Question re Sako Black Bear

[Archie]

Hi all,

Question from a new user. I own a Sako 85 in 243 that I'm very happy with - mostly used on goats etc. For the next rifle (ideally for deer but would also likely use for pigs) I was thinking about getting a 308, and I was looking at the Black Bear - figured, same basic action probably helps the muscle memory, and its a little shorter so probably easier to handle in the scrub - I'm pretty short and long rifles just tend to get caught on everything, Anyone have one, got any thoughts?

[Wobble]

If you're looking for the same 'feel' handling the 2 rifles that makes good sense.

.243 is a necked down .308 as you'd know. Using one would be basically indistinguishable from the other, except for a little recoil difference.

[AusC]

Both good cartridges, and a very nice rifle.

Would make a pretty pair.

[SendIt]

Did you get the Bear?

[Archie]

Did you get the Bear?

I didn't in the end. I thought about how often I would get a chance to use it doing something my 243 wouldn't do just as well, and the answer was, almost never. If I do get serious about deer I will have to get something bigger though. But it seemed a shame to waste the approved PTA once it turned up, so I got a 223 instead.

[<<Genesis93>>]

Gone 'down' instead of 'up'??

As far as the long and short; yes, a longer rifle like 24inch bbl definitely gets hung up when pushing through the scrub... 20 or 18 would be a lot more nimble...at least in some of the mexican bush...

[Die Judicii]

If you want something hard hitting for deer, and easily swung through the bushes, and a quality shooting stick ,,,,
I would highly recommend a Sako Grizzly in 30/06 timbered variety.

Buy once cry once, and forever be happy with your choice.

[wrenchman]

if you ever come to the states you would be well armed with a 243 i have seen bear killed with it but it is on the light side.
it would be to light fo elk or moose but if you come to my deer camp you would fit in no problim.

[Antie]

if you ever come to the states you would be well armed with a 243 i have seen bear killed with it but it is on the light side.
it would be to light fo elk or moose but if you come to my deer camp you would fit in no problim.

.243 is illegal to use on our 3 larger species of deer here is the problem.

Has to be a .270 or larger calibre.

[Archie]

If you want something hard hitting for deer, and easily swung through the bushes, and a quality shooting stick ,,,,
I would highly recommend a Sako Grizzly in 30/06 timbered variety.

Buy once cry once, and forever be happy with your choice.

You guys are going to drive me broke... but I did take a look at a Grizzly on the weekend, and they are very, very nice... time to start saving again.

[Die Judicii]

If you want something hard hitting for deer, and easily swung through the bushes, and a quality shooting stick ,,,,
I would highly recommend a Sako Grizzly in 30/06 timbered variety.

Buy once cry once, and forever be happy with your choice.

You guys are going to drive me broke... but I did take a look at a Grizzly on the weekend, and they are very, very nice... time to start saving again.

Oh,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and while your at it,, check out one in .375 just so your not under gunned,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Just kidding

But yep,,,,,,, I was very impressed with mine when I got it, especially the 22" barrel which makes for an easier time through the bushes.

[dogmatix]

Having 2 calibres in the same rifle type/make is good. I have two Sako 75s in .223 and .270. I know a shooter who has five Tikka T3s! .223, .243, .308 shortened, the 6.5x55 Sporter and a 300 Winmag.

[Oldbloke]

All my centre fires are 22". Seems to be a good compromise.
If you do get a deer rifle a 270,308,3006 are all OK. And not a lot in them. Components are all cheap and easy to get.

[wrenchman]

i looked at the tikka when i was looking at rifles for my son it did seem to be well made.

[VICHunter]

Yep, they're good value, quality shooters.