Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles I'm thinking about a new Sako or Drinking the Montana KoolAid

Been looking at the Sako 85 Stainless Hunter in 260 with 8 twist barrel or a Montana in 7mm-08 9 twist

What would you do?

I wish the Montana came in 260!



Shod

I wouldn't have to think about it,but I have had both.I would suggest you find a shop that has both and see which fits better.Remember, the Sako will weigh a little more.If that's not an issue,I'll put my bet on the Sako.Kimber makes a nice Wood stainless rifle as well.You can't go wrong with either.
GL

i held the sako the other day. Almost put it on my credit card. that rifle is Nice!

If it was my $$$ the Sako would be be in my safe.

You a gambling man?

Sako

I honestly wouldn't compare the two.

You either want something as light as a Montana or you don't.

There is nothing like a Montana.



Travis

Sako.

Montana builds a 260 in the X2.

Montana Rifle Company or Kimber Montana?

John

Rifle company. As I was writing I realized Shodd was talking about Kimber. Thought I would throw it in anyway.

I have both and I like the Sako better. Shame but my Montana is a 4th tier back up rifle. I have 3 sakos that get walked before the Kimber. I like the detachable magazine on the Sako. I really pursue light weight, but the extra pound on the Sako seems to make the rifle feel secure. I personally shoot the Sakos better in practice on gongs. I have the Finnlights in 260, 308, and a M75 in 300WSM, and they are all less picky about loads than the Kimber.

I've owned several Kimbers and Sako 85s. If you are after the lightest weight possible Kimber owns that market. Sako however is a better built gun and a better design in many ways. The 3 lug 60 degree bolt lift is really hard to go away from once you've used one. Bolt body and handle are one piece. if I had to clear out my safe the Sakos would be the last to go.

Absolutely no question about it between those two. Sako!

I like Kool-aid!

That's like deciding between a truck and a car. Which do you need? The kimber is purpose built to fill a specific purpose.

For the price of the Sako, you could buy the Kimber and have it rebarreled to an 8 twist 260 Rem and probably still have money left over. I'd consider using SAS's custom Kimber countour that Lilja makes.

I agree, both rifles have a strong appeal in different ways.

The Montana for myself has a very strong appeal as a mountain rifle that I'd be packing in steep terrain. It also has appeal factor because unfortunately my Tikka T3 I've been useing for week long camping treks into the hills is a Blued rifle rather than stainless. Not really a problem with rust if addressed each evening. I'd just prefer to be eating elk steak while drinking a beer.

The Sako Stainless Hunter on the other hand nothing really needs to be said. It has a certain finesse and quality about it that the Montana nitch doesn't quite fill.

Realistically as a rifle loonie the only logical choice is to go ahead and purchase both rifles so all my bases are covered.

My only fear is that many of my other rifles may end up gathering dust.

With the exception of my Tikka Stainless SL 223 with 8 twist. This rifle may well be my all time favorite for many years to come.





Shod

I find my Sako 75 & 85 SS feel cheaper built than my Kimber Montana. The synthetic stock is low rent for this price range on my Sako's. The action doesn't have CRF but has been reliable and I tolerate the safety position. I bought both my Sako's used and got a killer deal on both. I would never spend the money on a new Sako. The Montana with Kevlar/carbon stock oozes more quality from a build material stand point and worth the money. I find my Sako's don't go hunting nearly as much as my Montana and M70s do. I'll warn you now that when you get use to hunting with a genuine 6lbs rifle out the door, you won't want to use anything heavier in non magnum calibers. It will spoil you.

As a third choice for a mid weight rifle, look at the Winchester M70 Extreme Weather. Their synthetic stocks have come a long way and better than what Sako's synthetic/rubber use.

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