Do I pick my rifle or my caliber?

T

TCW

New member
Hi,
I was going to buy my first (and maybe only) all-purpose bolt action. Based on the info I gathered, I am interested in the Tikka .308. The only problem is Sako(Tikka) stopped making that caliber variety. Great . Now I have to choose between the rifle I wanted and the caliber I wanted. I'm weary of Remington lately (safety and QC issues) as well as Savage. A couple of things I liked about the Tikka is the reported smooth action, reliability, accuracy, synthetic stock and detachable magazine.

Of course I could go with a .270, 7mm-08 Rem, or .243 Tikka.

Any suggestions?
 
For me, the first part of the equation is defining what I'll likely be using the rifle for, and selecting a caliber suitable for that purpose or purposes.

Also, what particular rifle (Tikka/Sako) where you looking at? I'm looking at the rifle data pages from the web site, and there are several offerings in .308 Winchester available.

http://www.sako.fi/
 
The website is not up to date. They stopped making them in .308:mad:

The gun will be for future deer hunting and also because I just want one to add to my collection of other types of guns. Also, Living in Kali, theres an atmosphere of "get them while you can."
 
If you were originally looking at a .30, why not just go with a 30-06 Tikka? Or are those not available?

Finger you have a caliber ('06) that has more energy and the same accuracy (at least in my hands it does! ;)). About the only drawback would be the longer action of the '06.

Derek
 
TCW,

Most often the asthetics of a particular rifle are what attracted you to that model in the first place. If you get a different model, then most likely you will not be happy.

The .270 Win is an acceptable substitute for that rifle. You can handle the majority of big game offered in North America with no problem. I would venture to say that anything you hunt with a .308 you can with the .270.

You could always buy a used .308 rifle and spend the money you saved refurbishing or adding some custom feautures as well.

Another option is purchasing a rifle and rebarelling it to .308. If this option is chosen I would suggest getting the rifle in .243. Looking at the rifle data chart they have the model 595 chambered for .243 and similar length cartridges, to include the discontinued .308. This would allow you to keep the short action length as well as utilize the .243 magazine for your .308.

If you get the model 695 in the .270 you would most likely have a longer action length and have to shim or put a spacer in the .270 magazine to ensure reliable feeding. Not to mention having to deal with a longer action length, a minor inconvenience.

No changes in the bolt or extractor would be necessary because the calibers mentioned are based on the same case head diameter.

I may be wrong about the .595 being a short action length and the 695 being a longer action length, but based on the info in the tables and the respective calibers chambered for the different models, that is the impression that I am given.

Good Shooting
RED
 
7mm-08 is an awesome caliber. .308 necked down to .284. Hornady lists their 7-08 Light Magnum load at 3000 fps with a 140 grain bullet. The same bullet in 7mm Rem. Mag is listed at 3150. 95% of a 7 Mag in a short action....I want one....Oh, wait....I just bought one in this year's Remington 700 Classic. :cool:

David
 
I think I need to rephrase the question

You said "Tikka .308". Tikka and Sako make several different models. Which particular model were you looking at?

I own a Tikka Whitetail hunter in .338 Win. mag. and am totally impressed with the action of the bolt and the accuracy of the rifle, so I applaud your choice of this brand. Also, where else have you looked to determine that the .308 chambering is no longer available for the rifle you want?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top