Author Topic: Gone to the dark side (Read 904 times)

wareagleguy · « **on:** September 09, 2003, 02:43:39 PM »

If have read any of my posts I am a die hard Browning fan. While I still think the Browning abolt is a very fine rifle worthy of the price.

After looking and thinking about trying a Sako I purchased a 270 Finnlight today...I mounted a scope and went outside to my shooting bench and all I can say is OH MY GOD.

From all the Tikka lovers on this site I would guess the Tikka will shoot as well and alot cheaper. I still am a big Browning fan but I must admit that Sako is one heck of a rifle. Matter of fact my next will be a Sako or Tikka.

tominboise · « **Reply #1 on:** September 09, 2003, 06:09:48 PM »

How did it kick? I am like you. I have a Sako 75 Hunter in 30-06. I put a Zeiss Conquest on it - it is easily my best rifle. It was an eye opener when I first handled and shot it. I also have a Tikka Continental varminter in .22-250. easily my second best rifle. I am sad, as I am a real Winchester M70 fan, but the quality is not comparable between the two rifles.

My next rifle will be either a Sako Finnlight in 6.5 X 55, or the Stainless synthetic in the same caliber.

I am considering selling off my Win M70's and replacing them with the Finnish products :cry: .

wareagleguy · « **Reply #2 on:** September 11, 2003, 04:00:56 AM »

Hey, tom

The kick was what I would consider midium to higher for a 270 but not too bad. I hate a heavy kicker and this rifle isn't bad. Without question it will be my daily shooter.

I'm with you on these guns. I think I bleed Browning and I do love my Brownings but I must admit that SAKO is a fine gun. I wish the price was a little lower though. I ended up paying $925.00 for mine out the door which in these woods is a good price.

As for a shooter ? It's shooting 1/4 groups using cheap winchester super x from wal-mart which I used just to get a idea of how it shoots and brother can it shoot!!! I figure I can do a little better with some handloads. I can only think if the Tikka shoots that good and the cost is less than my Brownings I must admit I'm quickly becoming one of those Tikka lovers.

Keep shooting!!!

Zachary · « **Reply #3 on:** September 11, 2003, 09:55:02 AM »

1/4" groups is excellent by any stretch of the imagination. Heck, you could spend upwards to $5000 for custom rifle and it probably would never shoot that good.

I have considered the Finnlight but don't like the 20" barrel. If it would be, say, 22 inches, then I would strongly consider it.

Zachary

longwinters · « **Reply #4 on:** September 11, 2003, 10:45:00 AM »

That is outstanding shooting/accuracy even from a Sako. What are you using to rest the rifle on? I am very happy when I shoot 3/4 - 1" groups with my 7MM Sako Hunter off of a bag. I always wondered if I used the real good bench rest stuff what kind of accuracy I would get.

long

wareagleguy · « **Reply #5 on:** September 11, 2003, 11:19:39 AM »

I built a bench that is set on 4x4 posts 5 feet deep in the groud and decked with 2x6s. It is extremely heavy duty. The rest is the "rock" and a rear bag.

I wondered if this was how all (Sakos) shot or did I get lucky. Now, I must admit that I didn't do an actual measure so 1/4 of a inch may not be exactly right but I was able to cover a 5 shot group with a quarter. All holes were touching and it looked like there was only 3 shots!!!

My hole purpose for buying the Sako was to find a accurate rifle and I think I got lucky.

Zach,
thanks for the info about the finnlight. I feel the way you do about the faults with finnlight. After shooting a box of shells it will be the gun I use this year on my Colorado trip to hunt mules.

usmcbeck · « **Reply #6 on:** September 11, 2003, 01:51:22 PM »

Hey everyone I have to agree with you all about Sako they make such a great rifle. I recently bought a Sako L61R 30-06. After I shot it putting 5 rounds within a quarter @ 100 yds using a duffle bag as a rest I couldn't believe it. I did a bit of research and emailed Sako and found out that my rifle was born in 1994 and still looks and shoots brand new. I will never own another brand rifle. That was my :money:

usmcbeck

gadgetman · « **Reply #7 on:** September 11, 2003, 02:25:51 PM »

Hi, I am new to your forum after being a semi-regular at the now defunct shooters.corn...... I too have gone over to the dark side. I bought a 7-08 Finnlight and topped it with a (some what too heavy) Burris Black Diamond and Optilock mounts. First time to the range I shot several one inch groups. I was thrilled as my Rem Mod 7 would do no better than three inches. I will be back to the range Saturday to try the 200 yard range. This is definatly my favorite deer/hog rifle. I can't wait for Ga. gun season to start.

longwinters · « **Reply #8 on:** September 11, 2003, 03:25:33 PM »

Welcome Gadgetman and usmcbeck. Nice to hear from a couple of Finnish rifle fans. I look forward to hearing/reading more posts from both of you. :grin:

long

HHI #4694 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 14, 2003, 05:05:25 PM »

I have sold off both of my stainless Sako 75's and replaced them with Winchester model 70's, of which I already have quite a few. The Sakos are very accurate no question about it. The problem is the poorly designed bolt shroud, striker assembly. This has got to be one of the poorest bolt action designs in recent years. Another piece of over engineered, complex, poorly though out, Eurotrash.

Hope I didn't hurt any feelers, just my honest opinion :wink:

HHI #4694 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 14, 2003, 05:11:18 PM »

Allow me to add that I do like Sakos, just not the Sako 75's poor design. You can buy a used stainless Sako 75 in pristine condition for less than $750, if you really want one. Perhaps the best Sako in terms of quality are the older Sakos. The old Sako Fiberclass with McMillan stock was an outstanding rifle! I have seen these in pristine condition for $600.00. This rifle is superior in every concievable way to to the Sako 75, at a better price. :wink: