Sako vs Tikka

[goldscud]

What makes a Sako hundreds of dollars more than a Tikka? Is the extra money worth it?
I've only had one gun (30.06 Husqvarna), but thinking of getting another.

[JohnB]

I think it's worth it.

[harv3589]

If you go handle a Sako and shoot one you will understand why it costs that much....worth it 100%

[Map Maker]

from what i read, tikka uses plastic in some places where sako uses metal.
So that makes sako more of a lifelong rifle.
But I also heard when Beretta bought out sako, the quality went downhill. There are some reports of the barrel exploding on some newer models.

Keep in mind though, this is only internet research.

I too was looking at getting a sako but think im going to look elsewhere.

[Stinky Coyote]

Sako 75/85 uses metal for the bottom, magazine, trigger guard, and bolt shrowd. They get at least one extra round in their magazines and they are flush to the bottom of gun. They cycle like greased minnows (as does the tikkas)...if you were blind folded and had hearing protection on you'd have a hard time telling if you were cycling air or an actual cartridge....greasy minnow slick!

The Tikka t3 uses lots of plastic. I just got a sako a7 stainless in my hands and the difference in price is in between the Tikka t3 and sako 85 and imo its worth it. It still has plastic magazine but now with steel feed lips. It still has bottom plastic & trigger guard, but stainless hangs down in front of and behind the magazine now, the magazine release in front of the magazine is stainless now, the back of the magazine now latches into stainless. The sling studs are stainless, as is the action screws now (torx instead of flat tip), the sling attachments that came with are stainless also, the front sling stud goes up into metal fitting so will not pull out or require a repair like the tikka's have had happen....tikka puts a nut on them to fix them if they brake and you send it in....so bipod guys will be happier with the sako A7.

The stock is nicer, seems stiffer, the checkering is more sharp and defined, feels better/grippier, front of stock seems slimmer. Action seems like maybe bit shorter bolt throw? Cycles same as Tikka except when lifting bolt on decocked gun....its stiffer on the A7. Comes with a tool for the back of the bolt that fits over it and you can re-cock the bolt i suppose? Maybe take it apart? I haven't read the instruction book yet.

The new magazine latch system on the A7 requires you to push up at the front a bit before you can trip the magazine release....keep you from losing one in the bush forsure although i have zero problem trusting my Tikka....just another nice little upgrade. I believe this is standard on the Sako 85's also.

Don't forget this other little upgrade on the A7, a button in front of the safety that allows you to empty the gun while the safety is on.

Overall i really dig the sako a7, its apart in front of me right now getting the full inspection as i know my tikka so well.

I can say the A7 is worth the extra over the Tikka if a guy can afford it. And i would say the sako 85 is worth the extra over the A7 if a guy can afford it. But for the guy on a budget that resembles the Tikka its still one helluva gun imo...just gets nicer/higher quality as you move up the ladder is all.

My two cents. Good luck with your choice. They all will shoot with each other in the accuracy dept. i'm pretty sure.

SC

[Waxy]

I've got the Sako Hunter 75, and every time I pick it up, I'm reminded of why I bucked up and spent the extra $$$. It's a beautiful gun and like Mr. Coyote says, the action and build quality are second to none.

Chances are you're going to have it and enjoy it for a LONG time, so spread the cost over that time, and you'll never regret spending the extra now.

Waxy

[harv3589]

Originally Posted by Map Maker

from what i read, tikka uses plastic in some places where sako uses metal.
So that makes sako more of a lifelong rifle.
But I also heard when Beretta bought out sako, the quality went downhill. There are some reports of the barrel exploding on some newer models.

Keep in mind though, this is only internet research.

I too was looking at getting a sako but think im going to look elsewhere.

The barrel issue is old news and was dealt with along time ago...I am not sure the quality went down, if so it still is way above any other rifle put out by a large scale manufacture.

[Ice Fishing Maniac]

Originally Posted by Map Maker

from what i read, tikka uses plastic in some places where sako uses metal.
So that makes sako more of a lifelong rifle.
But I also heard when Beretta bought out sako, the quality went downhill. There are some reports of the barrel exploding on some newer models.

Keep in mind though, this is only internet research.

I too was looking at getting a sako but think im going to look elsewhere.

Been old news. A batch of bad steel along with a few barrels and receivers splitting. Good thing no one hurt. Sako / Tikka recalled any rifles that were sold within the production dates back in 2004 and either replaced the barrels or gave new rifles. My two Tikka T3 LS models were after the fact in 2004.

IMO you handle a Sako m75 then handle a Remington/Browning/ Winchetser....there is no comparison. If you want to save a few $$, buy the Tikka T3, and as mentioned spend a bit more then try a Sako A7. If $$ no problem go with the Sako m75 or the m85. Like I mentioned earlier, I prefer the model 75 stock over the m85.

[CoyoteChallenger]

i have shot a Sako in 30-06 and it was an outstanding rifle. i wish i had the money to buy my own. Go with the Sako

[harv3589]

Originally Posted by Ice Fishing Maniac

...I prefer the model 75 stock over the m85.

I have a McMillian Edge in the Sako Hunter on order for my Sako 85 30-06

Should be here in 7 months

[chuck0039]

Originally Posted by harv3589

If you go handle a Sako and shoot one you will understand why it costs that much....worth it 100%

x2

Buddy has a Tikka 300 win. He told me after target practice his shoulder feels like jello. I personally don't like the plastic clip that Tikka has to offer. I settled on the Sako 300 win mag, I love it, plus the first time I shot it, I put a box throug it to site in my scope. I held it expecting on one heck a kick but to my surprise there is no kick to it at all. If you can afford it go with the Sako...

[bsmitty27]

If I could afford it I would of got a sako but mainly for fit and finish. if you just want a rifle that shoots good groups I would get a tikka and spend more on glass.

How much do you want to spend

1200.00 on scope and glass I would get a tikka
1800.00 and under I would get a sako A7
over that I would get any sako

I think every step up is worth it just depends on how much you can afford.
that is why I shoot a tikka right now. but I love it.

Brad

[wendland]

Yes "S" does come before "T" for a reason. Spend the extra money the first time. Have had both in a 300wm and the "S" had less recoil, much better gun off the shelf.

By the way, I sold the "T" to buy a nice "Z" for the "S"