Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Sako,Kimber,or Browning

Why Shrapnel?

Are they more reliable?

Are they more accurate?

That's probably true when compared to Kimber, but that hasn't been my experience with Browning and Sakos.

Sako has a little better trigger and you usually get some nice wood, but I have't seen it regarding performance and I've owned and been around quite a few of both.

I believe you answered the question yourself. All your points are true, not to mention that the Sako is better made. I would also qualify that with the older models as I have no interest in post-75 models. Once Beretta got their hands on them, they have changed and in my estimation that wasn't for the better. If you are looking on the used gun market, a Sako is still the best value out there, New, I wouldn't look at any of the mentioned rifles...

I'll agree the Sakos are made better than Browning or Kimber but disagree that the new models are inferior. I've got new 85's and older Sakos and the new ones will hang with the oldies IMO.

A point of clarification, I didn't say the new Sako was inferior, just butt-ugly and there is no place in my safe for an ugly gun...

Feel a little better now.

I love ugly guns.

Agreed! Better add the Sako A7 to that list!!!

Here's one of the new ugly 85 Classics. This wood is typical. I've owned a few now. IMO these look every bit as good as anything Sako has ever produced.

That is nice!

That is nice indeed!

But, I have to disagree with;



That is the nicest piece of wood I have ever seen on a 75 or 85

And . . . for $2,000 . . . . I am thinking Cooper, not Sako.

At twice the price of the Kimber or Browning, that rifle really has no bearing on the conversation.

Horseman, That is a seriously NICE rifle. I think I may be getting the Sako itch.

Karnis has a Kimber Select 280AI that is in the running with 'ugly 85' Sako.

Whelenaway, check out the 85 classics on Gunbroker. Bavarian model too. Amazing wood on most of them. This is my third classic and they all have wood similar to this one.

I have seen them . . . but I like yours better

And . . . they are $800-$1200 more than the Kimber/Browning

Yeah they don't give em away.

I have an 84L 30-06 that is as nice as well.

The Kimber may not be as accurate as the Sako, but at a full pound less that should really be no surprise.

It has been a long time since I owned a Browning, but the few I owned were accurate rifles.

Another point of clarificatin, I didn't say I don't have ugly guns, just no room in my safe for one...

Me either, ugly #1 stays in the pickup!

Just what is this "pot metal" in the X-bolt? I know they use some aluminum -- like most others do these days.

My #1 favorite rifle is the most butt-ugly rifle I've ever owned. But she works so hard and well that I appreciate the beauty beneath the surface. She is a Sako, but fugly as sin having no hope to pretty up.

Best

The new 85 Classics are just as nice as the original Finnbear Classics. If they come out with a left-handed version, I'll be all over it.

For the money, they're a better deal than a Cooper, IMHO. The checkering isn't quite as fine, but at least the wood is finished.