Author Topic: Sako Finnligt vs Tikka WH in 243 (Read 1780 times)

RWH24 · « **on:** January 21, 2004, 01:25:33 AM »

Well, The BIG showdown may come this weekend, weather permitting. I have had my Tikka for about 2 yrs now and love it. My hunting pardner, bless his heart, trades gun like he changes underwear. (real regular)
He last had a Sako syn/stnls 25/06 we were coyote hunting with now he tells me he traded it for a Finnlight syn/stnls in 243. Weather permitting we will be at the range and have a shootout. He has about 50 of my reloads he has seen my Tikka shoot to try in his gun. I wonder if he got this 243 so I would provide the ammo??? There maybe a method to his madness. :?
BTW: His Nickname is "MAD DOG" :wink:

I know his wife is glad he don't change women like he does guns :lol:

Report after the Shootout.

Randy

whitecloud · « **Reply #1 on:** January 21, 2004, 01:44:10 AM »

looking forward on report.How did his sako shoot in 25-06.I am currently saving for a tikka in 25-06.I hd a sako in 6mm 15 yrs ago,kicken myself in hinny for selling her every since.babies,house payments,you know the story. :lol:

longwinters · « **Reply #2 on:** January 21, 2004, 12:05:21 PM »

It will be interesting. I am also curious how his rifle will shoot cartridges set up for your rifles chamber etc... Or are they just set up according to the reloading manuals measurements for OAL etc...

long

RWH24 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 21, 2004, 03:40:55 PM »

Whitecloud: Mad Dog's 25/06 Sako Syn/stnls shot real well. He had a Leupold 3.5-10 tact scope mounted w/Sako rings. He was sight/breaking in the barrel w/95gr factory Win Supreme ?? The bolt seemed a little stiff and maybe a burr. My Tikka was smoother 1/2 the price.

Longwinter: The reloads I gave Mad Dog were full length resized RCBS dies and I used accuracy loads from the Load All Book calibre specific sold by Midway and Cabella's
100gr Sierra 100gr SPBT IMR 4350 CCI BR-2 primers
80gr Sierra 80gr SPBT IMR 4064 CCI BR-2 primers

100gr Hornady SPBT IMR 4350

My Tikka shoots BT bullets like a house a fire. Flat base bullets open up 1 1/2-2" groups.

I will let you know how the "SHOOT OUT" goes.

Randy

Big Tom · « **Reply #4 on:** January 21, 2004, 07:37:05 PM »

Your reloads may not shoot the same in his Finnlite. They are not the same barrels nor are the rifles compatible in that sense. I've had several of both Sako 75 and Tikkas in the same calibers as friends and the loads seldom shot the same...even Tikka to Tikka

The Finnlite costs about 700-800$ more than the Tikka due to the differences in materials and steps in manufacture.
However your buddy is definitely giving you an edge using loads that work well in your rifle, fireformed to your rifle.
This doesn't mean that your Tikka won't outshoot his Finnlite inspiteof all...there are too many variables involved to predict. Both rifles are very capable of excellent groups. Certainly your buddy shouldn't give up on the Finnlite if he's out shot. Just work on finding the right recipe for ammo the rifle likes.
Go out and have fun...give us a report!

HHI #4694 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2004, 03:44:17 PM »

They both use the same cold hammer forged barrels. I mean "exactly" the same barrels. So from a technical standpoint, either could be as accurate as the other. However, the Sako uses all steel parts so from a design standpoint, it is the superior rifle. The Filnnlight uses a "too short" barrel for the calibers chambered, still it is a better idea than the heavy and bulky Sako 75.

I have issues with both rifles. The quality is outstanding. The accuracy is superior. The design is mediocre at best.

Big Tom · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2004, 04:16:11 PM »

HHI..... take a Tikka .243 barrel and hold it next to a Finnlite .243. There is no way they could grind those deep flutes in the lite contour Tikka barrel...there is not enough metal there. The diameter of the fluted FINNLIte barrel near the receiver is an even larger diameter.
The barrels go through the same process but the Sako rifles go through several other grind, polish, and fitting steps... Then the Sako 75s are test fired for MOA accuracy.
Look at them side by side..the fit and finish isn't even close. The wood (select walnut) on an most ordinary 75s is well above average...New Tikka wood stocks are stained birch.

Shootability...no argument...Tikkas are still probably the best for the buck there is. But I wouldn't let someone think that the two rifles are nearly the same...if they were , why would anyone buy a Sako 75 Finnlite for over twice the price?

I also agree re: "too short barrels". I think its an attempt to come up with a "mountain rifle" style, although my .300 WSM shoots well and it is nearly 24"(23 7/16 actual)....most other .300 WSMs are also 24".

HHI #4694 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 25, 2004, 01:19:41 PM »

Hi Tom,

If you read the most recent article on the Tikka T3 in Shooting Times. They clearly state that even the Sako employees don't which barrel will be mated to the Tikka or Sako recievers. They literally pull the barrels from the same line.

If you check the websites for Krieger, Shilen, Douglas, Hart, Pac-Nor, Lilja, etc. You will see that barrel contour has nothing whatsoever to do with barrel grade. A match grade barrel can be had in nearly any contour fluted or unfluted, and in any thread size, or shank thickness. The fact that Tikka and Sako use different contours, does not mean that they are different barrels. According to the thier own spokesman, they are in fact the exact same barrels.

Big Tom · « **Reply #8 on:** January 25, 2004, 04:48:59 PM »

Hi HHI,

I am not saying the grade of the barrel is less...I am saying Sako is more expensive because the QUALITY of the stock, much stronger action,(according to Beretta), barrel and receiver are polished to a much smoother finish, no plastic parts, fit/finish is better, etc.

The raw barrels may be used in both rifles....but correct me if I'm wrong... the actions are not the same. Tikka has a "one fits all" plastic adapter affair on a long action...plus the Sako bolt is massive in comparison.

I have had several of both and in my opinion the Sako Deluxe Hunter is the benchmark for form, function, and beauty. But you will dish out some major$$$
I guess you can see I've had really good luck with both Sako and Tikka. You can't go wrong with either. Buy what you can afford :grin:

HHI #4694 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 25, 2004, 05:04:35 PM »

Hi Tom,

I agree with you on your last point totally. I have had two stainless Sako 75's and they were very fine although heavy rifles. They use no plastic action parts, unlike the Tikka. They are far better rifles in my humble opinion. Although, I do not care for the plastic stock on a rifle in this price range. Similar rifles in the Sako 75 price range come with "real" fiberglass stocks. Also, I am not a fan of the complex striker, bolt shroud assemby on the Sako 75. Nor the special tool required to take down the bolt.

Actually, I am not sure if you will agree with me; but I thought the old Tikka Whitetail series was a far superior rifle than the newer Tikka T3. The T3 in my mind was made as a cost saver over the old Whitetail series. A decision by the bean counters at parent company Beretta, no doubt!

Big Tom · « **Reply #10 on:** January 26, 2004, 06:28:56 AM »

I am in total agreement with you HHI! The old Whitetail series was a lot more rifle in many ways, including looks and design components. I have my eyes open for one right now. The ones left in inventory went fast.
In fact I thought the WhiteTail Deluxe was a clone (stock wise) to the Browning Medallion series, and probably more accurate....for sure a better trigger.

Zachary · « **Reply #11 on:** January 26, 2004, 06:40:11 AM »

Quote from: HHI #4694

Actually, I am not sure if you will agree with me; but I thought the old Tikka Whitetail series was a far superior rifle than the newer Tikka T3. The T3 in my mind was made as a cost saver over the old Whitetail series. A decision by the bean counters at parent company Beretta, no doubt!

I agree. While the new T3s are not bad, I too don't think that they are as good as the older WHs. From what I understand, Beretta came out with the new T3 mostly as a new model to introduce under the Beretta name.

I sure wish the older WH were still made in stainless synthetic models. (I think that they still make them in the Deluxe models).

Zachary

RWH24 · « **Reply #12 on:** December 04, 2004, 02:54:34 AM »

Did not report back due to it never happened. He traded again. To his son.
Read Sako KaBoom. Glad our shoot out never happened. I might have been shooting it. With My Reloads. (Below Max by a Long Shot)

stumpman · « **Reply #13 on:** December 05, 2004, 02:25:13 PM »

I also shoot a sako finnlight and according to sako there barrels dont need to be broken in they shoot great my son has a tikke t3 stainless lite and it also shoots great there not quite as well built not saying there not well built at all just dont know what word im looking for they are great guns and you cant beat the $ on the tikka.both guns shoot under 1" 3 shot groups with factory ammo at 100 yrds my sako is 7mm rem mag w fed premium 150 gr his tikka is a 3006 with hornady sst 150 gr thats pretty good for factory ammo.