Shopping for my first plains game rifle - Thoughts on this Sako A-iii 30-06?

[BradJ]

I have my first trip to Africa planned for next year. I decided to buy a rifle for this trip and have settled on most likely getting a 30-06, or there's a smaller chance I might would get a 35 whelen. I want something that is pretty, well made, classy, and doesn't cost over $2,000, and preferably in the $1,500 range. I have looked at the Ruger African model in 35 whelen, I've kept my out for Winchester model 70's, either pre 64 or post 64, and have also looked at the Browning X bolt Medallion.

But the other day I was in a very small town and went inside the local home and auto store. There in a revolving gun cabinet, was a handful of Sako rifles. There was a brand new 30-06 a-iii on the shelf with a Leupold VX iii on top of it. (The scope looks older) The whole package is $1,495. I know very little about Sako. Could anyone give me any guidance on this model? For the price is there higher quality guns that I should look at?

I'll post a pic or two but I just snapped them quickly so quality is poor. Thanks!

 

[Hogpatrol]

 

[dchum]

Buy that asap! That scope is more than adequate too.

Get a box of Barnes 168 or 180 ttsx and see what groups better and be done.

That’s a rifle your grandkids will get one day.

 

[BradJ]

Thank you dchum. I appreciate the feedback!

 

[dchum]

Thank you dchum. I appreciate the feedback!

Any PH would be happy to see a client show up for a plains game hunt with that!

A simple scope that works and a calibre he is familiar with. If your bags get lost, a box of 30-06 is sitting around most camps.

Most will have no faults with that rifle what so ever.

 

[BradJ]

Any PH would be happy to see a client show up for a plains game hunt with that!

A simple scope that works and a calibre he is familiar with. If your bags get lost, a box of 30-06 is sitting around most camps.

Most will have no faults with that rifle what so ever.

I seen this rifle about a week ago, and it won't get out of my head. A really nice looking and feeling gun. I may make the trip in the next day or two and pick it up. It's a few hours from where I live.

 

[wesheltonj]

Well everything you want to know about SAKO's can be found in the SAKO collector forum. The L61R next to this one, is more collectable. The Aiii is an excellent gun, but it's not an L61R. That's a reasonable price for the rifle and scope. I personally like the 85's. The 75's while accurate, were not big sellers the key system was a deal killer.

 

[BradJ]

Well everything you want to know about SAKO's can be found in the SAKO collector forum. The L61R next to this one, is what the collectors want. The Aiii is an excellent gun, but it's not an L61R. That's a reasonable price for the rifle and scope. I personally like the 85's. The 75's while accurate, were not big sellers.

Thank you for the input! It's appreciated.

 

[JimP]

You won't go wrong with that package. The Leupold scope is very well made as well as the rifle.

 

[uplander01]

perfectly adequate

 

[schwerpunkt88]

For what it's worth, I have a Ruger M77 in 35 Whelen and it's a wonderful rifle. If the 30-06 you're looking at falls through, the Ruger is a great pick as well. Ammo availability would not be what you'd find with the '06.

 

[Raven]

I seen this rifle about a week ago, and it won't get out of my head. A really nice looking and feeling gun. I may make the trip in the next day or two and pick it up. It's a few hours from where I live.

Good rifle, good scope, good price. Take it and you won't regret it.

 

[CJNJ]

Ask them to hold it for you! I did the same with a rifle I wanted 1.5 hours away at a Cabelas. Its in my safe now.

 

[Mekaniks]

Buy it… Shoot it… If it’s accurate and works, take it hunting…..

 

[Russ16]

Several members of my family have had various models of Sako. Everyone one of them had been a quality gun and shot very well. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one and that seems like a solid price.

I also love 30-06 and don’t feel you can go wrong.

 

[Skshyk]

Can't not go wrong with Sako with a great caliber. Tikka is a excellent option as well in the same price range which is made by Sako, if you wanted something modern and caliber options. In my opinion they have one of the smoothest actions.

 

[Beck]

This is a no brainer, buy it. You'll children will thank you someday

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

I would not hesitate on that SAKO!

 

[SafariCurious]

Sako makes Tikkas and I like Tikkas a lot.

That being said, have you looked at the Ruger Guide gun in 30-06, I have one in .375 Ruger, and it shoots nice.

I imagine a 30-06 version of he Ruger would be very soft shooting, and it comes standard with express sights and Ruger’s own quick release scope rings.

Might be sweet to get one in 30-06 and one in .375 Ruger, matching rifles for plains and dangerous game.

Appearance is subjective but I love the green laminate stock on stainless steel barrel aesthetics

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/84853/ruger+hkm77rsg+3006+guide+stainless+steel

 

[Sarg]

Wow that from the photos looks amazing good condition for an original rifle, are you sure it hasn’t been refinished, as they stopped making AIII in 1982 ?

Actually even if it is a L691 it is still in amazing condition !

But really if the barrel is in excellent condition it will be a great rifle & caliber for your trip, if indeed it is a as new AIII it will be collectable in that fine condition !

By the way the Sako 75s are excellent rifles to for non DG, the Key Concept/System wasn’t fitted to them all & I have a few with them fitted, they have never been a problem other than looking like Shit !