SCJ429 wrote:My vote is for the Sako, do yourself a favour and steer clear of the Browning. My 243 is a Tikka so I have voted with my feet. If you are considering the Vanguard, why not look at the sister rifle, Howa.
JimTom wrote:I have a model 70 Supergreen mate, not in 243, nevertheless it’s a nice bit of kit and a real shooter now I have my reloads dialled in.
Maybe consider the Tikka if just for hunting, maybe the Lithgow if you might punch a bit of paper too.
Shootermick wrote:Not on your list, but last year I bought a Ruger American Compact in 243. It’s definitely at the cheaper end of the scale, but it’s a really great rifle. Got a Leupold 4-12x40 on top and it’s nice and short, light and handy. I’ve got three Rugers now, and a few years ago I wasn’t a fan, until I bought my first one, then I realised how good they are. Not flash or expensive, but they just work, and work really well.
AZZA'S HJ47 wrote:Although i have never handled a sako s20 cant say that im a huge fan give me the 85 any day great rifle well finished and stupidly accurate. Was my first rifle and love them dearly
bigrich wrote:Well scottyD, it’d be sako 85 if quality is what you want, model 70 for the middle road, but the vanguard are outstanding value for money. They are better finished than a howa. I have a vanguard in 223 , and it’s accurate and reliable. Flat bottomed receiver for easy bedding ( just like a model 70) , and they have a reliable action with a trigger that can easily be tweaked
Any of these three ya can’t go wrong. Just depends on ya budget. Don’t forget to put a quality scope on it . Vx3 3-9x40 leupold for hunting is my pick
Good luck and enjoy your purchase whichever way ya go
ScottyD wrote:AZZA'S HJ47 wrote:Although i have never handled a sako s20 cant say that im a huge fan give me the 85 any day great rifle well finished and stupidly accurate. Was my first rifle and love them dearly
Thanks Azza’s HJ47
I read the 85s ejected rounds can hit the scope sometimes
Have you experienced this at all?
Blr243 wrote:I have 3 243 rifles. A howa, sauer and a browning lever. I would not bother with the x bolt. Don’t know anything about the others U mentioned
Blr243 wrote:If u are going to reload remember the vmax 87. Boat tail easy for reloading. Cheap accurate versatile and punches above its weight
AZZA'S HJ47 wrote:ScottyD wrote:AZZA'S HJ47 wrote:Although i have never handled a sako s20 cant say that im a huge fan give me the 85 any day great rifle well finished and stupidly accurate. Was my first rifle and love them dearly
Thanks Azza’s HJ47
I read the 85s ejected rounds can hit the scope sometimes
Have you experienced this at all?
I have heard of this however i have never personally experienced it. I have heard that the ejection issues is predominantly caused by the scopes being mounted mm's away fron the reciever. I just wish that i had more of the Sako 85's just a hard thing to pass up.
They are just perfectly set up top round top up of the mag the mag is flush with the bottom of the stock.
Smooth as silk and i cant say ive ever had a issue with cycling the action/feeding.
Also have a look at the sako A7 line they sit in the middle of tikka and sako. Plastic mag and trigger guard but a great rifle none the less.
Lebner wrote:What's the problems with the xbolt? I had a model 70 and compared to the xbolt I have now it was a piece of junk, poor accuracy and nowhere near as smooth to operate!
ScottyD wrote: Would something like that start to get a bit heavy for carrying around up in the hills though?
bigrich wrote:ScottyD wrote: Would something like that start to get a bit heavy for carrying around up in the hills though?
Depends on how fit you are really. My grandfather used to tell me about carrying Bren guns in new Guinean during WW2. Then I’ve had mates bitch about carrying anything heavier than a Tikka T3
My only advice to you would be take your time and try as many different rifles as you can on for size
bigrich wrote:ScottyD wrote: Would something like that start to get a bit heavy for carrying around up in the hills though?
Depends on how fit you are really. My grandfather used to tell me about carrying Bren guns in new Guinean during WW2. Then I’ve had mates bitch about carrying anything heavier than a Tikka T3
My only advice to you would be take your time and try as many different rifles as you can on for size