TC Icon vs. Sako 75 or 85

[Daniel]

finnlight is correct, the 75 did not exist 20 years ago.

The 75 was in fact introduced in 1997 (to commemorate the company's 75th anniversary), prior to the acquisition of Sako by Beretta. I've owned two pre Beretta 75's and both were imported by Stoeger. I still own one at this time and wish I had kept the one I sold. They're the most accurate factory rifles I've ever owned. Here's an example of what I'm talking about:



As far as the Icon is concerned, well I've handled one and can say that it has some interesting features. I particularly like the integral scope bases machined into the receiver. However, it's not an attractive rifle IMHO. The stock design does nothing for me. Also, the skeletonized bolt shroud is just plain ugly and poorly thought out I think. I can imagine all kinds of crud getting in there and jamming things up. I'll pass on it for now.

Personally, the only rifle I'm sort of interested in right now is the new Win. Model 70 that's supposed to be out this month or next. It's being made in a new factory (FN in S.C.) and is supposed to be of higher quality than the version they discontinued a year or two ago.

[jro45]

I have the Sako 75  For quite a few years. That rifle puts all its rounds into the same place At 150 yds. I was quite impressed. Its a 375 H&H. I don't know anything about the 85 but if its like the 75 its gotta be a good one.

[Brithunter]

Ahhh an interesting point is raised here, integral mounts, not a new idea by any means and it goes to show how finiky shooters are!

   BSA's until the 2nd Pattern Monarch rifle machined the action with dovetails and recoils stops to accept Parker-Hale rings. This was dropped because reasearch on the gun buying public in the US said they didn't like this feature to the smooth topped 2nd pattern Monarch followed by the CF2 model came about that had the actions just drilled and tapped for bases. Of course this all happened in the 1960's. Perhaps shooters are more enlightened now?

   Nice shooting Daniel.

[Daniel]

Thanks for the compliment, but I tend to think the guys at Sako (or what used to be Sako) deserve most of the credit.

Integral bases seem like such a basic concept, perhaps the best possible way of attaching a scope to a rifle, that I don't understand why more riflemakers haven't attempted it. I guess insofar as mass produced rifles are concerned it was (and maybe still is) cost prohibitive. There's a lot to dislike about the new T/C Icon, but the integral mounts are a nice feature IMHO.

[jro45]

NO, It is a SAKO 75. No ? about it.