Hey gents- I was doing some research on a new hunting rifle and found an article that said the number one grab was the new Sako S20. Not sure if $1600 is worth it or if anyone has heard good things? Any suggestions on a new setup would be aprecited thanks in advance.
Rifle suggestion please
- Thread starter OwenP
- Start date
That's a nice rifle for sure.
My brother just picked up a left handed Christian Arms in 300 PRC. He used it last deer season and its a great rifle.
I'm personally a fan of the Begara rifles, thanks to @meketrefe . They have different price point models so it depends on what you want to spend. With that said they do only offer limited caliber selections.
My brother just picked up a left handed Christian Arms in 300 PRC. He used it last deer season and its a great rifle.
I'm personally a fan of the Begara rifles, thanks to @meketrefe . They have different price point models so it depends on what you want to spend. With that said they do only offer limited caliber selections.
Saltwater60
.950 JDJ
Most riffles will do what you need for hunting. Riffles have been putting down large game for many years. The guns of the old days tech wise are no where near the new guns of today. Many love lower priced savage riffles.
Pluses o see with that riffle is it’s fairly light and the adjustable stock is great if you’re small or large. Other than that if you can find a relatively light riffle that fits you well I’d spend half that.
Pluses o see with that riffle is it’s fairly light and the adjustable stock is great if you’re small or large. Other than that if you can find a relatively light riffle that fits you well I’d spend half that.
Vapor
.308 Win
How much do you want to spend overall?
If you get a $1600 rifle are you putting $1600 glass on it?
Or would you be better served by a $800 rifle with $100 base, $100 rings, and $700 glass?
It's best to think carefully about this.
If you get a $1600 rifle are you putting $1600 glass on it?
Or would you be better served by a $800 rifle with $100 base, $100 rings, and $700 glass?
It's best to think carefully about this.
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meketrefe
.450/400 Nitro Ex
Sako are great rifles. The main concern I have with new and no so popular platforms is aftermarket support and parts. Most rifles do not need anything down the road but if they do, the popular actions will have parts for generations to come.
Right now the best value rifle for hunting and much more is either a bergara that is the best remington 700 blueprint ever produced with those features and price point and the savage predator (not the xp) or any variant with the beefed up action like the long range versions too.
Those are great models in the two most popular actions on the planet so support, parts and aftermarket are unparalleled. ...aside from mauser stile that are also amazing amd some pretty well supported.
Don't think a good sako will shoot any better than a good rifle on any of those other actions.
It is a matter of what you really enjoy. Maybe foe you is not just the hunting and you enjoy a more exclusive rifle for yourself and for show and tell, and that is ok.
In terms of feeding also consider the winchester thar has some amazing controlled feed mauser stile actions. Those like the bergara and savage are bomb proof actions too.
Also like others suggested think about your objectives, an investment in good glass and specially why you want the rifle.
Then the how and what rifle and equipment is easier to answer when you know what do you want to do and why.
Sometimes simple is good and less becomes more in the end.
Same with caliber choices that might influence how much one shoots that will determine how good one gets with real practice.
Sorry for the long post.
I hope this helps.
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Sako is top shelf stuff, the Finns know their rifles and Sako has a reputation for earning that premium price. Whether its a premium you are willing to pay is something only you can decide.
@meketrefe, you mentioned controlled round feed, it was my understanding that Sako actions were a Mauser derivative with controlled feed. Is this not so?
@meketrefe, you mentioned controlled round feed, it was my understanding that Sako actions were a Mauser derivative with controlled feed. Is this not so?
Jaywmustang
.308 Win
I hunt with a tikka t3x ctr in 308 with a nightforce shv f1 optic.
meketrefe
.450/400 Nitro Ex
You might be thinking about the 85 and as far as I know the s20 comes only in a push feed. It has three lugs and the nice and reliable sako style extractor but no controlled feed. Even if they had the 85 style bolt face it is not the ideal controlled feed of a winchester or mauser that have a oversized non rotating claw that made this design so popular over de decades.
iMHO the best extractor is the bergara with a strong design and imo even superior to the sako amd badger ordenance retrofits for the 700.
The sako s20 modular design is nice no question about it but is it better? Depends who you ask and updates and parts are not going to be as easy or affordable.
Maybe I am too practical to be fun.
When you say " Hunting rifle".... hunting WHAT, exactly ? Woodchucks ? Rabbits ? Goose ? Whitetail ? Moose ? Elephant ?
My point is, before you start looking at any one particular model, match the purpose to the type of gun. Most professional African game hunters use a double rifle for an instant followup shot on dangerous game. Is that a possible factor ?
Sako manufactures excellent rifles. I own two, but none of the S20 model. There are exceptional high end rifles from dozens of manufacturers. Dakota, Christensen, Bergara, etc. Your price point and purpose may determine more than any recommendation. Personally, I would never hesitate to buy a Sako if that's what you have your heart set on. Their quality throughout the years has been superb.
My point is, before you start looking at any one particular model, match the purpose to the type of gun. Most professional African game hunters use a double rifle for an instant followup shot on dangerous game. Is that a possible factor ?
Sako manufactures excellent rifles. I own two, but none of the S20 model. There are exceptional high end rifles from dozens of manufacturers. Dakota, Christensen, Bergara, etc. Your price point and purpose may determine more than any recommendation. Personally, I would never hesitate to buy a Sako if that's what you have your heart set on. Their quality throughout the years has been superb.
MuttCat
.223 Rem
I've no argument with anything said, but isn't the OP putting the cart before the horse? I would think the discussion of what rifle should follow a consideration of game, hunting lands/conditions...maybe even caliber first.
Personally, I think a lot of folks head out with way too much gun...but if that's your thing have at it. $1600 is a bunch of money.
Personally, I think a lot of folks head out with way too much gun...but if that's your thing have at it. $1600 is a bunch of money.
meketrefe
.450/400 Nitro Ex
Hunting rifles in any specific model come in many calibers from 223 all the way to 375 supermagnums and beyond.
So the decission comsidering what game/use has to do more with the caliber than the rifle itself.
I would think the desired rifle features, quality and finish is more important than the role given the rifle is availabe in the desired chabering.
These are things I look for....
Strong time tested actions and quality barrels and chambering.
Popular blueprint with strong aftermarket parts and support.
Submoa capable even for a hunting model.
Universal magazine system with rhe AI being now the standard. Here ia where popularity and aftermarket comes in too.
Strong and reliable extractor
Quality finish and weather proof.
Embeded recoil lug and/or aluminum beded or aftermarket stock/ergonomics of my choosing.
Love the B&C aluminun bedded stocks if the factory one is not my size or style prefeence.
I paeticulary avoid any thumbhole stock for a hunting / fast action.
Nice to have machined moa rail.
Independent bolt release lock.
Bergara, savage 10 LR or predator and winchester click those boxes with a huge range of options.
I dont care about wood, engravings or blueaing. I prefer function, reliability and versatility over cosmetics and brand name.
No 'high end' rifles whatever that means.
Just high quality, super accurate, super popular.
Every controlled feed enthusiast knows a 1500 dollar winchester is a true hunters rifle.
Ome can dump 4k on a last generation mauser but in my case I would do the winchester and then dump 2k on superb glass that is an investment for life.
So the decission comsidering what game/use has to do more with the caliber than the rifle itself.
I would think the desired rifle features, quality and finish is more important than the role given the rifle is availabe in the desired chabering.
These are things I look for....
Strong time tested actions and quality barrels and chambering.
Popular blueprint with strong aftermarket parts and support.
Submoa capable even for a hunting model.
Universal magazine system with rhe AI being now the standard. Here ia where popularity and aftermarket comes in too.
Strong and reliable extractor
Quality finish and weather proof.
Embeded recoil lug and/or aluminum beded or aftermarket stock/ergonomics of my choosing.
Love the B&C aluminun bedded stocks if the factory one is not my size or style prefeence.
I paeticulary avoid any thumbhole stock for a hunting / fast action.
Nice to have machined moa rail.
Independent bolt release lock.
Bergara, savage 10 LR or predator and winchester click those boxes with a huge range of options.
I dont care about wood, engravings or blueaing. I prefer function, reliability and versatility over cosmetics and brand name.
No 'high end' rifles whatever that means.
Just high quality, super accurate, super popular.
Every controlled feed enthusiast knows a 1500 dollar winchester is a true hunters rifle.
Ome can dump 4k on a last generation mauser but in my case I would do the winchester and then dump 2k on superb glass that is an investment for life.
meketrefe
.450/400 Nitro Ex
Forgot...
I also value the swap barrel and bolt head capability in popular quality barrels and chamberings so I can swap calibers between seasons or from year to year.
Savage is king here but ptg also offers the remage option for 700 blueprint and the ruger barrel nut system can be used in the winchester too.
What is not to like?
I also value the swap barrel and bolt head capability in popular quality barrels and chamberings so I can swap calibers between seasons or from year to year.
Savage is king here but ptg also offers the remage option for 700 blueprint and the ruger barrel nut system can be used in the winchester too.
What is not to like?
I have looked in the past for Bergara barreled actions but no dice. I'd like to drop an HMR action into a GRS berserk stock.
meketrefe
.450/400 Nitro Ex
The factory stock is quite good for the money. the whole system is light years ahead of the SPS and amazing what you get for
a tad over 1K. IMO the features and quality you get in actions and rifles that cost 2 or 3 times more.
Vapor
.308 Win
There are a ton of great modern rifles to choose from.
I personally would avoid mossberg rifles, the patriot has a very thin receiver.
Other than that, my TC compass will shoot 1/2" groups. I put a luepold scope on it that cost more than the rifle. The rings cost half as much as the rifle
Tc Venture.
Ruger American.
Ruger m77.
I had a savage Edge in .30-06 that would do 1".
I have two savage model 10s that are both fantastic
I know mek hates them, but I have a howa thats a 3/4" rifle with ever stinking load I put in it.
The CVA Cascade is even getting good reviews, made by Bergara.
Bergara another good mention
Tikka
Browning X bolt
Any of them I bet will shoot 1" or under with decent factory ammo.
So take your pick. A sako is a beautiful rifle, but most modern bolt actions from $200 to $2,000 all perform very well. Consider glass and rings in your budget as well. If going with a cheaper rifle, you may also want to consider upgrading triggers and stocks, both very easy for some models like the savages, howa, compass, etc.
I personally would avoid mossberg rifles, the patriot has a very thin receiver.
Other than that, my TC compass will shoot 1/2" groups. I put a luepold scope on it that cost more than the rifle. The rings cost half as much as the rifle
Tc Venture.
Ruger American.
Ruger m77.
I had a savage Edge in .30-06 that would do 1".
I have two savage model 10s that are both fantastic
I know mek hates them, but I have a howa thats a 3/4" rifle with ever stinking load I put in it.
The CVA Cascade is even getting good reviews, made by Bergara.
Bergara another good mention
Tikka
Browning X bolt
Any of them I bet will shoot 1" or under with decent factory ammo.
So take your pick. A sako is a beautiful rifle, but most modern bolt actions from $200 to $2,000 all perform very well. Consider glass and rings in your budget as well. If going with a cheaper rifle, you may also want to consider upgrading triggers and stocks, both very easy for some models like the savages, howa, compass, etc.
4WHLDRFTN
.308 Win
Vapor
.308 Win
That doesn't narrow it down much.
Literally anything from .357 carbines to .30-30, to .243 to .30-06.
Do you have a specific action in mind? Hunting in thick brush or open field? Only in NY or traveling? Thinking about elk or moose too someday? Back up irons?
Weight or length restrictions?
Vapor
.308 Win
I have a quick question, no offense, but will this be your first firearm? Do you have experience shooting?
I only ask, but if you don't have experience, and it will be, we can give you suggestions all day long. Those suggestions may or may not work for you, your build, shooting style, and own sense of art may be different.
I only ask, but if you don't have experience, and it will be, we can give you suggestions all day long. Those suggestions may or may not work for you, your build, shooting style, and own sense of art may be different.
Are you upgrading? Looking for your first hunting rifle? Or maybe you want to go top notch for your 1st hunting rifle...
Sako makes an excellent hunting rifle if that's what you want. There are also many other excellent hunting rifles... Weatherby, Tika, Savage, Bergara, Christensen Arms and so on.
As others have mentioned.. there are others variables that you may want to consider when looking for a hunting rifle. Do you intend to own one rifle and use it to hunt deer and maybe travel out West to hunt elk, mule deer, Dall sheep, etc.. If so get it. Get a long distance shooter so you'll cover more ground. Otherwise, if it's just for upstate NY deer hunting, most rifles will do... Ruger American, Savage 110, Marlin 336. People have even harvested deer with an old $99 surplus rifle. But that's probably not what you're looking for.
Will you go wrong with the Sako S20 ? No, if that's what you want. Have you decided on a caliber?
Sako makes an excellent hunting rifle if that's what you want. There are also many other excellent hunting rifles... Weatherby, Tika, Savage, Bergara, Christensen Arms and so on.
As others have mentioned.. there are others variables that you may want to consider when looking for a hunting rifle. Do you intend to own one rifle and use it to hunt deer and maybe travel out West to hunt elk, mule deer, Dall sheep, etc.. If so get it. Get a long distance shooter so you'll cover more ground. Otherwise, if it's just for upstate NY deer hunting, most rifles will do... Ruger American, Savage 110, Marlin 336. People have even harvested deer with an old $99 surplus rifle. But that's probably not what you're looking for.
Will you go wrong with the Sako S20 ? No, if that's what you want. Have you decided on a caliber?
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Jaywmustang
.308 Win
Any rifle will do. You need to go out and handle a couple rifles too see what feels good for you and see if ammo is even available for whatever caliber you pick.
MuttCat
.223 Rem
Choices are endless. Like many of us, over time the rifle rack fills up with all kinds of stuff. I still use a slug gun. With the field barrel and choke tubes all my needs are met, be they birds, big or small game...versatile and affordable, although sabot slugs are stupid money.
Then I got a 44 mag rifle. Slug gun in rifle form....
Then I got a 44 mag rifle. Slug gun in rifle form....
nortatoga
.338 Win Mag
Since you say you are new to deer hunting, how about looking at one of the entry level rifles such as the Ruger American or Savage Axis both get good reviews and there are a few threads on here about them.
Vapor
.308 Win
You should try to go to the range with a friend. Try different things out under guidance. If that isn't available, I would start with a basic safety course, then try to find a range that rents out guns.
I would recommend going to a gun store that has a large inventory (Bass Pro/ Cabelas, Sportsman warehouse, etc..) and look around/ handle a few different rifle and see which one you fancy. (maybe when things clam down.)
Some of the modern budget hunting rifles... Ruger American, Savage, Vanguard, Howa, TC... offer a nice hunting rifle that will get the job done without breaking the bank. Maybe top it off with a Vortex or Leupold scope
Don't be afraid to look at the used rifles. Sometimes you can find a gem at a fraction of it's cost.
Keep in mind, NY is full of dense woods. It's not like Wyoming or Colorado open country. You don't need a long distance rifle to hunt in NY as most of your shots maybe 100-200yds.
There are lots of options when it comes to choosing a deer cartridge. The debate over which one is best is endless. Choose what suits you the best because everyone is different and everyone will have their preference.
(I have a few hunting rifles in different calibers, but .308 is my favorite. It will take down any big game in the NE and ammo can be found in most LGS (aside from this ammo shortage)).
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Kent Goldings
.357 mag
CZ 457 22LR
Ruger American Ranch 5.56
Remington 700 ADL 308 Win
Buy all three.
Ruger American Ranch 5.56
Remington 700 ADL 308 Win
Buy all three.
Vapor
.308 Win
If you're just going to hunt deer in the NY woods, a .30-30 or .243 will serve you well. They will have light recoil and more than enough power for the biggest whitetails.
A lever action has the plus side that it is lighter, handier, and is able to be used for self defense. I also would trust a 170 grain .30-30 more against a big black bear. They also usually come with iron sights.
The con is limited range and more complexity.
The bolt action is the simplest rifle there is. A .243 can be used for everything from varmit hunting to white tails. Some even use it against elk with PREMIUM bullets. The downside is they are longer,, usually heavier,, slower to operate, and not well suited for any other duties but hunting and target shooting.
If you get one, and decide you love hunting big critters, you can always get something more. Thankfully no laws have been yet passed that limit you to one rifle...yet.
A lever action has the plus side that it is lighter, handier, and is able to be used for self defense. I also would trust a 170 grain .30-30 more against a big black bear. They also usually come with iron sights.
The con is limited range and more complexity.
The bolt action is the simplest rifle there is. A .243 can be used for everything from varmit hunting to white tails. Some even use it against elk with PREMIUM bullets. The downside is they are longer,, usually heavier,, slower to operate, and not well suited for any other duties but hunting and target shooting.
If you get one, and decide you love hunting big critters, you can always get something more. Thankfully no laws have been yet passed that limit you to one rifle...yet.