Sako or Savage

[Spot Shooter]

I haven't seen many posts comparing a savage to a Sako.  For that matter I don't think I've seen anything on Sako's out of the box accuracy.

  I'm thinking about a 243 rifle for coyote, now I want accuracy, but I would also like a detachable Mag, and if possilbe a 60 degree bolt throw.
That leaves me at Sako.

  beyond the extra $$ how accurate are they, I've held them but never shot one.  I like the smoothness of their actions, that's for sure.
Thanks,
Spot

[Coyote Hunter]

Spot Shooter -

Savage rifles have a well-deserved reputation for out-of-the-box accuracy.  They have spiffed up some of their cosmetics recently, too, so its possible to get one that looks as good as it shoots.

[tominboise]

Well, I have a variety of rifles (Winchester, Remington, Weatherby, Tikka, Sako) and I'd have to say that the Sako is on the top of the heap for quality.  Mine is a 30-06 that shoots great with 150, 165 and 180 grain bullets.  I can't comment on the Savage as I don't own one.  I would buy more Sako's before I'd buy a Savage......... :grin:

[Zachary]

Well, the Savages are very accurate rifles, but in my opinion are sloppy where it comes in the quality department.

Comparing a Sako to a Savage??  My Gosh, that's like comparing a Porche 911 to a Mustang GT.  Yes, both are fast, but the 911 handles like a dream, and the quality of the Porche is simply outstanding.

Zachary

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

In this comparison---there is no comparison---Sako all the way.

Zach was being nice in his auto comparison----I would say its more like a Mercedes vs a Yugo or Hyundai.

Or if you want be geographically closer---a SAAB vs a Pinto.

[Rustbucket]

Both will probably be accurate.  They both have pluses and negatives:

Tikka: Plus: Good Value, Nicer finish, and very smooth action, floated and bedded, nice trigger and barrel, decent resale value,  Negative: clip magazine (not as reliable as a blind box or drop magazine (my Tikka Whitetail failed would misfeed twice each outing while at the range, even with factory ammo)),

Savage: Plus: Good value,  good trigger, reliable magazine feed, floated and bedded (synthetic stock models) stock, inexpensive switch caliber potential on several models, history of accuracy (my scout was very accurate), smooth action,  negatives:  lower resale value, blind box magazine on most models (sorry, my favorite is the "drop out magazine" used by Winchestr M70, Rem 700 BDL, and Ruger M77).

 

[Spot Shooter]

Well,

   I'm stuck, If I blow the cash for the Sako I'll want a second one for big game, and I'll always wonder if the Savage would have been as accurate or maybe even better.

   If I get the savage, I'll always pine to try a Sako, and probably have a real nice rifle anyway.  I have the same problem with 788's.

Spot

[longwinters]

Well, since I have never had a Savage I obviously can not speak to them.  But I have been around Sako rifles for a few years.  Thought through the same things as you.  I  made the plunge a long time ago and got a Weatherby (mighty fine rifles).  And then after several years traded it and bought Sako.  I figured I wanted one top of the heap rifle that was not real common where I live.  Figured later I could get more of a knock around rifle if I wanted.  I ended up getting a Tikka for a knock around (but the wood is too nice for that) , then after a lot of saving another Sako and then another.  You know what, I am a real Sako fan, but I still have a hankering for an accurate knock around and if I ever do get one I will look at the Savages in synthetic.  Too many guys on here, whose opinions I have come to respect, give them too high of  grades to just  ignore them.  

long

[257AI]

Sako are nice but for bouncing around in a pickup chasing coyotes the Savage would probably stand up better.  For the price of a Sako 75 you could buy the Savage and a very nice scope and probably have enough left over to buy some ammo.  Also the Savages are made here in the USA and not by some Italian owed company and  that is important to some people.

[Spot Shooter]

When it comes down to it I like accuracy first, then looks and feel.  Value is important for here, and displaces looks and feel due to the fact I'm going to camo the gun I get anyway for bobcat hunting.

    So in terms of a big game rifle it is sure sounding like I might want a sako 75 some day to replace my Abolt.  

     For a bang it up varmint rifle a savage is the way I'll go, most likely with a laminant if I can get one that isn't too heavy.  

     The hook here is I don't really shoot PD's but would like to try it.  I'm actually thinking of getting a Bushmaster special varmiter in 223 so I can plink and use it for fun.  Get a savage 22-250, 220 swift, or 243 (243 most likely) in a hunting version for yotes/Bobcats that I'll camo.  

      I don't like the fact that we have to go foriegn for some of these good gun's but I can't do much about that.  My goal has been to (one at a time) go through my firearms and end up with what I think is the best suited for how, and what I hunt.    However, I've not met too many Sako owners, and the ones I know aren't real boisterous aobut it so I'm having to pick the time when I'm going to jump in head first.


Spot

[oldelkhunter]

Also the Savages are made here in the USA and not by some Italian owed company and that is important to some people.

   That is very true and of the big manufacturers only Ruger, Savage and Remington are US owned firms. Winchester/Browning are owned by GIATT and they are either a French or a Belgium corp.

  I won't even get into the comparism of a Savage vs Sako.

[Mike in Ct]

Find the best deal you can for that 243 varmint hunter you want..& keep your eye open for an older used Sako ...I had the use of a buddies dad's Sako 308 short action bear or finbear model..long time ago (30 years)..in it's day that gun & the good handloads we made for it could be considered a varmint rifle ..it was smooth as silk the action & the trigger.Good sights & it could shoot quarter sized groups while beating us kids around..it was a lite weight gun..A thing of beauty & function..that said I'm approaching fifty. And have not owned one untill I found an old Sako hunter in .270 Win. & I'm having it rebarreled to .35 Whelan...I can't wait to shoot it..I would not buy a new one but at the right price; a used one in good condition is a solid investment in shooting pleasure..Mike In Ct