SAKO 85 vs Browning X-Bolt

[sikwhiskey]

If sako made a rifle and cartridge for 500 win mag, I'd try it in a heart beat. I have 2 ,300 wm sako 85s. I don't think I will ever part with them. Great gun, accurate and silky smooth. The stocks on the synthetics I don't care much for so I ordered a couple of McMillians. Can't comment on the Browning as I never even shot one. I don't think you can beat a sako for the price.

[fatrack]

My 270 short mag X-bolt is probably one of the most accurate rifles I own. I reload and strive for precision and have other custom guns and believe me this thing is a shooter. Its light and I like the fit so its perfect for me. I have no experience with the Sako so I can't help you there.

[MountainTi]

Buy the browning, take the $800 you are gonna save and invest it in quality optics.

[timsesink]

x2

[Highcountry]

I have had both and still have the Browning x-bolt. Have it in a 25-06 and out shot the Sako all day long and in my opinion just as good of a hunting rifle for a lot less. And better than a Tikka (had one of them too) also, the only thing I think Browning could upgrade it to a nicer metal clip or a hinged floor plate. There is nothing wrong with the design of there clip but just the material.
Go with the X Bolt save $800 and buy a good scope!!!

[Jamie]

Gota say I love my 85 in 270WSM.
It feels nice and fits me great.
The clip is metal and not plastic.
Nicest rifle I have ever owned.

Jamie

[Tundra Monkey]

Originally Posted by MountainTi

Buy the browning, take the $800 you are gonna save and invest it in quality optics.

x3

tm

[Highcountry]

Another thing is that the browning fed better than the sako. Once you seated bullets out on the sako with the double stack mag they didn't feed as nice as the single stack X-bolt. Sako is still a quality rifle, I was just impressed by the browning for the money and I did not care for browning rifles before the x bolt.

[Highcountry]

Sorry my correction it's an inline rotary mag on the browning

[Arn?Narn.]

I prefer Sako

[BrownBear416]

Originally Posted by MountainTi

Buy the browning, take the $800 you are gonna save and invest it in quality optics.

x4

[GREENGUN]

From my understanding the Sako is a better gun and that is what you're paying for but no one has mentioned the Tikka? Same quality and price as the Browning and that leaves you with money for your optic...

[allout]

We have one of each a SAKO 300wsm in stainless laminate and an X BOLT
30-06 in the stainless synthetic. Certainly both nice rifles but the SAKO is better quality and defintely smoother in the action dept. Seconded by my wife who pack the X BOLT because it fits her better but she covets the action of the SAKO. Our two bits.

[Skybuster]

Originally Posted by sikwhiskey

If sako made a rifle and cartridge for 500 win mag, I'd try it in a heart beat.

My bad. Yes, I'd have to look hard if they made a 500 WM as well. lol. As you have inferred, I meant 300 win mag.

[DOGFISH]

The Sako is tough to beat, one of the main differences would be the action and the controlled round feeding of the Sako if I am not mistaken. If that is not an issue for you go to the Browning or what ever fits you and your budget.

[Alberta Bigbore]

I got to handle a X-Bolt Stainless synthetic at Bass Pro this weekend. I must say I was not impressed with appearance. It felt very nice in the balance department... the fore stock felt very nice in the hands... but the grip just didnt cut it for me. Each their own . And that Dura Touch finish feels like a band new tire.... that oily rubbery feeling. I wouldn't kick one out of bed for getting crumbs in the sheets.

[Skybuster]

Thanks for all your input. Many of you have brought up points that I have encountered in my exploration too.

- The non-metal clip of the X-Bolt. I must admint I have a preference for the metal clip in the Sako. Edge to Sako
- The inline rotary feed on the X-Bolt. I have heard this, but I haven't had a loaded rifle in my hands to feel if this makes a big difference. It sounds important, but I don't know. Edge to X-Bolt
- Barrel length. I prefer a longer barrel. The Sako 85 has a 24 3/8 barrel while the X-Bolt has a 26". The Sako is a tad shorter, but long enough to satisfy me. edge to X-Bolt.
- Action I find the action on the Sako a tad smoother. Edge to Sako.

Some comments were recommending saving the $800 and putting it toward optics. I already made this move I have purchased the Leupold VXIII 4.5x14 with CDS Duplex. So the optics are set, I just need to determine which rifle to put under them.

My thinking at this point is that either of these rifles is a good choice. Browning is a quality gun, but Sako is a name in rifles that stands above the crowd. I have a yen for a higher quality rifle and I think Sako brings this. Should I pay $800 for this step? The scottish in me says Nay!, but he also says what's wrong with your Rem. 30.06 - it kills everything you shoot at? So I'm not listening to that side of me. He doesn't understand the schwing like the rest of me does.

I have never held a Cooper rifle, I hadn't even heard of them until I read the thread in here. I may have to check them out, but it sounds like a 300 Win Mag will still be beyond my budget.

As I evaluate my own thoughts and reactions I am starting to believe that really I want the Sako, but I am hesitating because of the difference in price. I am at a point in my life where I can afford better, and I typically go there, but I don't want to spend an extra $800 and find out it was a wasted move.

Anyway I appreciate all of your input. If there is any more please share and perhaps I'll get off the fence and make a move.

Thanks guys.

[fish_e_o]

i love my sako but my x-bolt is my favorite gun. if i'm going to shoot i deer it just feels right and i trust it.

my sako is more accurate, the xbolt shoots a .6" group the sako shoots a .3" group both with hand loads. but the xbolt feels better and i never miss with it.

[Linehaul]

Kimber Model 8400 Montana Bolt Action Rifle 26" barrel 6lbs 13ozs
$1500.00
The Kimber Model 8400 Montana is absolutely the best hard core hunting rifle available today. Every dimension was minimized to keep the rifle light, sleek and balanced. The Kimber Kevlar/carbon fiber stock with 1” decelerator recoil pad is incredibly light and strong and the sporter contour satin-finished stainless steel barrel is match grade from muzzle to trigger. The barrels are free floated and receivers are both pillar and glass bedded for rock solid stability and accuracy. A Mauser claw extractor, three position wing safety and a match grade trigger that breaks between 3.5-4 lbs. is also standard. Receivers are drilled and tapped for bases.

[MattSako]

Sako all the way...

[timsesink]

If money really isn't an issue then go with the SAKO it is a better ifle but not by much. In the rifle world you pay big for incrementally small increases in quality over the $1000 mark.

[JohnB]

Originally Posted by MattSako

Sako all the way...

X2