Dealer trying to talk me out of a SAKO 90 WHY?

[Davyalabama]

Everyone has an opinion on rifles, maybe he's right, you can get a cheaper rifle, however, that Sako is a nice rifle. You like that wood, then the finish on the Sako you should really like. It's the extra little things Sako does that can make a difference for some.

I'm just surprised someone hasn't "lit" you up for wanting such a powerful cartridge when only a .223 or 6.5 creed is all that will ever be needed. You know that from reading Rokslide, right? I hope you know I'm being facetious, the 06 has been a fine cartridge for years. If that's your choice and you believe in it, grab that Sako and don't look back.

 

[Trogon]

What did the dealer offer as a better, cheaper rifle?

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Sako's are nice rifles but you have limited options for bases and rings.

Not anymore.

The 90s use pic rings and/or the same dovetails as Tikkas now.

 

[KenLee]

I’m sure they are great rifles but so is a base Tikka that you can get for about 45-50% less.

and most on here think you have to spend another $1k on a Tikka after you buy it.

 

[TaperPin]

With so many good American made rifles, sending money overseas to help foreign economies doesn’t appeal to everyone.

 

[eLightfoot]

Dude just wants to sell you a rifle off his shelf. Get the Sako

 

[plebe]

Since you are wanting a wood stock, getting nice furniture is maybe important so perhaps that’s where there’s a conversation to be had.

On paper a 70 Supergrade has a higher grade of wood than your Sako, at less cost, but it doesn’t always play out like that. Some of the Supergrade’s turn out to have pretty regular wood, imo.

Meanwhile, Precision Optics in Canada has a .308 Tikka T3X Hunter with a fantastic looking grade 3 stock from what they show online.

Bear in mind that the wood finish will probably not perfectly be demonstrated through pictures. Still, when it comes to furniture, I’d want to see before buying.

As for the barreled action, haven’t seen anything bad about the Sako 90 and like mine. The one criticism I have is the bolt is slightly small such that the mag is more exposed to weather/debris than something like a Tikka action. But it’s a far more feature rich action than a Tikka.

Let us know what your dealer’s deal is.

 

[KenLee]

With so many good American made rifles, sending money overseas to help foreign economies doesn’t appeal to everyone.

Where are you finding good American made rifles? Don't tell me about any with Mauser style wing ding safeties or rifles without bolt locks. They aren't "good" hunting rifles imo.

 

[JDPAPA]

Thank you everyone for taking the time to post the detail feedback and opinions. I have not made a decision yet but likely will not use the aforementioned dealer for any purchases.
As far as the caliber choice and the respectfully, withheld criticism,,,LOL, I have used a 30.06 for over 40 years as my primary rifle so I was sticking with what I have grown familiar with and was looking for an upgraded model and this was a great deal.
You all are a wealth of knowledge and I appreciate all of the replies.
BTW, dealer never came back with an alternative.
If he does, I will take his recommendation with a grain of salt.
Pretty sure you guys hit it spot on, he wanted to sell me something other than what I wanted where he could make the normal mark up.

 

[manitou1]

With so many good American made rifles, sending money overseas to help foreign economies doesn’t appeal to everyone.

Who makes "American made rifles"?

 

[Davyalabama]

Who makes "American made rifles"?

Marlin - that 45-70 guide gun is awesome.
Ruger - say what you want, but they make a good rifle
Kimber - Hunter Pro or Mountain Ascent
Montana Rifle Co
Griffin and Howe ----- OP, you want a pretty wood gun, look at their All American or Classic lines.
Kenny Jarrett -- well he just takes a rifle and does his magic to it.
Savage does make a decent rifle, a lot of folks use them.

There are some good rifles being made in the U.S.

 

[Dave0317]

I can confirm certain manufacturers absolutely give kickbacks. Not just to the business, but even to the individual employees. Stuff like; Sell 10 of a certain brand, get to pick one of theirs for free.

 

[Davyalabama]

I can confirm certain manufacturers absolutely give kickbacks. Not just to the business, but even to the individual employees. Stuff like; Sell 10 of a certain brand, get to pick one of theirs for free.

Yep, exactly.

 

[LeftyWilbury]

FFL's charge a fee to do a transfer. we do 10 transfers a day it seems. we want you in our store. now when you buy a gun from gunbroker that we have on the shelf for a lower price, we may roll our eyes, but it's your money. you paid your transfer fee. see ya at the range!

sako 90 is a nice rifle. you won't be disappointed.

 

[teph45]

Some 90 models seem to have picatinny mount. I wonder is this feature optional feature for all models?

 

[wind gypsy]

Some 90 models seem to have picatinny mount. I wonder is this feature optional feature for all models?

Dont think it's an option with the wood hunter models unfortunately.

 

[vonb]

I’ve had Remington, Ruger, Winchester, CZ, Tikka, Mauser, Sako and several custom actions. Nothing compares in a factory rifle to Sako. When I say this, I’m looking at fit, finish, feeding, extraction, accuracy and trigger.

Buy your Sako with confidence. You won’t be disappointed. It’s my favorite factory rifle. I have the Sako 75 stainless in .260.

 

[ElPollo]

It’s a big assumption that an FFL or a person behind the counter at gun shop knows what they are talking about, particularly with uncommon or European brands. It is a fair assumption that they will have an opinion, but it may not be based on anything real.

 

[JohnJohnson]

I can confirm certain manufacturers absolutely give kickbacks. Not just to the business, but even to the individual employees. Stuff like; Sell 10 of a certain brand, get to pick one of theirs for free.

Can confirm from experience. Springfield, Smith & Wesson, Sig Sauer, Vortex, and Leupold are big ones for that.

Ruger - say what you want, but they make a good rifle

I think the Ruger American Gen 2's are a great value for $600 but they're not in the same league as Tikka for me.

Kimber - Hunter Pro or Mountain Ascent

Hit and miss for a lot of people with regards to accuracy.

Savage does make a decent rifle, a lot of folks use them.

I guess it depends what you mean by decent. Savage themselves know their extractors and ejectors aren't great so they're having someone help them re-design them. Bolt feel is atrocious too. They tend to shoot decent for the money but aren't known for stellar reliability or feeling like a quality firearm.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Some 90 models seem to have picatinny mount. I wonder is this feature optional feature for all models?

Not for all models. If you want the wood stock Sako 90 with integrated stainless picatinny mount you’d need to check out the “varmint” model.