Steyr vs. Sako

I

Iskatel

Inactive
I am looking to get a very accurate rifle for shooting out to 600/700 yds maybe longer and am trying to decide between these two makers. I really, really like the way the Sako 75 stainless synthetic feels in my hand and I can get it in 7mm.08 or .308 (I am leaning toward 7mm), but it's a light barrel. To get a heavy barrel Sako I need to go with the varmint, laminated stock only, or the trg-21, pricey and .308 only.

The Steyr SBS tactical has the heavy barrel, but is only in .308. It also uses polymer mags, but it can hold up to 10 rounds, not a big deal, but a plus. Also, how much does six inches of heavy barrel (from 20" to 26") really affect the accuracy?

Then the price, I have found the Steyr for $739 and the cheapest I can find the Sako for $939. The other option I considered was the Tikka, but it just doesn't feel quite so nice and it's got the polymer mags.

Accuracy and durability are really the biggest issue. Price is a consideration, but I want this to last and shoot well, so I'll pay a little. Thanks for the feedback.

PS the Rem PSS and VS just don't do it for me. Savage, too.
 
Have you considered the Tikka Varmint in 308?

I shoot a Tikka Sporter in the same caliber (=same action, different stock) and I sure would like to know what other rifle under $1,000 can beat that kind of accuracy.

Unfortunately, the Tikka heavy-barreled models do not come in 7-08, though.

In reality, any of the Tikkas (and Sako, of course) will give you plenty of accuracy for long-range shooting.

Marko Nikko of Sako Ltd. is an Internationally-renown high-power champion. His rifle is a stock Sako 75 Hunter in 6.5x55 - with no modification but drilling and tapping for a front and rear target sight setup.

The reason why Sako and Tikka are so accurate is because they use only match-grade barrels in medium and heavy-weight contour. ...And the trigger.... Aaaahhh.

Don't believe me? Try and see. If you're disappointed I'll send you a case of Shiner Bock! ;)
 
I liked the Tikka, nothing bad from me on the Tikka, but the bolt is a little nicer on the Sako 75 and the synthetic stock on the 75 is nice. I also like the steel mags, but for an extra 500 bucks, I still am not sure that it's worth it. I wanted synthetic with heavy barrel, too. Neither the Tikka, nor the Sako 75 has that, which is what leans me toward the Steyr. Anybody own the Sako and the Tikka or a Steyr and either Sako or Tikka?
 
Hello and welcome, Iskatel, to the world of high-end firearms!

Would like to own a Tikka or a Sako, and someday, I'm sure I will. Right now, I have a Steyr-Manlicher Model M "Professional" in .270 Winchester.

It is my deer rifle of choice, and probably the most accurate firearm I own. I can recommend the Steyr line without hesitation.

Out of curiousity, what prompted you to your choice of these manufacturers? Have you much experience with longarms?
 
The intrinsic accuracy, assuming barrels of equal quality, will be no different between 20 and 26 inches. Steyr builds perhaps the finest production barrels available. Anecdotal evidence follows: my Robar QR2, 19" bbl, Fed 168 Match chronos 2564fps and groups .430". Steyr SSG 26" same ammo 2596fps and groups .650". Steyr Scout, 19" same ammo 2546fps, groups .680". Cooper VHE 26", same ammo, 2718fps and groups .350". Lots of factors determine velocity; chamber dimensions, throating, barrel interior surface finish and barrel length. i own a rack full of Sakos and they are splendid. Given your goals i would choose the Steyr SBS heavy barrel .308 with 26" tube.Best, Rob
 
If you don't think that you can get a Tikka with a heavy barrel, then check out Tikka's website and take a gander at the Tikka Continental. It's a heavy-barrel tackdriver.
 
Both are good choices for out of the box shooting. Mine perform on par with a much more expencive rifle I have. You may want to concider that the Styer is press fit into the receaver and the Tikka/Sako are not. If you ever want to replace the barrel (shot out or change caliber) you are a lot less likely to ever be able to make changes to the Styer.
 
Thank you for the welcome! I chose Sako and Steyr because I liked the way they felt and I had heard nothing but good about them.

I would like the shorter barrel that I can get with the Steyr because I would also like to hunt with it, but maybe I should just get another gun to hunt.;)

Walter, you are right about the continental and I like the semi-sporter with the adjustable cheek-piece even better, but it's not stainless and it's not synthetic. At least the Sako 75 can come in a stainless heavy barrel (which by the way is a nice rifle).

From the comments that were just made about the Steyr I am leaning to the SBS tactical. I haven't handled it as much though and I liked the Sako feel. I guess I will have to go to the gun show this weekend and handle them all again.
 
I know you didn't mention Weatherbys, but I think the Accumark and Super Varmint Master have the features, quality and accuracy you're looking for, though I think you're limited to a 26" barrel. The stainless heavy barrels that are on these two rifles are second to none, IMO, and they have excellent synthetic stocks. They seem to have a wide range of caliber choices as well.

I just thought I'd throw this out there, since I am planning on buying one of these rifles within the next month or two. I have no experience with Sako/Tikka, but I will look into those before I make a decision-glad I came across this thread.

pojim
 
there are some closeouts on 7mm 08 rifles at gsi(importer of styer).there is also a major price increase on the horizon because styer is up for sale.better hurry.i get the indication that it is going to be awile before more guns get into the country.
 
Thanks again for all the input everyone has given me! I went to the gunshow today and handled all the rifles I wanted to look at. The Steyr SBS tactical with the Heavy Barrel and the 10 round adapter feels awesome in my hand! I loved the gun and all I have to do now is save the rest of my pennies. Thanks again for your responses, I am looking forward to having this one for myself.
 
Hmm. I'm looking at getting a Tikka, and now a Sako, but I own a Steyr Pistol. Am I accurate on saying there's no losers in the group?

Steyr.. Hey it's a Steyr! 'Nuff said.
Tikka, I think the action on it is the best you can get for the price...
Sako is like a Tikka ++.

All the barrels seem to be tack drivers out of the box.

It almost all comes down to personal preference. I'm wondering if anybody has anything BAD to say about any of the brands (Steyr, Tikka, Sako) if so, I want to know before I buy...

Albert
 
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