The AR can wait: CZ, Sako, Kimber...

CZ vs Winchester vs Tikka vs Sako vs Kimber

  • CZ 550

    Votes: 26 25.2%

  • Winchester M70

    Votes: 20 19.4%

  • Tikka T3

    Votes: 15 14.6%

  • Sako A7

    Votes: 11 10.7%

  • Kimber

    Votes: 16 15.5%

  • Other (I know you Remmy 700 and Savage guys are out there!)

    Votes: 15 14.6%
  • Total voters
    103
  • Poll closed .
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The_Next_Generation

The_Next_Generation

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Joined
Sep 27, 2011
Messages
921
Location
USA
Hey all,

Im in the market for a new bolt gun in .308 or 30-06 for general NA hunting (whichever I can get a better deal on/is available). I have narrowed it down to the following choices:

CZ 550
Kimber Montana/84 series
Sako A7 (stainless)
Tikka T3 (stainless)
and of course..
Winchester Model 70 (stainless/extreme weather)

In this case, quality, accuracy, and ruggedness come before cost. However, I would like to keep things around $1000 at the most (I am not opposed to buying used either).

Preferably, I want my rifle to have iron sights, just because I like shooting with them every now and then. I also prefer a CRF (mauser-type) action, but if other rifles without this are higher quality then I can forgo this.



Some other questions I have...

Do the Tikkas really feel that cheap? (shot a .223 hunter and DANG that was a smooooooth bolt :what:)

Is the Sako worth the extra $$ over the Tikka? (I've heard they shoot the same)

This gun needs to be able to take some abuse. It may get rained on and will may live in a humid environment for a few days. Is stainless necessary?

I checked some threads that talked about these rifles, but from what I've read the Winchester m70 may have surpassed the CZ 550 in quality. Is this true?

What does the Kimber bring to the table that the others do not?

An excellent trigger is essential to me. Is the CZ set trigger really that much better?


So..if ya'll were looking for a new bolt gun to be your go-to hunting rifle for the foreseeable future, would it be the Winchester, CZ, Kimber, Sako, or Tikka? I will be headed to the LGS to handle as many as possible soon.

Don't forget to answer the poll!

All input is appreciated,

- TNG
 
I am a fan of the CZ 550. It has its pros and cons of course.

What I like:

-Materials: Steel and walnut (or kevlar) and nothing else. Nothing is plastic I can find.
-Mauser action
-Trigger: It is easily adjustable.
-There won't be 10 other people at the range checking zeros on their CZ rifles.

What some may not like:

-Length of pull: Might be a bit long for some folks.
-Weight: People looking for ultra-light rifles are going to be disappointed.
-Using a large scope, it is impossible to use low-mount rings.

All things considered, I think the CZ 550 is one of the best production rifles out there for people who are interested in what is essentially a throw back to a past generation's rifle.
 
I'll chime in on the CZ set trigger, yes it is that much better…IMO. I've tried several other rifles and still prefer it the most. I love the ability to set it to the weight of your preference, and then when you're ready to use it just click it forward, and pull the trigger. Also I like the fact that I don't have to use it if for some reason I want that heavier pull.
 
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Savage guy, checking in. The Hog Hunter .308 would be a great choice. Irons, great trigger, very accurate out-of-box...
 
Tough choice, those are some nice rifles. If it were me I would take the T3 out of the mix. I had one and was not impressed with the accuracy or the scope mounting system.

New Winchester 70s and CZs are really nice! I would go to that HUGE gun shop in Portland area (Sorry, I can't think of the name - they have their warehouse across the street from their shop) and handle a few copies of each in order to decide.
 
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Ok, here it is: http://keithssporting.com/
When I was looking for CZ .22s I went down there and they a bunch. They would run across the street their warehouse and grab 2 or 3 so I could pick the one I wanted. They even had a TRG 42 and Barrett 98B on the shelf. Quite a shop.
 
Vote for CZ550

I voted for the CZ. I don't know so much about the others, but I sure like my CZ. It is a nicely finished piece of equipment and has been very accurate for me. It is easy to put a scope on, and generally well balanced with nice wood.
 
Looks like I'll definitely have to check out the CZs! And Weldin Rod, unfortunately I am not currently living in the PNW (studying at Georgia Tech). Robert, what made you choose the Winchester over others?

Thanks again,

-TNG
 
, quality, accuracy, and ruggedness come before cost.
Click to expand...

If this is the case then the only 2 players you listed are CZ and Winchester. I like the other choices, but they are not in the same league when it comes to quality and ruggedness. Not CRF either. The Sako/Tikka have a reputation for accuacy,but won't beat my Winchester.

Winchester is my choice since the CZ is wood/blue. The stainless/synthetic doesn't look as classy, but will prove more durable in the long run. I have an EW in 308. It has become my goto rifle. I also have a Kimber Montana in 308. A great rifle too, but it is a very spcialized rifle in my opinion. Well made but almost too light for a general purpose gun. It is as accurate as the Winchester, but from field positions I shoot the Winchester a hair better.

If on a budget don't overlook Rugers All Weather gun. They are not as refined, but new versions shoot as well as anything and I doubt if you will find anything anymore rugged. About $300 cheaper than a Winchester or $500 less than a Kimber.
 
I'll second the Hog Hunter. I am impressed with the quality of mine. I haven't shot it yet, but being a Savage I'm not worried about accuracy.
 
It depends, a factory Savage will be as good as any in the accuracy department. But if you are looking for really fine workmanship then Sako or Kimber would be my choice out of the ones you listed.

Yes, if the gun may spend much of it's life wet then stainless would be helpful, if you don't like the shiny stainless then get it ceracoated to whatever color you want.
 
The Next Generation: I shoot a CZ 550 in a 30-06, and can`t think of any problems that I have had with it or any of our other CZ Rifles. The Single Set Trigger is just great, the action is smooth as glass, very strong action. The rifle is super accurate and any factory load I have tried will shoot and inch or less at a 100yd, and my reloads will shoot much better. I don`t have any complaints with any of our CZ Rifles, and My Son and I own several. If we were going to buy another rifle and had to choose from the ones you listed we would buy the CZ. Keep me posted on your choice. GOOD LUCK TO YOU: ken
 
Is the Sako worth the extra $$ over the Tikka? (I've heard they shoot the same)
Click to expand...

Yes, I've owned both and the A-7 or one of the other Sako models are worth the extra $$ over the Tikka. If, however, all you can afford is a Tikka I would recommend it over the others on your list.

p851816651-5.jpg
 
I think you would like a CZ 550 if you appreciate old-school style craftsmanship, blue steel and walnut, a great adjustable trigger which also includes a set function, and a gun that just simply feels like a hoss. I didn't vote in the poll because I haven't actually shot the other specific guns you mentioned, but I think you'd like a 550. Here's mine in .308.
550rightsideonbag_1.jpg
550leftsideonbag_1.jpg
 
Its too bad they dont make a 550 in stainless! I really like the looks of those guns, but the Winchester and Sako arent too shabby either. I think I'm leaning towards the Winchester because of its ruggedness, but I'll keep reading as long as you guys keep posting!

By the way, keep the pics coming. Nothing like a little gun-porn to help motivate my decision-making process ;)

- TNG
 
.
I think you would like a CZ 550 if you appreciate old-school style craftsmanship, blue steel and walnut, a great adjustable trigger which also includes a set function, and a gun that just simply feels like a hoss. I didn't vote in the poll because I haven't actually shot the other specific guns you mentioned, but I think you'd like a 550. Here's mine in .308.
Click to expand...

Man I really love that mannlicher stock.. I'm looking to get the same one just in 9.3x62. Are you going to scope that rifle?
 
Henry-Krinkle said:
.

Man I really love that mannlicher stock.. I'm looking to get the same one just in 9.3x62. Are you going to scope that rifle?
Click to expand...
Yes, if you like the full stocks, it's hard to pass them up in favor of a standard stock! I have three CZs and they're all full stocks. I do plan to scope this one, but not certain what I'll use. I am going to try a Redfield 3-9x40 that I have and see if that works well. If not, I'll look for something else. I was torn between a 6.5x55, .308, and even considered the 9.3x62 though it's a monster round for what I'll generally do with this gun (mostly plinking/informal target shooting). I got the 308 for a couple of reasons, mainly that I have a lot of 308 ammo with no other 308 in my possession, and that my sons (when they inherit the gun) should be able to find 308 ammo or reloading supplies long into the future without much difficulty. Those reasons, and that I found a great deal on this gun while keeping my eyes pealed for a 6.5 or a 308, I ended up with the 308 -- a great, capable, if mundane round. :)
 
Toss up between the CZ & Winchester for me with the the CZ slightly winning. I've handled both and just liked the feel of the CZ better. Nothing objective but there isn't a stinker in that pile so if you got the money, that's all it ever comes down to. I like old school mausers and that's, basically, what the CZ is.
 
I would like to keep things around $1000 at the most
Click to expand...

Well, that pretty well takes Kimber off the list, even used. They occasionally turn up under a grand, but definitely not the Montana (a $2k rifle new).

I'd probably go for the CZ or Sako If I were you.

That said, were it my purchase, I'd be after an older 700. All of my hunting rifles are Remington (three 700 BDLs, a 700 VLSF and a 673)
 
Halal Pork said:
Here's a photo.
Click to expand...
Not to turn this into a CZ thread, but... Nice! :) What calibers, year models, and scopes are those? Are there any noticeable differences between the center gun and the two outer guns (anything that was changed at the same time they changed the checkering)?
 
I'm sorry, but I can't vote for any of the above. I'm so glad I started building my ARs. The AR 15 platform provides more fun and usefulness than anything out there. If you don't want a 5.56, then get a .308. Practice in .22LR. Massively fun. Modular guns rock!
 
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