Ruster Posted March 28, 2015 Report Share Posted March 28, 2015 (edited) Hi as per title I am looking at getting a 243 rifle I have narrowed it down to either a tikka T3 lite or varmint, a sako 85 or a sako A7, the feel/grip of the stock on both the sako guns is great ofc they have a great name behind them for quality but the tikka T3 seems to have a massive following. I guess really what I am asking is the price difference worth it? If so why? just the cosmetics or something inside the really helps. Budget isn't an issue really but I don't want to spend an extra £400-£600 just to say hey i shoot a sako Thanks for any input Edited March 28, 2015 by Ruster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phaedra1106 Posted March 28, 2015 Report Share Posted March 28, 2015 I've just bought a T3 Varmint in 260 Rem, it's in an MDT TAC21 stock and after shooting it last week I'm very impressed with it, I may even prefer it to my beloved Steyr SSG04 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reiver XXV Posted March 28, 2015 Report Share Posted March 28, 2015 Go for the Tikka mate, accurate and reliable, modern Sako's are overpriced compared to the Tikka. I had a Tikka M55 heavy barrelled treble two for years and use a Tikka T3 lite .223 now. The T3 has had over three thousand rounds through it and is still as accurate as new. Some will say Sako's actions are sized to the round chambered, big deal ! It makes no real difference and the Tikkas triggers are excellent. Just a tuppence worth. All the best Reiver XXV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 28, 2015 Report Share Posted March 28, 2015 I have a CZ 527 American and have not missed with it yet.. ATB Youngie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alycidon Posted March 29, 2015 Report Share Posted March 29, 2015 I have a 527 and they are indeed nice rifles. Of the three on your shortlist buy the one you like the best, mechanically and accuracy wise they are all fine. A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshwarrior Posted March 29, 2015 Report Share Posted March 29, 2015 Buy any and you won't be disappointed. I find the T3 boring but that's really as I see so many people shooting them, which in itself tells you something, they work they last and are good value. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted March 29, 2015 Report Share Posted March 29, 2015 I have owned my T3 Lite (243) for 8 years, and it was accurate straight out of the box. I have never had any problems with it. I used to own a Sako, which is a excellent rifle, but the Tikka will do everything the Sako can, at a lower price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenholland Posted March 29, 2015 Report Share Posted March 29, 2015 tick for the tikka it's hot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruster Posted March 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2015 (edited) Thank you all for your replys, it seems like the tikka is most favoured really, my main worry with the tikka was would it leave me wishing I got a sako instead but if it still shoots and groups as well as a sako anyway really all I will miss is the nicer feel of the sako stocks, so it depends on if that nice soft stock will make me want to shell out more £££ or not on the day Edited March 30, 2015 by Ruster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted March 31, 2015 Report Share Posted March 31, 2015 My Tikka T3 & Sako 75 have been fired alongside each other whilst target shooting. Although they were different calibres (243 / 22-250) both were, and still are, very accurate rifles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted March 31, 2015 Report Share Posted March 31, 2015 You don't mention your intended use but as its .243 I expect field work. The difference between the two by way of accuracy/repeatability/reliability isn't worth taking about in those circumstances, frankly its hardly worth talking about at all anyway. Up to you, but I'd save a few £ and buy a Tikka. You may well know that Tikka is owned by Sako, but Beretta own them both! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_R Posted April 1, 2015 Report Share Posted April 1, 2015 I really dont like the stuuuuuupid boltface on the 85 as it's prone to malfunction by design although this is somewhat calibre and brass dependant. Manufacturing standards and barrel quality is pretty much identical so go for the T3 if you want simple effective functionality. The A7 is ok and regardless, choose one with a decent rigid stock What tends to be the problem with them? So far my own 85 (.243) has been fine. As for the OP's choice, I have a T3 Varmint .223 and the aforementioned Sako 85 and both are very good. Has to be down to personal choice and perhaps the chance to have a go if possible before purchase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_R Posted April 1, 2015 Report Share Posted April 1, 2015 Ah, thank you for the info. So far I have not seen such a problem, but if I start getting trouble I guess I have an explanation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted April 2, 2015 Report Share Posted April 2, 2015 The extractor claw has a very weak hold on the rim of the case and if at all loose (brass varies), it slips down the boltface and off the claw so is left half in/out of the chamber when cycling the bolt. A normal push feed bolt like the T3 or A7 even (just two Beretta examples, there are many others), envelop the whole rim and do not allow this. let's face it, Sako did the hole `semi controlled feed bolt` to assuage the US Pre-64 lovers market. I have experienced this fault on other controlled feed actions with full length Mauser claws and can't see how Sako were arrogant enough to think they could avoid this potential problem. The Sako is unfortunately quite well known for this, and I take your point and except the logic, but my T3 .223 bolt kept letting go of the spend cart half way out of the chamber, all down to the extractor claw spring being too strong, a lighter one fitted and fine ever since! So problems can crop up anywhere! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markfromholland Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 (edited) I have 2 t3's one 308 and one .223 varmint. i took off 3.5 inch of the varmint barrel because of being nose heavy. installed a lighter trigger spring fantastic rifle ! Edited April 6, 2015 by markfromholland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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