the gun for mag cap, whereas with a detachable box you can have multiple amounts.
I'd seriously recommend looking at the Sako Finnlight or the Savage (1)16FCSS. Both come in short action DM SS. If you're into long action calibers with hinged floorplate, there's so much available, just pick whatever comes with an MOA guarantee and a bolt that doesn't wobble. Remington, Winchester, Weatherby, Savage, Sako, they're all going to be pretty good. Tikka's not bad, but the long action is kind of a turn off. I really don't like how cycling the action of a rifle resembles mashing potatoes or working a waterpump, it's just not right.
The new weatherby vanguards are pretty nice actually, at a decent price. I handled one in WSS and they also have an MOA guarantee.
If you're running 2 ammo types, you can't just switch mags. If you see a buck on the way to your hunting spot, you can't just put a mag in and get him. If you want to make safe your rifle, you have to dump cartridges into your hand, but then where do you put them? Into a container or your pocket, why not just have a box magazine? You're also limited to the size of the gun for mag cap, whereas with a detachable box you can have multiple amounts.
I'd seriously recommend looking at the Sako Finnlight or the Savage (1)16FCSS. Both come in short action DM SS. If you're into long action calibers with hinged floorplate, there's so much available, just pick whatever comes with an MOA guarantee and a bolt that doesn't wobble. Remington, Winchester, Weatherby, Savage, Sako, they're all going to be pretty good. Tikka's not bad, but the long action is kind of a turn off. I really don't like how cycling the action of a rifle resembles mashing potatoes or working a waterpump, it's just not right.
The new weatherby vanguards are pretty nice actually, at a decent price. I handled one in WSS and they also have an MOA guarantee.
Iron Sighted
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Peace Region
I'm wanting to buy a 7mm RM, so no worries about finding a SS model in a short action with a box mag. I actually kind of like the hinged floor plate mags to be quite honest, though it certainly isn't a deal breaker for me if it has a box mag, I like them too.
pete dobinson
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Courtenay BC.
The model 70 EW is chambered in short action, and this year chambered 7mm08, I just ordered one from WSS.
Iron Sighted
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Peace Region
Will hopefully get in to WSS either tomorrow or the next day, hopefully they'll have the stainless stalker and the extreme weather so I can compare both side by side. If they have the one I decide I like better in 7mm RM, then I may come back from vacation with a new rifle : )
Rocket Surgery
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Man if you're looking for a 7mm RM SS rifle, the world is your oyster. You really can't go wrong with any of the major offerings like Remington, Savage, Weatherby, Winchester, etc.
I'd just check out what's on sale and see if you like it. You can probably get one of those Rem700 SPS stainless rifles for a decent price. I hear they shoot decently.
A lot of people are going to swear by the Tikka t3, which is just as good as the rest. I think it really comes down to personal preference if all you care about is 7mm in stainless.
If I were going to get a rifle in long action hinged floorplate, I'd get a Savage 116FCSS. They're $739
http://ca.wholesalesports.com/store...ifles/model-16fcss-right-hand/prod213297.html
I'd just check out what's on sale and see if you like it. You can probably get one of those Rem700 SPS stainless rifles for a decent price. I hear they shoot decently.
A lot of people are going to swear by the Tikka t3, which is just as good as the rest. I think it really comes down to personal preference if all you care about is 7mm in stainless.
If I were going to get a rifle in long action hinged floorplate, I'd get a Savage 116FCSS. They're $739
http://ca.wholesalesports.com/store...ifles/model-16fcss-right-hand/prod213297.html
take a look at the Sako A7, I bought myself one for Christmas, cuz I was a fairly good boy and I absolutely love this rifle. Feels soooooo good to carry it and shoot it. It's in 7mm-08 and a fantastic shooter with Hornady lite mags. My oldest son has the T3 s/s in 308 and he loves that gun, too!
