Stuck between - Sako A7 or Browning X-bolt
 

Hey guys,
New to the forum. Fairly new to deer hunting. Been hunting this season with a friend's Browning BAR .300 Win Mag. It's a fine weapon, Belgium made. But I'll need to return it, so I'm shopping. And I apologize for starting probably another thread like this - I've googled forums everywhere for answers but need a bit more.:)
I've been to some shops and handled the Savage 111, Rem 700 SPS, Browning X-bolt and Sako A7. I prefer the latter two for their balance, action and trigger feel.
So I handled both the A7 and the X-bolt for awhile. My impressions after about 15minutes of this:
(By the way I'm looking at .270 Win with synthetic stocks).

X-bolt:
+ Handles and is balanced nicely to me. Comes up to shooting position naturally.
+ Stock has a nice tactile feel to it, like a bit of rubber on the surface. Grips nicely
+ Maybe prefer the safety over the A7
- Don't like the action as much

A7:
+ Action very smooth
+ Prefer the trigger over the X by just a hair (ha no pun intended)
+ Like the magazine release mechanism (have to push up and press button to release)
- Stock doesn't feel as nice as the X
- Balance and handling good but the X feels more natural.

This is all without a scope mounted.

I can't have all I want in one so I need to compromise - it's basically coming down to Handling vs Action/Trigger. Not that the A7 handles like a tank (the BAR feels that way to me, compared to these two) but the difference is a bit noticeable. I always do things a bit different so I'm also drawn to the Sako for that reason.

Thinking about the hunting I've done this year, holding and handling the firearm has been key, the action is second (ideally we load and wait for one shot, right?). So maybe the X has the edge. But I'm still thinking about it.

I welcome your comments, thanks!

Dont forget to mention that the sako has a 5 shot moa guarantee....

Browning has nothing....

In all honesty you cant go wrong with either one.

I have the browning x-bolt in 7mm Rem. Mag. and love it. Wouldn't trade it for any other.

Sako by a long shot

I've had awfully good luck with the Brownings. 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.

:p I should have known the opinions would fly. I'm still torn about it - and the 5 shot MOA is important as well. I'll be going back to spend more time with each rifle. The Sako wasn't a bad handling rifle by any means, just that the X has the edge. We'll see... to complicate matters if I want stainless the Sako is still in reach but Browning in stainless goes too far over budget. What dilemmas... but I'm thankful I have the cash for these and not shopping bargain basement :cool2:

Let me throw a kicker in here. I just picked up a ruger SS hawkeye (in 358 win). Trigger isn't bad (probably will put a timney on it but for 90% of the shooters out there it's really decent), fit is decent, the darn thing wants to shoot in the same hole @ 50 but I've more playing to do. Action is pretty smooth. The guard rails look rough but it doesn't seem to effect the action at all. Oh I've got 3 sako 75's and a 85, the ruger shoots as good if not better than any of them and yes the actions on them are smooth as silk and the ruger while good isn't as good. Lastly, ruger is USA made

If you are looking at the A7 then I would save the extra cash for glass and get a Tikka T3 lite... it shoots just as good.
If you want to get a Sako then get a Sako 85 and leave the A7 on the shelf.

I'd prefer the X Bolt over the A-7. However, the Tikka may be a decent alternative.

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... :deer:

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

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"

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

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

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

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? :confused0024:
BTW I have heard that the action gets smoother on the X-bolt after awhile. We will see.

DUH the X-bolt has a ready to fire indicator too. My mistake...:s9:

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.

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.

Buddy has the Tikka, and totally loves it. I am assuming that this would be a one time purchase. Save a little longer and go with the Sako 85. Another option is to check out the Weatherby moa. They are reasonably priced, and Weatherby's warranty is second to none. I had problems with one of my old Wby's and all that it took was a phone call, and the parts were in the mail.

As a Beretta rep I am a bit bias. I do own 2 Browning A-bolts and I like them. I also own a Tikka T3 Lite and even though the Browning has a nice action, it does not compare to the Tikka's. The Tikka has a 3 shot guarantee while the A7 and the 85 Sakos have a 5 shot guarantee. To be honest both my Brownings needed some type of work to get them to shoot to my satisfaction. One needed a trigger job and the other a bedding job. The T3 shot great right out of the box with several different loads. Fit however is the most important thing and if the Browning fits you better then get it. But if you decide on either the A7 or the T3, again, get it and don't look back. You can't go wrong with either the Browning or the Sako.

Not to muddy the waters, but you might also consider the Weatherby Vanguard Series 2. I picked one up in a 300 Win Mag for $505. They guarantee sub moa 3 shot groups, smooth action, great adjustable trigger, and I really like the synthetic stock.

I love my Sako A7, but my X-bolt has the better fit and finish.

However, the bolt on my A7 is like glass.

Seeking perfection in one...
 

when it might be close in more than a few.
I've owned, knew close buddies who shot all. Would use any of them. But never needed to.

Good hunters make up for a centimeter of difference, if there is one.