SAKO 75 LH questions

[budlyte]

SAKO 75 questions

Greetings everyone. I'm new here and have a few questions regarding a SAKO 75 30.06 left hand rifle. I came across a new one yesterday at a hunting supply store. It was stickered around $1000, but the owner said he'd sell it for around $850 since it's a lefty and the 75 model has now been replaced by the 85.

I've been looking for a left-handed rifle for a few years but haven't decided on one yet. I currently use a Winchester Model 70 XTR 7x57 Mauser for whitetail. It's a great gun and caliber, except it's a right-hand bolt and I'm a lefty.

I normally wouldn't consider a SAKO, as I'd like to keep the price under the 1K mark, but I'm very tempted by the model 75 I saw yesterday. One thing that concerns me is it's a heavy gun. It weighs 8.9 lbs w/o a scope, so I figure it will hit the 10 lb mark once I add the glass and rings. That's a bit heavy, as most rifles seem to be around the 7lb range minus the scope. My 7x57 weighs in at 8.1 lbs w/ scope.

I do have a separated shoulder, so recoil is a concern. I know the heavier SAKO will reduce the recoil somewhat, but is a 10lb rifle too heavy? I could always get a lighter rifle and use the low-recoil ammo, as most of my deer are taken within 100-150 yards anyway.

So here are my questions:

1. Is the $850 price on the SAKO 75 reasonable, or should I expect to pay less since it's no longer made, it's a lefty, and it's heavy? It's already been in the store for a few years, probably for the reasons I just mentioned.

2. Assuming the price is right, should I be concerned by the gun weight and look for a lighter rifle and/or caliber? If it's a hassle to carry when we make drives through the woods, perhaps I should go lighter.

3. How much is the recoil reduced by the heavier SAKO? (~10lbs vs. ~8lbs shooting 150gr bullets, barrel length 22 7/8").

I like the gun a lot; I just don't want to overpay, or buy a gun that's too heavy to carry around in the woods comfortably.

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[budlyte]

bump

Any thoughts on this?

 

[trueblue1776]

1. Is the $850 price on the SAKO 75 reasonable, or should I expect to pay less since it's no longer made, it's a lefty, and it's heavy? It's already been in the store for a few years, probably for the reasons I just mentioned.

$850 is fair, especially considering the quality of the rifle. You may be able to get it down a little cheaper though, especially since it's been on the shelf so long.

2. Assuming the price is right, should I be concerned by the gun weight and look for a lighter rifle and/or caliber? If it's a hassle to carry when we make drives through the woods, perhaps I should go lighter.

I wouldn't worry about it, it's meant to be a hunting rifle (not a bench gun). I wouldn't hesitate to carry a Sako 75 on a long hunt.

3. How much is the recoil reduced by the heavier SAKO? (~10lbs vs. ~8lbs shooting 150gr bullets, barrel length 22 7/8").

Don't really know, if it's just a hunting gun I wouldn't worry about it at all. Everybody is different, .30-06 never bothered me.

 

[budlyte]

Thanks for the reply. Glad to hear I shouldn't be too concerned w/ price and weight, but with my separated shoulder, I have to be mindful about recoil. No use getting a gun I can't shoot comfortably. I know the low-recoil ammo is an option; That limits me to ~125 yards, but for now, that range limit wouldn't be an issue.

Would I be better off buying a smaller caliber w/ less recoil? I like the 7x57 I shoot now, and the recoil is very tolerable to my shoulder. However, I don't reload so ammo is limited, unlike the .30-06/.270/.308

 

[peyton]

First Sako makes a fine rifle, the price is good and the one you mention is built so us "different handed" people can use it easily. The 30.06 gives you getter flexibilty in bullet weights, question is how far do you plan on carrying it?

 

[quicktime]

There are many left handed options out there if you are concerned about price. Savage and Remington both make left handed rifles. I too am a lefty and it is definately interesting shopping for guns. You have about one tenth the selection of a right handed shooter. Or if price is not a factor do what I did and call a custom builder. Nesika makes some really nice stuff but you pay for the custom. But Sako is a good gun put some quality optics on it and you will be happy. And the 10 pounds is nothing to worry about my big gun is 19 and I pack it around in the mountains. I originally built it as a beanfield type gun so I wanted the extra weight. I think that around 12 with sling and optics would be ideal.

 

[budlyte]

Thanks for the replies. My post is about a 10 minute walk from camp, and our drives typically don't last longer than 30-45 minutes when we make them. I leaning very heavily towards getting the SAKO, especially since I'm getting a decent price rifle that normally goes for $1k+.

I was playing around with a recoil calculator on-line yesterday, and it looks like the extra 2 lbs of weight will reduce the recoil of the 150 gr bullet by ~2-3 ft lbs. which is good news for my separated shoulder. I may not need the low-recoil ammo after all, but it's nice to know it's an option.

 

[CB900F]

Bud;

I too think that the price is reasonable. If you take care of the gun, you should always be able to get your money out of it if necessary. Given the time/distances you've reported I think the weight is a plus due to your recoil concerns.

I'd have to weight my LHB .30-06, but I'd think that it's probably pretty close to your 10 lb figure. I'm tramping up & down some fairly steep terrain here in Montana & I don't bother to count every ounce, I just try to stay in shape.

My load is a 150 grain bullet exiting the muzzle at about 2900 fps, which is to say that load's recoil is not a factor for me. My .338 with a 225 grain bullet departing at the same velocity, now that will let one know the primer got popped.

If it's got nice wood, and the Sako's typically do, jump on it.

900F

 

[budlyte]

That does it for me - SOLD!!

Thanks everyone for the replies. I won't be able to pick it up until mid-week, but I'm looking forward to getting some glass on it and taking it to the range.

 

[crackerjack]

Some thoughts for your consideration, I have shot left handed for all my life and bought one left handed rifle years ago. After shooting many right handed rifles for many years it was a mistake and confusing (where is the safety) . Left handed rifles are not in near the the demand as right handed (resale) . You may want to try a lefty before switching. You don't state age or size but do have a physical factor to consider (shoulder). I have high very reguard for 30/06 caliber but it is more recoil than I perfer with my physical limitations. Ther are numerous choices for leftys in right handed rifles that are user friendly (easy access safety usualy located in center tang ) . Another consideration there are numerous calibers that perform very well with reduced recoil that are quite effective on game ( 260, 7/08 & others ) and are available with short actions for reduced weight rifles. Right handed Sako s are easy for a lefty with there safety and are excellent rifles. The older I get, the lighter I want the recoil and rifle to be.
Hope it helps,
Frank

 

[budlyte]

Good points Frank. Regarding my specifics, I'm 39, 5'11", 175lbs. I only started hunting 6 years ago (better late than never!) and have only used the Winchester M70 I mentioned in my original post, so I'm not too concerned that switching to the LH SAKO will be an issue. With the safety being in the middle on the M70, it's never been a problem. I've been lucky enough not to need a second shot thus far on the deer I've taken, but having the bolt on the left would be very helpful to me if a second shot was required.

The recoil on the 7x57 doesn't bother my shoulder, and I'm hoping the extra 2 lbs of weight in the SAKO will bring the recoil down enough to where it's similar to that. According to the recoil calculator I used last night, it should be pretty close.

As for resale, I agree LH models don't sell near as well; heck, that's why I'm getting a good price on this one. Luckily I have several LH relatives and friends who hunt, so I already have a small "customer base" if/when the time comes to sell it.

~Regards,
Bruce

 

[The Annoyed Man]

budlyte, I'm a lefty too, and I don't know if this will fit your bill or not, but I have a left handed Remington 700 varminter in .308, and it is a very nice AND reasonably priced rifle. I paid $831.00 for mine (minus scope), and because of the heavy fluted barrel and HS Precision stock, it weighs about 2 pounds more than my (right-handed) Ruger M77 MkII All Weather, also in .308, and it thumps the shoulder noticeably less hard. I guess it would depend on where I was hunting as to which rifle I'd take. The Ruger is much "handier" than the Remington, but somewhat less accurate. If I were hunting where I had to hump my gear a long way in and a long way back out, particularly in a heavily wooded area or in terrain where the rifle might suffer physical abuse, I would probably bring the Ruger. It is lighter, and points more easily. If I were shooting in a more open environment like a bean field, desert, or prairies, particularly if I didn't have to carry everything too far, I would bring the Remington. It is significantly more accurate, particularly out to longer distances made possible by the terrain.

Granted, it's not in .30-06, but .308 gets you in the ballpark, and in the right hands, can take most things you would likely hunt with it.

 

[budlyte]

Before I got the 7x57 I had decided on either a .308 or 7mm-08 as my deer rifle, so I have no qualms about owning either of those calibers. I always liked the looks of the Tikka, and it was one of my top choices. But then I got the M70 7x57 at a great price - FREE - so I stopped looking.

Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised to come across that SAKO a few days ago, especially at that price. Since the Tikka was one of my top choices, getting the SAKO at that ~$850 price is very hard to pass up. If the store had a LH SAKO in a .308 or 7mm-08 for the same price tag, I'd buy either of them in a heartbeat instead of an '06. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), they only have the '06, which is basically why I'm considering it. Do I need a SAKO or a .30-06 for whitetail? Not at all, but at that price it's hard to pass up. And as you mentioned, the heavier weight will knock the recoil down somewhat.

I still have a day or 2 to think it over, but no matter what I decide, I'll be second-guessing my decision for quite some time. Damned if I do, damned if I don't......

 

[CB900F]

Bud;

I, perforce, shot right bolt guns for a long time. But I always envisioned myself as being able, someday, to have a left-friendly gun. When I got my first LHB, I had no problems, absolutely none, adapting. The primary reason I believe is that I'd done all the mental work long time since before I got the LHB. If the mind is prepared, the body will follow.

900F

 

[quicktime]

budlyte you can not go wrong here. If you buy the gun and find the recoil is a little to stiff send it to a competent gun smith and have a break put on it. Everone is recoil sensitive if they will own up to it or not is a different matter. But given everything is an equal and we are shooting at paper I don't care who you are you will shoot better with a less recoiling rifle. I am sure if you get the deal on the rifle and have to put a break on it you will come out in the same ballpark as paying full price but now you have a gun that you will actually enjoy taking to the range and firing 100 rounds through. And you will be amazed at how much simple range time will improve your overall shooting. And I do not agree that there is less of an ability to sell a left handed rifle if you so choose. You just have to remember that you are dealing with 30% percent of the market but we Lefty's usually glad to find a used gun and as long as it is priced fare I think you have a better opportunity to get what you are asking. I know in Colorado every year before and after gun season I see a ton of rifles in the paper for sell. But you hardly ever see a left handed version. And speaking from experience if you are a Lefty and see something you are interested in you better move fast because it won't be around long.

 

[budlyte]

Thanks Quicktime. I've spent a lot of time over the last few days trying to decide on this rifle. I know it's a good deal on a great gun and the caliber is a favorite of many. I'm just trying to convince myself the '06 is the caliber for me. As I mentioned in an earlier post, if that SAKO was either a .308 or 7mm08, I wouldn't have left the store without it, but I keep thinking the '06 is overkill for what I need. All but one of the deer I've taken were within ~100 yards, and I'm not planning any CPX3 hunts anytime soon, if at all, so I keep asking myself "Do I really need an '06?" I keep going back to a 7mm08 as a more practical caliber for me. I like the 7x57 I shoot now, and the 7mm08 recoils about the same as that. The problem is not many manufacturers make that cal in LH. Savage is the only one I've seen thus far. Ruger makes a 25-06 LH as well, so that's another option.

Since other posts confirmed the price on the SAKO is good, here's what it comes down to for me:

Do I need the heavy SAKO in the '06 caliber for what I'm hunting and my typical range (whitetail w/i 150 yards), or would I be just as happy with a smaller caliber like the 7mm08 and a bit lighter gun? Since recoil is a concern w/ my separated shoulder, if I get the '06 and end up using low recoil ammo, adding a muzzle brake/recoil pad, etc. to make it more comfortable to shoot, wouldn't it be better to just buy a smaller caliber gun that's easier to shoot right off the bat instead of buying a bigger gun that's not as much fun to shoot and then spending extra $$ just to make it more comfortable?

I know the '06 is a very versatile caliber compared to the 7mm08, but I just keep thinking I'd be overbuying what I actually need if I get the SAKO.

 

[JohnRov]

Bud,

The 30-06 can be had in a variety of loads. Pick a lighter bullet weight and you will be fine for whitetail. This sounds like a good price for a good rifle. I have a Sako 75 Grey Wolf in .308 and love it. You won't regret it.

 

[earplug]

SAKO is A nice rifle, but your happy with A lighter less powerfull rifle 7x57.

Have you considered A Savage Bolt gun or A single shot Ruger NO.1?

 

[budlyte]

Yes - I see Savage makes the 7mm-08 in LH bolt and Ruger makes a LH 25-06. That's my dilemma - get the SAKO or one of these instead.

 

[trueblue1776]

Sakos are so badass though, I would jump on one for that price.

 

[budlyte]

No arguments on the price - it's just a question of what do I really need.

 

[CB900F]

Bud;

The .30-06 has been & probably always will be the American caliber all the others are measured against. It's simply more versatile than the .308, not a major step up in power. It can shoot all the bullets a .308 can, and the heavier ones that the .308 struggles with. There are simply hundreds of factory loads available for the .30-06; it would be hard to believe that you couldn't find one that's right for you. If you handload, there's no reason not to get the gun.

900F

 

[eliphalet]

I am a lefty that shot levers or right hand bolts for about 25 years. Then about 25 years ago I bought a Remington 700 LH in 30-06. Shooting and using the action came natural, from the begining, it was never awkward or a problem. I now have several LH bolt guns and like them all.
A 30-06 is hard to beat as a all around caliber, mine has taken dozens of deer and several elk among other critters.

I have always kinda wanted a Sako as they seem like such a quality firearm, I am sure you will be pleased.

Be sure and let us all know what you think of the gun after you've shot it some.

 

[budlyte]

I picked up the Sako yesterday. A big thank you to everyone who posted their thoughts on this thread.

Unfortunately I don't have a scope yet. I was comparing the 3-9 Zeiss Conquest w/ the 2.5-8 Leupold VX-III and preferred the image quality of Leupold a bit better (e.g. brighter whites). Then I compared the 2.5-8 to the 3.5-10 VX-III and decided I liked the size of the 3.5-10 better (the 2.5-8 has a shorter tube). But when the guy in the store went to look for rings, they were out of the size I needed. So, they are going to order them for me.

Since I didn't buy the scope yet, I thought I'd ask the folks on this forum their thoughts on my scope selection and if they have any other recommendations besides the Leupold VX-III. I'll start a new thread for this question in the Firearm Accessories forum.

 

[JohnRov]

Since I didn't buy the scope yet, I thought I'd ask the folks on this forum their thoughts on my scope selection and if they have any other recommendations besides the Leupold VX-III. I'll start another thread for this question.

Leupolds are nice, but I think there are better values out there (of equal quality), especially the Bushnell 4200 Elite.