Sako, Sako or no?

The .300 will do everything the 7 will do so I'd save the money.

welcome jlog254.

sako makes a good rifle. my first center-fire rifle was a sako vixen. a quality rifle back then, should be a quality rifle today.

check out another current thread in this forum about the remington trigger recall. i don't think it's a good idea to buy a remington bolt gun right now.

murf

I have one of these in 6.5x55 and love it: http://www.sako.fi/sako85models.php?finnlight

Look at it this way, if you spend another $400 for the better rifle over 20 years of use that's only $20 a year. And the resale will be higher.

Buy it. It's a wonderful rifle.

I have a Sako in .375 and love it to bits.

Sako for me, just have the throat checked out before you buy, 7mm can be rather harsh on throats.

I've had a few Sakos in the past. Regret selling everyone. Get it, if it hasn't been shot much and isn't in bad condition. Depending on the model they retail for $1500-$2000.

My next rifle will be a Sako 85 Greywolf. They're my favorite "high-end" hunting rifle company.

I'd take a Sako over a 700 any day. A new 700 CDL is going to be around $900, so the prices on the Sako's aren't bad for what you get.

If you won't be bothered by the recoil I'd save the money and buy the 300. A 7 mags recoil is almost identical to a 30-06. So is it's performance. With some of the better factory or hand loads a 30-06 shoots the same bullet weights slightly faster than 7 mag, but the 7 still has a slight edge since the 7mm bullets are more aerodynamic.

A 300 is a step up in both recoil and performance, but for most uses it's power isn't needed. It really comes down to your level of recoil tolerance. Either will do the job.

If it weren't for limited funds, ALL my bolt rifles would be Sako. Every.single.one.

Best out of the box production rifles and ,IMO,the closest to a custom rifle as you can get. Buy one and you will not regret it. And yes I have eleven.

I purchased a used Sako Finnbear in 30-06, this model has been out of production for a while. My Sako shows outstanding fit and finish, the accuracy is exceptional for a hunting rifle. The Finns thought long and hard about what should be on a hunting rifle, I recall the flat bottomed fore end was an excellent idea as it helps in orientating the rifle. While the wood on mine has little to no figuring, it is precisely cut and the checkering perfect. My trigger is highly adjustable.

If you want an unusual rifle that you can brag about, get the Sako.

Cartridge choice aside, the Sako is an extremely high quality rifle. The bolt is silky smooth. Every time I cycle mine, I feel happy that I didn't choose the cheaper option. You can't put a price on that feeling.

Buy the Sako

Buy the Sako, it's an outstanding rifle. Obviously well engineered and manufactured with care and precision, simply a pleasure to use such a high quality tool.

Yeah, almost all my deer have fallen to a Sako. I still smile whenever I shoot it.

I would also get the Sako, and probably the one in .300 Win Mag. I've never seen one that wasn't an impressive rifle.

Sako,YES! They are great rifles and have great build quality for an off the rack rifle,way better than the Rem 700. As others have posted,short of a custom build,Sako offers more than the competition IMHO,they are worth the money.

I have an older Sako L61 30-06 that can shoot sub 1/2" MOA with match ammo(my hand loads). My .375 H&H Sako Finnbear is also extremely accurate and not at all punishing to shoot.

Remingtons are a solid rifle but I would buy the Sako. My experience is with my L461 in 17-222 and it is a sweet little rifle.

.300 Win. Mag.

. can shoot a heavier bullet
. same or faster velocity
. more recoil but not that much more IMO

I vote 7mm Mag. Better ballistics with lighter recoil.

I bought a 7 mag Finnbear about 1967 or so. Shot 5/8" out of the box. Still shoots about the same. No mods, just like I got it.
Been hunting with it every year.
I just checked my records; last fall shot a .446" checking over for deer season.
When I am serious that's what I carry to the woods.
A little wear here and there, still a beautiful gun.

I own 2 Sako rifles you will not regret owning one. The 300 win and 7mm rem magnums are both classic cartridges the 300 win mag will probably be a hair lighter at 400 less has it been shot alot? Both are fully adequate for elk. Are both rifles model 85's? Which models are the rifles that would aid in your decision making.

1,200.00 is a good deal on a new Sako.

Sako's are nice.

You could get a Tikka in the caliber you want for less money than the Sako. The Tikka is what I call "The Poor Mans Sako".

A 300 will shoot 180 grain bullet as fast, in some cases faster than a 160 grain 7mm. It packs a whole lot more punch. The 7mm will retain velocity better due to the streamlined bullet, but the 300 will buck wind better- a lot more momentum.