The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Rifles Medium Bore Rifles .338 Federal.....Sako 85 or Tikka T3?Go | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
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I've wanted a rife in this round for a while and it looks like they're going to quit making them and probably the ammo too before long. I've got some T3s and they seem like great guns on average, but I can buy the Sako 85 which is normally quite a bit more for $224 more than the T3 (both in stainess, synthetic) due to closing out the .338 fed models? I don't have any experience with the 85. Besides the Sako name, is it worth $224 more and, if so, why? Any knowledgeable comments would certainly be appreciated. xxxxxxxxxx When considering US based operations of guides/outfitters, check and see if they are NRA members. If not, why support someone who doesn't support us? Consider spending your money elsewhere. NEVER, EVER book a hunt with BLAIR WORLDWIDE HUNTING or JEFF BLAIR. I have come to understand that in hunting, the goal is not the goal but the process. | ||
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I wouldn't worry about the ammo going away. This is Federal's first cartridge and it's a damn good one. They will keep supporting it unlike Remington that seems to let their cartridges die. The Sako 85 is moving more upscale. They aren't making the Hunter anymore. They are making the Bravarian and the classic. They price is moving up to $2,000. At this price point they are probably going to carry fewer caliber choices (ie Popular). I don't have any practical experience with the Sako or Tikka but I have seen the Sako 85 338 Federal advertised for under $800 which represents a great value. I think the Sako looks a lot better then the tikka and has better fit and feel ( if that's important to you). Both will shoot great. I would go with the Sako, I think it's well worth the extra $224 and represents a great bargain on a new Sako. One you probably won't see again. | |||
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Sounds like you'll be getting a brand new Sako for the price of a well taken care of used one. That means your resale value should be very close to what you originally paid. It may cost you $224 initially but you'll end up loosing less on the rifle value over time. I'd get the Sako. | |||
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In this case, definitely take the high road. | |||
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The 85 is a higher end rifle by an order of magnitude. Better trigger, better magazine, better Guranteed accuracy, and better recoil management IMO, due to something in the stock design, I don't know what, but Tikka kick more, just from real world experience. The 85's I have, which is a bunch, all shoot fantastic. I think that cartridge in an 85 is a great package. | |||
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Definately go for the Sako rifle...seen them listed on GunBroker for $799 for a Sako m85 Laminate Stainless. | |||
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I've got an 85 Grey Wolf coming, but I'm not at all sure I made the right decision. I've read at least 2 review of the Sako in .338 Federal that had it shooting very poorly. OTOH I bought my son a T3 in .308 which is a 1/2 inch area rifle. I may buy a Tikka in .338F yet. I bid on a blued one but let it go at $465. I can and probably will buy the SS version for $576 or so. My only thought is, I might buy another 85 GW and have it rebarreled in .260 Rem. Decisions, decisions. xxxxxxxxxx When considering US based operations of guides/outfitters, check and see if they are NRA members. If not, why support someone who doesn't support us? Consider spending your money elsewhere. NEVER, EVER book a hunt with BLAIR WORLDWIDE HUNTING or JEFF BLAIR. I have come to understand that in hunting, the goal is not the goal but the process. | |||
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Yup. . . . . . What he said. . . . .  | |||
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I've got T3 in 338 Fed for 2 years. Very good rifle. It shoots subMOA groups by 185 grain factory cartridges. | |||
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Gatogordo, I wouldn't worry about the 338 Fed not being accurate. It seems everything built on the 308 is inherently accurate. I have a Ruger 77 in 338 Federal and it is very accurate using Federal Fusions. | |||
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The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Rifles Medium Bore Rifles .338 Federal.....Sako 85 or Tikka T3?
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