Stuck between - Sako A7 or Browning X-bolt
12-12-2009, 01:21 PM
#11
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 7
. So what do you like/dislike about each?bigbulls - I've considered the Tikka (the Sako dealer I went to didn't have them at the time) and will handle one to see, but I like the fact that the A7 and Xbolt have a way to work the action without deactivating the safety. This alone is worth it to me to pay over the Tikka.
I also like the "ready to fire" indicator of the Sako/Tikka over the X bolt. Still thinking...
12-12-2009, 05:20 PM
#12
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location:
Posts: 5,130
Super Duty,
Seems I'm like you...............I look for "features" I want in a gun first.
Classic lines, but synthetic (no Monte Carlo stock or raised/adj. comb).
Least drop at comb I can find.
Must be stainless.
Free floated
Glass bedded
Hammer forged
Want detachable box magazine (always buy one extra - loaded & carry as back-up).
Under 7lbs or there abouts
Tapered barrel (want low scope mount for good cheek weld)
8.5 lbs total carry weight.
& so on......................
Agree with most of your assesment on both rifles.
I could have went the otherway, except the A7 doesn't come in .338 Win Mag
Seems I'm like you...............I look for "features" I want in a gun first.
Classic lines, but synthetic (no Monte Carlo stock or raised/adj. comb).
Least drop at comb I can find.
Must be stainless.
Free floated
Glass bedded
Hammer forged
Want detachable box magazine (always buy one extra - loaded & carry as back-up).
Under 7lbs or there abouts
Tapered barrel (want low scope mount for good cheek weld)
8.5 lbs total carry weight.
& so on......................
Agree with most of your assesment on both rifles.
I could have went the otherway, except the A7 doesn't come in .338 Win Mag
12-13-2009, 05:50 PM
#13
Spike
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: NJ
Posts: 70
I was faced with a similar decision this year and went with a Tikka T3/Zeiss Conquest. This is my first range visit adjusting the scope at 100 yrds. using cheapo Core-lokts. Group D is my last 3-shot group measuring less than 0.5"
12-13-2009, 10:40 PM
#14
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location:
Posts: 2,395
I would also look at the Sako 85.
I have been looking at a Sako 85 for myself at a local gun shop. The Sako 85 I am looking at has a stainless barrel and grey laminated stock.
I currently own one Sako M-995 that is chambered in 340-Weatherby. I love this rifle, this has been my "do all" rifle for the last few years.
Good luck,
WK
I have been looking at a Sako 85 for myself at a local gun shop. The Sako 85 I am looking at has a stainless barrel and grey laminated stock.
I currently own one Sako M-995 that is chambered in 340-Weatherby. I love this rifle, this has been my "do all" rifle for the last few years.
Good luck,
WK
12-14-2009, 07:16 AM
#15
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 7
12-17-2009, 04:12 PM
#17
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 7
Just one question (newbie here)... what does hand lap mean?
BTW I have heard that the action gets smoother on the X-bolt after awhile. We will see.
12-17-2009, 06:09 PM
#19
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: central Ky
Posts: 2,867
Hand lapping a bolt means you put lapping compound (VERY fine abrasive) on the bolt and work it a few dozen or a few hundred times until it's (the bolt operation) glass on ice smooth.
Well I'm 99% sure it's the X-bolt for me. After much thought and deliberation, it is exactly what you said above that has me going for it (fit / handling).
Just one question (newbie here)... what does hand lap mean?
BTW I have heard that the action gets smoother on the X-bolt after awhile. We will see.
Just one question (newbie here)... what does hand lap mean?
BTW I have heard that the action gets smoother on the X-bolt after awhile. We will see.
03-15-2013, 08:52 AM
#20
Spike
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 1
I two have been looking at the Browning, but I don't care for the bolt, it is assembled pieces. The lugs are pinned to tyhe bolt the handle is pinned to the bolt the rear assembly is also pinned.
I much prefer the Sako. If it were me I'd take the piccatinny rail blocks off and replace with Talley one piece aluminum ring and base. I get the 270 WSM. but I reload so cost of ammo isnot an issue.I like the idea of two hundred FPS greater velocity. Put a good Vortex Viper scope on the receiver and be happy.
I much prefer the Sako. If it were me I'd take the piccatinny rail blocks off and replace with Talley one piece aluminum ring and base. I get the 270 WSM. but I reload so cost of ammo isnot an issue.I like the idea of two hundred FPS greater velocity. Put a good Vortex Viper scope on the receiver and be happy.