Thread: 85 SS & Finnlight

Originally Posted by Gillie

Do you need an export permit to buy a rifle out of the states? Did you include the shipping, insurance, customs fees and GST in that? Did you allow the NZ shop you buy it off any profit margin? How about giving the NZ shop some slack for having one on the shelf for you to handle? Not trying to start an import debate, I just thought if you were going to make those sort of comparisons you might want to be a little more realistic with your numbers.

With the greatest of respect, I don't think mr Kwon was contemplating importing a Sako out of the U.S.

I read it as a comparison of the retail price of an identical item in two 1st world Western countries.

I have no idea whether Cabellas can by direct from Sako.fi direct or if it's through Beretta USA....either way, their buying power probably gives them some discount leverage.

I don't think we have much to thank Beretta NZ for here in NZ.

B

Originally Posted by shift14

With the greatest of respect, I don't think mr Kwon was contemplating importing a Sako out of the U.S.

I read it as a comparison of the retail price of an identical item in two 1st world Western countries.

I read it as he was comparing a perceived difference in profit margin. The US has a different tax and duty regime and as you have said Cabellas have more buying power and in all likelihood, lower profit margins than Beretta NZ / NZ retailer. Not really a fair comparison just looking at the retail prices. The differences I mentioned apply to any importer into NZ including private individuals and businesses.

Originally Posted by shift14

I don't think we have much to thank Beretta NZ for here in NZ.

Yeah I see a few people on NZ forums with this attitude - my personal experience with Beretta NZ has been really good though.

On track with the thread though - I know Sako will try and produce complete Carbonlight rifles to start with but it would be great if they also offered the stocks on their own for those people that already have a Sako 85. Would be a simple bolt in replacement. Because they will try and fill complete rifle orders first I expect it will be a fair while before they will have "spare" stocks available to buy on their own.

Markups probably are extravagant. The proof in my view is that competitors are still doing ok even with the rise of Gun City. In Canterbury for example I don't know what % of the market they hold, but it would be absolutely huge. Yet the other stores still seem to be surviving despite selling what must be far far less than they used to. And I want them to survive, don't get me wrong.

The thing that annoys me more than markups though is being told whatever you pick up is suddenly the greatest rifle ever designed. I'd just like the honest opinion of the salesperson now and then. Problem isn't limited to hunting shops, I know .

Originally Posted by Savage1

This clip solves the argument regarding the weight of a rifle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX0MB7pJtKs

Boris lied though

So no one knows what a SA 85 Finn actually weighs?

Handled one of these, bloody light

Too light for my liking, feed back is supposed to be good and a few purchasing over finnlights now, not 260 available, comes in a decent caliber(.308) though

Kimber America | Mountain Ascent | Model 84M | Rifles

Cheers

D

Originally Posted by Gillie

I read it as he was comparing a perceived difference in profit margin. The US has a different tax and duty regime and as you have said Cabellas have more buying power and in all likelihood, lower profit margins than Beretta NZ / NZ retailer. Not really a fair comparison just looking at the retail prices. The differences I mentioned apply to any importer into NZ including private individuals and businesses.



Yeah I see a few people on NZ forums with this attitude - my personal experience with Beretta NZ has been really good though.

On track with the thread though - I know Sako will try and produce complete Carbonlight rifles to start with but it would be great if they also offered the stocks on their own for those people that already have a Sako 85. Would be a simple bolt in replacement. Because they will try and fill complete rifle orders first I expect it will be a fair while before they will have "spare" stocks available to buy on their own.

Yep agree....mostly.

If I had an '85 I wanted to drop into a Carbon stock, I'd go through one of the NZ suppliers and order a McMillan one. I reckon I'd have it bedded and shooting and for less than a Sako one, before the Sako ones become available (if ever ).

I remember when the fully wooded stock came out for the '85 Bavarian, the "Carbine". The Bavarian retailed for circa $3200, the Carbine retailed for $4199.......$1000 for another 11" of wood??!.

Based on that I wouldn't think the Sako Carbon stock would be cheap.

B

Originally Posted by gimp

Boris lied though

So no one knows what a SA 85 Finn actually weighs?

I do now, but then so do you...

I know as well.

If you tell us then everyone will know.

Originally Posted by GravelBen

If you tell us then everyone will know.

sorry it's a secret.

Yes, a Sako Finnlight SS goes for around US$1,700 at most US Retailers.

Sako are actually owned by Beretta but I don't know how that determines pricing through other Beretta entities around the world.

At NZD$3,200 you are paying a premium for a Finnlight but at NZD$1,100 the Tikka T3 SS synthetic stock is in line with US pricing (~ USD $800) on the same item over here.

Originally Posted by gimp

sorry it's a secret.

Does that mean its such a fatty that the Sako fans won't tell people how heavy it is?

Yeah huge don't buy one

Originally Posted by GravelBen

Does that mean its such a fatty that the Sako fans won't tell people how heavy it is?

Are you saying sako is like the fat one you like riding but never tell mates about

Originally Posted by KiwiinSeattle

Yes, a Sako Finnlight SS goes for around US$1,700 at most US Retailers.

Sako are actually owned by Beretta but I don't know how that determines pricing through other Beretta entities around the world.

At NZD$3,200 you are paying a premium for a Finnlight but at NZD$1,100 the Tikka T3 SS synthetic stock is in line with US pricing (~ USD $800) on the same item over here.

you'd be mad to actually pay $3200 for a finnlight