Which Classic bolt action? Cooper 54 or Sako 85?

[kamagong]

I want a bolt action .308. I originally thought I was going to buy a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight, but then ARs came along and sucked up my fun money. I got the chance to handle one recently, and while it seemed to be well-made, it didn't really wow me. So I researched the subject a bit more and I discovered the Cooper Arms Classic Model 52 and the Sako 85 Classic.

I guess I should explain why I want this gun. I don't hunt, but I would like to someday. The main thing is that I like nice guns (both to shoot and admire), although I don't own very many. I have a couple of cheap users, but I want every gun I buy from here on out to be a lifetime gun, one that makes me smile when I shoot or even just handle it, and one that I would be proud to leave to my children.

Both are attractive rifles made by companies with excellent reputations. They are similar in cost. The problem I have is that I don't have much experience with bolt actions. I really have no idea what makes one better than the other, so I thought I'd ask the forum and listen to your collective experiences.

Which do you guys suggest and why? Is one more accurate than the other? More beautiful? More finely crafted?

Before someone suggests to start out with the Winchester, I don't want a boatload of guns. I would rather have a few guns that I really like rather than a bunch that are just so-so. I don't want to waste time or money upgrading, I'd rather do it right the first time.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[kamagong]

Wanted to make a correction. I made a mistake in the thread and referenced the Cooper Model 52. I meant the Cooper Model 54.

 

[nathan]

I think either are really nice. I ll get the Sako first if given the chance. All are finely crafted firearms. Its all in the shooter now to make that perfect shot.

 

[Kachok]

+1 for the Sako, their guns are fantastic. Heck even those budget Tikkas they make are world class.

 

[finnwolf64]

If you are just a collector, buy the one that you like best, as both are fine rifles. I recently considered both & opted for the Sako, simply because the Sako holds 5 rounds, where the Cooper holds 3.

 

[kamagong]

If you are just a collector, buy the one that you like best, as both are fine rifles. I recently considered both & opted for the Sako, simply because the Sako holds 5 rounds, where the Cooper holds 3.

That's an important consideration, thanks for pointing it out. I'm not a collector, I shoot all my guns though I don't do it nearly as much as I want to. I do want to buy the best guns I can afford.

 

[kamagong]

Anybody else have experience with these guns?

 

[valnar]

I'm interested in a high-end bolt too and came across a "feature" of the Sako 85 which I liked. Others can chime in on the value of it.

It's has a quasi-controlled feeding mechanism which allows for positive extraction when fed from a magazine, but also allows you to drop a round in the ejection port like a push-feed. For those of us who like to do that (or required to at an indoor-range, ), it's a nice feature.

 

[ebm1973]

I'm a fan of Sakos over the Cooper.

 

[BrocLuno]

Cooper make fine rifles, no doubt about it. But, so does Sako. These are not trivial investments. I would not buy either until I held them in my hand, brought to shoulder, dry fired, cycled the bolt, etc. I have always been very impressed with both Sako and Tikka. I know they fit me well (long arm, barrel chest, short wasted melon head of Scandahovian decent). They may not fit you the same? At this price point, look and FEEL are keys to making the decision. Neither rifle is better mechanically. How they fit the shooter is key

And, while you are at it, look at some older restocked or safari grade rifles in 308. If there is a Cabella's near you, drop by their Gun Library and ask to see and try fitting some different builds. Not saying you will turn away from these two - they are fine acquisitions - but you might be surprised by say an FN Browning that was turned in on something else or whatever

 

[BrainOnSigs]

I own a Cooper Model 21 Phoenix in 6.5 x 55mm Swede, a Cooper Model 22 Montana Varminter in .204 Ruger, a Cooper Model 22 Phoenix in .204 Ruger, and a Cooper Model 52 Excalibur in .25-06.

I no longer have any other rifle brands in my safe. I am a die hard Cooper fan. Function meets art. I reload for all of them and they all are legitimate 1/4 MOA rifles.

A Cooper Model 54 in 7mm-08 is next on my list.















You can't go wrong with a Cooper.

 

[sako_75]

I have a cooper 54mvt and a sako 75 varmint. I love them both and would never trade either. You can't go wrong with either one.

 

[Horsemany]

I own both but prefer the Sako. The Cooper's are excellent too but are basically target actions IMO. The Sako has much more machining and refinement in the action/trigger area. I would opt for the Cooper if I were selecting a varmint gun but for sporters the Sako gets the nod.