Stuck between - Sako A7 or Browning X-bolt

[FSuperDuty]

Originally Posted by Sheridan

I know this doesn't help, but just so you know you're not alone.


I brought the Sako A7 Stainless in 7MM Rem Mag; and the Browning X-Bolt Stainless Stalker in .338 Win Mag I pick up for Christmas this year.



I could not make up my mind either !!!

Wow that's one solution I wish I had . 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...

[Sheridan]

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

[Dominick]

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"

[Wolf killer]

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

[FSuperDuty]

Originally Posted by Dominick

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"

Nice... I sure hope I'm able to do that soon with whatever I end up with...

[FSuperDuty]

Originally Posted by Wolf killer

I would also look at the Sako 85.

I have been looking at a Sako 85 for myself at a local gun shop.

WK

The 85 looks great ... But isn't it about $1500? That's way above my price range.

[FSuperDuty]

Originally Posted by stalkingbear

I'd choose the Browning-especially since it seems to fit/handle for you better. Fit/handling goes a LONG way toward good marksmanship. You can hand lap the bolt on the Browning until it's glass smooth, although I doubt it would be necessary.

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.

[FSuperDuty]

Originally Posted by FSuperDuty

I also like the "ready to fire" indicator of the Sako/Tikka over the X bolt. Still thinking...

DUH the X-bolt has a ready to fire indicator too. My mistake...

[stalkingbear]

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.

Originally Posted by FSuperDuty

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.