So I am considering buying a Sako AV that I have found. It is in 338 Win Mag and will be replacing my Tikka 695 in the same caliber. What do you guys think? Is it that much better of a rifle? What do you think would be a good price range on a 98% rifle? What is the difference between the Tikka 695 and the AV? Any info or opinions appreciated. Thanks in advance.

test

My opinion is that the AV action/rifle is a wonderful and accurate rifle in general. Slightly heavy, but with the .338 that's a plus. The older I get the more I like rifles from the past regarding their manufacture. Quality and finish foremost.

My first rifle was a Sako AV in .30-06, later I had a .280 Rem AI built on an AV action - they were available from Brownell's at the time. I have hunted quite a bit with these two rifles, and have been happy with them. They have shot and handled well. I can't recall ever having had problems with them, which was due to either the design or poor quality. If the AV (and the remainder of the Sakos) have a drawback for big game hunting, it is probably their safeties. I'm not crazy about side safeties, and the Sako is no exception.

- mike

No question! The AV is the more desirable of the
two. You can't beat Sako L and A series actions.

What would be a good price on a 98% rifle?

For a standard grade AV you'll have a hard time finding a nice one ("98%", whatever that may mean) less than $700. Most asking prices will be quite a bit higher, but the asking versus selling price spread on Sakos seems to have grown fairly wide lately, perhaps on the basis of inflated prices for new Sakos. Try to find one with a good scope and mounts. You can usually buy the package cheaper than the components.

I'm a great fan of Sakos, but I doubt that you'll find the performance significantly exceeding your Tikka. Whatever difference you are willing to give should be based on whatever aesthetic value you personally find in the Sako.