Sakko/Tikka is worthy of any hunter for a lot less money.
Check out the Sako A7 original first version. They are lot lighter than recent models and they are priced the same as a new Tikka T3 SS SL. I've even found the A7 for $650.00 and a little less.
If you can't find an A7 go for the Tikka T3 SL (Superlight)
Again, the SL and the A7 weigh the same. The SL may advertise less weight but they must be taking out the bolt when they weigh them.
Either way you'll have a 7 lb rifle scoped and ready to go.
I would also change out the recoil pad to a Limbsaver for either.
I have two of each and love them!
Yes I really like my 270 win Superlight ! Very accurate with sweet trigger. Mine weighed exactly as advertised ,5.8 pounds or 5 pounds 12.5 ounces with the bolt
The sako you will most likely be dragging through the bush in bad weather will be the stainless synthetic which means you are paying $1800 or whatever they go for these days for a barreled action as the plastic stock is worth $50. 85s also have well documented ejection problems so read up on that before you fork over the cash for one. A stainless tikka will cost you a third of that. Put it in a mcmillan and you are g2g. If you are going to spend what a SS 85 costs, have one built on a sucks action for not much more. My .02.
The sako you will most likely be dragging through the bush in bad weather will be the stainless synthetic which means you are paying $1800 or whatever they go for these days for a barreled action as the plastic stock is worth $50. 85s also have well documented ejection problems so read up on that before you fork over the cash for one. A stainless tikka will cost you a third of that. Put it in a mcmillan and you are g2g. If you are going to spend what a SS 85 costs, have one built on a sucks action for not much more. My .02.
Sako 75 and 85 synthetics can be purchased for much less then what you said. 75's can be purchased for little more then a T3. If the plastic stock on the 75 and 85 is worth 50 dollars what is the stock worth on a T3? SS Tikkas are closer to 700+ out the door and putting it in anywhere from 550 -650 dollar Mcmillan stock makes it the same price as a Sako 85.
Keep hearing about these 85 ejection failures but don't know of anyone that has one having any sort of issues.
Kman probably lives in canada wear a sako 85 goes for 1800 to 1900 before tax 5%to10%
The sako you will most likely be dragging through the bush in bad weather will be the stainless synthetic which means you are paying $1800 or whatever they go for these days for a barreled action as the plastic stock is worth $50. 85s also have well documented ejection problems so read up on that before you fork over the cash for one. A stainless tikka will cost you a third of that. Put it in a mcmillan and you are g2g. If you are going to spend what a SS 85 costs, have one built on a sucks action for not much more. My .02.
Why is the Mcmillan stock needed for the T3 ?
Beat me to it.......I have Mcmillan's, B&C's, and a T3 in it's original black stock. IMO the Mc's aint' worth the $500 asking price for any rifle, and won't make any Tikka shoot better than they already do.
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
T3 Superlight 270 Winchester did a little trigger mod for a one and a half pound trigger pull Added a 3rd ring ,lapped and then bedded rings with JB Weld,stainless base screws(M5-0.8 x 16 mm)from Lowes Allen Buttstock pouch with foam under it for perfect cheekweld and Carrying extra 5 round Magazine. Leupold VX1 3-9x40
Own many Sakos, and several Tikkas. They both shoot very similar, however the quality of the Sako is defintately much better in terms of the action and stock.
Sako rifles are very hard to beat in terms of accuracy and functionality. Many folks here on the fire hate the Optilock rings, however I've used them on every Sako I own and never have had an ounce of trouble.
Pros of Sako: - Magazine allows for top loading without round being inserted into cartridge to chamber - Comes in short action - Metal magazine (if that matters)
Pros of Tikka: - Less expensive than Sako - Light weight - Can mount a picatinny rail or dovetail rings
I have both and they shoot similarly. If money isn't an issue, I'd choose the Sako. Honestly, in this choice, there is no wrong answer.
I have both and prefer the Sako due to the scaled action sizes and all metal parts. The ejection issues are only found on certain caliber and scope combinations. I also like the feel and utility of the ST stock on the Finnlight models.
For a Backcountry Mountain rifle I would go with a Tikka Superlite. Touph as nails and much nicer to pack than the Sako due to the difference in weight.
As big as a fan as I am of The Tikka and especially the Sako A7 IMO A Kimber Montana cannot be beat. You don't want anything to fail or break or get lost in the back country. No plastic shrouds or trigger guards and no magazine to loose.
I'd carry a Montana all day everyday over my A7 if I could shoot it better offhand.
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As big as a fan as I am of The Tikka and especially the Sako A7 IMO A Kimber Montana cannot be beat. You don't want anything to fail or break or get lost in the back country. No plastic shrouds or trigger guards and no magazine to loose.
I'd carry a Montana all day everyday over my A7 (IF I COULD SHOOT IT BETTER OFFHAND.)
In my humble opinion there is such a thing as a rifle being to lite. Its the very reason why I choose my tikka over the Montana.
I've had many Tikka's and they all shot very well. I just bought my first Sako 85 Classic in .270Win. and a Sako Brown Bear in 375 H&H. Love 'em both so far. Heavier? Yes but the wood to metal fit is impeccable and the accuracy is very good. The Tikka T3 is strictly a "tool". The Classic and Brown Bear have "heart and soul" with their good looks. I am going to make these my "tough backcountry" rifles and create memories with each hunt. Here are a couple pics from the Classic 85.
I've got Opti-Locks on both and I find them to be easy to work with. Alaska will be testing the Brown Bear in 65 days.
My home is the "sanctuary residence" for my firearms.
If I was looking for a new light rifle for under $700 I would buy a Tikka T3 Super Lite in Stainless. Having owned 12 Tikka's so far I have had a lot of time shooting them, I liked the several Sako Finnlights I have owned but the cheaper Tikka's on average shot better.
The first generation Sako A7 I had was the most accurate gun I have ever owned. That is the only one I wished I had kept so a A7 would also be a good choice.