Tikka or Sako for dedicated target rifle?

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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by Apollo » 23 Jul 2015, 12:06 pm

AZZA'S HJ47 wrote: Ideally it will be used for occasional hunting trips however due to the extremely busy work comitments I'm subject to it will more than likely be used solely as a target gun.


Lets throw another spanner in the works of thoughts.

"Solely as a Target Gun" then I would not be thinking of a light weight sporter / hunter weight / profile barrel as they will heat up very quickly in target use. "Occasional Hunting Trips" then I would be thinking of a Varmint Weight / Profile Barrel and put up with the extra weight for that occasional use. Then again your target thoughts may not be benchrest shooting but one of the other formats that requires a light weight rifle.

The next thought is which ever Tikka or Sako is to add the "Single Set Trigger" option, a few hundred dollars on top of the rifle purchase but gives you the choice of the standard trigger pull weight for hunting but in set mode gives you a light target weight trigger pull. If you want even better for target I know that with a little Gunsmith work changing the main trigger spring that both weights can be reduced much further.

The Tikka T3 .243W / 6.5x47 Lapua Switch Barrel I use for competition benchrest target has it's trigger at about 2ozs in set mode and about 1lb or less in normal mode. It takes a bit of learning but the very light trigger is what you want for target use. Four of my rifles have trigger pull weights at or under 2ozs and they are a dream to use. This is Benchrest Target Shooting I refer to, other modes you will probably need heavier and some forms of target shooting has minimum trigger pull weights of from a guess 1 1/2lbs maybe more.There are so many forms of target shooting.
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by Apollo » 23 Jul 2015, 12:20 pm

brett1868 wrote:Why .243 when you think it'll be mainly used as a target gun? There's better calibres for range duties. If considering target shooting as a pastime maybe check out what others are using.


Accuracy, at an average range distance of 300m it takes some beating a .243W (6mm) even with the heavier calibres. Mild recoil you can shoot all day. I suppose it depends on the range distance required and what ranges are available at what distance. A 6mm 90gr BT Bullet in a standard 1:10 twist .243W takes some beating. Even the bigger frame guys I've seen with their factory weight 30-06 or 7mm08 and the like have a fair bit to say about how they feel at the end of a full day competition and what the bruise on their shoulder looks like... :) ...then return the next day for a return bout and they start thinking about calibre choice.

Lighter than .243W then you really hope the wind doesn't come up.

Only my thoughts from a light framed old bloke who doesn't want his shoulder buggered any more than it is..... ;)
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by XP22 » 23 Jul 2015, 2:08 pm

AZZA'S HJ47 wrote:As above i have recently. Put in for my Cat A b weapons licence. I am saving up for my first rifle. Ideally it will be used for occasional hunting trips however due to the extremely busy work comitments I'm subject to it will more than likely be used solely as a target gun. Thanks in advance guys for your advice.

Take it easy im new here :drinks:


Honestly despite what many blokes say there is very little out there that really does both jobs well, you are better off with two rifles.

A carry around hunting rifle should be light, people will say you get used to varmint barrelled rifles- unless you are lugging them around every day you don't and you end up hating them.

Pure bench rest is a bit like watching paint dry and it usually takes until mid forties before a person is anally retentive enough to enjoy- but some people never reach the special state of mind numbing nirvana required. For longer distance then FT/R, F class open or standard rifles are a better choice, there is plenty on the subject about the place, these are not suitable as hunting rifles. I honestly think converting a Tikka or Sako into a range rifle is a waste of time and money.

If you want an occaisonal use hunting rifle go out and buy a lightweight howa, Ruger, mossberg etc for under $600.
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by AZZA'S HJ47 » 23 Jul 2015, 4:32 pm

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.
Apollo 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.
Sako Varmint 243,Marlin 917, Lithgow La101 .22 , 1917 BSA 303 (ted), Finnish Vkt 1944 M39,T3X Super Varmint 223, Marlin 1895 SBL 45-70 Howa 1500 308, BSA CF2 222, 1911 9mm, Adler 12G, Sako 7mm rem Mag,Ruger m77 mk1 22-250AI, Rem 700 17 Rem, BSA No 5 303
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by brett1868 » 23 Jul 2015, 6:03 pm

Buy the .243 in a lightweight version for hunting and a good quality 22LR for target shooting. You can shoot 22LR all day, no bruises, bugger all running expenses and good practise for the bigger calibre. Couple boxes of 22 and a night at the range is much cheaper then a night at the pub :)
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by brett1868 » 23 Jul 2015, 6:11 pm

Apollo wrote:
brett1868 wrote:Why .243 when you think it'll be mainly used as a target gun? There's better calibres for range duties. If considering target shooting as a pastime maybe check out what others are using.


Accuracy, at an average range distance of 300m it takes some beating a .243W (6mm) even with the heavier calibres. Mild recoil you can shoot all day. I suppose it depends on the range distance required and what ranges are available at what distance. A 6mm 90gr BT Bullet in a standard 1:10 twist .243W takes some beating. Even the bigger frame guys I've seen with their factory weight 30-06 or 7mm08 and the like have a fair bit to say about how they feel at the end of a full day competition and what the bruise on their shoulder looks like... :) ...then return the next day for a return bout and they start thinking about calibre choice.

Lighter than .243W then you really hope the wind doesn't come up.

Only my thoughts from a light framed old bloke who doesn't want his shoulder buggered any more than it is..... ;)



I got turned off the .243 many years ago as they had a reputation for being barrel burners and were overly noisy. Not sure if they are still like that with improved barrel metals though.
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by Apollo » 23 Jul 2015, 6:32 pm

I'm not quite your height by a few inches but I'm near half your weight, having a permanent spinal injury doesn't help one bit.

I've had a .243W Tikka T3 Varmint (in a Super Varmint Stock) for many years and my mate purchased a new one last year. We both go out varminting, mainly drive to an area then wander around for a few hours or maybe sit in wait. We also both and his son shoot these in competition shoots and have a great deal of fun. Being on a farm I can go out anytime I want day / night or both and have done for years, It's great practise shooting at fixed distances and does give you a better idea how far that critter is out in the paddock when you are lining it up for a 3-400 metre shot.

When you know you can hit a golf ball at 300 - 500 metres it gives you confidence for those more difficult out in the field shots in my view.

Sometime in the next 6 months I intend to buy a Sako 85 .243W SS Varmint (set trigger) as well and use the unfluted barrel off my Tikka T3. The reasons are that the Laminated Sako Stock is heavier than the Tikka and I'll qualify in class with a heavier outfit, Plus I won't be switching barrels as often as I do now when I want the Tikka in Custom mode.

Not everyone enjoys the same things irrespective how old you are. The mate's 18yo is a pretty dammed good shot and will con someone to go hunting with him from dawn to midnight if he can whilst he's here. On the other side he just can't wait for the next 500 metre competition to come around and collect some more trophies. The last time he was here he had a ball shooting 200 metre rimfire targets and learn't a lot about reading the conditions and the effect on that .22LR bullet.
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by Apollo » 23 Jul 2015, 6:48 pm

Brett, there are many calibres that will burn barrels quicker. Around the 2,500 round mark isn't that bad compared to say another popular calibre on a farm, the 22-250 which burns them quicker. It's going to take me awhile to burn out the two barrels for mine. Then again barrels are just a disposable item. Yes, the .243W has a distinctive loud bark that stands out for many kms, what are ear plugs for....

The 223R and the 308W are renound for their long barrel life but not the same versatility. For me the 308W is out of the question for a number of reasons but mainly there's nothing I shoot that needs that calibre. As far as really long range, well I'm happy to stay within the 1,000 yard mark.

As I said above, everyone enjoys different things.
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by AZZA'S HJ47 » 23 Jul 2015, 7:23 pm

Don't get me wrong I will at some point more than likely get myself a 22 to play around with. A few calibers come to mind that I wish to buy 223, 308, 22, 303 like all things though trying not to get too carried away and go crazy lol
Sako Varmint 243,Marlin 917, Lithgow La101 .22 , 1917 BSA 303 (ted), Finnish Vkt 1944 M39,T3X Super Varmint 223, Marlin 1895 SBL 45-70 Howa 1500 308, BSA CF2 222, 1911 9mm, Adler 12G, Sako 7mm rem Mag,Ruger m77 mk1 22-250AI, Rem 700 17 Rem, BSA No 5 303
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by brett1868 » 23 Jul 2015, 9:27 pm

AZZA'S HJ47 wrote:Don't get me wrong I will at some point more than likely get myself a 22 to play around with. A few calibers come to mind that I wish to buy 223, 308, 22, 303 like all things though trying not to get too carried away and go crazy lol



I said the same thing.....about 18 firearms ago :) Still have 4 more coming between Sept & December and drooling over the new STI DVC open pistol which I'll probably buy just to admire. There's always a space in the safe that needs filling and if it's full you have an excuse to buy another safe. Sort of a merry-go-round I don't want to get off :D

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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by AZZA'S HJ47 » 23 Jul 2015, 10:29 pm

Soon find out i spose 4 or 5 im hopefull that will be enough for me
Sako Varmint 243,Marlin 917, Lithgow La101 .22 , 1917 BSA 303 (ted), Finnish Vkt 1944 M39,T3X Super Varmint 223, Marlin 1895 SBL 45-70 Howa 1500 308, BSA CF2 222, 1911 9mm, Adler 12G, Sako 7mm rem Mag,Ruger m77 mk1 22-250AI, Rem 700 17 Rem, BSA No 5 303
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by Chronos » 23 Jul 2015, 10:47 pm

AZZA'S HJ47 wrote:Soon find out i spose 4 or 5 im hopefull that will be enough for me


:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Yeah 4-5 will be enough...... :sarcasm:

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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by AZZA'S HJ47 » 24 Jul 2015, 7:32 am

Yea ive had quite a few people also laugh at the same comment lol
Sako Varmint 243,Marlin 917, Lithgow La101 .22 , 1917 BSA 303 (ted), Finnish Vkt 1944 M39,T3X Super Varmint 223, Marlin 1895 SBL 45-70 Howa 1500 308, BSA CF2 222, 1911 9mm, Adler 12G, Sako 7mm rem Mag,Ruger m77 mk1 22-250AI, Rem 700 17 Rem, BSA No 5 303
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by Gwion » 25 Jul 2015, 10:51 pm

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

Post by AZZA'S HJ47 » 25 Jul 2015, 10:54 pm

Looking at the 85 hunter stainless non fluted barrel the fluted barrel. Hasn't won me over to tell you the truth
Sako Varmint 243,Marlin 917, Lithgow La101 .22 , 1917 BSA 303 (ted), Finnish Vkt 1944 M39,T3X Super Varmint 223, Marlin 1895 SBL 45-70 Howa 1500 308, BSA CF2 222, 1911 9mm, Adler 12G, Sako 7mm rem Mag,Ruger m77 mk1 22-250AI, Rem 700 17 Rem, BSA No 5 303
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by Gwion » 25 Jul 2015, 11:11 pm

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.
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by AZZA'S HJ47 » 26 Jul 2015, 9:17 am

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.
Sako Varmint 243,Marlin 917, Lithgow La101 .22 , 1917 BSA 303 (ted), Finnish Vkt 1944 M39,T3X Super Varmint 223, Marlin 1895 SBL 45-70 Howa 1500 308, BSA CF2 222, 1911 9mm, Adler 12G, Sako 7mm rem Mag,Ruger m77 mk1 22-250AI, Rem 700 17 Rem, BSA No 5 303
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by Apollo » 26 Jul 2015, 11:02 am

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...
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by wheedle » 27 Jul 2015, 10:19 am

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.
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by XP22 » 27 Jul 2015, 10:33 am

AZZA'S HJ47 wrote: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.
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by AZZA'S HJ47 » 27 Jul 2015, 7:46 pm

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 .
Sako Varmint 243,Marlin 917, Lithgow La101 .22 , 1917 BSA 303 (ted), Finnish Vkt 1944 M39,T3X Super Varmint 223, Marlin 1895 SBL 45-70 Howa 1500 308, BSA CF2 222, 1911 9mm, Adler 12G, Sako 7mm rem Mag,Ruger m77 mk1 22-250AI, Rem 700 17 Rem, BSA No 5 303
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by south » 28 Jul 2015, 2:41 pm

wheedle wrote: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.
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by AZZA'S HJ47 » 28 Jul 2015, 9:24 pm

X2 on the timber stocks they are a quality bit of gear
Sako Varmint 243,Marlin 917, Lithgow La101 .22 , 1917 BSA 303 (ted), Finnish Vkt 1944 M39,T3X Super Varmint 223, Marlin 1895 SBL 45-70 Howa 1500 308, BSA CF2 222, 1911 9mm, Adler 12G, Sako 7mm rem Mag,Ruger m77 mk1 22-250AI, Rem 700 17 Rem, BSA No 5 303
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by wayward » 04 Aug 2015, 11:56 am

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.
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by Gwion » 04 Aug 2015, 1:24 pm

So, any news? What have you decided?
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by Falconstare » 05 Aug 2015, 11:42 am

Buy the tikka and spend the extra $1200 on top end glass
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by AZZA'S HJ47 » 05 Aug 2015, 6:18 pm

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 :unknown:
Sako Varmint 243,Marlin 917, Lithgow La101 .22 , 1917 BSA 303 (ted), Finnish Vkt 1944 M39,T3X Super Varmint 223, Marlin 1895 SBL 45-70 Howa 1500 308, BSA CF2 222, 1911 9mm, Adler 12G, Sako 7mm rem Mag,Ruger m77 mk1 22-250AI, Rem 700 17 Rem, BSA No 5 303
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by Gwion » 05 Aug 2015, 6:24 pm

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.
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by AZZA'S HJ47 » 05 Aug 2015, 6:45 pm

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
Sako Varmint 243,Marlin 917, Lithgow La101 .22 , 1917 BSA 303 (ted), Finnish Vkt 1944 M39,T3X Super Varmint 223, Marlin 1895 SBL 45-70 Howa 1500 308, BSA CF2 222, 1911 9mm, Adler 12G, Sako 7mm rem Mag,Ruger m77 mk1 22-250AI, Rem 700 17 Rem, BSA No 5 303
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Re: Tikka or Sako

Post by Rakk » 11 Aug 2015, 9:06 am

AZZA'S HJ47 wrote:Little over 2 months but who knows could possibly have to wait a few more :unknown:


:thumbsdown: :thumbsdown:
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