Hello, So I am trying to choose between the two rifles. The caliber is set in stone. I'm going with a 7mm rem mag either way. I am wanting an all around gun, one that's good to both hunt White tail in the east and one that is comfortable to hunt Elk or Mule deer out-west. I like the looks of both rifles but more partial to the Grey Wolf, but it weighs more then the Finnlight of course. I have read around on other forums people saying the Finnlight stock has something left to be desired. I unfortunately don't have anywhere around that carries these rifles for me check out first hand, so I am coming to the forums to get some opinions and thoughts on the two.
85 Grey Wolf or 85 Finnlight?
- Thread starter JK1990
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Dr T
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The basic decision is one of laminate stock versus synthetic stock. I have very accurate rifles with each type of stock. The laminate may be a bit stiffer, but it depends on the construction of the stock. (As an aside, I think that the synthetic stock on my TRG 300 Weatherby is great. Not much of a recoil pad, but it does a wonderful job of absorbing recoil).
Both stocks are weather resistant, but I would give an edge to the synthetic if things are wet (and snowy and foggy). In the mountains, the weather can change rapidly with double digit temperature swings and sunshine to snow in less than an hour. The thermal part with probably affect the barrel more than the stocks you have in mind.
Accuracy potential aside, given your projected use (the elk and mulies part), I would tend to go with the Finnlight. It looks like there is about a pound of difference between the two rifles. This will not make any practical difference at sea level. It does, however, in the Rockies. In Colorado, for example, I would expect that you would be hunting at an elevation higher than 8500 ft. The air is thinner, and the rifle will feel a lot heavier, and you will be carrying it a lot. A lot of this carrying will be up hill. That pound can make a lot of difference in how well you are able to execute a shot after a long climb.
Both stocks are weather resistant, but I would give an edge to the synthetic if things are wet (and snowy and foggy). In the mountains, the weather can change rapidly with double digit temperature swings and sunshine to snow in less than an hour. The thermal part with probably affect the barrel more than the stocks you have in mind.
Accuracy potential aside, given your projected use (the elk and mulies part), I would tend to go with the Finnlight. It looks like there is about a pound of difference between the two rifles. This will not make any practical difference at sea level. It does, however, in the Rockies. In Colorado, for example, I would expect that you would be hunting at an elevation higher than 8500 ft. The air is thinner, and the rifle will feel a lot heavier, and you will be carrying it a lot. A lot of this carrying will be up hill. That pound can make a lot of difference in how well you are able to execute a shot after a long climb.
I appreciate the reply! I think a lot of the appeal of the GW to me is the wood stock because all my current bolt rifles are synthetic stocks, That aside I do agree 100% with you on the difference the weight will make. Most of my current rifles are 9 to 10 pounds with scopes and it far from unbearable in the mountains but can start to weigh on you after awhile.
Sunray
Member
"...7mm rem mag either way..." No Grey Wolf listed by Sako(it is elsewhere), but for a cartridge with excessive recoil go with the heavier rifle. Isn't much difference in weight but the Grey is a tick heavier.
Dr T
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In general, your point in Re: Recoil is well taken. If the rifle was going to be used for long strings at the bench, I would definitely choose a heavier rifle.
However, this rifle is a hunting gun for use in conditions that are likely to be physically demanding when going after elk and mule deer. The OP is going to spend A LOT more time carrying the rifle up and down mountains with much thinner air than is found in the east than he is going to spend shooting it. I have rarely had a deer stand around to wait on a third shot (unless the blood was rushing to something other than his brain). The physical advantage of better breath control and lower pulse rate far offset the recoil mitigation of an extra pound. A 7 mm Mag kicks about like a 30-06 and in hunting conditions will likely feel like a 243. Plus (at least in my observations) the Sako synthetic stock does a nice job of absorbing recoil. (In hunting conditions, my TRG makes the 300 Weatherby feel like a 243...)
However, this rifle is a hunting gun for use in conditions that are likely to be physically demanding when going after elk and mule deer. The OP is going to spend A LOT more time carrying the rifle up and down mountains with much thinner air than is found in the east than he is going to spend shooting it. I have rarely had a deer stand around to wait on a third shot (unless the blood was rushing to something other than his brain). The physical advantage of better breath control and lower pulse rate far offset the recoil mitigation of an extra pound. A 7 mm Mag kicks about like a 30-06 and in hunting conditions will likely feel like a 243. Plus (at least in my observations) the Sako synthetic stock does a nice job of absorbing recoil. (In hunting conditions, my TRG makes the 300 Weatherby feel like a 243...)
The Sako Grey Wolf I am pretty sure is their Stainless laminated hunter rifle, Not sure if Beretta decided to give it the different name or what but 99.9% sure its the same rifle. I'm not too worried about recoil on the rifle cause that's nothing a limb saver recoil pad can't help with a lot haha.
I honestly wish my budget could afford the Sako Carbon light rifle haha
RPRNY
Member
If hunting elk, go for lighter every time. I live at 5300 ft and I'm fairly fit. When I get up to 8,000-9,000 feet, I can really feel it. And there's a lot of slogging in an elk hunt.
That's what I am leaning towards, I might even replace the Sako stock later on for a McMillan carbon stock to make it ever lighter.
I happen to REALLY like the way the Gray Wolf looks, but id also go for a lighter rifle. When we hunt maunakea some of the hiking is in the 8500-9500ft range, and I REALLY feel my 10lb 7mag at that point. Flip side is settling in behind it my shakes arnt nearly as noticable as my 7lb .243.
Gtscotty
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I totally agree, I live at 6,000 ft and jog 3-4 miles 4 mornings a week. It's still a huffing and puffing affair when you are hiking 7 miles a day (seems like mostly uphill) with backpack and rifle at 8-9k... Not to mention after you pull the trigger
. I like a good compromise of weight and shootability around 7 lbs. Of course any weight you can trim out of the backpack will help alot, but I find that the weight of the rifle makes a disproportionate difference, maybe it's because it hangs on one shoulder and throws off your balance just enough...I'll take a good stiff synthetic or lightweight composite stock every time. Laminates look good and are hardy, but come with an unnecessary weight penalty.
Dr T
Member
As Gtscotty graphically illustrated,this is my point exactly. And, if it is bad going from Denver to the high country, imagine what it is like coming from a lot closer to sea level to the high country. BTW, If you come UP to hunt, I suggest coming in several days early just to get acclimated. As I get older, it takes me a day or so going up from Denver to 9500 ft.
BTW, I have found that using an "African carry" (If you are right handed, sling the rifle muzzle down with the butt stock behind the left shoulder) helps to mange the balance and weight issue of carrying the rifle. The center of gravity of the rifle is much lower and holding on to the fore end helps you manage the weight of the rifle to assist in your balance.
BTW, I have found that using an "African carry" (If you are right handed, sling the rifle muzzle down with the butt stock behind the left shoulder) helps to mange the balance and weight issue of carrying the rifle. The center of gravity of the rifle is much lower and holding on to the fore end helps you manage the weight of the rifle to assist in your balance.
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