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.
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.