Need help choosing between 2 Sako rifles(M85 Vs. A7)

[IdahoLT1]

First off, IMO, my .308 would be decent on idaho elk to about 200yds. I want something that will put one down further away, if need be. So i was looking at a Sako A7 in 7mm Mag. My buddy has a reloader for his 7mm, so i will be reloading for this gun. The gun runs ~$850. My main goal is to keep the .308 as a Mule/Whitetail rifle and get another primarily for Elk, Moose or Bear.

One of my local shops though is selling off its remaining Sako M85's chambered in 338 Federal for, get this, $780. This is a $1500 rifle that i could get for basically half price. The catch is its the chambered in 338 Federal. They say Sako is discontinuing chambering their rifles in 338 Federal. Not sure if this will also add value or decrease it as a collectible rifle. Its not going to have the range of the 7mm, but will put an elk down harder than the .308 will at ~250yds. I would reload for this as i also reload for my .308. Ive been interested in the 338 Federal primarily with DPMS LR338.

So i cant decide right now. I can either get a $1500 rifle for ~$800 in a cartridge im somewhat interested in, but isnt exactly what im looking for. Or i can one for the same price but in a caliber i want, but the rifle might not be as "nice".

Any help? Are there any big disadvantages between the Sako A7 and M85? Is the deal on the M85 worth it? Thanks.

 

[Horsemany]

For the price I'd get the 85. That said, I've not been impressed with my 85 Hunter in 270wsm. They're a little big or deep in the magazine area with those short mags. Feels like a pregnant guppy. On top of that the Sakos never really fit me well anyway. I don't have small hands but it's a real reach to get to the trigger compared to all the other rifles I own(most major mfgs).

Plan on spending $$$$$$ on the 85 rings. Optilocks cost $170 from Beretta and no longer come with the rifle. The A7 will take any weaver type ring.

IMO I like the Tikka T3 better than both. My T3 shoots a little better than my Sako, has a smoother bolt, is lighter and more compact, and costs less than half as much. The T3 uses the same trigger and barrel as the Sako 85. Folks complain about the plastic triggerguard, magazine, and bolt shroud on the Tikka. I'll let you know when I break one. And someone needs to tell Uncle Sam the plastic on the M16 they've used for the last 40 years is substandard and prone to breakage.

I DEFINATELY like the T3 over the A7.

 

[Runningman]

If it was me I would get the caliber you want. Over the years I've ended up with a couple rifles that were a good deal but not in a caliber I desired. Bottom line is I never really could get to excited them so they never got shot much.

 

[IdahoLT1]

Thanks for the advise so far. I think im going to stick with the A7. I like wood/laminate stocks but they are too pretty to take on rugged terrain. They do have a totally different feel though. Its hard to pass up the good deal but i was told the A7 is lighter and still has the same 5-shot 1 MOA guarantee.