SAKO

Vince · Dec 18, 2013

Just curious, as you all know my affection for Winchester, how does a Sako in .270 Win compare to the Model 70?

I wouldn't be asking this question but since Winchester doesn't see fit to make a run of left handed rifles I'm wondering if I should get a Sako? Are they a controlled round feed or a push feed? I assume they don't have the Mauser type safety like the Winchester.

I'm wondering if a walnut stocked Sako would meet my second rifle needs in .270 Win?

Vince

DrMike · Dec 18, 2013

You know I love my Winchesters. The new ones are great. Having said that, Sako makes an exceptional rifle. These are not controlled round feed, but they do feed quite smoothly. They are very accurate out of the box. If cost is a factor, you might consider a Tikka; they are made very well and shoot quite well. When I built a left-handed rifle for my grandson, I began with a Tikka. It worked out quite well.

gerry · Dec 18, 2013

I wouldn't think twice Vince, they only thing that has stopped me from buying a LH 85 Hunter in 270 Win is we are tight on cash, in good time however. In a few weeks they will let us know what's new for 2014 probably good to wait to see if there are any other LH Sako offerings coming in the new year.

Oldtrader3 · Dec 18, 2013

My Sako 85 is a very well made and capable rifle. Mine is chambered in .338 Federal. I have never been disappointed in the (3) Sako rifles that I have owned. All were accurate and well made.

Vince · Dec 18, 2013

Thank you all.
I will start saving. It may take a while but I'll git 'er done.

Guy Miner · Dec 18, 2013

Vince, other than a little trigger time with a TRG, I hadn't spent much time using a SAKO until working with my friend Dani and her SAKO in .308 Win.

Literally the first load I tried for it shot sub MOA and the rifle worked slick as all get out. We've never shot any other ammo through it, just my handloads of the 125 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip, and it has been very accurate. Dani has done most of the shooting with it, as it's her rifle, and she's not a very experienced shooter - yet she consistently shoots it very well.

Accuracy is top notch. Fit and finish is very good. As I was looking it over, and handling that little rifle of hers I was so impressed, I found myself comparing it to the quality of a fine custom rifle. You really owe it to yourself to take a hard look at the SAKO if you're looking for a high quality rifle.

Regards, Guy

Vince · Dec 18, 2013

Thanks Guy.
If Winchester can't make a left handed version by the time I get the money saved it'll be a Sako.

gerry · Dec 19, 2013

Winchester can't expect us to wait forever besides Sako is a step above the average rifle and is very nice.

SJB358 · Dec 19, 2013

I agree with the others, love my Winchesters, but I think I'd love a Sako... Always well made and always accurate. I have a 300 magnum void in the safe, so maybe a Sako would fill it in the future.

sask boy · Dec 19, 2013

Vince, I have shot a couple of different Sako left handers and they are top notch. I have never owned one to date :wink:.
Not sure what think of Remington but if you could find a good used CDL about 5 or 6 years old when there was quality still in their rifles I think you would be very happy.
My 270 win shoots .5 MOA if I am on and comes in the 24" barrel.

Blessings,
Dan

Vince · Dec 19, 2013

Thanks Dan.
I've pretty much set my sights on either the Sako or a Model 70. I doubt I could be happy with any other choice. What can I say, Winchesters really call to me but if I have to wait too long I'll go with the next best option. Besides, I'll admit to liking the Sako wood better in pictures and really like their Monte Carlo cheekpiece.

sask boy · Dec 19, 2013

Yes Vince I would have to agree with you

. If I was starting all over again again I would have likely waited and found left handed Model 70 or the Sako as well. They are top quality and a good looking piece of workmanship :mrgreen:

Blessings,
Dan

Guy Miner · Dec 19, 2013

Doesn't MRC make a left handed action?

It's virtually a copy of the Win 70 action.

Oldtrader3 · Dec 19, 2013

My impression from 4 years of ownership and shooting my Sako Hunter is that, if I bought another Model 85, I would go up a couple grades to a Deluxe Classic or a Bavarian grade. Otherwise, I am very satisfied with my current Sako Model 85.

gerry · Dec 19, 2013

These are priced at least $300 to high for the Canadian market but there are a couple of nice ones.

http://store.prophetriver.com/sako-85-2 ... left-hand/

http://store.prophetriver.com/sako-85-6 ... left-hand/

http://store.prophetriver.com/sako-85-2 ... left-hand/

http://store.prophetriver.com/sako-85-7 ... left-hand/

http://store.prophetriver.com/sako-85-3 ... left-hand/

http://store.prophetriver.com/sako-85-8 ... lued-22-4/

I like the paler stocked guns especially the 7x64, the 30-06 is plain but I still like it. They had a LH 9.3x62 but someone must have bought it, if they go on sale then I'll buy one if not waiting is fine.

FOTIS · Dec 19, 2013

Sako ALLLLLLL the way

Vince · Dec 20, 2013

Did some more research yesterday.

I looked at different actions and rifles and while Montana is basically a Winchester it's not a Winchester. I doubt I'd be happy with it just on that alone. Sort of like Ruger. They make a good rifle, but for some reason even though it has the features I want, it ain't a Winchester. I looked at Nosler. Nope, price too high for me. Looked at Savage. Wanted to poke my eyes out with a rusty fork. They just don't call to me. If the price was half what they go for, maybe. Remington, I won't even consider these days. I even looked at Weatherby but that didn't do it for me.

We each have our own taste. No accounting for it. Some of us can be happy with anything that goes bang and puts meat on the table or makes holes on paper. Others tend to want something else. I guess I'm just one of those picky types. I've never shot a Sako but I'm going to call a few folks and see if I can handle their Sakos. If I can I'll try to talk them in to letting me shoot it. I'll also call a friend in Sweden that is a Sako fan and have him give me the skinny on their rifles. I'm afraid of getting a lemon but from the little I know Sako doesn't make lemons.

I'm planning for this to be an unmodified out of the box factory stock hunting rifle. I want nice but not custom or semi custom. I'm attracted to Winchester because of the looks and function. Sako seems to do the same for me. Now I'll start saving. It'll take some time but I'll git 'er done. Thank you all for your help and expressing your opinions as they do help me to make my choice.

Vince

SJB358 · Dec 20, 2013

Vince":2iuq4qdh said:
I'm afraid of getting a lemon but from the little I know Sako doesn't make lemons. Vince

Sako has had a 1MOA guarantee for FIVE shots since the beginning I believe, even better than Weatherby's vaunted 1.5MOA THREE shot guarantee, which was the standard not too long ago. Yeah, like I have said, everything Sako I have ever laid my hamfists on has shot real well.