Tikka or Sako for dedicated target rifle?

[AZZA'S HJ47]

Yea ive had quite a few people also laugh at the same comment lol

[Gwion]

If you have the cash, go the Sako. I'd probably look at a varmint 85 as well for range work.

[AZZA'S HJ47]

Looking at the 85 hunter stainless non fluted barrel the fluted barrel. Hasn't won me over to tell you the truth

[Gwion]

Why not?

Had a good look at Sako 85 blued Varmint. Loved the look and feel. Also like the cartridge specific action and controlled feed, three locking lugs....... Etc, etc.
Why not check out Sauer and Steyer as well.

[AZZA'S HJ47]

Have had a good look as i said earlier just keep comming back to the sako/tikka. Even with the 2.5k price tag they still seem to stand out from the pack to me at least.

[Apollo]

Going with your statement that you will mainly be using it for target shooting realise that light weight barrels are subject to heat up quickly and really designed for a shot now and again not a whole stack of rounds fired in a short space of time over and over. The more heat the less accurate it will be plus the more heat increases throat wear hence shorter barrel life.

I'd be going with the Varmint versions and put up with the extra weight for the times that you may once or twice go hunting. If it was mainly for hunting and the very ocassional target shoot then that is another story but you would have to watch the heat build up closely. Can't have your cake and eat it too...

[wheedle]

IMO Sako is a pride of ownership thing.

There top notch, and if you have the money and want one I hope it makes you happy.

If you just want something that shoots Tikka will do it for a grand less and is still good quality.

[XP22]

Thanks for the feedback certainly giving me a lot to look into. I enjoy the target shooting side of things and its not as if I go to the range and put 40 rounds through a rifle in a hour I'm a little more clinical than that.
I've never been a small framed person im 6f5 and 115kg depending on what I've had for breakfast I have thought about say a 308 but as you say the appeal of being able to shoot all day is also something that is a consideration.

Don't be totally put off the .308, the recoil is actually no worse than a well held shotgun, especially in a heavier target or varmint rifle. I think too much is made of the issue sometimes, whilst is it not un-manly to not like recoil some are more sensitive than others and in the field you never feel it in the heat of the moment whatever the calibre. I put 100 plus rounds down range regularly and it is not an issue.

The large bore size, availability of reloading components and decent barrel life makes for a good long tern shooting option.

[AZZA'S HJ47]

Don't get me wrong i have shot the 243 and 308. The 308 as you say has a few perks in the way of ammo availability and variety not to say that 243 is rare just more to think about .

[south]

IMO Sako is a pride of ownership thing.

There top notch, and if you have the money and want one I hope it makes you happy.

If you just want something that shoots Tikka will do it for a grand less and is still good quality.

The timber quality on the Sako is a clear step up IMO.

[AZZA'S HJ47]

X2 on the timber stocks they are a quality bit of gear

[wayward]

I dunno what they do to make it like that but it's such nice wood.

No others I've seen that are consistently as good.

[Gwion]

So, any news? What have you decided?

[Falconstare]

Buy the tikka and spend the extra $1200 on top end glass

[AZZA'S HJ47]

Still leaning towards the Sako 85 hunter stainless still waiting for my licence and PTA to arrive. Little over 2 months but who knows could possibly have to wait a few more

[Gwion]

Bummer...
It's maddening how everything associated with firearms takes so dagnamn long here in Australia!!!

Anyway. Sako, yeah man, if you got the cash to spend; why the hell not.

Unless you're mainly using it for a walk around hunter, i would give serious thought to a varmint model for shooting groups at the range.

Good luck with it.

[AZZA'S HJ47]

Yea thanks Gwion
Like i said its been a hard model to look past just keep comming back too it. Just the licence thing thats really getting on my nerve. Seens as you can have a criminal history check done within 24 hours dont know what there excuse is

[Rakk]

Little over 2 months but who knows could possibly have to wait a few more

[AZZA'S HJ47]

I hope not

[Arth]

Anyway. Sako, yeah man, if you got the cash to spend; why the hell not.

Yeah if you've got the money why not.

Otherwise a Tikka and spending the left over 1k on top glass is just as good as idea as well.

[AZZA'S HJ47]

As i have said budget for the rifle is around the same for glass. Its my final splurge

[drewmd]

Hi Azza

I have a Sako 85 Hunter in 243. Great calibre for hunting with the versatility in pills from around 50gr to 100gr. I have previously had other Sako's over the years and all are quality firearms. As said previously, you would want some reasonable glass on a Sako and your budget of equivalent to the price of the Sako is probably in the right ballpark (generally 1/2 or more of the price of the firearm is a good starting point.

If I was starting out again, I would definitely consider the Tiikka. It has some differences in the bolt but is still very capable and at 1/2 the price can make sense.

[alan j]

Have any of you guys had any major problems with a tikka any warranty claims ?

[Broom]

As i have said budget for the rifle is around the same for glass.

Good plan.

s**t scope on a quality rifle is a loser

[AZZA'S HJ47]

Thats kind of a given and if i cant shoot for s#$t i cant exactly blame the equipment lol

[Skadoo]

Thats kind of a given and if i cant shoot for s#$t i cant exactly blame the equipment lol

You can't? Bugger, that's my excuse gone

[AZZA'S HJ47]

The pressures on lol

[pajamatime]

lol savage =D

[huccl]

You can't? Bugger, that's my excuse gone

Blame the wind.

There was a strong gust down range