Rifle Opinions

[PeteG]

Hi all,

Just a quick one to throw this out there and see who feels what about the following rifles.
I haven't had a chance to handle them yet, i have to travel to Lusaka, probably at the end of this month, to see them and try them out, but in the mean time thought i would get opinions from owners and users...

Looking at a 243 Win and the options are

Tikka T3 hunter
Sauer 101 select
Sako A7
Sako bavarian
Mauser m12

Price wise, the tikka is about $1000 less than the other 4 all being about the same price.
I really prefer a rifle with open sights, but its not a deal breaker on this caliber.
Tikka, Sako Bavarian and Sauer are wood stocked, Mauser and Sako A7 are tupperware based.

Have a go at the poll considering prices and personal experience.

 

[Spooksar]

I find the Sako A7 about the same price as the Tikka and the 2 I have are very accurate. I guess it boils down to your budget and if you want a wood stock.

 

[cpr0312]

Some nice choices there, hard to beat the Sako A7 or Tikka. I would certainly take one of those, and choose the one appropriately that fits the budget.

 

[spike.t]

!! so pete you make me go all the way to the gun shop take photos and give you descriptions over the phone .....nice to know you trust my opinion that much you put a vote up.............serious beers you owe me tomorrow

 

[PeteG]

!! so pete you make me go all the way to the gun shop take photos and give you descriptions over the phone .....nice to know you trust my opinion that much you put a vote up.............serious beers you owe me tomorrow

no beer... jagers!!!

 

[spike.t]

no beer... jagers!!!

mmm...not had any since sat night....

 

[PeteG]

mmm...not had any since sat night....

likewise, only last night...

 

[spike.t]

likewise, only last night...

practicing then......... that mean you can do more than 2 now?.....

 

[PeteG]

practicing then......... that mean you can do more than 2 now?.....

still only 1... but its now a double!

 

[Dudders]

Have a tikka t3 stainless synthetic .243 had it 15 years still shoots straight never had any problems with it and it has had a hard life and a couple of thousand of rounds through it.

 

[IvW]

Mauser M12

 

[spike.t]

still only 1... but its now a double!

WOW you have improved !!

Mauser M12

yup thats what i have told him.......and we are of course correct!

 

[IvW]

 

[BenH2016]

That's funny. I also decided to look for a 243 and just last week texted faizal asking him to look out for one. He said "how much do you want to spend" clearly knowing he has some nice ones in stock, my response was "not much" clearly knowing that I shouldn't be spending anything on guns right now. I've asked him to keep an eye out for a second hand one.

Worth noting that Kanele arms also have Voere rifles in stock (by kafue round about). But I'd be hard pressed to buy from anyone other than Faizal, he's one of the good guys.

Of the choices you mentioned if I could I go with the Mauser.

@spike.t since you have pictures of them all why not put them up on this post for us all to drool over?

 

[Adrian]

Another vote for the Mauser M12.
I have a wooden stocked version in 30-06 and enjoy using it.
Smooth bolt, crisp trigger and a nice rifle to own.
I looked at the Sauer when I looked at the Mauser but still went Mauser.
The Sako Bavarian is a pretty rifle and being Sako, a popular maker among many hunters but I believe it's much more expensive than the other choices and that bolt still isn't as nice as the Mauser.

 

[BRICKBURN]

!! so pete you make me go all the way to the gun shop take photos and give you descriptions over the phone .....nice to know you trust my opinion that much you put a vote up.............serious beers you owe me tomorrow

Nothing like a trusted friend.....

 

[Nosler guy]

Not a big fan of Tikka rifles - I would go with the Mauser

 

[Bert the Turtle]

My wife has the Sako Bavarian. Very nice rifle. The single set trigger is a plus. Downside is that it requires Sako-specific rings for the scope. No big deal if you are not in a rush. The "gunsmith" who installed her scope didn't have the correct rings and rigged it with a beer-can shim without letting us know. I figured it out when it failed to hold zero and did it myself correctly.

 

[Ridgewalker]

If you have the opportunity, handle them all. Throw them to your shoulder with your eyes closed. Open your eyes and see where it fits.
I personally like synthetic and stainless for hunting. I have hunted a lot of North America from Alaska to near the Texas gulf coast. If it rains a lot, or if you hunt close to salt water, your pretty wood may warp and your shiny blue may pit. I have acidic sweat which has pitted bluing unless I take care to wipe a gun down soon after use. Blood eats away bluing too.
Still I like nice wood and blued SxS shotguns (can't hit anything with them though). They take a lot more care than my camo covered and cerakoted synthetic stocked guns.
Guns are so personal you'll have to choose for yourself, otherwise you may not be happy and not have confidence in the gun.
JMO

 

[gillettehunter]

Interesting. I have had 2 Tika's. They will likely have the best triggers of the lot. The triggers are adjustable by the user with a allen wrench which I think is included. They are crisp without creep and can be set light enough for precision shooting. Its a rare one that won't shoot UNDER 1 MOA.
Spending less on the rifle means more for the optics and ammo to practice with. The only real problems, that I know of, are under sized bolt stops that can break if the bolt is opened too forcefully. I have never had an issue. Love having an extra clip in my pocket instead of loose shells. They are light weight and handle nicely. For me they seem to "point" well when brought up to the shoulder. Their stocks are mediocre, but replaceable should you decide to.
Handle them and see what fits you best dry fire and see what trigger you like best. You'll likely find a favorite. Bruce