Need To Build New Bolt Action Rifle: Thoughts on Sako & Other Unusual Brands?

[Powder_Burn]

I have the itch to build a new hunting rifle and have about $1,200 budgeted for the rifle itself. Could I do better than the Sako linked below for that amount? Used guns and or unusual European rifles are OK to suggest too.

Here is the Sako I like - the 75 Grey Wolf:
http://www.berettausa.com/product/rifles/series_page.cfm?currentseries=36

Criteria I am looking for:
Cal: 30-06 or .270. Some flexibility here.
Stock: Laminated Wood
Finish: Stainless Steel Components (or maintenance free, all weather, scratch resistant like NP3)
Action: Looking for a bolt action that is unique and high quality. Although they are excellent, I want to avoid Rem 700 and Win Model 70 actions because I already have them in stock. Need to diversify the ol' portfolio a bit.
Magazine: Preferred but not required.

Thanks in advance for helping me out on this...

 

[Il Duca]

CZ! Nothing says style and refinement like a Mannlicher stock. Not exactly stainless or laminated though. Sorry.

http://cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=17

 

[Powder_Burn]

Definately a change of pace - thanks! Unfortunately, I have to get something with a laminated -or- synthetic stock since the rifle will get rained on, banged around , and scratched where I will use it. Gotta go with something on the higher end yet utilitarian.

 

[CB900F]

Powder Burn;

You might wish to take a look at Montana Rifle Company actions & go from there. They'll do barreled actions in your choice of caliber also. It's my understanding that the CZ model 3 stainless guns are actually MRC actions. MRC is located in Kalispell Montana.

900F

 

[Eightball]

Sako=best for the money, IMHO. One of 2 companies that gurantee accuracy out of their rifles (the other being weatherby). 5-shot 1" group guranteed before it leaves the factory. You should try to get something along the lines of the Hunter 85, though---controlled round feeding as opposed to push-feeding bolt, slimmer grip---from waht I've heard, anyhow. 60 degree bolt throw, 3 locking lugs, VERY nice action, very slick--i've heard some of the SAKO come with a version of a set-trigger (push forward, then very little rearward force=fire). Fantastic rifles from my experience; I intend to order one once I recoup from my $900 in car repairs from last week :banghead: .

Why .30-06 or .270, if you don't mind my asking? What're you planning to shoot, and at what ranges?

Also, for the money you've alotted for the rifle, don't forget to get a good set of glass to sit on top; no matter how accurate your rifle, it doesn't mean squat if you can't see perfectly. My recommendation would be VX-II or higher ,Zeiss Conquest, or Swaroski (expensive, but best in the world...okay, so they're more expensive than that rifle).

 

[cyco668]

Howa 1500. Meets your criteria. It has a variety of calibers, laminated wood stocks, and stainless steel barrels. Howa built the actions for Weatherby. I've seen alot of really good reviews online about it's quality and accuaracy.
Since you mentioned "building" a rifle, a Howa barrled action (stainless) sells for about $500. Then buy your own stock and accesories and have a lil money left over to go towards a scope.
http://www.legacysports.com/

 

[BrainOnSigs]

I have the itch to build a new hunting rifle and have about $1,200 budgeted for the rifle itself. Could I do better than the Sako linked below for that amount? Used guns and or unusual European rifles are OK to suggest too.

Buy a Cooper Arms of Montana Phoenix:

 

[IV Troop]

Tikka makes exactly what you have described. They are guaranteed to shoot 1" 3 shot groups at 100yds too. I have yet to see one that would not do significantly better. My dads 6.5 Swede sporter barrel T3 shoots into the .3s with Lapua Scenar bullets. They are super smooth and super accurate. I am very impressed with them. I have gotten rid of almost all of my custom remingtons. Tikka simply makes a better product for less.

 

[carnaby]

I've shot an old Sako Finbear, pretty nice. The triggers on the used Sako's that I drool over at the gunstores are always the best I've ever dry fired, for what that's worth.

And don't forget proper pronunciation: It's pronounced like Sock-oh, not Sake-oh (the same way you'd say Saki for the rice wine). My bro-in-law is from Finland and gave me the heads up.

Also, you are required by international law to consume 2 lbs. of Ludafisk if you want to own a Sako.

 

[patski]

What about a Browning A-Bolt Stainless Stalker? Its just as good a gun of any of the Tikkas or Sakos, or CZ's, at a bit less $$$. Use the $$$ you save to get the stock bedded, the bolt jeweled and the trigger improved, not that the A-Bolt triggers are bad out of the box.

link

 

[atblis]

I'll throw Steyr in

Have a Tikka, and agree with what everyone has said so far. Can't think of a gun with a better trigger, or more accurate for the same money. THis gun makes me wonder why Remington is still in business.

CZ is also very very nice. Again, why do people bother with Remington?

You'd be happy with a Cooper. Wouldn't pass up a SAKO.

Steyr Prohunter. Can be had in Stainless with Synthetic stock. If you can find a Steyr with Double set triggers for that much... THat'd be a neat gun.

Lutefisk. Ha. That's my nickname for my sister's black lab. I call him luty.

 

[_N4Z_]

(S)

Here's my SAKO. ......circa 1942 ! Shoots 1.5" @ 100 with the irons... Just like the factory said it should 64 years ago.

 

[Hazzard]

This doesn't meet all of your criteria, but for $1200 you could buy a pre-garcia Sako forrester in many of the calibers that you listed. I have one and they are superb rifles.

 

[Powder_Burn]

Thanks for all of the replies - those are really good suggestions so I have a lot of research to complete. Two not mentioned were the Weatherby Mark V SVM and the less expensive Weatherby Vanguard Sub MOA made by Howa of Japan.

Mark V:
http://www.weatherby.com/products/guns.asp?prd=Rifles&prd_sub_type=1&prod_code=VRS223RR6O

Vanguard Sub MOA:
http://www.weatherby.com/products/guns.asp?prd=Rifles&prd_sub_type=3&prod_code=VSR308NR20

For me, the Cooper Arms Phoenix, Sako 85, & Weatherby Mark V are the best fit for what I want to do. I'll probably just be patient and buy the first "like-new but used" one I find locally. As for new guns, the Howa, Weatherby Vanguard sub MOA (Howa) , and Tikka give the most value per dollar. I was surprised at how accurate these guns are - the Vanguard even comes with a proof of accuracy target. The Tikka has a 1.5 MOA guarantee like the Sako.

I'll let you guys know if I get a Sako or Tikka so you can send several pounds of delicious Ludafisk my way! After all, I'll need something to eat after I spend all of my lunch money on a rifle