Which is better, Sako or Tikka?

[Wheeler]

One of my local gunstores has a couple of factory demo rifles for sale. One is a Tikka T3 Lite for $475 and a Sako (I missed the model number) for $599. Both have synthetic stocks and are chambered in .30/06. I can't tell a lot of difference other than the Sako seems to be slightly more refined and has a button at the safety that allows the bolt to be cycled with the safety on.

I've had my heart set on a .308 of some type for quite some time but for the money (these both seem to be good deals to me) I may go back with a .30/06.

I would appreciate any feedback from anyone that owns one of these rifles.

Wheeler

[slim1836]

I have the Tikka .308 Varmint with a bull barrel and like it a lot, not real happy with the trigger though, just can't seem to get used to it. I shoot nickle size groups at 100 yards all day long w/reloaded jacketed bullets (Sierra 168 and 165 grain) and IMR4895, still working on loads for my lee 160 grain cast boolits.

Just my 2 cents,

Slim

[Wheeler]

I did a little bit of internet research. Apparantly the Sako I looked at today is the A7.

[rmcc]

Doesn't SAKO make Tikka?

[waksupi]

Having worked on some Sakos, I would say they are one of the better current market firearms.

[Wheeler]

Doesn't SAKO make Tikka?

Yes. And both are owned by Beretta.

Correction: According to Chuck Hawkes Sako owns and makes the Tikka. They are distributed by Beretta USA.

[Wheeler]

Having worked on some Sakos, I would say they are one of the better current market firearms.

How so? I've read several reviews and am trying to get a handle on the quality of these guns. Would they last a couple of lifetimes?

[NickSS]

I own a Tikka in 30-06 I bought it originally to replace a Sako that I had since 1972 who's barrel is just about shot out from all the shooting I did with it. When I was looking to get the Sako rebarreled the price was almost $100 higher than the new Tikka cost. Well the Tikka has been with me for five years now and it shoots every bit as good as the Sako ever did and is smooth as glass in operation. The Sako is nice and a great rifle (I currently have three of them) but the Tikka is no slouch and I really like the detachable magazine for when I am hunting.

[Ben]

My TIKKA, 30-06 isn't for sale at any price ! !

See # 10 below :

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=130492

[Wheeler]

Thanks for that in-depth review Ben. In your opinion is $475 a good price for an unfired but much handled T3 Lite with blued barrel and receiver?

[Wheeler]

As of about an hour ago, this conversation became academic. I just put a BLR in .308 on layaway.

[390ish]

Tikka is not better than Sako. That is like saying a Chevrolet truck is better than a GMC truck.

[waksupi]

How so? I've read several reviews and am trying to get a handle on the quality of these guns. Would they last a couple of lifetimes?

We build a half dozen or so of them into dangerous game rifles at Serengeti. Mechanically, they had good fit, and a good trigger. The only draw back I ever saw, was a squared receiver, that can cause wood to chip out, if it isn't relived around .030 clearance.
I would think they would last a hundred years or so, with decent care.

[Ben]

As of about an hour ago, this conversation became academic. I just put a BLR in .308 on layaway.

Sorry that I didn't get back to you sooner.................

You'll have a very nice rifle, not certain if it will outshoot a TIKKA, but you will have a very nice rifle.

Ben

[Wheeler]

Waksupi, that's what I wanted to hear. As long as the platform is solid the gun should last, as you stated.

Ben, the BLR has been on the want list longer than the Tikka,and it's the caliber I wanted.. ill put the Tikka on the back burner for now. The opportunity will show itself again.

Thanks to everyone for their feedback.

[BD]

I'm impressed by the new Sako Finn Light rifles. I just met my second one that out of the box could stay right around an inch at 300 yards. This one was a 300WSM that weighed less than 7 lb scoped. and was using handloads on an elk hunt this fall. The first one was a 7-08 a friend brought on a Caribou hunt a few years ago. It shot a three shot group of 1 1/2" at 300 using factory ammo. Not bad for a 6 lb rifle.
BD

[Chakta]

The Rifleman Magazine by the NRA has a very good report on the Sako rifle. It was tested and the report was posted in this months addition, check it out on the Sako.

[Wheeler]

The Rifleman Magazine by the NRA has a very good report on the Sako rifle. It was tested and the report was posted in this months addition, check it out on the Sako.

Yeah, I got the magazine the day after I posted this

[Four Fingers of Death]

SAKOs and Tikkas have both been popular in Australia for many years. The SAKOs are better quality (and a heap dearer), but the Tikkas are excellent rifles. They both come out of the same factory nowadays it seems and some say the Bbls are the same, some say SAKOs get the premium ones. I don't know what the truth is there.

I have never heard a complaint about either brand I have owned lots of SAKOs over the years (I don't own any at the moment) and I am on my first Tikka, it is a T3 Hunter (wood stock, 223/1 in 8" twist Bbl, blued metalwork). Great rifle.

Both excellent, I like the current Tikka mags, extended ones available which make it easy to change with gloves/cold hands. I don't normally like detachable mag rifles, preferring mauser style internal mags, but the Tikka mags feed slicker than frogsnot.

I have always fancied a BLR as well, but never got around to buying one.

Three great rifles, anyone is a good choice.

[stubshaft]

SAKO has been one of my go to guns for years. I got my first Finnbear in 7mm Mag when I turned 13. My current favorite is a Mannlicher in .338, well balanced and hard hitting but that short barrel creates an awesome muzzle blast.