Range report...two new rifles

[Big Tom]

Finally got a break from the rainstorms and guiding fishermen long enough to test out two new rifles.

Rifle 1. Remington Model 7 LS in .308 Win
(This is not my normal choice for a turnbolt but I could not refuse the deal :lol:) It is topped with a Simms recoil pad, new Nikon ProStaff 3X9X40 scope and came with a box of 150 gr Hornady SSTs. For 139$(SWFA) I am really impressed with the scope. It was clear, crisp and well built, although the eye relief wasn't the greatest. I took my time between shots with the light 20" barrel and got very good results,(inspite of a VERY HEAVY trigger over 7#)...slightly under an inch@100yds out of the box. With some trigger work this is a nice accurate, light carry gun...love to try one in .260.

Rifle 2. Sako 75 hunter in .280 Rem
I have great respect for Sako quality and this one is no exception. I purchased a Weaver Grand Slam 4.5-14 scope not long ago and decided to try it on the new Sako. WOW :eek: I did not expect this glass to be this good! This scope exceeds my 4200 Elite & Conquests for brightness and clarity. It is right there with my Kahles. But hey gang! I paid 249$!!!
I had a box of 150 gr Rem PSPs and the Sako consistently put out nice tight three shot groups...smallest being uder 1/2". I can't wait to work up a load for this rifle! The trigger is crisp and smooth. The best part is I got this rifle NIB for 700$!!!! :oops:

Sorry for the long post....I enjoy reading other range reports and encourage others to do so.  Tom

[Zachary]

You should definately lighten the trigger on that Remington.  I send all of my rifles to the gunsmith and he does a trigger job on them and sets the pull to about 2.5 pounds on some rifles, while I have them set at 3 pounds on others.

As for the Sako...hey, what can I say?  I also own a couple of 75s - one stainless synthetic, and the other deluxe.  Quality is shown through and through.

As for the scopes, I too have heard good things about the Grand Slams.  I was thinking about putting the exact same scope on my .264 Win. Mag.  Only thing is that the eye relief is short.  I think it's a little longer with the Elite 4200 4x-16x-40mm AO, which is an awesome scope.

I have not heard anything about the new Nikon Pro Staff scope.  I'm also the moderator on the Optics forum - I think that it would be great if you could type a post on your new scopes, and especially the Pro Staff.  I'm sure that people will be interested in your experiences.

Zachary

[Big Tom]

Zach, I too usually have eye relief problems( hence the Conquests w/4")
Not so with the Grand Slam...I have a good 1/2"  I could move the scope farther back in the rings yet.
I took the model 7 to the gunsmith aleady. The trigger weight was actually off his trigger scale...could be 8 or 10 lbs for all we know. He can really get the Remingtons down. I also had him put in a spacer and remount the Simms recoil pad to give me a little more length.

Virtually all my Sakos shot great out of the box. But this .280 is really SWEET. I ordered some 130gr Barnes Triple shocks for some long range deer assassin specials!  :twisted:

[Zachary]

Some people love the barnes X, some people hate 'em.

From what my understanding is, the new Triple Shock is supposed to be more accurate in all guns now.

I have had great success with the X, and I'm sure that the new TSX will be just as good, if not better.

I agree, a 139 TSX in your .280 should be great.

Zachary

[Big Tom]

Thanks Zachary! I posted on Optics re: the new scopes. I will definitely do in a Whitetail with that 139 Triple Shock this fall!  :twisted: