Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

Looking for a good Synthetic/Stainless Deer Rifle for use mainly in Minnesota and Wisconsin. I think that I have narrowed-down the caliber to .270, possibly WSM. Now for the tough part, what's the best of the three - Browning A-Bolt Stainless Stalker (~$800), Weatherby Mark V Stainless (~$900), or Sako 75 Stainless (~$800)? I have shouldered and worked the Browning and it feels very nice, better than a Remington or Winchester or Tikka t3 for that matter, haven't felt the other two.

I'm pretty new to this sport so would like the advise of some of you experts. I nailed a nice 8 pointer in Wisconsin last year with a borrowed Custom Montana Rifleman 7mm Rem Mag (Nosler Partition). I think that this caliber is probably a little too hard hitting to practice with and most likely overkill for Whitetails.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

All of the three listed are very good rifles and will certainly do the job. Not knowing how you'll hunt or your needs it sounds like you're taking some longer shots from a blind or stand across open field. Up here where I hunt deer shots are very short, in dense bush and small rifles (Marlin, Winchester or Browning levers) are favored.

The main features I would look for in a bolt action is a detachable magazine and the ability to open the bolt with the safety engaged. I've never owned an A-Bolt but do own both the Mark V SS and Sako 75 SS. If I had to make the choice it would be the Sako for the features previously mentioned, second the browning for the detachable mag, not sure if the bolt is operative with the tang safey on and the Weatherby last (still a great rifle but not my first choice for my needs).

Good luck with your choice, best thing is to shoulder them all and see which one fits best and buy it.

340,

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

Well, I lean heavily in favor of the Sako. I currently own two of them (7mm mag and .300 Weatherby) and hopefully I'll be adding more in the future). I just think they're very well made rifles. They have an excellent trigger for a factory rifle and have a solid reputation for being accurate. I have also owned two Browning A Bolts in the past and they were decent rifles too, but they weren't my cup of tea. I didn't particularly like the stock design, it didn't feel comfortable to me. I've never owned a Weatherby rifle, so I can't comment on them.

Basically, they're all good rifles I think. You need to handle each one and decide which one fits you best. I do think the Sako might be the best of the three, though, from a pure design and functionality standpoint.

BTW, the 7mm mag is a *****cat. I do most of my whitetail hunting with that .300 Weatherby Sako. Don't get me wrong, though, I'm not trying to talk you into anything. I think the .270 Win or WSM would serve you really well. Either is really is all you need. I just tend to like my cartridges a little bigger.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

Find a Sako dealer and handle the rifle as much as a person can in a store, working the bolt etc.
Your mind will probably be made up.
Weatherby would be my second choice.

My 2 cents
Good hunting.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

Of those rifles listed, I'd buy the Sako. However, I'd strongly recommend you first take a good hard look at a Tikka T3 Hunter. It's a beauty of a rifle in design, manufacturing quality, accuracy and features you normally would only see in some of the more expensive rifles including Sako and Weatherby.

I bought my T3 Hunter last summer .300 WM for $400, put a Nikon Monarch 3x9 - 40 on it and with Premium ammo on a solid rest put groups of 3 in 1" at 100 and 200 yards consistently. I don't know what else you're looking for. But for me it's all the rifle I want or need and don't have to send $1100 + on some of others and can spend extra on a quality scope.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

Another vote for the sako.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

If you have the money, then I'd suggest the Sako. Next would be the Browning. Those two rifles are among the best made. I love Tikka, but they just aren't the rifle that the Sako is. Especially the T-3 with it's plastic parts, and somewhat spotty accuracy. I personally think Tikka made a mistake in replacing the Whitetail Hunter with the T-3, but, they are trying to keep costs down below the level of Sako (Tikka's are made in the Sako foundry). If you can find a Whitetail Hunter, it would be a tie between it and the Browning, and they run around $600.00.

As far as cartridge goes, you can't do wrong with the .270 Winchester. You don't need the Short Mags, and the ammo will be more expensive, and harder to find.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

My vote would go to the Sako of the three you listed. However, since you are looking at higher end factory rifles I am going to throw another gun into the mix for you just to make the decision a little bit harder.:D

Kimber 8400. It is available in all three WSM cartridges. Very nice rifle.

It is an easy decision between the three you listed but, for me at least, it would be a toss up between the Sako and the Kimber. Both are very well made rifles.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

If the rifle was a Weatherby Mark V Fibermark or Fibermark Stainless, I would choose Weatherby, but since they are not, I would go for the Sako 75 Stainless Syntehtic. Good luck with your new rifle!!

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

I just went through the same decision. I now own a Sako 75 Hunter in 7mm-08 I just thought the mag.s were overkill for whitetail and with the cost of mag. ammo I can shot a non-mag. twice as much. I went with the 7mm-08 but think a decision of .270, .308, or 30-06 would have been just as good. I like calibers that have off the shelf ammo readily available.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

I have a 270 in the browning a bolt. Mine is not synthetic, so this might not apply. I love the way it shots, but think it is a little heavy (agian it is wood, Im sure the synthetics are much lighter). Very good gun. I have a weatherby in synthetic 300 wby. I love it as well. Never shot a sako. I dont think you will go wrong with any of your choices. Go to a gun store and play with them. See which action you like the best. Only advantage I can think of among those choices would be that the Mark V is very easy to adjust the trigger setting. You dont have to pull the gun appart to set it. Just two simple screws.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

I'll agree with the others in that all three are great choices. I have a Weatherby, A bolt, and Tikka (White tail). I almost bought a Sako 75 until I shot the Weatherby at the same time. They are all close in quality and performance. They do have a different feel from each other. All of the them have short bolt throws and smooth actions which I like.
You should look at each one. Sholder them and work the actions. If lucky enough you'll be able to test fire a model or two. Pick the one YOU like the best. All three are winners so you can't go wrong with either one.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

Browning A-Bolt would be my choice. I have had Weatherby, Sako and most of the other brands as well. Of the three you listed I like the A-Bolt. I have one in the lite weight Stalker in 308. It will group an inch or better with every load I have tried in it so far.

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RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

The .270 is a great caliber and would be a good choice in all three of the listed brands. If you go up to the .270 WSM, you'll pick up about 300 fps muzzle velocity and over 600 in Energy @ 200yds over the standard .270 (if that even matters to you). I second the addition of Kimber also. They deserve a look IMO. With that being said I'd still vote for the Sako as I have one in .30-06 and really like it. However, finding new Sako's in any of the WSM's has been somewhat of a challenge. Good luck.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

Jeez this is a good forum, one day and 14 replies.

Like I said, I am somewhat new to deer hunting so am looking for all the advice that I can handle.
Solitary Man, compared to a 300 Weatherby Mag (my other choice for last year's deer hunt), I would agree that the 7mm RemMag is a *****cat, and as a matter of fact the 7mm RemMag is what I hit the 8 pointer with (one shot , one buck) @ 75 feet. However, I missed a Doe at ~250 feet (about an inch low and big blast of snow/dirt) and am somewhat concerned that I will not be able to practice effectively due to the recoil. BTW - The miss was due to not allocating for the sight-in at 100 feet. Most of my hunting will be from a stand at 50 to 250 feet max. At this point, I think that the .270 Win is all I need.

Thanks all for the advice on the Sako, I will try to get to Reed's ASAP and shoulder one - maybe Gander Mountain has one, so shorter drive from Lakeville. I have to admit that the Tikka T3 Light Stainless felt a little flimsy compared to the A-Bolt (cycling the bolt). MinnFinn, I haven't been able to locate a T3 Hunter, but I would expect it to be the same as the Light Stainless. Sorry guys, I have heard bad things wrt the A@@hole Kimber Customer Service, so won't be going there.

James B, you are the only guy supporting my initial choice. I'll have to try the others, but the quality of the synthetic stock on the A-Bolt was much superior to the Win, Rem, and Tikka.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

I own a Abolt SS stalker but in a 270 win and it has been a wonderful gun, that being said the other 2 are no slouches either. I suggest you handle all on your short list and buy the one you feel is the best fit to you personally. Best of luck!

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

This can be a problem with the monsters 300 wby, rum, 338 or 375 h and h. Cost of ammo is another concern with practicing with the monsters. If you get a good 30-06, you can shot all day and still have a very versitile gun. A 30-06 will drop any animal you can find in America. ;)

270 is a great calib. as well. Between the 308, 30-06, and 270 there is little difference. If you reload you can do a little more with the 30-06. I own them all, and they all work great and get the job done. If you will not be shooting over 250 yrds, there is not need for an ultra mag. I have a ultra mag, not because ill ever need it, Im simply addicted to big guns. (no jokes about compensation):D Any of the above mentioned calib. can reach deer out and touch any deer at any ethical distance.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

Sako is a mighty fine rifle, would depend on which model of weatherby for me, and the browing is also a fine rifle.

While I don't have alot of bolt action rifles have shot alot of them out there. My favorite bolt I the Winchester rifle made about 1970's to early 80's mighty fine shooting rifle.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

Although I haven't owned either the Sako or the Weatherby, here's a vote for the Browning A-Bolt.

I've got the Composite Stalker in .300WSM w/BOSS. Wanted the SS Stalker but it wasn't out two years ago in .300WSM and with a BOSS. If you go with an A-Bolt, my advice would be to get the BOSS option. It really works... for instance, I've shot a single ragged hole 3-shot group at 100 yd that measured only .22" extreme center-to-center... and I'm no Bob the Nailer... lol... even though I fancy myself one at times. <smiling>

Oh... even though you haven't asked... I can also recommend a Burris Fullfield II 3x9 scope with Ballistic Plex reticle. It's one helluva scope for under $200. Bright field of view... and with a range-finding type feature. I compared a Leupold Vari-X III directly to the Burris... and the Burris came out ahead.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

It's hard to beat the Browning A-Bolts. I've had two of them. But I sure like that adjustable trigger and smooth action on the Sako and Tikka Whitetail Hunters. That trigger alone swayed me to the WH this time. Browning also has a adjustable trigger, but it's not as sweet as the Sako/Tikka trigger. Mine would only go down to about 4 1/2 pounds where the Sako/Tikka will go down to about 2 pounds. And the action is slicker than greased snot on a brass door knob.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

Danny - FWIW, before I went hunting with my A-Bolt I adjusted the trigger pull down to a bit over 3 lb... which was great for the bench.

But when I fired my rifle for the first time in earnest (at an elk)... I found that a little over 3 lb was too light. In the excitement of the moment of a follow-up shot, I squeezed off a round prematurely.

I have since increased the trigger pull to 4 lb... which should be a good compromise.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

eck, their in lies the problem you shouldn't need that follow up shot with your abolt;). Just ribbing you!!!!!!!:)

I have all my rifles set around 3 lbs but like everything else it is all personal feel!

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

I prefer around 3 pounds myself for hunting. But 2 pounds on the bench sure is fun and accurate. Not to mention when you let a buddy try it out. The look on their faces when they touch the trigger is worth the price of the gun itself. LOL

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

Skeeter - Gotta tell ya... I agree... I shouldn't.

Truth is... I just started hunting big game... and my brain stopped workin' when I saw my first elk within range... walkin' around the base of the hill opposite my position some 400+ yds away.

After radioing to my buddy at the top of that hill... that he had a cow walkin' below him... I took up a seated shooting position with my elbows between my knees... and proceeded to squeeze off the first round making a slight adjustment for the fact that she was walking.

What I FAILED to do is... adjust for range. Stupid?... yeah. But she went down... turns out that my first shot hit her in her left front foreleg.

Wasn't until I was changing clips, totally NOT understanding how I missed the 2nd and 3rd shots that I realized my blunder. My next shot took her through her lungs.

Have since bought a digital rangefinder. Next time I'm gonna KNOW the range. lol.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

I don't want you to take this personally, but if you just started hunting big game, I hope you have a lot of other types of shooting experience to be shooting 400+ yards.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

You cant go wrong with any of the three. If I really had to choose, I would take the Weatherby.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

FrozenOkie, the .270 Win would be a great round. One of these days I'm going to buy myself one. You would also do well with any of the numerous other cartridges in this same range of performance.

There's only one reason I use the bigger rounds right now: because I want to. As long as I'm not bothered by the recoil and can shoot them accurately, which I can, I'll keep using em'. I just like plain like them, but I know quite well that for my kind of hunting, which is pretty much the same kind of hunting you described for yourself, they aren't needed.

Good luck on your rifle purchase.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

Danny - Not taken personally. I understand your comment/concern.

Some of my experience is dated... I used to varmit hunt back in southern IL apple orchards in the 70s... shooting a .22-250 at long range woodchucks... but that experience aside, my confidence in taking a 400 yd shot like the one that I described comes from my shooting experience at the range.

I've got my rifle finely zeroed and shooting within .25 MOA. I'm confident that I could make that same kill with one shot today.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

eck, you never said it took you 4 shots and 2 clips to finally put her down[:o]. You mentioned the light trigger was the culprit in your first post but then admitted to not knowing the range, which was the real reason you missed her on 1-2-3. In any regards glad to hear you got your gun and other stuff figured out..best of luck next season!

One question how do you get an elk to stand & look at you for 4 shots?:D
I never seen like that before where we hunt[&o]

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

>>One question how do you get an elk to stand & look at you for 4 shots? <<

Skeeter - That's the way we grow 'em here in da states... dumb. lol

Truth be told... she was walkin' the whole time. She never did break into a run.

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

MinnFinn,

Went to Gander Mountain and decided to take your advice. I tried-out the Tikka T3, this time in the Laminated Stock. That thing is really sweet! Actions well and feels much more solid than the T3 Synthetic Stock. I also shouldered a Winchester Featherweight - pretty nice too with a more traditional look. The Kimber that bigbulls suggested is really a nice rifle also.

I'm really confused now but leaning toward the Tikka Laminated in a .270 Win. Thanks all for the advice, I'll keep ya posted on what I finally decide on. Like everyone has mentioned, I can't really go wrong with any of the choices. Just depends on what feels right and offers the most bang for the buck;)

RE: Sako vs. Weatherby vs. Browning
 

This one is real easy SAKO. Not as big a fan of the older ones as I am of the new 75...extremely well built rifles better then the other 2 mentioned and have great features . Nothing wrong with Brownings other then the bolt cannot be stripped they are generally great out of the box shooters. Most need their trigger adjusted which should be done by a gunsmith since the owners manual trigger adjustment is a joke. Weatherbys are very good shooters as well and solid guns their ammo on the other hand is way too high priced .