|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 772
Campfire Regular
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 772 |
For you Sakos aficianados, how does the earlier AV model compare to the 75 and 85 models? There are a couple of guns that are missing from my safe, and something in a Sako is one of them. I'm thinking of a 270 for deer hunting. Any thoughts on which version is better, and if so, why? Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,526 Likes: 1
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,526 Likes: 1 |
i dont own any of the newer sako models but i beleive they might shoot a tad better since they do have an accuracy gaurantee.
as far as looks they must have ran out of nice walnut blanks over there as i hve yet to see one of the 75/85 models with a pretty stock like the av models
gene
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,943 Likes: 1
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,943 Likes: 1 |
From your post, I can't tell if you are looking for an AV or a 75/85. However, most say that the older AVs had an edge in workmanship and are higher regarded. Also, folks tend to look for pre-Garcia models which command a premium.
With regards to the 75/85s, I have a 75 and it is absolutely, without a doubt, the finest factory rifle out there. It feeds so smooth that I have to verify that it caught the round and chambered it. The trigger is great right out of the box and with a 5-shot, 1MOA guarantee, it will deliver. The only negative (if any) that I have to say about the Sakos is that I don't like their scope mounting system. I wished the receivers were drilled and tapped for bases. Ring choices for the 75/85 line could be better as many have complained that the Optilock bases/rings have soft screws which are easily stripped.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 136
Campfire Member
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 136 |
Amanda. May 11/1984 - Mar 21/2011. Smile down & watch over me & the kids.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 772
Campfire Regular
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 772 |
I have read that the pre-Garcia models are more desired by collectors. I'm not looking for a collectible, but rather a quality functional hunting rifle. I ran across an AV Hunter in 270 that appears to be in excellent shape for $950. I think that is a bit high, but can't get a good feel for what's an appropriate price range for that particular model.
I'm trying to determine whether, if I'm going to spend the money, whether I'd be better off with an AV or 75, or even an 85. I prefer the checkering lines on the AV to the checkering on the 75/85, but that's really a minor issue. Accuracy is obviously more important.
Thanks for the comments folks.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 29,383
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 29,383 |
I had both do not see a difference whatsoever in quality. I like the action better on the 75.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 57
Campfire Greenhorn
|
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 57 |
Can't comment on the AV but I have a 75 deluxe and the 85 GW, I prefer the 75.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,749
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,749 |
I like them all. I have seen some nice walnut on new 85's so there is some still out there.
The biggest difference in handling is between the 85 and the others. The 85's have a classic style stock whereas most of the AV's and the 75's have Monte-Carlo style stocks. I prefer a classic stock myself but still own and shoot several of the older models.
Almost all Sako's tend to shoot very well so any of them should be more than accurate enough to hunt with.
My favorite Sako's for hunting tools are the Finnlites since they are the lightest. Some of the others tend to be on the heavy side.
I think the best advice would be for you to buy any of the above in a caliber you like and enjoy it. But it probably won't be the only one you end up with! ;-) ...............DJ
Remember this is all supposed to be for fun.......................
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,828
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,828 |
Well I don't know a gun shop I go to has a Sako 85 on the shelf in 6.5 x 55 and its a sweet right. Its a Finn light and I could live with it very well thank you if I was in the market for a new rifle.
"Any idiot can face a crisis,it's the day-to-day living that wears you out."
Anton Chekhov
|
|
|
|
518 members (1badf350, 1OntarioJim, 10gaugemag, 160user, 1Longbow, 17CalFan, 44 invisible),
2,312
guests, and
1,233
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,194,333
Posts18,526,732
Members74,031
|
Most Online11,491 Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|