Sako Bavarian 338 opinions?

[Jack Foulard]

I've wanted a 338 fir a while and happened to be browsing a gun rag and saw the Sako Bavarian listed.

Seems like in Europe its available in 338 Win mag but maybe not in the US. An option is to go with the 30-06 caliber which can put out similar numbers to the 338 and possibly more versatility.

Has anyone any experience with the Sako? How about the Bavarian?

For the money, I probably should look at the Winchester Super Grade but the website doesn't show anything different on the SG than was listed 2 years ago.

I guesstimate that the Sako will be $1900. What else should I look at?

I thank you guys in advance for sharing your knowledge and experience.

Regards

 

[browningguy]

I have a Sako AIII mannlicher stocked rifle in 30-06 that is a very well made rifle. I think the Bavarian is the model with the hogback stock? If so I hate that stock design. It's made for shooting with irons only and you really have to lift your head to use a scope. Other people like them though and the Europeans seem to get by pretty well with them. They are generally very well made and reasonably accurate.

 

[peyton]

You did not mention what you plan on doing with the 338 win mag. I know it is good on moose and larger, but ammo is very expensive. My friend has a sako and it is a fine rifle in 30.06.

 

[Reid73]

I have a "Bavarian", in .30/06.

It's a beautiful firearm, with oil-finished stock, rosewood schnable tip and grip cap, open sights (and Sako integral bases) and matte blueing.

Direct competitors to Sako's Bavarian are Steyr's "Classic Mannlicher Goiserer"; Mauser's M03 "Alpine"; and Blazer's R-93 "Attache". All four combine traditional European mountain rifle styling with modern technology, and you should take a look at them all before making your choice. Of course they all have the 'hogsback' stock design. browningguy doesn't like it, I do; we all have our own preferences (it works fine with scopes, btw).

Sako positions, and prices, the Bavarian as one of the three premium versions of the model 85, above the Hunter and Finnlight. It's considerably more affordable than the "Safari" and "Deluxe" versions, though.

Sakos (all models) are know for their excellent accuracy and very smooth actions. The Bavarian is no different than other Sakos in both regards. The barrels are free-floated, FWIW.

Although the catalogue doesn't show it, my .30-06 comes with two steel crossbolts, and I expect that a .338WM would as well. That seems like overkill to me, considering that my old .375 H&H "Finnbear" gets by with only one crossbolt. Still, the bolts are not unattractive, and I guess strengthen the stock.

The Bavarian comes with an adjustable single-set trigger as standard. I understand that it is not imported to the USA because of that feature, although I could be wrong.

Most editions of the Model 85, including the Bavarian, come with a detachable magazine (five-round capacity in .30/06). Some people have criticized the "total control latch", which effectively requires two hands to detach. Personally I feel that the latch makes sense: it prevents accidental loss. Those who criticize this feature misunderstand the detachable magazine concept: in a hunting rifle, its purpose is not to facilitate rapid reloading (I don't plan on making quick changes in the course of stopping banzai attacks of marauding animals).

Hope this helps!

P.S. This thread may be of some interest.

 

[Reid73]

I forgot to note that although the 85 features a two-position safety, it also has a small button immediately in front of the safety that when depressed allows the bolt to be opened with the safety engaged. This doesn't particularly matter to me (IMO, proper gun handling is much more important than mechanical safety devices), but as some people insist on a three position safety I thought I'd mention it.

Another note: the "controlled-round feeding" is not genuine CRF like the classic 98 Mauser. However, it does provide more control than standard push-feeds: it is possible to cycle rounds merely by pushing the bolt back and forth, without rotating it into battery.

 

[Jack Foulard]

I contacted Cooper Arms and they should be releasing a belted magnum action in 2010 and they will make a 338WM. They haven't decided on the stock but it seems that they are quite the custom shop. So if I wanted a Jackson game rifle stock that has the rollover comb instead of their classic custom shadow cheekline, they should be able to accommodate.

HTH

 

[DRYHUMOR]

This is the only Bavarian I've seen on GB. It's a 308. It is nice though, I like the profile.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=127413285



About a year (+) ago, I asked SAKO about this model, they stated it would not be brought into the US.

Maybe things changed, or a few trickled in.

I'd like to hold one before making any final decisions one way or the other. I've owned 3 SAKO's, still have one. Very nicely built, and good shooters.

 

[Jack Foulard]

After seeing that photo and the cheek piece I can say that I'm not feeling it.

I should probably wait for the Cooper, spend more than I wanted but be more than happy every time I see it.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Reid73]

Jack, it's always better to get the rifle you want (even if it costs more, or takes a while to find), rather than settling for something else. "Good enough" doesn't apply.

I have a rifle with a rollover comb. Some years ago it suffered a small chip at the butt end of the comb. I don't know how it happened, but I believe rollovers are vulnerable to that sort of damage. Something to think about.

About a year (+) ago, I asked SAKO about this model, they stated it would not be brought into the US.

I've been told (could be wrong) that they are worried about potential liability issues arising out people mishandling the set trigger.

 

[Tigerhunter]

Does anybody done reloading for 338 win mag.I have a sako bavarian carbine in338 win mag that i'dike go do some reloads for; any advice?( rifle is beatyfull,still unfire)

 

[scottishkat]

I have 2 Sako 85 and they're both very well made and shoot superbly. 1 is a hunter in 260 rem the other a stainless synthetic in 338 federal. I like them both Sako has always made an excelent rifle. Not to crazy about Barreta taking over.

Ried is the Bavarian carbine free floated? If so I may have to give another look. That would be one long wood channel for the barrel to sit in.

I would have thought it was attached at the schnabbel.

Jack if I had an extra 1900 I'd buy a Bavarian in a second. I have eyed a couple of them and the carbine length has been a deal breaker or me. The recoil lug of the 85's design i think is rather questionable it does not impact accuracy at all though. It's not your typical lug with a recess you can bed etc.

Good luck and shoot straight. If you get the 338 win mag try the 210 grains TSX and the 210 Swift Scirrocco. They shoot best from my 338 fed 1 in 10 twist.

Bob

 

[JShirley]

This thread is 5 years old. The OP hasn't posted in that time.

Tigerhunter, you'll get better, more specific loading advice in that subforum.