Author Topic: Sako 75, Remington 700 Mountain, Tikka T3? (Read 2271 times)

ckk416 · « **on:** January 23, 2007, 02:58:46 AM »

I have a $750 gift card for Cabelas and I've been looking at getting a new gun in 7mm-08. I am having a hard time deciding between the Sako 75 SS, Remington 700 mountain or a Tikka T3 (all my other guns are Brownings and I want something different).

The Sako definitely seems to fit me better when shouldering it...I love the feel, the looks and the action, but not the price tag ($1,049). The Remington 700 Mountain is very nice looking and shouldered well, but the barrel seems awfully thin and I was hoping for something stainless (they only have the blued version). Cabelas said they could special order the LSS model for $914 - but I've found new ones on the internet for around $700. The action on the Tikka is GREAT, but I didn't care for all the plastic - it almost felt like a toy (good for a carry/hiking rifle). I know everyone has been raving about their Tikka and the price is unbeatable ($569).

In your opinion, is the Sako 75 really worth the $$$? Does the thin barrel on the Remington effect the accuracy of the gun any? Does anyone have any of the guns in 7mm-08? If so, can you provide any feedback on your gun to help me make a decision...? Thanks!

Todd

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** January 23, 2007, 04:34:15 AM »

Thin barrels do NOT adversely affect accuracy. Some times if not done right they can shift when hot but NONE of the LSS Mtn. Rifles I've owned have done that and I've owned all the chamberings of them. I will be getting a .280 this year since it's new.

Rev Buck · « **Reply #2 on:** January 23, 2007, 04:48:37 AM »

Hey Todd,
Wow what a great problem to have! All great rifles and a great caliber. On the Tikka/Sako forum you will find several lads who have the 7mm-08 and are crazy about it. If I were in your place (I wish) I would go for the Sako 75. The Rem700 would not even be in the running with the other two for me. The barrel on the Tikka/Sako is hard to beat for a factory barrel. Likewise the trigger. With a $750 gift certificate and all that is needed would be to add about $300 and get the Sako 75, I would not be able to pass that up. I would see it as a rare opportunity to get a world-class rifle without breaking the bank. Good shopping, Rev

jro45 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 23, 2007, 04:57:50 AM »

My Sako 75 is my 375 H&H. It is a great rifle. Accurate to no end.

beemanbeme · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2007, 05:12:14 AM »

I'd get the Rem and put the $300 toward a good scope. On those rifles with slender barrels, you'd do well to shoot 3 shot groups, well spaced, as they do heat up faster. In the field, its a moot point since you're certainly not gonna take over three shots to kill something.

ckk416 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2007, 07:31:47 AM »

Quote from: beemanbeme on January 23, 2007, 05:12:14 AM

I'd get the Rem and put the $300 toward a good scope. On those rifles with slender barrels, you'd do well to shoot 3 shot groups, well spaced, as they do heat up faster. In the field, its a moot point since you're certainly not gonna take over three shots to kill something.

Then who are those guys who I hear on opening morning that seem to have a 30 round clip?

ckk416 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2007, 07:44:56 AM »

Thanks for the input everyone. I was thinking the same as Rev - that for just over $300 and I can get a Sako. I have heard they are great rifles and a friend of mine has a 75 hunter in .06 that is a tack driver, but are they really that much better than the Tikka & Remingtons? If they all shoot like my friends I would say yes, but then Beemanbeme raised a good point - use the savings to use towards a good scope. If I get the Sako I would have to wait (save some $$$) to top it off with a good scope. Speaking of scopes, what would be a good scope? I like the new Nikons - as they seem to be good quality and a bit cheaper than the Leopolds. Any other ideas?

I just called Cabela's and put the Sako on 5 day hold. The store is on my way to/from the office and since the Sako's went on sale I have seen their inventory of 75's get depleted rather quickly the past couple weeks (I stop in about once a week to peruse the used gun rack) and this is their last 7mm-08. So I have to make a decision in 5 days.

Grubbs · « **Reply #7 on:** January 23, 2007, 08:49:02 AM »

I'd buy the Sako also. Remember if you get the Remy you'll more than likely have to do a trigger job and bed the action to get it to shoot like either the Tikka or Sako will right out of the box.

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 23, 2007, 10:21:41 AM »

Man, what a problem. I can tell that you're getting stressed about it....perhaps the easiest thing to do would be to send me the card, and I'll let you know what I bought?

Really, they are all good rifles. I've had two 700 Mountain rifles, one blue, on stainless, both 30-06. Both shot ok the out of the box, but took a while to find that magic load (I don't handload). With the right loads, both were MOA. Can't beat the balance for quick shooting and portability.

Had a couple of T3's and they shot well. Bolt was pretty slick and good triggers. They just didn't have that "feel" if you know what I mean. Lots of people LOVE them though.

Sako 75's are sweet, sweet guns. Smooth, accurate, and probably the ultimate factory rifle for resale value if you decided to get rid of it.

The hard question is what do you want it for? If you are going to hunt high and hard, get the Mountain rifle or the Tikka. If you are going to sit in a stand or a blind and shoot long, get the Sako. I'd probably go with the Sako as well if you are going to shoot a lot of targets. If you are going to pull it out of the safe to drool over and have an ego trip for ownership, well, that would be the Sako, too.

Um, sounds like I am making a case for the Sako. After all, you'd be getting one for a lousy $300!!!! If you decide you don't like it, you sell it and buy two other rifles instead.

Good scopes? Nikon, Sightron, Bushnell Elite, Weaver, are all my choices.

Daniel · « **Reply #9 on:** January 23, 2007, 10:37:42 AM »

The Sako 75 is a nice rifle. I have owned two and still own one at this time. I sold one, a 7mm Rem Mag, just within the last 2 weeks. Nothing was wrong with the rifle, I was just tired of the 7 mag cartridge.

Here's what I like about the Sako 75:

they tend to be quite accurate
the stock design fits me really well
the safety actually blocks the firing pin (unlike Remingtons)
the shorter bolt lift gives extra bolt knob/scope clearance
the extractor works every time (I've had problems with Remington extractors)
it has a mechanical ejector instead of the plunger type
nicest factory trigger I can remember
one piece bolt
fit and finish is first rate

Here's what I don't particularly like about them:

Limited choice of scope mounts (Conetrols are my favorite but they're pricey)
Beretta service is unresponsive (at least that's what I keep hearing)
Could use a better recoil pad
recoil lug design is questionable (though I have never had or heard of a problem with it)

If you've never owned a Sako then I'd say go for it. There are certainly worse ways you could spend your money.

1armoured · « **Reply #10 on:** January 23, 2007, 11:30:07 AM »

The Sako 75,
and 7mm 08 is a good calibre.

I've owned and shot my Sako 75 Stainless Synthetic in .308, for a good few years now.

I use it in BB Silhouette, practice a lot, as I enjoy shooting it, and have put a few thousand rounds through it.

Shoots under a minute with my 155gr and 175gr Sierra MK loads.

The beautifully crisp trigger is easily adjustable for weight of pull without removing from the stock, which I think is a good attribute.

I chose the .308 for the potential of cheaper reloading components, and surplus ammo availibility.

cheers,

Sean in 'Godzone'

longwinters · « **Reply #11 on:** January 23, 2007, 12:17:18 PM »

When you are that close money wise go for the Sako hands down. Everyone has good points about all the rifle mentioned, but if you got an itch for a Sako then now is the time. And the 7m-08 is a great caliber to get one in. I have em in 308 and 280. My two boys have em in 270 and 30-06. I had to do a lot of saving, trading etc... to be able to get these, but I figure we will have them for life.

Now to be honest I have to tell you I have a Rem CDL in 7m-08. With a trigger job it is a joy to shoot and very accurate. But I am more in love with the caliber than the rifle. Hold em, shoulder em, and work the bolt and trigger. It is really hard to beat a Sako.

Long

beemanbeme · « **Reply #12 on:** January 23, 2007, 12:28:27 PM »

Go ahead and get the Sako. You won't be happy if you don't. And it sounds like a good deal.

ckk416 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 23, 2007, 04:26:09 PM »

Thanks everyone for the feedback and advice! Since shooting my friends .06, I've always wanted one but couldn't justify it because I already had a some that are perfectly fine (.30-30, .243, .30-06). My mom got me the gift card and I knew immediately what it was going towards, so I did some research on calibers.

I had been thinking of .300 wm or wsm, but my .06 should be fine if I ever go hunting out west. I found the .260 and 7mm-08 are thought of as "perfect" whitetail rounds - and they are rounds that I could easily use here in MI. Both the .260 and 7mm-08 are available at Cabela's, but since I don't reload I thought the 7mm-08 would be the better way to go. At some point I would love to start reloading, but I don't know anyone who does this that I could learn from.

I will let everyone know how it shoots when I get it..

Todd

Zachary · « **Reply #14 on:** January 24, 2007, 08:24:24 AM »

Sako and Tikka share the exact same barrels. The Tikka T3 actions are all standard length, which means that there is a "stop" on the magazine of the Tikka. Since you are looking at the 7mm-08 (which is a GREAT whitetail cartridge), I would say get the Sako, which has a true short action for the 7mm-08.

I know that the Sako is more expensive. I do not necessarily think that it is twice the gun, but it is close. Alternatively, you get get the Tikka and earmark the rest of the money on a good scope.

Zachary

bigjeepman · « **Reply #15 on:** January 24, 2007, 10:11:27 AM »

Let me get this straight in my mind ....

You have a $750 gift card to Cabela's ... you have a Cabela's store between home and work ... uh, are you in heaven or what?

I say go back to the store ... and as advised, shoulder each one again, work the action, etc, etc, etc ... and then buy what your heart desires ... you can't lose on this one ...

lonewolfe · « **Reply #16 on:** January 24, 2007, 01:33:55 PM »

Fit and feel are the best indicators for a gun. I bought my Sako grey wolf (270wsm) as an addition to my Tikka lam ss in 300 wsm. Let's just say that I fell for that Sako. I know they use the same barrells but overall no contest...go with the Sako. In 7-08, you will be glad that you did. Good luck with your choice. Those are the fun ones!!!

jim

Handwerk · « **Reply #17 on:** January 24, 2007, 03:09:47 PM »

Get the sako for sure, I have 3 and think they are the top production gun out there.Tikka is an easy 2nd.

1marty · « **Reply #18 on:** January 24, 2007, 05:01:34 PM »

I had the Mtn Rifle and although in general it was a great gun (made big mistake and bought it in '06) I found at the range the barrel heated up very fast and the shots started to drift after 4 or 5 shots. Traded it in for a 700 SPS in 7-08 and it's a great rifle.
I don't mean to sound diplomatic but all the guns you mention are terrific in that caliber and you can't really go wrong.
All the shots you hear opening day are the other hunters driving the dear to ME.

ckk416 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 25, 2007, 02:30:44 AM »

Quote from: bigjeepman on January 24, 2007, 10:11:27 AM

Let me get this straight in my mind ....

You have a $750 gift card to Cabela's ... you have a Cabela's store between home and work ... uh, are you in heaven or what?

I say go back to the store ... and as advised, shoulder each one again, work the action, etc, etc, etc ... and then buy what your heart desires ... you can't lose on this one ...

Yeah - I'm in heaven, but my wife HATES it. I'm in there probably once a week checking out the used gun rack to see what is there. I find most of their used guns are over priced, but once in a great while there is a good deal - and if you want it you have to move on it quick or it is gone.... I plan on going in there this weekend to make up my mind.

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 25, 2007, 01:56:03 PM »

Man, if there was a Cabela's close to me, I'd be there every day looking at the gun rack.

Just like I'm on here everyday to see what's going on!

lilabner · « **Reply #21 on:** January 25, 2007, 02:21:32 PM »

You didn't say what use you plan to make of the rifle, and it makes a difference. I had pretty much an unlimited sum of money to spend on a rifle and wound up getting a Tikka. Why? I love the Sako but full sized Sakos are heavy. Put a variable scope on them and they are heavier yet. I needed a rifle that would be light weight for long, strenuous days of mountain hunting. I also wanted accuracy. After considering the Rem.Mt. Rifle and the Winchester "Featherweight", it became clear that Tikka could deliver what I needed. If I had been shopping for a flat land rifle or a stand rifle, Sako would have been my number 1 choice. A steel trigger guard, floorplate and magazine are wonderful but to have them in a true lightweight, you must settle for a short or toothpick diameter barrel. That doesn't make for a rifle that handles or points well.

Zachary · « **Reply #22 on:** January 25, 2007, 04:00:14 PM »

Point well made. Along those same lines, you should also consider the Kimber Montana. It is of the same high quality of the Sako (if not better than the Sako), yet about the same price! Better yet, it is much lighter than the Sako, and even lighter than the Tikka T3.

Truthfully, the Kimber Montana is what you should be looking at!

Zachary

ckk416 · « **Reply #23 on:** January 25, 2007, 04:37:21 PM »

Quote from: lilabner on January 25, 2007, 02:21:32 PM

You didn't say what use you plan to make of the rifle, and it makes a difference. I had pretty much an unlimited sum of money to spend on a rifle and wound up getting a Tikka. Why? I love the Sako but full sized Sakos are heavy. Put a variable scope on them and they are heavier yet. I needed a rifle that would be light weight for long, strenuous days of mountain hunting. I also wanted accuracy. After considering the Rem.Mt. Rifle and the Winchester "Featherweight", it became clear that Tikka could deliver what I needed. If I had been shopping for a flat land rifle or a stand rifle, Sako would have been my number 1 choice. A steel trigger guard, floorplate and magazine are wonderful but to have them in a true lightweight, you must settle for a short or toothpick diameter barrel. That doesn't make for a rifle that handles or points well.

You pose a great question lilabner - here is the background.

I recently had shoulder surgery due to problems caused by a motorcycle accident. As such, I am looking for not only a lightweight gun, but one that also has light recoil. The shoulder had been feeling okay recently, so I decided to go out shooting about a week ago with my 12 ga. on a phesant hunt with a co-worker. BIG mistake - when I shot it felt as though I had been hit with a sledgehammer.

I've been wanting an excuse for a new gun and this is a perfect opportunity to get one because I can justify it with the wife. While wood is nice, I prefer SS models because northern MI weather during deer season can be cold, wet and nasty (I hunt in the UP near Iron Mountain, MI and Florence, WI). The terrain can vary from flat farmland with ranges out to 200+ yards (my furthest shot I've taken is 168 yards) to thick cedar swamps where the range would be 25 yards - if that. I want a gun that I can take out regardless of weather - a multi-purpose gun that I can "beat up" and not worry about getting nicks and dents in it. One that can shoot 25 - 300 yards if necessary. I want a new go-to gun. I have an SS a-bolt .06 that has served this purpose for some years, but I don't think I will be able to use it this coming season. I've even thought of trading it in, but am not quite ready to do that just yet. Yeah, I could use my .243 (for the longer shots) and my 30-30 (for the drives and thick stuff), but why not get a new gun that can do both. Yeah, i know, the .243 can do both. I was contemplating a .260, .25-06 and 7mm-08 - but I don't reload and I wanted something with a short action which pretty much leaves the 7mm-08 - or am I wrong on this.

I've read the reviews on the Tikka and was really eager to get my hands on one. When I did, the main problem I had with them was the plastic magazine and trigger guard- which I'm still debating whether I can overlook for the $560 price. The other issue was the "short action" was really a long action with a bolt stop - but gawd is it smooth as silk - it didn't require any effort to move it - just tilt the gun a bit! So that I can overlook. IMHO the Sako shouldered so much better than any of the others I've tried, but I thought the same thing you mentioned - kinda heavy, but I thought it would help negate any recoil. BTW, I have tried the vangard and savage models - the vanguard doesn't shoulder well for me and I don't care for the Savage. Everyone raves about the accu-trigger, but I don't care for it - am I the only one.

As far as hunting goes, during the first couple days of season I sit in a stand all day on my father-in-laws propery near Florence, WI. We then give his property a break (there are 6-8 of us in camp on 80 acres) and do some drives on nearby public land. If we have enough time (leave from work) during the Thanksgiving week my brother-in-law and I will hiking the Ottawa National Forest in the UP of MI. The hills here may not be mountains, but with snow, winter clothing, fanny pack, and boots those hills begin to feel like mountains pretty quick!

Looking back at this I find I've written a book - but at least you and anyone else has a background of what I am looking for.

Todd

ckk416 · « **Reply #24 on:** January 25, 2007, 04:42:44 PM »

Quote from: Zachary on January 25, 2007, 04:00:14 PM

Point well made. Along those same lines, you should also consider the Kimber Montana. It is of the same high quality of the Sako (if not better than the Sako), yet about the same price! Better yet, it is much lighter than the Sako, and even lighter than the Tikka T3.

Truthfully, the Kimber Montana is what you should be looking at!

Zachary

I didn't even think of checking out the Kimber! Do you have any particular model in mind? Can you tell that I know nothing about Kimber?

Daniel · « **Reply #25 on:** January 26, 2007, 05:34:51 AM »

Perhaps you should read this if you are considering a Kimber:

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=1179178&an=0&page=1#1179178

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #26 on:** January 26, 2007, 07:02:55 AM »

The Kimber Montana has everything you're looking for. They are NICE, I've checked out several but have yet to take the leap. One disadvantage is they do have a thin barrel, about the same contour as the Rem. 700 Mtn. Rifle. Also, the Montana has a blind magazine, so you'll have to cycle each cartridge through the action to unload it. Some people say it's a pain, but I prefer blind mags myself, so it wouldn't be an issue for me.

Zachary · « **Reply #27 on:** January 26, 2007, 07:05:58 AM »

I have a Kimber Montana in .300WSM. With 180 grain TSX factory loads, it shoots about 1" to about 1 1/4" at 100 yards. With Factory 180 Nosler partitions, it shoots .75" to 1.0" at 100 yards.

This is very good accuracy, especially considering that this is a very light rifle. And this accuracy is right out of the box.

Zachary

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #28 on:** January 26, 2007, 07:10:57 AM »

I don't think that I want to shoot a .300 anything in a gun that light. At least not more than 2 or 3 times.

Zachary · « **Reply #29 on:** January 26, 2007, 01:53:11 PM »

True. The recoil from the .300WSM in the Kimber is very noticeable. It definately comes back at you with some surprising authority. Then again, I bought that gun for elk, and I'm sure that if and when the time comes for me to pull the trigger on a big ole 6x6, I don't think that I'm even going to feel, much less remember, the recoil. However, walking up and down the mountains carrying a heavy rifle and scope.....that I'm sure I would remember......and feel!

Zachary