Thread: Committed to new rifle, now which one?

I use to bag the A7 because i split the fore end and couldnt find a drop in stock. but that was until i shot a tikka ,which after being use to A7 felt like holding a piece of 4x2. But as said above it looks as though they have addressed that issue. I think its worth the extra $300.

Couldn't you just be more careful when hunting with your bavarian?

Or maybe just get another stock for your bavarian? For the cost of a tikka or an A& you would pick up a good quality synthetic stock for a Sako 85. Then at least you still get to run round with the quality of a Sako in a stock you don't mind beating up a bit.

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

Never had a stock warp or even change point of impact due to weather. Keep it oiled up and your good.

What he said

T3 with a laminate stock maybe another option

Originally Posted by username

I use to bag the A7 because i split the fore end and couldnt find a drop in stock. but that was until i shot a tikka ,which after being use to A7 felt like holding a piece of 4x2. But as said above it looks as though they have addressed that issue. I think its worth the extra $300.

ive got an improved A7 and the stock is very stiff. the sling swivel wont be going anywhere in a hurry even with the bipod loaded, certainly a huge improvement over the initial stock.

T3 vs A7 vs 85, note this was done with the old stock.

http://www.biggamehunt.net/reviews/sako-a7-review

Taking it all in guys and leaning towards a decision but just to throw a spanner into the works, wondering what peoples opinions of the Tikka T3 Lamintated are as well? I've never seen one even but it's something I'd consider. I like a bit of weight to help steady me on offhand shots.

boyds is bringing out a T3 stock if you want to save some coin.

Originally Posted by PerazziSC3

buy a standard t3 and put a stug stock on it mate

+1 or if you can hold off for a while and would consider a as new second hand rifle , l would look at a 75 or 85 off Abused guns there have been some bargains coming up there, if you take your time and look and make a offer on one that has been sitting for a while l picked up a 75ss in 300wby with optilock mounts,loopy vx3 and a limbsaver fitted and 2 1/2 boxes of ammo for less than a Mctikka a while ago and was very happy,a lot of blokes cant handle or have no use for the bigger bangers here .The reason l went this way is that as well as being a much better built and handling , l will just keep the 75 now and it will always have the memories of me getting my first of what ever species or the bang stick l took to the Fiordlands/Africa for the first time etc but thats just me

At the moment the missus and I are saving for a house so I promised that this is the last money I will spend on firearms for a long time. I've got one good rifle and I'm not going to be in a position to save and spend big on anything hunting for a long time so I just want something that I can use as is and not looking at getting second hand higher end guns or altering stocks or anything like that.
Appreciate everyones help but i just want a gun that's good as is for the least money spent possible.

Went through this recently myself. Ordered an X-Bolt. Yes, I know it isn't on your list but to me the other two went out the window as soon as I tried it. Have a play.

Note: haven't shot any of them, just played with them in shops.

Originally Posted by MattyP

Went through this recently myself. Ordered an X-Bolt. Yes, I know it isn't on your list but to me the other two went out the window as soon as I tried it. Have a play.

Note: haven't shot any of them, just played with them in shops.

Cheers man, not at all meaning to offend but I can't stand the X Bolt and A Bolts, to me they feel like plastic toys. I know a few blokes that are good hunters who swear by theirs and I'm sure they are great to those that own them but I personally wouldn't have one.


At this stage I'm tossing up between the A7 and laminate stainless.

If anyone knows whether my Limbsaver for a tikka t3 would work on the A7 it might be the clincher.

Cheers

Originally Posted by Bavarian_Hunter

Taking it all in guys and leaning towards a decision but just to throw a spanner into the works, wondering what peoples opinions of the Tikka T3 Lamintated are as well? I've never seen one even but it's something I'd consider. I like a bit of weight to help steady me on offhand shots.

I just recently purchased a brand new t3 laminate in 308 would never use a syn stock with a t3 But I'm very happy with mine I don't have a limbs aver on it. But may put one on in the future the reason I went with the laminate . It's strength in the fore end I've found the syn ones can be twisted in your hands

What is the weight difference between the laminate Tikka and the A7 ?
Is this rifle going to be " carried a lot , shot little " or " shot a lot , carried little "


Ken

Aren't you shooting 300wm out of that rifle you bought just less than a year ago?

Thanks GJ good advice, you're the first person who's owned one that I've spoken to.

GC - they are similar but the Laminate is heavier by a few hundred grams. Carried a lot shot a little I'd say. Will do my annual NZ trip and a lot of high country stuff. I like a bit of extra weight to help steady for offhand shots. and the bav being the bav is a bloody heavy rifle so these two are both lightweights compared!

Why yes I do sir, but phil the Bav is my good rifle and may as well count as not existing when talking about travelling and high country hunting. I'm not going to put another scratch on her so it's just my red and fallow gun from now on and any other easy going hunting. I love the 300WM cal. so a second rifle to me makes sense especially considering I already have the dies for it!