If you can find one that suits, a second hand Sako 75 would be well worth a look - as others have mentioned. Probably a marginally better built rifle than the 85. I'm fairly new to stalking too, but have used an 75 estate rifle on numerous occasions now and it shoots superbly with both Norma and Federal ammo. It also feels and looks like it was built to last!
If you are looking at brand new, it's hard to ignore the value for money that a Tikka gives. Although brand new doesn't always mean better.
Mark
If you are looking at brand new, it's hard to ignore the value for money that a Tikka gives. Although brand new doesn't always mean better.
Mark
big ears
Well-Known Member
I have both. A Tikka in 6.5 and a Sako laminated stainless in 308. Both are superbly accurate rifles and with either you will be very happy. That being said the Sako is better in its smoothness of use and quality of build. As already said the magazine is much better on the Sako. Depends how quickly you need the rifle, my advice would be to keep saving and wait a bit and buy the Sako. It's just that bit better all round.
8x57
Distinguished Member
I've owned 2 Tikkas, a M65 and a 595 both excellent rifles. I have shot several T3 rifles but never owned one, not a bad rifle in fact difficult to fault but not quite up to the standard of my older Tikkas. I have also owned a couple of Sako rifles in fact I still have a 85 that I am very happy with. I have also shot a couple of Sako 75s but frankly couldn't tell the difference between them and my 85.
If I could afford it and given the choice between a Sako 85 and a T3 I would go for the 85, but wouldn't be too concerned if all I could afford was a T3 because it will do the job and quite nicely too. The 85 will however always be a better rifle than the T3 but you only get what you pay for. As for the A7, not shot one and only seen one up close frankly I can't see what Sako were thinking of when they made it as it is not one or the other.
If I could afford it and given the choice between a Sako 85 and a T3 I would go for the 85, but wouldn't be too concerned if all I could afford was a T3 because it will do the job and quite nicely too. The 85 will however always be a better rifle than the T3 but you only get what you pay for. As for the A7, not shot one and only seen one up close frankly I can't see what Sako were thinking of when they made it as it is not one or the other.
I'd be interested in this thread, sorry if I'm highjcking your thread in which case ignore me?,
I'm thinking of a t3 Hunter stainless in 6.5x55, I've read a lot about the synthetic stocks on t3s not being great also anyone had any experience with putting mods on fluted barrels couldn't seem to find any option for fluted barrels that were threaded for mods? This will likely be my one and only rifle used for woodland Munties, Roe and rarely the larger species. I like the look and feel of the wood stocks even if they are more work, any thoughts?
Thanks guys for any advice.... P.S I'm not trying to start a debate over calibre .308/6.5x55
I would choose T3 over Sako any day. Why?
-single stack mags feed better, no matter what material they are made of, especially short cartridges.
-option of a future conversion from short action cartridge to a long action cartridge
-option of fitting an aftermarket magazine system (not really possible with sako)
-much more choice of aftermarket bits, such as triggers, or a safety that acts on the firing pin not the trigger (got one for a Sako?),stocks, bolt handles, metal shroud, more choice on rails.
In my opinion the barrel makes a rifle shoot, stock/action fit secondly and thirdly with much less input the action.
Sakos and Tikkas mostly shoot ok, however they let a duff barrel out every now and then just like most manufacturers.
edi
-single stack mags feed better, no matter what material they are made of, especially short cartridges.
-option of a future conversion from short action cartridge to a long action cartridge
-option of fitting an aftermarket magazine system (not really possible with sako)
-much more choice of aftermarket bits, such as triggers, or a safety that acts on the firing pin not the trigger (got one for a Sako?),stocks, bolt handles, metal shroud, more choice on rails.
In my opinion the barrel makes a rifle shoot, stock/action fit secondly and thirdly with much less input the action.
Sakos and Tikkas mostly shoot ok, however they let a duff barrel out every now and then just like most manufacturers.
edi
bewsher500
Well-Known Member
Wood or plastic, surely?
referring to ancillary components not stocks
bolt shrouds, bottom metal, magazines etc etc
synth vs wood is a personal choice and you can always stick a 75/85 in a placcy dildo stock if you wanted to
I. Farticus
Well-Known Member
prometheus
Well-Known Member
Wood or plastic, surely?
OP - Sako 75 Synthetic Stainless gets my vote
and mine, if the choice is between those two brands, in wood or synthetic
Thanks for all your advice. I think if a good second hand Sako comes up in the next few months I will go for it - if not T3 lite is my choice. Will wait and have a look around Bisley at the Phoenix meeting at the end of May and see if there is anything good on offer.
No rush to buy apart from the spare .308 slot on my license.
Cheers,
RR
No rush to buy apart from the spare .308 slot on my license.
Cheers,
RR
I. Farticus
Well-Known Member
RR
Sako 75s in .308 are like rocking horse poo... However, Guntrader has a couple:
http://www.guntrader.co.uk/Guns-For...d-Blued-heavy-barrel_For-Sale_140328094327001
http://www.guntrader.co.uk/Guns-For...-Synthetic-Stainless_For-Sale_140405153014001
Ignore the quoted action sizes, as .308 is Action III, not I or IV!
Cheers
Farty
Sako 75s in .308 are like rocking horse poo... However, Guntrader has a couple:
http://www.guntrader.co.uk/Guns-For...d-Blued-heavy-barrel_For-Sale_140328094327001
http://www.guntrader.co.uk/Guns-For...-Synthetic-Stainless_For-Sale_140405153014001
Ignore the quoted action sizes, as .308 is Action III, not I or IV!
Cheers
Farty
paulbshooting
Well-Known Member
Just got a Sako A7, been down the T3 route and after changing the stock, bolt handle and plastic bolt shroud, the A7 was worth a little more and didn't want to spend 85 money. Prefer to buy new rifles to second hand and run in the barrel. I can also swap my main scope with warnes onto the A7.
Tikka T3.
There are so many aftermarket stocks, you can then pick what suits and customise your rifle without spending a packet.
Tikka's seem to like Federal...150g works for me,great accuracy, no problem on deer.
There are so many aftermarket stocks, you can then pick what suits and customise your rifle without spending a packet.
Tikka's seem to like Federal...150g works for me,great accuracy, no problem on deer.
I had a same problem a while back, but I want for the sako 85, but had it wood and stainless, I did save for some time but worth the wait.
My mate has a T3 in .308 and he shoots a lot my then me, and he swears by his T3. When I priced the 85 and A7 (new) there wasn't much difference in price either.
atb
simon
My mate has a T3 in .308 and he shoots a lot my then me, and he swears by his T3. When I priced the 85 and A7 (new) there wasn't much difference in price either.
atb
simon
Paul at Fechan
Well-Known Member
only on looks to some, on paper they are the same
berg
Well-Known Member
I don't think you will go wrong with the tikka or sako but I would not get a wood stock unless it laminate I have the plastic stock and they do what is says on the tin I had been using mine 3-4 times a week in all weather conditions and it shows, its starched to hell scuffed and deep gouges in it ,if that had off been a pretty walnut stock you would be gutted .oh and don't get in a blued action form my findings its starting to rust so it is at jager sporting arm where it is going to be cerecoated to match the colour of the thumbhole stock that I am getting from boyds in pepper .As for accuracy well either will shot as good as most people can with the right load , just remember they made at the same place , bit like all the German cars skoda or VW its up to you what you pay for the badge the heart that beats is the same pedigree .there is a new sauer 101 I like the look off the dura safe but do not no much about them , that is what I look at before I ended up with a tikka 595 actoin border barrel laminate stock for £1400, jager arms cerecoated the barrel for free and its built and shoots better then one from the box.So I would look down that avenue before buying anything you might be surprised what you can get
For a comparison of stocks, I bought a T3 hunter ( walnut stock ) then acquired a synthetic light stock and had it hydro dipped in an Autumn woodland camo pattern. It is interesting to note that the walnut stock is fully free floated but the synthetic stock has a barrel moulding about 3.5 inches from the receiver which stops it being fully free floating, this can easily be rectified with minimal effort if thought necessary though. ( I have posted a separate thread around this)
View attachment 40882View attachment 40884View attachment 40885View attachment 40886View attachment 40887
I am am considering getting the barrel and action cerakoted, in the mean time I have given the bluing a few coats of Renaissance wax ( buffed to a nice shine ) for better protection.
View attachment 40882View attachment 40884View attachment 40885View attachment 40886View attachment 40887
I am am considering getting the barrel and action cerakoted, in the mean time I have given the bluing a few coats of Renaissance wax ( buffed to a nice shine ) for better protection.
Last edited:
Why do you camo the stock and (for all intents and purposes) illuminate the barrel?
~Muirgoathunter1
Well-Known Member
Tried some longish shooting yesterday with the Sako A7. Very surprised rook at 280 yards and then worked out to 485. All bang on. Well not entirely true I shot over the top of the 485 yard stone with my second shot. Pretty handy for a cheap rifle (nearly) just out of the box.
I did get the worlds best gunsmith to alter the trigger which I found heavy, if crisp enough.
Thanks again to Mo off this site who sold me the Leupold scope.
I did get the worlds best gunsmith to alter the trigger which I found heavy, if crisp enough.
Thanks again to Mo off this site who sold me the Leupold scope.
shbangsteve
Well-Known Member
This is a far better buy Tikka .308 M595 Stainless Synthetic Bolt Action Second Hand for sale. Buy for 500. Get it quick it will not be around for long.
Similar threads
