I am down to these two brands.I am hoping for 1/2",100 yd.groups with handloads.Is this very probable or possible with a factory rifle?Which manufactureor would you go with?On the other hand would it be more feasable to have one made.
Thanks,
Jim


would you go with

I like em both Jim , but as for me I am only interested in a rifle at this time if it is a true lightweight.

The Kimber Montana is the Sako is not IMO.

So I would go with the Kimber.

Mark D

3 shot groups of 1/2 inch are possible but not probable .
Unless you carry a portable benchrest or shoot prone off a bipod with a rear bag my bet is you (and I) can't shoot anything like 1/2 inch in the field with a lightweight rifle anyway .
Not sure what you're shooting or at what range but unless it's varmints at 400 yards plus or big game at 1000 you don't need that level of accuracy .If that is what you're shooting then you are choosing the wrong type of rifle anyway .

I don't own any of these but I have been researching them for my girlfriend and I'm in the same dilema.

From what I've found out is that they are both extremely good rifles and easily handloaded for those groups, with the right techniques and equipment.

My pros and cons list is so far based on preference now. The Sako has a detachable box magazine and a deep one at that and the Kimber offers a longer barrel for the weight.

Kimber just came out with the longer action and I really think that will explode since Winchester is out of the way with controled-feed actions and the Kimber, supposedly, comes with a Lapped barrel which is typicaly unheard of with production rifles and that also make me believe all of the half inch or better groups I've heard from the owners.

I've come down to doing the old gun store swing at the shoulder and whatever feels good, thats the one.

Good luck, I know I need it.

I looked at both the Kimber and the Sako when I was in the market a couple of years ago. Quite simply, I did not like the Kimber Montana. When I picked it up and ran the action, it felt cheap in my hands. I know that Kimber makes fine rifles so don't flame me - it was my impression of that particular rifle.

I ended up purchasing a Sako Finnlight in .300 WSM. I really like the rifle and it has served me well thus far. It has taken several deer and plainsgame. The absolute best groups I have shot with it are just under 6 tenths of an inch. Consistently, it will shoot just under MOA.

In my opinion, it will be a longshot to get a factory hunting rifle to shoot half inch groups out of the box with the best handloads you can prepare - Kimber - Sako or anyother (with the exception of a custom rifle). That goal will likely take some real work in accurizing the gun.

I don't own either one but I will be getting a Montana when they are available in 30-06. I have owned 2 Sako Synthetic Stainless which is similar to the Finnlight.

No one has mentioned it yet, but the stock is the main reason I would go with the Montana. Those Shamu looking Sako synthetic stocks are too flexible and I even had one break on my 270. It broke at the hand grip. Sako said send in the rifle and we will replace it but who wants to put rifle and scope in the mail or go to the trouble of taking the scope off and rezeroing etc. I decided to go ahead and get a McMillan stock at that time. It is a lot less flexible. The Montana stock may not be as pretty but it is a helluva lot better, IMO.

Not to mention CRF and 24" barrel.

Both rifles are probably going to be capable of 1/2" 3 shot groups at 100yds. These 2 did it at 200 yds:





Lightweight rifles aren't as easy to shoot as heavier ones are but they are capable of excellent accuracy. You won't shoot 1/2" groups every time but the rifles are capable. I've had 2 Finnlites and 4 Kimbers that all fell within your criteria.
In the end both are fine, accurate rifles. Buy the one that fits and feels the best to you, IMHO you can't go wrong either way.............DJ

I agree with djpaintless - they are both excellent products. A slight negative for me with the Montana is the blind mag floorplate but the Woodstock molychrome is a lovely rifle. And I have not heard of a Sako yet that does not shoot well.

I belive Kimber sells there rifles as being 1/2 MOA, shooters. I am not sure though. I think thats the one I would prefer anyway, but I would go for a wooden and blue one,(to each his own) Mabye it would help you decide if you keep this in mind, both rifles are excelent quality , if all elese is equal mabye you shul buy the American product and keep the jobs here,
If you have a clear preference for the Sako, by all means by it but all things equal buy american...tj3006

Jim,

I have a little experience with a Sako Finnlite in 7-08, and the makers claim for accuracy has been borne out with handrolled Nosler 120Gn BT's and factory Federal Power HiShok 150Gn.

I find it needs to be kept very clean, as it starts to 'wander' after 20 rounds. I agree with the other Guys comments re the flexible stock, and the difficulty of consistent accuracy under field conditions.

However FWIW, nothing has walked away from it, and it is great for long stalks due to the light weight. Life is all about compromises I guess.

Rgds
T260

Jim,

A couple of months ago, a friend and I went to Bass Pro to look at some rifles and the salesman gave me a Kimber Montana in hand. I couldn't believe how light it was and he started laughing, telling me that every client who held one for the first time was as surprised as I was. The rifle seemed very nicely put together.

Like many, I am waiting for the long action version to come out. I need a 30-06.

Best wishes and do let us know what you finally decide on.

I just traded for a LNIB Kimber Montana 84M in 308. It arrived today. I too am pleasantly surprised at how light it is. I have no idea why anyone would perceive the workmanship of this rifle to be anything other than superb.

My reasons for picking the Kimber over the Sako would be:

1. The Kimber is a CRF and the Sako is not.

2. The safety on the Kimber is a very nice 3-position safety and the Sako has a mess as a safety.

3. Stock on the Kimber is very sturdy and anything Melvin Forbes was a part of is a damn good thing.

4. I don't like the removable magazine on the Sako as much as the blind mag on the Kimber. I don't hate it though. I still want the Sako Grey Wolf in 300wsm.

5. "Fondle-Factor"! Mine purrs when rubbed on its belly!