Which Rifle is for me?

J

JellyCannon

New member
Hey guys, I'm planning on buying a rifle chabered in 9.3x62 for huntig Sambar up to Buffalo, I have a few options available and I need help choosing which one would be best!

Tikka T3 Hunter http://www.tikka.fi/t3models.php?hunter

Tikka T3 Battue http://www.sako.fi/sako85models.php?bavarian

Tikka T3 Laminated Stainless http://www.tikka.fi/t3models.php?laminatedss

Sauer S101 Classic http://www.sauer.de/en/products/bolt-action-rifles/s-101/s-101-classic/features.html

Verney Carron Impact LA Linear Pump-action

Browning Maral http://browning.eu/products/mresult.php?group1=2&group2=6&submod=A-MARAL

Sako 85 Bavarian http://www.sako.fi/sako85models.php?bavarian

If you guys could give me your opinions, choice and reasons I'd be really grateful!
Thanks
smile.gif

(I'm happy with the plastic on the Tikka's as it can easily be replaced!)
 
Last edited:
Well a couple of those clearly outclass the rest of the pack.
I like the Tikka features and performance, but the Sako has an equally smooth operating bolt with three lugs. A good barrel with a 5 shot 1" guarantee. A separate bolt release leaving the safety engaged. The Opti lock are a nice finishing touch. The secondary magazine release does not impress me as I have never lost one. Sakos have performed well for me.
Now as for the Sauer-the smoothest operating bolt manufactured, all I have to do is tip the gun for it to slide. The magazines are well made and fit tight. Finish is superb. Safety is quiet and convenient. Exceptional trigger with no changes since new. First two shots touch from cold barrel. The stock is well designed and reduces felt recoil noticeably on my .300 WM.
This rifle is a joy to carry operate and claim meat. It has bagged a bunch.
I will always have all three types.
 
I love my Tikka and it'd be awesome to own a Sako however at over $1k over either of the Tikka's listed im not sure that I can justify getting it when the Tikka's do so well for me. The main competitor for the Sako is the Sauer, a beautiful looking rifle, however if it ever gets shot out because of how the barrel is "welded" to the reciever I'd have to scrap it. The Verney Carron pump is pretty cool and something I'd consider purely because its different, the Maral though is gorgeous and different because of its spring-loaded straight pull, but its around the same price as the Sako, the Verney is around the same price as the Sauer and the Tikka's are all similarly priced. In a proper working mans rifle, setting class aside, which do you think you would pick?
 
Picking for you is nearly impossible.
For me I generally prefer wood. On some tikka Stocks the wood has been a little softer and shows little dings easier.
Therefore I would choose the laminate version. It also makes good camo and just a bit heavier.
I have not seen a Battue in person, it may be the same as a boar hunter here.
 
The Sako by a wide margin.

I don't like anything about any of the other rifles.

Actually, I don't know much about the new Sauer, but I don't like any of their other stuff much. Not sure on the 6 lug thing....
 
For me it would depend on what you want to spend. If you have the money I would go sako. If you want to save some money I wuld buy the tikka.
 
The only rifles I could eliminate are the Bavarian style rifles due to their stocks. If one is to mount a scope on the rifle, that hogback stock is going to be less than ideal. The 9.3x62 is close enough to the 375 H&H that I wouldn't want the stock rolling up to meet my cheek under recoil.

As for the rest, I guess it boils down to price and availability. I would rather have a Tikka out the door than order a Sako and wait 3 months. I'm American, we have an immediate gratification thing here.
smile.gif
 
The wood on Sako is a better grade than Tikka. This is true of the laminate too. Mine have been afield and dont show it.
 
If guns were cars the Sako would be a Cadillac and the Tika a Chevrolet. Both made by the same company but that's where it ends.
I have three Sakos one 75 and two 85s.
 
Originally Posted By: Sako85If guns were cars the Sako would be a Cadillac and the Tika a Chevrolet. Both made by the same company but that's where it ends.

More like Corvette to Chevette.....
 
Originally Posted By: Sako85If guns were cars the Sako would be a Cadillac and the Tika a Chevrolet. Both made by the same company but that's where it ends.
I have three Sakos one 75 and two 85s.

Maybe so but why drive a passenger car when they sell Lamborghinis? Off the shelf is fine but sometimes that check sheet us a better route.

Greg
 
I'm set on the Sako 85 Bavarian now, all i need to do is wait for the funding to come through and then i'll be ordering one in
smile.gif
thankyou for the help everyone!
 
I have owned a number of both Sako's and Tikka's.......All shot very well. So from a performance perspective is a coin flip.
If you don't mind spending the money.....go Sako,
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top