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I'm looking to pickup a somewhat lightweight rifle for deer and occasional elk hunting. Shots will range up to 450 yards. Don't want a super light gun that is going to be brutal with recoil. Considering a 7mm mag and would like stainless with synthetic stock.
I'm leaning towards Cabela's Sako A7 Big Game as it has what appears to be a decent Bell and Carlson stock and 24" fluted barrel. The rifle costs around $1k. I'm not a huge fan of the cheap plastic synthetic stocks and would like to stay with the Bell and Carlson or other higher quality synthetic.
Is there anything better in that price range for my intended purposes?
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Joined: May 2011
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Maybe a Tikka T3 Lite w/ an aftermarket stock (B&C, McMillan, Manners) depending on how much you want to spend. Not saying it'd be better than the A7 but you're getting the Sako barrel and the damn things tend to be shooters. Just an idea anyway.
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Joined: Jan 2014
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Thanks. I thought about the Tikka but by the time I add the B&C stock, the Sako is the same price. So unless the Tikka is actually considered better than the Sako it may make sense to just go with the Tikka.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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Might consider the Weatherby Vanguard S2. Nice enough stock and you would have some room for putting the extra into the optics.
Sako and Tikka's are made in the same factory. The barrels are made from the same steel and in the same hammer-forging machine. The difference is in the actions. The Tikka uses one action for all sized cartridges. Both are hand-fired for accuracy prior to leaving the plant.
Someone with more insight may be able to talk about the Weatherby though.
Any of the three would be a great choice in my book.
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Winchester EW can be had for about the same money.
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Campfire Ranger
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i am a big fan of the vanguards, and i know they have some nice add-ons and features at that price level.
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Vangaurd RC model would be around that 1K mark and carries accuracy guaranty , B&C stock too. The A-7 is probably a bit lighter.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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How is it even possible for someone to recoomend a Tikka over a Sako?
Sakos are Corvettes, Tikkas are Chevettes.....
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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The A7 is no Corvette, and not really a Sako in the traditional sense.
What makes it better than a Tikka?
Two action lengths . . . LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE?
I recognize the plastic trigger guard, floorplate, bolt shroud, and magazine. Looks a lot like a Tikka with a B&C stock to me.
FÜCK Jeff_O!
MAGA
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A used Sako 85 goes for what a new A7 runs.
A7's are more accurate, but the 85's are built better.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Campfire Ranger
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Gotta agree. It is pretty weak for a Sako and I'd not buy one any more than I'd buy a Tikka.
Receiver is better/stronger than Tikka though, not just because of sizes. Magazine better design also......
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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A used Sako 85 goes for what a new A7 runs.
A7's are more accurate, but the 85's are built better. 75s are better than both.....
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One advantage of the Tikka is there are alot more aftermarket options for them than the A7.
I like the A7, I had one, the magazine is better but also almost twice as much as a Tikka magazine.
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Joined: May 2007
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Find a used mint Sako m75 or m85ss!!
Nothing wrong with the A7, I picked one up for my nephew in JUne in 270WSM. It was his high school graduation gift to himself.
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Both Beretta. Speaks volumes..
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I recognize the plastic trigger guard, floorplate, bolt shroud, magazine. Looks a lot like a Tikka with a B&C stock to me. The "plastic" Sako/Tikka uses in their magazines/trigger guards is not the Mattel type used for such things by Savage/Marlin/Ruger/Rem. on their economy rifles. It is MUCH tougher material. I know this is fact as I watched a loaded Tikka magazine cartwheel down the pavement at 60 mph last season.Aside from a bit of road rash [pock marked surface] NO DAMAGE and it still works perfectly. Try that with a sheet steel magazine.
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The plastic doesn't really bother me too much.
I guess I'll keep an eye out for a used 75 or 85 but to be honest I'm a little hesitant to drop that kind of money on a used rifle.
The Weatherby S2 are nice but they are little heavier than I'm looking for.
Any other rifles I should consider.
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I am sure the plastic is GOOD PLASTIC and it really is more of a traditionalist/aesthetic complaint that one supported by any functional deficiency.
That plastic "bottom metal" is a big detraction for me.
And it might be less abrasive if the plastic magazines were $25 (less than a steel Remington magazine) instead of $80.
BTW . . . I am not a Sako, Tikka, or A7 hater at all. In fact, I just bought a Tikka CTR in 260 (with bottom metal), and I have been tempted by the A7 Roughtech too.
Last edited by WhelenAway; 10/30/14. Reason: added NOT A HATER!
FÜCK Jeff_O!
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Get a Ruger All-Weather, ditch the stock for a decent synthetic.
Also consider one of the Winchesters or a long action or 8400 Montana.
I see no need for detatchable mags on a hunting rifle unless you're hopping in and out of a truck all day. Just something else to lose, plus IMHO they look like crap.
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