The Sportical has a thicker upper receiver using a different (weaker?) alloy. Our Sportical is a dandy rifle and works well. I have evolved a bit about the necessity of a fa-if the ammo doesn't chamber properly, use of a fa just makes the problem worse imo. If I were buying one or the other I would probably get a Oracle but just because I am more accustomed to having the fa. The fa may be more of a negative than a positive. The dust cover does help keep debris out of the action if that is an issue. For a hunting rifle it is probably not a big deal. TTT
