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SAKO A7 VERSUS BROWNING X-BOLT

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SpencerK View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SpencerK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: SAKO A7 VERSUS BROWNING X-BOLT
    Posted: March/11/2012 at 22:55
Would love some feedback on the Sako A7 in the 270 caliber and 7mm Mag caliber OR the Browning X-bolt 280. Which gun do you think would be the best for the money for deer hunting in the Southern region?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jehu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2012 at 06:40
I have a Browning A-Bolt Medallion in 7 Rem. Mag and can't get it under an inch at 100yrds. I am tradeing it for a Sako Grey Wolf in 7mm because my other 4 Sako,s , including a Synthetic Stainless 75 in 270, group 1/2" or better at 100yrds. The Browning is a good rifle and is accurate enough for hunting but I have become a Sako fan.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote magshooter1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2012 at 07:16
Get the X-Bolt in either .270 or .280 and use the extra $ you save on better optics or ammo for practice.  I would use Talley Lightweight mounts.   I own Sako's and Browning's so I'm not biased toward either one based on brand loyalty.   Or better yet, get one of each and keep the most accurate one.....
Some people are educated BEYOND their intelligence.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SpencerK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2012 at 08:18
I have a X-bolt already and was not pleased with it!  Im still looking for an A-Bolt 280 to replace the one i had stolen, NO LUCK. I'm leaning toward  the Sako, also like the Tikka, it shot very well and had very smooth bolt action  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SChunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2012 at 10:08
I hunt SC.  I am left handed so often my choices are limited.  However, I shoot an A bolt 7 mag--under an inch--it shoots better than I can shoot it.  I have only anecdotal evidence on the x bolt but friends with them are not satisfied.  The Sako is well made as well.  I believe if you find the right deal and work thru the ammo choices, both will work for you in the south.  I too had a 280 stolen, but I really like this round for SC deer.  The Sako, Tikka, and A bolt each have some nice features.  It comes down to your choice!  My ten year old is shooting a Howa 25-06 that is a tack driver--great price and smooth operation.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dyelynn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2012 at 10:11
i bought my son a tikka t3 LH in .270 and we have both enjoyed shooting it.  it groups off-the-shelf premium ammo sub-moa consistently. 
i decided i wanted to step up to the sako and bought an a7 for myself in 7mag and wish i'd bought another tikka and saved a little money.

the sako shoots fine, but the ejector is weak... gonna have to have a smith take a look at it.    i didn't get the ST(soft touch) model, and wished i'd spent the extra 100$ for it, but i'm still not sure if that would have made me like the A7 more than the tikka.

if you're going to buy a sako, get the 85 or an older 75... otherwise, just buy a tikka.  the A7 isn't worth the extra money to justify buying it over the t3.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2012 at 12:28
Either will accomplish the goal and will serve you well for many years. 

There is no right or wrong answer on these types of questions because both are quality rifles in the same general price category, just with different design approaches to accomplishing the same goal.  Since everyone has their own preferences and biases, me included (personally, I'd pick neither), you're not likely to get a consensus.  Handle both and buy whichever YOU prefer. 

Any particular reason you're limiting yourself to just those two rifles and those 3 chamberings?
Ted


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SpencerK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2012 at 13:06
I own two 308, a 300 wsm,and a 270 bar. What would be your          choice?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mlv2k5 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2012 at 14:45
Honestly, I wouldn't buy either of the two rifles you mentioned if I wanted something in that price range. The reasons being that I am a big fan of more traditional lines and wood grained stocks, and the A7 is very much the antithesis to that preference. Also, I feel that if one is going to spend the cash on a Sako, it makes sense to spend a little extra and get an 85 or 75 rather than the A7 which seems to be a somewhat watered down economy version of the Sako line. 

As for the X-bolt, the hunter and the medallion versions are great looking rifles and a friend of mine has one and really likes it. The trigger break on his is excellent and accuracy seems to be right around MOA. My primary problem with the X bolt was the way it fit me. I found that when I shouldered the rifle I was banging my cheekbone against the comb of the stock. After bringing it up to my shoulder about ten times my cheekbone was noticeably sore. So I decided to look for something else.

My recommendations in this price range are either Tikka T3 or my personal favorite the CZ 550. Both cost less than the A7 and the Browning, and in my opinion are nicer rifles for the money. I have handled both extensively and they have excellent mechanical function. The trigger pulls are very clean and set around 3 pounds or so from the factory. Both are very accurate, with the T3 providing an MOA guarantee. The CZ is little heavier than the other models mentioned, but weight can be your friend with regard to recoil, especially if you are planning on sitting in a stand rather than hiking up and down hills like you might out west in the mountain regions. 

Ultimately you have already received the best advice anyone can give you, which is to go handle and if possible shoot all of your potential firearm choices and decide which one YOU like best. My opinion about fit and finish is as likely to be drastically different from the next guy's opinion as his opinion might be to yours so it is really about what you like and don't like. I think that any of the rifles mentioned thus far will serve you very well in regard to accuracy and function, so try out as many as you can and see what you can find a good deal on. 

Good luck. 
-Michael
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SamC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2012 at 15:40
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:

Either will accomplish the goal and will serve you well for many years. 

There is no right or wrong answer on these types of questions because both are quality rifles in the same general price category, just with different design approaches to accomplishing the same goal.  Since everyone has their own preferences and biases, me included (personally, I'd pick neither), you're not likely to get a consensus.  Handle both and buy whichever YOU prefer. 

Any particular reason you're limiting yourself to just those two rifles and those 3 chamberings?
Ted what would you recommend?
Sam

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2012 at 17:11
Originally posted by SpencerK SpencerK wrote:

What would be your          choice?


If I wasn't building a rifle, I'd go with Kimber 84L Montana in .280AI.
Ted


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2012 at 17:19
...if you wanted a hard-core, all-weather rifle that you didn't have to worry about getting dinged up.

I love pretty wood and blued steel as much as anyone, and have more than my share of rifles sporting drop dead gorgeous lumber, but the facts are wood and blued chrome moly don't hold up as well to hard use and wet weather as stainless/synthetic.

The Montana has one of the best OEM synthetic stocks I've ever seen from the standpoint of quality, weight, and ergonomics, and the rifle itself is very well balanced.  Some may not like blind magazines, but I don't mind it at all, and it saves a few more ounces from an already lightweight package.


Edited by RifleDude - March/12/2012 at 17:27
Ted


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2012 at 17:25
...and I'm as big a Sako slut as anyone.

I've never been a Tikka fan, even though the ones I've played with have been good shooters.  A buddy of mine has a T3 in .300 WSM.  It shoots very well, but I just can't warm up to its looks, ergonomics and cost-cutting measures taken.  I realize form follows function, beauty is as beauty does, and any other similar cliche' one can think of...
...but my romantic side just won't let me go there.

Ted


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 270XBolt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2012 at 20:51
Another rifle to consider would be the Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SpencerK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/12/2012 at 22:35
my 300wsm is a Winchester 70 extreme weather and shoots very well.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nightranger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/13/2012 at 10:08
How about throwing caution to the wind and consider the Cooper Jackson Hunter in 280 Rem or 280AI.   I have found there is no need to worry about reloading.  So far mine shoots all factory ammo 1/2" groups easy at 100 yards.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SpencerK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/13/2012 at 22:46
very nice looking set up, trying keep it under $1000. Does anybody know anything about a Tikka 695, I found a 280rem. in  it, but wondering if it is smooth as the T3?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SpencerK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/13/2012 at 22:59
decided on the scope, SO I REALLY NEED A RIFLE. So now its a Tikka or the Sako, going this weekend to handle them both one more time before I buy.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mlv2k5 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/14/2012 at 01:51
If you want to stay less than a 1000$ I think you really can't go wrong with the tikka. You will get a rifle that is likely to be every bit as accurate, with a great trigger and slick action for less cash. What caliber did you decide on or is it going to be dependent of the rifle setup? The Tikka T3 in .270 winchester would make a fantastic setup for the type of hunting it sounds like you are going to be doing in SC. I have looked at the Tikka 695 that you mentioned and they are really nice firearms indeed. I have heard good things about the .280 but I have never owned or shot one so I can't tell you anything first hand. If you don't reload ammo availability and price is one thing to keep in mind. 


-Michael
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SpencerK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/15/2012 at 22:35
Well i went and got the Sako 85, My friend that is a manager at a police supply store is a Sako dealer and got it at a great price. I spent a little over my budget, but not much! Will be here Tuesday!!
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