Validate my hunting rifle choice

R

Rustle in the Bushes

New member
in my search for a left handed bolt action ive come to the sako 85 hunter, which I wouldnt have ever figured on. Im planning to shoot 30-06 and would prefer a heavier gun to soak up recoil- its gonna get a lot of range time in as well as the occasional hunt.


Model 70/CZ- love em' but no lefty action
rugers/savage - dont fit me + dont like the stocks
brownings- too light
remington 700 CDL- Theyre lefty, a possibility, though I havent heard great things about them as a company/quality.



the sako 85 lefty comes in at 7 lbs for the 20" barrel rifle. sounds pretty good to me and I can get a synthetic stock one day and bring it down a bit if I get more into hunting.

have I missed any other good lefty options out there?
 
The Sako is possibly the best of all the rifles you have listed. But don't discount the 700 or the Rugers, they are good rifles.
 
Remember that you carry a hunting rifle more than you shoot it. Strike a balance in weight and recoil. Get a good recoil pad and pad your shoulder when you shoot over a bench.
When/if you do any mountain hunting you will be glad for the lighter rifle. Personally I would not want a hunting rifle for this country that weighed more than 7.25 lb with scope, sling and loaded.

If that would be too light for a 30-06 then go to a .260 Rem.
Jerry
 
If you like the Sako, you made the right choice. I'm a lefty, and swear by my left handed 110 in 7mm Rem Mag, but I've heard nothing bad about Sako.

While the. 30.06 does have some recoil, it isn't a cartridge that will beat you silly after a few shots no matter the gun weight.
 
The Model 70 is currently being made in a left hand model now,

The truth all the rifles list a good rifles, just get the one that you like best.
 
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No it isn't
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Yes it is :)

Maybe you don't prefer them for some reason but that doesn't mean they aren't good rifles. In my opinion you are splitting hairs, any of these rifles will work very well for hunting. But, of course, pick your favorite.

I've taken deer with every brand listed other than the Sako.
 
The best made and dependably accurate out of the box rifles, IMO, which do not need any aftermarket stock, trigger, or "tweeking" are pricey but you get what you pay for. You have chosen wisely.;)
 
You are really handicapping the '06 in a 20" barrel. Get a 308. If you want to save a lot of money and get an OOB tack driver, get a Savage 116. My 16 put it's first 3 into .6".
 
@Catfishman


misunderstanding- I was addressing the post above when I said "no it isnt" as the win model 70 isnt currently offered in left hand.

opinions are awesome man thanks for 'em



Im wondering for the amount that the sako costs how much could I pimp that model 700? Bell and carlson stock, improved bolt/rebarrel?

they make good custom jobs right?
 
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I bought a 700 SPS Buckmasters .270 win last summer. I did nothing to it and the new trigger is fine (mine went down to 3 lbs. pull), the action is smooth and it is sub-MOA with any junky factory ammo I want to feed it. I'm very pleased with it.

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Why do you need our "validation"? Are your powers of reasoning not valid?

Make your choice, evaluate it by firsthand observation.....
 
I think maybe you might wish to reconsider the value you ascribe to the weight of the rifle in your evaluation of which one to get. If you find a fine rifle with a light weight, but are concerned about recoil, there are brakes which can be installed which will reduce recoil, and you won't have to carry a heavy rifle with you all day in the field, which in my estimation, really diminishes the hunt.

Good luck in your decision, and I hope you and your rifle will do well together for many years.
 
you won't have to carry a heavy rifle with you all day in the field, which in my estimation, really diminishes the hunt.
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Carry it more than once a year, and spend a bit of time working/working out, and a 9 lb. rifle won't be so taxing. Plus, your arms won't look so flabby....
 
Probably you will be wearing a heavier jacket during hunting season, so recoil won't be an issue in the field. At the range, you might consider a shooting shirt.

The choice of rifles in your list looks to be top notch. If one works for you, you should be fine.
 
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