narrowing down my choices for the 1k rifle need opinions

[DIVR6347]

hey guys

a few weeks ago i inquired about a 1k rifle  
i have narrowed it down to three  
 the rifle will be 30 caliber of some sort but dont know which yet  
i need something that is not violent off the bench so im leaning toward 308 or 30-06 but a wsm wouldnt be out of range if it didnt kick the snot out of me
anyway my choices are narrowed down to these three
browning a bolt stainless stalker
sako 75 stainless synthetic
kimber 8400 montana
please let me know what you guys think about any of these rifles
thanks guys
divr6347  

[Handwerk]

I just went through the same thought. It came down to a sauer 202 and a sako 75. I ordered the sauer, then cancelled it the next day. Figured I am still very happy with my tikka. But today was thinking again of the sako 75 ss/syn. I know it would be 7 mag. I just get caught up in thinking why do I need anything better than my tikka, but then I figure why not get the best and be done with it. I like having several rifles but want to have one that is my main squeeze. Is this suppose to be this painful. Let us know what you figure out. I just last month bought a pair of leica brf 10x42's , but it took me several other pairs to figure it out;now I'm done with thinking of bino's, will this ever happen with rifles?

[DIVR6347]

hey handwerk

well it sounds like you made out better than i did
i have two tikkas  and a pair of leicas and a pair of kahles 8x42 s
and  i still feel i need a 1k rifle lol   i guess im just never happy
my tikkas are both superb guns and shoot accordingly i also have a cz 527 and a savage in .17hmr  i have almost all the calibers i want covered but then it came to me that i have nothing 30 caliber
so i figured i probably should buy another rifle and buy the best i can cuz i probably wont have another chance at one for a long while
so the search is on  
hope i figure it out soon !!
divr6347  

[TScottO]

Just yesterday I ordered a Kimber Montana in 7mm-08 so I reckon I'll tell you to go with Kimber. Not having experiance with Kimber centerfires I cannot really say if they are better than Tikka or Sako but of what I've read and the answers to questions I've asked, the kimber was my choice.

I wanted a light wieght rifle of good quality. If their center fire rifles reflect the experiances of my 22 Classic and ProCarry I'll be more than satisfied with this gun. Perhaps you would be too.

Take Care and good luck,
Scott

[Zachary]

anyway my choices are narrowed down to these three
browning a bolt stainless stalker
sako 75 stainless synthetic
kimber 8400 montana

I own all three.  I would throw out the Browning.  You just can't compare it to Sako and the Kimber.

Now, as for the Sako and Kimber.  I own a couple of Sakos - one 75SS in 7mm-08, and one Deluxe in .308.  I also own a Kimber Montana in .300WSM

Both the Sako and Kimber are excellent, excellent rifles.  However, in my mind, it is easy to decide between the two once you base it on your hunting style and preferences.

The Kimber is a lighter weight rifle - probably 1.5 to 2 pounds lighter than a Sako SS.  If you like lighter rifles, then the Kimber is your best bet.  Now, you could certainly look at Sako's Finnlight model, which is also light like the Kimber, but it has a shorter barrel than the Kimber.  I think the Finnlight has 20" for standard cartridges and 22" for magnum, while the Kimber has 22" for standard and 24" for magnum.  Back to weight, if you don't mind the extra weight, then get the Sako.

Of course stock fit is also very important.  When spending $1k on a rifle, you really should hold both of them in your hands and see which one fits you better.

As far as customer service is concerned, I can say, from personal experience just recently, that Kimber is the best - period.

Zachary

[mitchell]

do you mean 1000 yards or $1000?  if its both stop waisting time and et a GAP . you'll never be happier.

[Handwerk]

I would lean towards the sako myself. The kimber is a nice gun but the features I really like on the sako, short bolt lift  the saftey set up along with a detachable mag make the sako win out for me. The extra weight of the sako may end up being a benifit. The kimber may be too light.