I'm at a point where I want to build my go-to gun for most trips to replace my 30-06 semi-auto. I'm planning on hand loading and think 308 would be a good caliber to reach antelope to elk in the 300-400 yard range. I also have a 243 and 338 to cover the smaller and larger ends of North American hunting. Reading has pointed me to Sako as an excellent brand. I've been very happy with Leupold scopes and I'm ready to make windage and elevation adjustments with a dope card, so I was thinking the VX-5HD would be a good pairing. However, I just saw the postings about ejection problems and now wonder if I should run away from the Sako 85?!
1. Are most Sako 85 owners shooting 308 happy or are there more people unhappy with them because of ejection problems? In my occupation, those who are unhappy are the most vocal. So, even though they represent a minority, they are the most vocal on the internet and would make you think the products I deal with are terrible when, in fact, the products perform well for most people. Is that the same issue here? I saw a couple comments that the short action of the 308 may make it less prone to problems.
2. Does this combination of gun, caliber, and scope seem reasonable or are there glaring holes in my flawless plan? I know...an opinion question.
3. If the issue is height from chamber, should I be looking at a larger objective and higher rings with Opti-Lock to increase space? I worry that the shooting position could put the cheek weld too high.
4. Lastly, I live in the middle of nowhere in northern Wisconsin with no dealer within 120+ miles. Where do people buy these darn guns? Cabelas isn't too far of a trip. I've called 3 different shops for information and cannot get anyone to call back with pricing or availability information. Funny. Have money to buy something, but no one is interested in a sale, even when I was considering the Black Wolf.
1. Are most Sako 85 owners shooting 308 happy or are there more people unhappy with them because of ejection problems? In my occupation, those who are unhappy are the most vocal. So, even though they represent a minority, they are the most vocal on the internet and would make you think the products I deal with are terrible when, in fact, the products perform well for most people. Is that the same issue here? I saw a couple comments that the short action of the 308 may make it less prone to problems.
2. Does this combination of gun, caliber, and scope seem reasonable or are there glaring holes in my flawless plan? I know...an opinion question.
3. If the issue is height from chamber, should I be looking at a larger objective and higher rings with Opti-Lock to increase space? I worry that the shooting position could put the cheek weld too high.
4. Lastly, I live in the middle of nowhere in northern Wisconsin with no dealer within 120+ miles. Where do people buy these darn guns? Cabelas isn't too far of a trip. I've called 3 different shops for information and cannot get anyone to call back with pricing or availability information. Funny. Have money to buy something, but no one is interested in a sale, even when I was considering the Black Wolf.