Sako 75’s?

What model Tikka have you got? The safety on my M595s (I’ve got four of them - used to have five but sold one to a friend) locks the bolt to prevent the firing pin going forward if for any reason the sear fails. No way can you remove the bolt with the safety engaged.
T3 Tac A1 which is basically a CTR action but slightly different trigger. It is now in an UPR stock.
 
Can you let me know how you get on with the Pendleton please 🙏

Don't hold your breath. It's a bit further down my shopping list at the moment. In any event, I suspect they won't export and although ITAR has apparently been relaxed, I understand from my 'smith that it could be tricky getting an American chum to send a few over.

Tim
 
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I think they represent the last of the pre Beretta sakos that were built to a specification not a cost. I have had 2 and still have the last. There appears to be no short cuts with the build, legendary all steel magazine, ability to top load, just generally built like a brick outhouse. My suspicion is that you’d need to spend many thousands to buy a rifle of equivalent quality from new. That isn’t to say a Browning or a Howa won’t shoot as well (although I doubt they are as consistent), however I doubt they’ll be sought after in 20 years by a rifle smith.

Disadvantages are age, which means they are likely to be well used and a dwindling list of extras-McMillan pulling the 75 inlet was a real body blow. I have just ordered a SSS stock for my 591 so may be in a better position to evaluate alternative options when it arrives! I have never got the obsession with rails on a stalking rifle…hampers the top loading, not necessary for a pure stalker which the sako most certainly is.

A nice clean 75 still takes some beating despite this IMO. Maybe a T3 makes more sense but I doubt anyone regrets buying a 75.
 
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I've two, one in 243 the other in 308, super accurate rifles and the only fault I'd have is the lack of stock options, that said they were made and designed for a different era when you bought and used it as it was.
I'd love to get my hands on a 7mm08 if anyone knows of one😉
 
I think they represent the last of the pre Beretta sakos that were built to a specification not a cost. I have had 2 and still have the last. There appears to be no short cuts with the build, legendary all steel magazine, ability to top load, just generally built like a brick outhouse. My suspicion is that you’d need to spend many thousands to buy a rifle of equivalent quality from new. That isn’t to say a Browning or a Howa won’t shoot as well (although I doubt they are as consistent), however I doubt they’ll be sought after in 20 years by a rifle smith.

Disadvantages are age, which means they are likely to be well used and a dwindling list of extras-McMillan pulling the 75 inlet was a real body blow. I have just ordered a SSS stock for my 591 so may be in a better position to evaluate alternative options when it arrives! I have never got the obsession with rails on a stalking rifle…hampers the top loading, not necessary for a pure stalker which the sako most certainly is.

A nice clean 75 still takes some beating despite this IMO. Maybe a T3 makes more sense but I doubt anyone regrets buying a 75.
I think the closest new rifle off the peg would be a Schultz and Larsen. But as you say, you won't get one for 75 money.
I like the stock on mine. Fits me very well. But it's a very personal thing. You really have to handle one to know if it's for you. Saying that I still think the stock weld on my M595 is better. It just feels more "pointy". But the 75 will still out-shoot me so I'm not complaining.
 
Handling wise they are reassuringly heavy. I tried a Sauer 202 when I bought mine but found it too light and a high centre of gravity compared to the Sako. Think 2x4 end on compared to flat with the Sako. A bit more agricultural but felt dependable. Sisu. Also didnt like safety on 202. Just taken the annual big game test with my 6.5x55 tonight. No problem as usual.20230530_175113.jpg
 
If you want a rifle to pass down to your grandkids, buy a sako 75 or M995 - unless of course you can afford to have a rifle built from scratch by one of the well known gun makers. You will only need one rifle.

If you want a rifle to uninspire you, buy a tikka T3, and buy another, and another, then another when you are still uninspired
 
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