Is there a great deal difference between these two? There is a big price difference. I have been looking at both, but don't know a lot about either. Just what I have read.
Sako 85 vs. Tikka T3
- Thread starter keith jones
- Start date
Re: Sako 85 vs. Tikka T3
I think it would be hard to tell the two apart in the accuracy department. From the ones I've handled, it seems the big differences are the little cost savings items the Tikka models generate through the use of plastic instead of metal;
- integrated, plastic trigger guard
- plastic magazines
- plastic bolt shroud
- lesser quality (more plastic) stock, and/or lesser quality wood
I also believe the Sako bolt lift to be slightly lower than a Tikka, and Sako actions are available in more than one length.
However, since the line of aftermarket Tikka products is constantly growing, you might consider a Tikka as simply an "entry-level Sako" onto which you can upgrade until your final details are met. In contrast, a Sako is meant to be a finished product, no matter the intent (hunting or tactical)
I think it would be hard to tell the two apart in the accuracy department. From the ones I've handled, it seems the big differences are the little cost savings items the Tikka models generate through the use of plastic instead of metal;
- integrated, plastic trigger guard
- plastic magazines
- plastic bolt shroud
- lesser quality (more plastic) stock, and/or lesser quality wood
I also believe the Sako bolt lift to be slightly lower than a Tikka, and Sako actions are available in more than one length.
However, since the line of aftermarket Tikka products is constantly growing, you might consider a Tikka as simply an "entry-level Sako" onto which you can upgrade until your final details are met. In contrast, a Sako is meant to be a finished product, no matter the intent (hunting or tactical)
Re: Sako 85 vs. Tikka T3
Tikka has two lug bolt Sako is three
Tikka comes in one action size, mags and bolt stop/face different for various cartridges, Sako has various receiver sizes.
The Tikka is a nice rifle and price point, about half the price of a Sako. If price is no issue, then go for the Sako.
OEM parts are crazy for both rifles, but as G24 stated the market for Tikka has been slowly picking up pace in the US: Bolt knobs, bottom metal, stocks etc.
Tikka has two lug bolt Sako is three
Tikka comes in one action size, mags and bolt stop/face different for various cartridges, Sako has various receiver sizes.
The Tikka is a nice rifle and price point, about half the price of a Sako. If price is no issue, then go for the Sako.
OEM parts are crazy for both rifles, but as G24 stated the market for Tikka has been slowly picking up pace in the US: Bolt knobs, bottom metal, stocks etc.
Re: Sako 85 vs. Tikka T3
I have one of each in .223. Bought the 85 for a project... but decided to use the T3 instead. Keeping the 85 because it's too damn gorgeous to sell.
The Tikka is definitely, as said above, built to a price. Lighter, more plastic, two lugs. The 85 is built to be right, regardless of price. On the surface, they are almost identical. Handle both side by side and you will see vast differences.
In terms of operation, the 85 is definitely smoother. Has that bank-vault feel of Sako's. The Tikka, while definitely a cut above many mass-produced bolt-actions, is no 85. Much 'sloppier' and lighter feel. But it does lock up tight.
Accuracy... personally, I can't tell the difference. But I've fired the same load out of both and not tuned a handload for either. Logic says the Sako should be better than the cheaper Tikka. But I have both a TRG for work and a Finnbear for deer hunting and the accuracy of everything Finnish is so amazing that trying to discern between one gun in their lineup and another is near impossible. That said, I have only fired the 85 and the T3 (both are .223's) at 100 - 200 yards and it's pretty hard to wring out every bit of potential at those ranges.
As mentioned above... $$ being no worry, the Sako is worth the extra if just for heft and a good feel. You will know where the extra money went. If you plan to rebarrel (as I do) or use the gun as the basis for a custom, get the cheapest T3 you can get and go to town.
My T3 is about to go off to PacNor, which is chambering and fitting a .14/221 Eichelberger barrel. And it's going into a W3 Chassis. I plan on having a lot of spare T3 parts sitting around later this year ;-) I was considering doing the project with the 85... but the aftermarket for the T3 is much, much better, including the W3.
Cheers and Happy New Year,
Sirhr
I have one of each in .223. Bought the 85 for a project... but decided to use the T3 instead. Keeping the 85 because it's too damn gorgeous to sell.
The Tikka is definitely, as said above, built to a price. Lighter, more plastic, two lugs. The 85 is built to be right, regardless of price. On the surface, they are almost identical. Handle both side by side and you will see vast differences.
In terms of operation, the 85 is definitely smoother. Has that bank-vault feel of Sako's. The Tikka, while definitely a cut above many mass-produced bolt-actions, is no 85. Much 'sloppier' and lighter feel. But it does lock up tight.
Accuracy... personally, I can't tell the difference. But I've fired the same load out of both and not tuned a handload for either. Logic says the Sako should be better than the cheaper Tikka. But I have both a TRG for work and a Finnbear for deer hunting and the accuracy of everything Finnish is so amazing that trying to discern between one gun in their lineup and another is near impossible. That said, I have only fired the 85 and the T3 (both are .223's) at 100 - 200 yards and it's pretty hard to wring out every bit of potential at those ranges.
As mentioned above... $$ being no worry, the Sako is worth the extra if just for heft and a good feel. You will know where the extra money went. If you plan to rebarrel (as I do) or use the gun as the basis for a custom, get the cheapest T3 you can get and go to town.
My T3 is about to go off to PacNor, which is chambering and fitting a .14/221 Eichelberger barrel. And it's going into a W3 Chassis. I plan on having a lot of spare T3 parts sitting around later this year ;-) I was considering doing the project with the 85... but the aftermarket for the T3 is much, much better, including the W3.
Cheers and Happy New Year,
Sirhr
Re: Sako 85 vs. Tikka T3
Well just backing up what has been said before. The accuracy on both is defiantely a cut above most any other factory rifle. So your decision will come down to your application. If you are going to use it unmodified then the Sako would be my 1st choice due to the action being (in my mind) a cut above the Tikka due to the 3 lug design and caliber specific size. But you will be happy with eighter as they are both fantastic rifles.
One cool side note the Sako 85 Varmint is offered in a 260 with an 8 twist. You can also get it threaded 18X1.
Well just backing up what has been said before. The accuracy on both is defiantely a cut above most any other factory rifle. So your decision will come down to your application. If you are going to use it unmodified then the Sako would be my 1st choice due to the action being (in my mind) a cut above the Tikka due to the 3 lug design and caliber specific size. But you will be happy with eighter as they are both fantastic rifles.
One cool side note the Sako 85 Varmint is offered in a 260 with an 8 twist. You can also get it threaded 18X1.
Anybody else have more feedback on Sako vs Tikka. I just ordered a Sako 85 Finnlight after shooting Tikka T3xs. Am curious to test the Sako, as I absolutely love its little Tikka brother. Have been shooting Tikka T3x in 6.5CM and am getting in a Sako 85 Finnlight in .270
