My father was an accuracy shooter on the bags, trap shooter and deadly hunter. He valued a good rifle or shotgun more than anything. For my graduation from collage, he gave me a Sako Finnbear, .270 Win. I've taken great care with that rifle carrying it into the field. I mounted an early Lueopold Vari-X 3x9 and 40 years later I think that glass is still superior to most new scopes. The bolt is so solid and smooth. The Walnut is classic warmth.
A great father; a lasting and useful value - that Sako. Glad you have it, hunt with it, and remember. Very nice message to receive. Thank you and all the best.
Bought a Sako Forester new in .243 Winchester when I was in junior college. Cost me $160 and still have the receipt and manufacture tag from Firearms International. Still have it. The rings at the time were $30 which was alot in the late 60's. Was a great all around rifle with a Redfield 3x to 9x scope. I treasure this classic.
My first big commercial rifle was a SAKO FINNBEAR .300 WINCHESTER MAGNUM. I was in high school and could not afford a scope but did get the SAKO RECEIVER SIGHT. Today a SAKO SAFARI GRADE 375 H&H Magnum sits in my safe holds 4 plus one and is very accurate. Good video thanks for your fine professional job.
I'm always so happy when I see that you've posted. I get settled in with a coffee, tobacco pipe and sometimes a note pad (or a beer and a pipe) and then i sit back and learn. Thank you for keeping up the best show on the tube.
Beer and a pipe? Smoke and a pancake? ;) You just reminded me of an old hunter from long ago- friend of my family, hailed from Switzerland, gruff, no-nonsense demeanor, big mountain-man beard, smoked a pipe. Member of the same rifle club other people in my family were at. Totally old-school living room complete with a fireplace, a bearskin rug, mountain sheep head trophies and all.
My first rifle was a Tikka 65 Deluxe in 300 Win Mag. After that I have had around 150 rifles in total, but always come back to Tikkas and Sakos. Currently have a Sako A1 222 for red fox and a Sako A5 6,5x55 for general purpose. Also have my dad’s old Sako Finnbear 30-06 that he bought new in the 60’s. The Finnish rifles really are something else 😀
I grew up hunting with my dad’s Sako Finnbear Deluxe in 300 win mag. As I’m now an adult I spent a pretty penny on a very nice Finnbear deluxe in 7 rem mag. I need to get it floated but I have utmost confidence in its ability to shoot how I want it to. The one thing I’ll say is that every Finnbear I’ve shot is super picky about ammo. Beautiful rifles
Absolutely. Hes very knowledgeable but not dogmatic. I like this channel as well but i really appreciate his deep understanding of single shot rifles and of course the mauser 98 type rifles. Few people really know about classic hunting single shots.
@@aaronwilcox6417 yeah he discusses guns as they are. Informative on guns less common, or at least not discussed much these days. Great to watch videos that’s not all AR’s.
I've got the M-65 with the rosewood caps, medium weight barrel, and open sights. The bolt knob is much smaller and stainless on mine though. I purchased mine used in 1992, and it's chambered in 270. It is my first ever rifle that I purchased when I was 21 years old. Aside from some very light scratches in the wood it looks like near new condition
ive got a LSA-65 in 30-06 as my first own fullpower, and ive got to say it was such a good buy... ive tried lots of rifles from other people, modern and older mauser's, modern and older steyr's, modern and older sauer's and newer merkel's also.... your usual stuff you see in austria used for hunting. The rifle is still to some point superior imo. The action isnt just smooth as hell, you can handle it so damn quiet... and the trigger imo is also just superb. Almost no travel at all, and such a nice and crisp pull.... i will defenitly keep it for a looong time. And accuracy wise its not bad either for what it is, does its job quite well.
@@jimdent351 ah dont worry about it. My short explanation would be: apart from different versions and different stock's on the sporter version, the m65 is just a rename of the lsa 65. Basicly, if youve got an lsa 65 its gonns be a 60's rifle. Or your lucky/unlucky and have a 69 one like me, which can also be a m65 cause its the year they introduced the changes.
Thanks for a great review. I bought my Finnbear .300 Win Mag. 10/83. I live in Alaska and I can tell you that I by pass Weatherby's, Winchester's, Remington's, Ruger's, Mannlicher and others to grab the Sako when headed to the field. It is always driving tacks and so sweet to shoot. I refinished the stock two years ago and found a crack so as nice as the stocks are, they will crack. It has had hard use for 41 years including two tumbles with an ATV while in the scabber. This gun has harvested more different species than anything in my case. Love the Sako. JDD
I have my dad's Sako Finnbear in 264 mag he bought new in 1965 for $163.00. He hunted with it for 50 years and killed numerous game animals in that time. I always thought it was a beautiful rifle and will never part with it. Thanks for the video!
My friend's Dad had a Sako in .243 that I just loved! I have had a 1915 8mm Mauser, made in Danzig that was "sporterized" and imported by Interarms in the 70's. I had planned on mounting a scope on it when I bought it, but it worked do well with iron sights for deer hunting in Upstate New York that I left it just like it was designed,109 years ago. I'm quite sure it will work fine in 2124 for my Great Great Grandchild ...
2016 i bought a Tikka 65 in 30-06. Like new, 100% bluing and not a scatch on its beautiful wooden stock. It even had the factory seal in its trigger pull adjusting screw. Love it so much that i have to lovingly stroke it sometimes, ha ha. The only flaw shooting it is me, cause it is hard for me to get used its one staged trigger. I also have a hunting buddy, a gunsmith, whos factory is 3 miles from my home, he bought the old tikka factory machines and is no very famous barrel maker here in Finland. Accurate, hand made custom barrels. Love your videos Sir
I owned a Finnbear 7 Rem Mag carbine with Mannlicher stock when I was young with the serial number 00059 (I'm not totally sure on the exact number of leading zeros). When I was a college student I pawned the rifle to purchase some tools for a carpentry job intending on unpawning the rifle in due time. Unfortunately it didn't quite work out that way. However my college education was definitely more valuable as life progressed. I replaced the Finnbear with a H&R 270 carbine with a Mannlicher stock that I have to this day. The short rifles were great saddle guns for my work in the MT and WY large wilderness areas.
I had been looking on and off for a Husqvarna 46B for a long time (years) in 6.5x55 that had not been drilled and tapped and in good shape overall. after watching your video I decided to take my 100th-ish look at Simpsons to see if they got any in stock. While looking though their stock I found a rifle labeled as a 46 but with a stock set unlike a 46 and no thumb cutout in a receiver. it had everything I wanted (cock on close, not drilled and tapped, great stock, good original bluing, decent barrel, 6.5x55) so I jumped on it. After doing some research it turns out I got one of the earliest model 640s (a 646) that was made in 1944 with an M/38 action. I couldn't be happier.
Isn't good luck great : ) Doesn't happen often for me but when it does! Anyway, congrats on the find. That's a scarce rifle and a classic caliber - good for just about everything on this side of the pond; some exceptions. Can last indefinitely as you know. Thanks for the note. Good health and good shooting.
96 acktion is dangerus shit by husqvarna 98 action extreamly strong modell 146 or 1640 and they made a modell 1651 in 358 norma Mag i hade a 358 a real kicker
Nothing dangerous about a Mauser 96 action. The 98 action is stronger for sure, but that doesn't mean there is anything inherently wrong or defective when a 96 action is chambered in proper calibers like 6.5x55, 30-06, 6.5x55mm, 9.3x62mm, and 270 Winchester, like it was chambered in from the factory. its when people try and rechamber it for calibers that exceed the pressure limitations that you have problems. similarly, the 94 action was just fine for standard calibers like 6.5x55, 9.3x57 and 9.3x62.
It’s funny Mike but I just put a Sako Finnbear deluxe on layaway at a pawn shop at a great price🙌 My favorite hunting rifle Brand by far. Been collecting fine rifles 60+ years and own and have owned hundreds of rifles over the years and Sako and Tikka make one of if not the best rifles for their price. Their 85’s and 90’s shoot better with more factory ammo then any other Brand I own. They shoot better then most of my custom rifle builds especially when handloaded! You had to show my second favorite rifles and Best Buy on the market my beloved Husqvarna rifles 🥰 I just got the light weight model just last month since I didn’t have a light weight yet! The Imperial model’s are just gorgeous in looks and function👏
I don’t compliment your videos often enough. This is true of videos in general as I am too easily distracted in my later years. So, I’ll work on that! Great content and very interesting to learn the finer details of things like this. Now, I will have to check in on these things. Thank you!
I always find your posts interesting and informative. I've never felt to switch to an AR-Plartform. I'm too much involve with the Mausers, especially the Interarms in a .270, just a tackdriver, using a Leupold Scope. I did have a barrel made for it in Oregon at 26.5" a little heavier than a sporter barrel. And another stock by Robert's high cheek comb, rollover. Just a beautiful rifle even though it cost 2k.😊
Lovely rifles, I have a Tikka T3 in 233 Rem. Synthetic stock, bolt seems sloppy until you lock it down, but you know a bit of dirt is never going to jam it! Just a great rifle for fox hunting. Cheers from Ireland!
Regarding the Husqvarna at the end: That is by the looks of it a model 46A, meaning it has the Swedish Mauser 96 (or 94, or 38 - essentially the same with different cocking handle angles) action as you pointed out. These were introduced since it became impossible to source Mauser 98 actions during WWII. However, the previous model, the 146, uses the Mauser 98 action and is generally viewed as more desirable. The stocks are excellent for open sights or possibly a super low mounted Aimpoint or similar optic. Only the 46A and 146 come in 9.3x57, later models discontinued that cartridge in favour of other options, like the x62. Also, don't sleep on the post-war models based on Husqvarna's own actions, specifically the 1600/1640/1651 series (the 1651 being the Magnum model). They are essentially improved model 96 actions with side safety and some other improvements (or the opposite, as some might argue). Husqvarna's post-war 640 model can come with either 96 or 98 actions depending on model year and availability of actions, but they are also cheap options for a hunting rifle. That said, I have Sakos and Tikkas (both older and current) these days. 😃
I own a Tikka Continental (varmint-barrel) in caliber 6,5x55 since 1983. Works superb , never failed and shoots extremely well.... shot more then 15000 shots and still shoots well.😊😊😊😊
I'VE OWNED TWO SAKO RIFLES .....THEY WERE THE MOST ACCURATE RIFLES I'VE EVER OWNED ....of coures the first one was a remington .222 caliber and the other was a 270 .......great rifles ........
I bought two Tikka model 65 Deluxe’s back in 1990. Paid $650 CND each. A 270 Win for myself and a 25-06 REM for my wife. Our Grandson now has the 25-06. I sold the 270 years ago and do regret that. Had a Sako Vixen 222 REM (L461 action) which was another great rifle. That’s another rifle I wish hadn’t sold.
Frank Haas wrote glowingly of the LSA65 and LSA55. It was the last true Tikka. I was lucky to have owned a 65, the magazines were in my experience the least durable part of the gun, the floor plates tended to eject themselves. With that said, the rifles are FANTASTIC.
LSA 55 Has A pressure point of what looks like dental gum. I took it out and free floated the barrel. points well amd shoots about 0.5 moa in 243. Had a he k of a time scoping with the tapered scope base. Found appropriate rings in Ontario. Love that butter smooth action!!!
L61r sako finnbear 7mm remington Mag my favorite rife given to me by Grandpa..My dad has one finnbear in 30/06 and and a vixen in .223 rem with factory reciver peep sight... All rifle are super accurate... Love the rifle content.
My dad came back for Germany With finnbear in o6 and vixen in 223 Bought on base..gandpop liked it so He bought finnbear in 7 rem mag.. All are accurate...
Not to eclipse the Sako or Tikka fine rifles; but In 1965, Bill Ruger hired Jim Sullivan and developed the M77 “Tang Safety” rifle in 1968. Jim improved on the standard 90 deg. recoil lug with an angled lug inline with the recoil; he moved the safety to the top of the tang under where the thumb naturally rests; casted dovetail mounts integral with the receiver and made the trigger adjustable. Third party manufacturers were used for the barrel and varied in quality; my .308 I bought new in ‘82 at a US Army Rod and Gun Club in Germany was @1-1/2 MOA accurate. I have since rebarreled with a 26” PacNor polygonal rifled in 260 AI, in 1-8 twist heavy Sendoro profile. It’s a tack driver and the polygonal rifling cleans out easily.
Steel metal rifles with wooden stocks. 🙂 I really like aperture sights. That's like butter on pancakes with maple syrup. 😊 Good video Mike! {Just checked my Reloading manual and the 9.3mm bullet translates to a .366 caliber.}
So many slick gun channels out there and this man is just slow and so beautiful in his appreciation of these amazing weapons so well done thank you very much God bless
My dad was a Winchester Model 70 guy thru and thru and owned both the Westerner.264 Winchester Magnum and the Alaskan 338 Winchester Magnum as well as a .300 Winchester Magnum with one lone exception and that was a Sako Forrester .243 Winchester that you could shoot a 5 shot group at 100 yards that you could cover with a dime. When he died in 2016 he only had two rifles after decades of hunting and those were his 338 and that Sako.
Really enjoyed this Mike! I owned both Tikka's... the 55 in, .243, and a 65 in 7mm RM. Both worked flawlessly and both were extreme tack drivers. My 55 was 6 lbs iirc very much ahead of their time IMO. The main thing that they had over other rifles at the time was an extremely good trigger when most stock rifles were just adequate to poor. **I should have also stated that out-of-the-box accuracy for every Tikka I saw or shot during that time period (MODS 55-65) and that quite a few were sub-MOA, mine were both .6" Locally they were pretty common amongst savvy shooters.
Hi Mike. Good video as always. Us old fudds still appreciate blued steel and walnut. My oldest son called me here in Reno one day from Washington state, exited to tell me about having shot a friends Tikka in 30-06. He said he hit everything he aimed at. He went on to say how smooth the bolt worked with little play when slid all the way to the rear. He also said he wanted a 30-06 to possibly hunt Elk with up there. I told him to go check out Ruger 77's and a Remington 700. We also talked about other makes of rifles and mention was made that Winchester model 70's but he said they might be out of his price range. Sometime later he called and said the Ruger stock didn't fit him and the Remington bolt rattled around when open all the way. More months went by and one day I was in one of the old time family owned sporting goods shops here in Reno. I counted maybe 20 or more new and used rifles in 30-06. Most had a bolt that rattled around when opened. There were several Weatherby's in 30-06 some Vangards and some MK V's. One particular MK V looked new even though it was "used". It was an 89-90 vintage 9 lug magnum action made in Japan and it had Weatherby South Gate stamped on it. When I opened that big 1 inch diameter bolt it slid smoothly back and did not rattle around. The store owner told me the rifle had been owned by a friend of his father so he knew it's history. They had put it together for their friend. He said it had a 3 lb glass rod breaking Jard trigger in it and it wore a Zeiss 2.5x10 Conquest scope in Talley rings. The store owner also told me the rifle had originally been built with a wood stock but it had been cracked in a fall. Weatherby replaced it with a textured grey fiberglass stock that goes with the matt black finish the metal work wears. I bought it. The Weatherby would not quite group to my liking at first. Two shots were sometimes close and the third was always 2-3 inches away. We tried a dozen or more loads in it. I cleaned, lapped with JB and looked at the bore with my bore scope. It looked new. I was at a loss until a guy that could re-barrel Weatherby's asked me if it was free floated. It wasn't. Being a #2 profile, Weatherby did not free float their thinner profile barrels back then. So I sanded the two pads down in the front of the barrel channel that pushed up on the barrel and now a dollar bill could be slid under the barrel nearly to the action. Took that Weatherby out and shot it with Hornady Superformance 165 GMX's. 3 shots in .400 out of a cold barrel. That will do. Boy I was tempted to keep that Weatherby and give my O3-A3 to my son. But in the end my son got the Weatherby and I still have the Smith Corona O3A3 my dad gave me when I was 13 in 1969. I sporterized that 03 back then by carving and fitting it into a Herters laminated stock dad had bought several years earlier and never had the time to do the work himself. We had it mirror blued back then. I put a Timney trigger and a Timney speedlock spring in it then as well. It is still a work in progress. The bore has some fire cracking, more pitting and generally rough finish from war time production. After a recent scope change I was zeroing it at 200 yards the other day and accidentally got 3 shots in an inch! It's still got some life left in spite of all the surplus ammo I put through it back in the 70's and 90's.
Growing up I always wanted a Sako but could'nt afford one. In the early 80's I bought a S&W (Howa) 1500 in .270 Win. Used for about 8 yrs. Went to a gun show in early 90's and found a Sako A111 in .270 WCF for $450. This time I had money in pocket and went home with it. Stock had been banged up quite a bit but it shot wonderfully. It now wears a McMillan stock with a Zeiss 3-9 x 42 scope set in Conetrol rings and bases. This became my #1 rifle and even have my name engraved in the floorplate. Taken many deer with it including a beautiful brown Fallow stag. Serial number suggests it was made aroind '80-'81. My favorite load is O'Connors favorite. H4831 powder, Nosler 130 gr Partition, Federal benchrest primers in Sako brass.
Hi Mike the great to see you again. The older sakos are so beautiful made . Wood to metal fit are so nice . I had a Forester short action. Deer on the floor plate. 308 cal . thanks for sharing Mike. Love your videos. Keep them coming!! I think sako made rifles for Ithaca arms . LSA 65 . I love huskie rifle's to my favorite!!
You are awesome! I hunt deer in New Zealand. My fav hunting rifle is a Sako Finbear 3006 Ackley Improved (rebarrelled Shillen Barrel). I have also owned many old Tikka - currently have a LSA55 243 deluxe and an LSA55 223 (rebarrelled Shillen Barrel). I absolutely love the old Sako and Tikka. Must be old fashioned as I also hunt with a Mauser 98 in 8x57
2:00 what about Brno? They might be not as spectacular, but compact and steel nonetheless. Speaking of scope mount bases, I miss old dovetail mounts. I've finally got myself employed at the store that's related to a certain gunmaking company, and they make their rimfire rifles with dovetails - only to put a Weaver rail on them rather than make a CZ-style mount
It may be interesting for viewers to realize the Husqvarna logo on everything from weedeaters to motorcycles is the endview of the business end of a gun barrel and the three horns are gun sights.
I just want to say I came across your channel and am now addicted. I too love the classic shotguns and rifles and really enjoy your presentations and in depth analysis of these gems. If you have a chance I would love a review of the Winchester M59. Thank you and God bless.
Back in the late 60's, early 70's, I was torn between getting a Sako like my shooting partner had (264 Win Mag) or getting a Husqvarna in 7mm Rem Mag. I decided on the Husqy and never regretted it. Thanks for keeping these beauties alive.
Never owned a Sako or Tika....As a teenager YEARS AGO....my first rifle was a Parker Hale...270...model 1200C paid $225 back then....A real tack driver...nocked a lot of animals down in 40 years of use
I have a mod-1200 in .270 , factory french walnut stock , serbian action , fully-adjustable trigger . Today this would be considered a Custom-rifle worth thousands yet they are still cheap in NZ , I wouldn't sell it for 3-times what I paid . Dave nz
I always enjoy your videos. Informative, factually correct. In short, excellent. Now, if I may make a little suggestion. I noticed through the years that you have an extensive collection of very fine rifle scopes. I myself am an optics fan and if you would find it a good idea I’d love to see some more videos about your scopes. Some of them really seem worth making a video about. Just a suggestion. Beside that, thanks for another excellent video. Kind regards
I feel a sense of home, tradition, as I listen to Mike talk about all these great rifles of the past. In years gone by, many people put meat on the table with these older rifles.
Was surprised to hear you mention Parker-Hale! Dad gave 50 yrs ago me a new Parker-Hale made in Midland England 308 Cal. The pistol grip has a palm swell that I love! This rifle has always shot tight groups at 100yrds with any scope mounted! I’m 68 yrs old and the grandson will inherit it! Great video thank you!
I’m always impressed with your reviews. Just love the Sako’s and Sauer rifles. I have a Sako deluxe 75 in 416 Rem mag it gives you the impression it will last forever. Have you ever done a review on the Sauer 404 or 505? Keep up the good work.
👍 Years ago I had a Sako in .30-06 and foolishly sold it. But agree with everything you said about their rifles. I now own a Carl Gustafs in 6.5x55 that was manufactured in the late 1890s and sporterized in the mid-20th Century. An excellent rifle.
Got a non import marked l61r in 300 win mag that was hunted hard in Alaska by previous owner, a bit of cleaning and a couple new screws and she's a beauty. The small caliber ones have quite the reputation as well. Been told by many an old timer that the vixens in triple deuce were the bees knees
Hi from Sweden, yes we did make great rifles in Husqvarna (it is both a brand and a smal town) back in the days and some models were based on the 96 action. But we also made better version based on 98 actions that are superior and some more modern ones such as 1600 and 1900 models. The 1900 were first producera in Sweden and later in Italy. But the Italien made is not at all as good at all. Or neighbour Finland has for a long timme produced very nice rifles and are still doning so. So you are pretty correct in your list of best bolt , but you missed THE BEST ONE ;-) that is the Brno 600-serie from Tjeckoslovakia! Mine is from 1973 in 308 win with a popup peep and integrated scoope mounts, nice trigger, smooth bolt, fixed 5 round mag, good wooden stock but nothing fancy, short and handy, I have put on a good recoilpad and also I have beded it. I have both a vortex venom reddot and one Zeiss 2,5-10x42 with illium. Of cource both has quick release in steel. With the reddot the weight is only 3.1kg or 6.8 punds. Over here you can find thoose for around $400 so much craftmanship and almost for free it can hardly get much better!
Picked up a Sako 75 in 308 in 2001 during my time in Helsinki, my came all stainless with the black stock with hand warmer inserts on grip and forearm, wish I chose the blue steel and wood stock after seeing your excellent video, thanks.
It's a good presentation. Nice to see an appreciation for true craftsmanship. Personally, I'd love an old Browning Medallion .243 from the early 70's with a Sako action.
Just bought the T3x Arctic C19 in .308. The bolt handle is removable. Very smooth action! It was on sale for $500 off so I had to get it. Comes with 10 round mag.
Good presentation. Quality rifles. Glad to see a 30-06. I am a fan of 30-06. Bought my son a TIKKA in .308. He doesn't realize what he has . He hasn't shot it yet. Shoots very good.
Yes, 100% agree! I truly believe what you've said of the Sako, and of them all, the Finnbear would be my pick! And, I absolutely know you're right about the Tikka M65 because I have one! It's a priceless rifle! And, I'd have to give a Sako a complete thorough workout to believe it's a better rifle than the M65! Excellent video!
I still treasure my Sako Vixen L461 .222 Rem with Weaver K10 after 49 years. The Tikka was regarded as a cheaper alternative in South Africa, but were renowned for accuracy.
Nice video thanks. I have an M70 Zastava basically a 98 and similar to that Huskivana, Was very reasonably priced and very good quality. A foolproof 122 year old design, Cheers from Australia..
A 30-06 has and always will be the most universal caliber that’s ever been invented and has staying power like no other!!! Love your videos You are a great gift for the bolt action enthusiast ! Thanks again
My go-to rifle is a M65 with standard stock , in the correct caliber (6.5x55SE) , and it's an absolute tack-driver. Better than 1/2 MOA with 140grain projectiles. It cost me 450$ , absolutely a steal. The difference between mine and a deluxe: Higher grade wood , the wood insert at the tip of the stock , and the monte carlo cheekpad.
Mike, I own an M558 in 22-250. I bought it on the used market years ago. Tikka did a fine job on it. Perhaps not the most elegant rifle, but it is certainly smooth in operation, completely reliable, and consistently accurate. Like you in this case, I do not shoot it often, but I enjoy it each time that I do.
A great video! Please do more like this. Indulge me in a short story. My friend asked me to sight in his rifle several years ago prior to our annual elk hunt. It was a Sako Finnbear in .30'06. I have to say, that rifle was punishing to shoot and would loosen fillings! My M.70 Featherweight '06 was like a BB gun compared to his.😀
Thank you - so interesting. Stock design I guess; or 150 grainers vs 220's - anyway - I know what you mean : ) - some rifles really hit me - others are friendly. Cheers
that husky appears to be a factory sporterized military action, right down to the stripper cut and thumb slot. what an awesome trio of tank tough hunting machines!
Love these "old rifles". The only ones I've seen having problems with the push feed ejector was a Remington 600 Mohawk and a Sako from the 70s. My favourite is still the Husquarna/Carl Gustav 1900. Never heard or seen problems with them Love your "slow vids" - keep 'em coming 👍
I like to watch this channel, presentation specially, nice and calm. And one can understand that you have a long history with rifles. Moreover, being a Finn this warms my heart. I have often wonders how this is a case, we have Sako and Tikka, also Lynx, then Lapua bullets ( Scenar-L, have not found better ) and Vihtavuori powder. All high quality and respected. Hope we can keep it on this level in the future. Also our neighbor, Sweden; Husqvarna rifles and old Husqvarna shotguns, if you can find one highly recommend to keep it for ever.
Out of high-school I bought an Ithaca LSA65 for $175 and found out a few years ago that it was actually a Tikka. I found out when I finally got around to mounting a scope on my favorite 30-06 and couldn't find mounts for an Ithaca LSA. With some research, I found that Tikka made these for Ithaca to import to the states and after just a few years, had a dispute with Ithaca because Ithaca had marketed them as an Ithaca made in Finland. I just needed scope mounts for a Tikka T3. Mounted right up.
Mike, if the previous owner of that Sako actually used the receiver sight, that might explain why the comb had been pared down. A .243 Forester I had came with that sight, but there was no way I could get my face down low enough to use it . Sold the sight for a good price as I was using it scoped. Shot a deer with it and passed it down to my son. As always, thanks for the videos.
My father had a Tikka M55 Deluxe in .222 Remington. A beautiful rifle. Sub moa accuracy easily with hand loads. They don’t make them like that anymore.
I have one in .222 , the barrel is very-worn (very ! a 'Smith' refused to shorten the barrel because it was worn-out..wtf ?..)but it still hits golf-balls at 100yds , all down to hand-cut chambers and rifling combined with a superb trigger . Dave nz
I really like this guy,I bought my 22,steyr zepher ii based on his review ,However the squirrels in mid Nebraska on the loup River would have something to say about his review.(or maybe not cuz I ate em!)
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns You’re welcome. Have you ever had the pleasure of shooting a Voere? My brother purchased one in the mid 70s and it was a fine rifle, along the lines of today’s Weatherby brand. Caliber was 30-06, I believe my nephew still has it today. Really enjoyed your presentation.
Back 60 or 70 years ago (yes I am that old) I bought a Tradewinds rifle in 7mm rem. It was pretty cheap and I was poor. It had a cheap stock. It was Huskavorna {sp}. I was disappointed with the accuracy so I took it to a local gunsmith and he told me what I need ed was to put some pressure on the end of the stock pushing up on the bbl. so I had him do it. I didn't have much hope but when I took it to the range it would shop groups of 3/4 inch at 100 yards. I was very pleased shot two moose with it before I lost my mind ant sold it and bought a 338. I have never owned any other rifle that could compare to it. I no longer hunt of course and just gave up shooting since I do not drive very well. But had a lot of fun when I did. Maybe I will tell you all how I got a moose with an extension ladder sometime. Like your podcast.
Thank you for such a fine note. "60 or 70 years ago" - that's a good start : ) I'm glad you shared what happened with the rifle, accuracy and upward pressure. Year ago that was THE thing to do and I saw plenty of accuracy improvement with that method. As you know, it is a harmonics thing. I still like that system. I'd love to hear how you got a moose with an extension ladder. Seems to me a rifle is a better way. 😂 Just kidding of course - please write again. All the best until then.
Older IS better 😊 I started out hunting in 1969 using a sporterized military O3-A3 in 30-06. This year will be my 56th season hunting and I've always preferred the older guns, simply because i found them to more reliable than the newer rifles being made. Im currently 67 and this year ill be carrying a sporterized military Model 1917 (made in 1917) also in 30-06 of course. And its still incredibly accurate, even using factory loads. And it's absolutely reliable.
You're right - the Springfield, Enfield, Lee Enfield, Mauser and others were made to higher standards then most modern rifles. As one vet wrote me; the common hunting rifles of today would last a couple of days in the trenches, jungles, caves etc... during war.
![Best Bolt Action Rifles 2025 [#1 Rifle Is Banned in 3 Countries?!]](/img/n.gif)
My father was an accuracy shooter on the bags, trap shooter and deadly hunter. He valued a good rifle or shotgun more than anything. For my graduation from collage, he gave me a Sako Finnbear, .270 Win. I've taken great care with that rifle carrying it into the field. I mounted an early Lueopold Vari-X 3x9 and 40 years later I think that glass is still superior to most new scopes. The bolt is so solid and smooth. The Walnut is classic warmth.
A great father; a lasting and useful value - that Sako. Glad you have it, hunt with it, and remember. Very nice message to receive. Thank you and all the best.
My dad bought me the exact same rifle in 1969 with the same scope and it still shoots sub moa groups 54 years later
Looks and feel of a rifle dont make is shoot accurate. I want to hit what and where Im shooting ! Anything else is junk !
Which rifle?@@dlparish56
The Finns make a fine rifle.
Always have.
Appreciate you, man
Bought a Sako Forester new in .243 Winchester when I was in junior college. Cost me $160 and still have the receipt and manufacture tag from Firearms International.
Still have it. The rings at the time were $30 which was alot in the late 60's. Was a great all around rifle with a Redfield 3x to 9x scope. I treasure this classic.
Love the 243 round.
Price? Everyone has a price😊
My first big commercial rifle was a SAKO FINNBEAR .300 WINCHESTER MAGNUM. I was in high school and could not afford a scope but did get the SAKO RECEIVER SIGHT. Today a SAKO SAFARI GRADE
375 H&H Magnum sits in my safe holds 4 plus one and is very accurate. Good video thanks for your fine professional job.
Loved the video, absolutely great rifles.
because of this video I now have bought a Husquarna "potatiskastare" or potatotrower made in 1933. What a rifle. Thank you
YES! keep em coming. I was a Sako dealer for 17 years and still LOVE to learn more about older rifles. very professionally presented.
You seem like a good person to ask. How do you feel about the Tikka T3x Lite and Superlites for a hunting rifle
I'm always so happy when I see that you've posted. I get settled in with a coffee, tobacco pipe and sometimes a note pad (or a beer and a pipe) and then i sit back and learn.
Thank you for keeping up the best show on the tube.
Much appreciated my friend. I'll keep going.
Completely agree. Pass a match please
Beer and a pipe? Smoke and a pancake? ;)
You just reminded me of an old hunter from long ago- friend of my family, hailed from Switzerland, gruff, no-nonsense demeanor, big mountain-man beard, smoked a pipe. Member of the same rifle club other people in my family were at. Totally old-school living room complete with a fireplace, a bearskin rug, mountain sheep head trophies and all.
My first rifle was a Tikka 65 Deluxe in 300 Win Mag. After that I have had around 150 rifles in total, but always come back to Tikkas and Sakos. Currently have a Sako A1 222 for red fox and a Sako A5 6,5x55 for general purpose. Also have my dad’s old Sako Finnbear 30-06 that he bought new in the 60’s. The Finnish rifles really are something else 😀
Your words of wisdom and experience stick. Thank you.
I grew up hunting with my dad’s Sako Finnbear Deluxe in 300 win mag. As I’m now an adult I spent a pretty penny on a very nice Finnbear deluxe in 7 rem mag. I need to get it floated but I have utmost confidence in its ability to shoot how I want it to. The one thing I’ll say is that every Finnbear I’ve shot is super picky about ammo. Beautiful rifles
Very interesting dive into the Nordic rifles. They have historically had strong a hunting culture in the Nordic countries. I hope that doesn’t change.
Best firearms channel on UA-cam hands down. Thanks and please keep them coming sir.
Your words mean a lot to me. Thank you.
Absolutely. Hes very knowledgeable but not dogmatic. I like this channel as well but i really appreciate his deep understanding of single shot rifles and of course the mauser 98 type rifles. Few people really know about classic hunting single shots.
@@aaronwilcox6417 yeah he discusses guns as they are. Informative on guns less common, or at least not discussed much these days. Great to watch videos that’s not all AR’s.
These "vintage" rifles are so much better made than just about anything you can find new on the market today.
Tikka/Sako makes amazing actions still
I have a few rifles from the past, little or no rust or pitting. The steel quality is superb.
I bought a Tikka last year...easily the best rifle I own@@wesleyturner1979
@@raywhitehead730 savage axis 2 and Ruger American are both quite cheap with very serviceable actions. Bergara also has cheap rifles with good actions
I really like the new Sako rifles.
I've got the M-65 with the rosewood caps, medium weight barrel, and open sights. The bolt knob is much smaller and stainless on mine though. I purchased mine used in 1992, and it's chambered in 270. It is my first ever rifle that I purchased when I was 21 years old. Aside from some very light scratches in the wood it looks like near new condition
ive got a LSA-65 in 30-06 as my first own fullpower, and ive got to say it was such a good buy... ive tried lots of rifles from other people, modern and older mauser's, modern and older steyr's, modern and older sauer's and newer merkel's also.... your usual stuff you see in austria used for hunting. The rifle is still to some point superior imo. The action isnt just smooth as hell, you can handle it so damn quiet... and the trigger imo is also just superb. Almost no travel at all, and such a nice and crisp pull.... i will defenitly keep it for a looong time. And accuracy wise its not bad either for what it is, does its job quite well.
@@derpmaniak7823 Who makes the LSA-65? I've never heard of it before.
Edit: Never mind I asked because I just googled it. lol
@@jimdent351 ah dont worry about it. My short explanation would be: apart from different versions and different stock's on the sporter version, the m65 is just a rename of the lsa 65. Basicly, if youve got an lsa 65 its gonns be a 60's rifle. Or your lucky/unlucky and have a 69 one like me, which can also be a m65 cause its the year they introduced the changes.
Same here. An M 65 Tikka, rosewood caps and beautiful wood, and two Sako's 7m08 and 222. A lot of Tikka's and Sako's sold out here in New Zealand.
Thanks for a great review. I bought my Finnbear .300 Win Mag. 10/83. I live in Alaska and I can tell you that I by pass Weatherby's, Winchester's, Remington's, Ruger's, Mannlicher and others to grab the Sako when headed to the field. It is always driving tacks and so sweet to shoot. I refinished the stock two years ago and found a crack so as nice as the stocks are, they will crack. It has had hard use for 41 years including two tumbles with an ATV while in the scabber.
This gun has harvested more different species than anything in my case. Love the Sako.
JDD
I have my dad's Sako Finnbear in 264 mag he bought new in 1965 for $163.00. He hunted with it for 50 years and killed numerous game animals in that time. I always thought it was a beautiful rifle and will never part with it. Thanks for the video!
My friend's Dad had a Sako in .243 that I just loved! I have had a 1915 8mm Mauser, made in Danzig that was "sporterized" and imported by Interarms in the 70's. I had planned on mounting a scope on it when I bought it, but it worked do well with iron sights for deer hunting in Upstate New York that I left it just like it was designed,109 years ago. I'm quite sure it will work fine in 2124 for my Great Great Grandchild ...
2016 i bought a Tikka 65 in 30-06. Like new, 100% bluing and not a scatch on its beautiful wooden stock. It even had the factory seal in its trigger pull adjusting screw. Love it so much that i have to lovingly stroke it sometimes, ha ha. The only flaw shooting it is me, cause it is hard for me to get used its one staged trigger. I also have a hunting buddy, a gunsmith, whos factory is 3 miles from my home, he bought the old tikka factory machines and is no very famous barrel maker here in Finland. Accurate, hand made custom barrels. Love your videos Sir
Mikä on hänen yrityksensä nimi, kiitos? Kiitos.
@@NWer-c5u Peuralan asepaja. Arto Peurala.
@@petrisyrja-kokkila7103 Kiitos. Löysin hänet Kuortaneelta ja katsoin hänen nettisivujaan. Mahtavaa työtä!
Mike, I said it before, but every time you shoulder a rifle your form is so smooth and precise. Thanks for the videos.
Appreciate the words my friend 🙏
I owned a Finnbear 7 Rem Mag carbine with Mannlicher stock when I was young with the serial number 00059 (I'm not totally sure on the exact number of leading zeros). When I was a college student I pawned the rifle to purchase some tools for a carpentry job intending on unpawning the rifle in due time. Unfortunately it didn't quite work out that way. However my college education was definitely more valuable as life progressed. I replaced the Finnbear with a H&R 270 carbine with a Mannlicher stock that I have to this day. The short rifles were great saddle guns for my work in the MT and WY large wilderness areas.
I had been looking on and off for a Husqvarna 46B for a long time (years) in 6.5x55 that had not been drilled and tapped and in good shape overall. after watching your video I decided to take my 100th-ish look at Simpsons to see if they got any in stock. While looking though their stock I found a rifle labeled as a 46 but with a stock set unlike a 46 and no thumb cutout in a receiver. it had everything I wanted (cock on close, not drilled and tapped, great stock, good original bluing, decent barrel, 6.5x55) so I jumped on it. After doing some research it turns out I got one of the earliest model 640s (a 646) that was made in 1944 with an M/38 action. I couldn't be happier.
Isn't good luck great : ) Doesn't happen often for me but when it does! Anyway, congrats on the find. That's a scarce rifle and a classic caliber - good for just about everything on this side of the pond; some exceptions. Can last indefinitely as you know. Thanks for the note. Good health and good shooting.
96 acktion is dangerus shit by husqvarna 98 action extreamly strong modell 146 or 1640 and they made a modell 1651 in 358 norma Mag i hade a 358 a real kicker
Nothing dangerous about a Mauser 96 action. The 98 action is stronger for sure, but that doesn't mean there is anything inherently wrong or defective when a 96 action is chambered in proper calibers like 6.5x55, 30-06, 6.5x55mm, 9.3x62mm, and 270 Winchester, like it was chambered in from the factory. its when people try and rechamber it for calibers that exceed the pressure limitations that you have problems. similarly, the 94 action was just fine for standard calibers like 6.5x55, 9.3x57 and 9.3x62.
It’s funny Mike but I just put a Sako Finnbear deluxe on layaway at a pawn shop at a great price🙌 My favorite hunting rifle Brand by far. Been collecting fine rifles 60+ years and own and have owned hundreds of rifles over the years and Sako and Tikka make one of if not the best rifles for their price. Their 85’s and 90’s shoot better with more factory ammo then any other Brand I own. They shoot better then most of my custom rifle builds especially when handloaded! You had to show my second favorite rifles and Best Buy on the market my beloved Husqvarna rifles 🥰 I just got the light weight model just last month since I didn’t have a light weight yet! The Imperial model’s are just gorgeous in looks and function👏
I don’t compliment your videos often enough. This is true of videos in general as I am too easily distracted in my later years. So, I’ll work on that! Great content and very interesting to learn the finer details of things like this. Now, I will have to check in on these things. Thank you!
Thank you for your thoughtful and informative presentation.
Great tour of two real beauties. Thank you for the insights and thorough exposition.
I always find your posts interesting and informative. I've never felt to switch to an AR-Plartform. I'm too much involve with the Mausers, especially the Interarms in a .270, just a tackdriver, using a Leupold Scope. I did have a barrel made for it in Oregon at 26.5" a little heavier than a sporter barrel. And another stock by Robert's high cheek comb, rollover. Just a beautiful rifle even though it cost 2k.😊
Lovely rifles, I have a Tikka T3 in 233 Rem. Synthetic stock, bolt seems sloppy until you lock it down, but you know a bit of dirt is never going to jam it!
Just a great rifle for fox hunting. Cheers from Ireland!
Regarding the Husqvarna at the end: That is by the looks of it a model 46A, meaning it has the Swedish Mauser 96 (or 94, or 38 - essentially the same with different cocking handle angles) action as you pointed out. These were introduced since it became impossible to source Mauser 98 actions during WWII. However, the previous model, the 146, uses the Mauser 98 action and is generally viewed as more desirable. The stocks are excellent for open sights or possibly a super low mounted Aimpoint or similar optic. Only the 46A and 146 come in 9.3x57, later models discontinued that cartridge in favour of other options, like the x62.
Also, don't sleep on the post-war models based on Husqvarna's own actions, specifically the 1600/1640/1651 series (the 1651 being the Magnum model). They are essentially improved model 96 actions with side safety and some other improvements (or the opposite, as some might argue).
Husqvarna's post-war 640 model can come with either 96 or 98 actions depending on model year and availability of actions, but they are also cheap options for a hunting rifle.
That said, I have Sakos and Tikkas (both older and current) these days. 😃
I own a Tikka Continental (varmint-barrel) in caliber 6,5x55 since 1983. Works superb , never failed and shoots extremely well.... shot more then 15000 shots and still shoots well.😊😊😊😊
I'VE OWNED TWO SAKO RIFLES .....THEY WERE THE MOST ACCURATE RIFLES I'VE EVER OWNED ....of coures the first one was a remington .222 caliber and the other was a 270 .......great rifles ........
I bought two Tikka model 65 Deluxe’s back in 1990. Paid $650 CND each. A 270 Win for myself and a 25-06 REM for my wife. Our Grandson now has the 25-06. I sold the 270 years ago and do regret that.
Had a Sako Vixen 222 REM (L461 action) which was another great rifle. That’s another rifle I wish hadn’t sold.
I have a Sako .222 Vixen, blonde wood stock is the nicest factory stock I’ve ever seen. It has a piece of ivory in the forearm
$650 CDN in 1990. Would double that for 2024 be a safe bet?
The floor plate model reminds me of a Remington 700 ADL. Very accurate rifle bought in the 70's.
Frank Haas wrote glowingly of the LSA65 and LSA55. It was the last true Tikka. I was lucky to have owned a 65, the magazines were in my experience the least durable part of the gun, the floor plates tended to eject themselves. With that said, the rifles are FANTASTIC.
LSA 55 Has A pressure point of what looks like dental gum. I took it out and free floated the barrel. points well amd shoots about 0.5 moa in 243. Had a he k of a time scoping with the tapered scope base. Found appropriate rings in Ontario. Love that butter smooth action!!!
Yes this presentation was very interesting to me! You have seen photos of the Sako AIII carbine in .270 I found last year - I like it even more now!
I was gifted a Sako Forester heavy barrel in .243 this past Christmas. Came with a period scope. Beautiful gun, that hadn’t been used in a long time!!
I totally agree. 3rd and 4th could be TAP375 Lakelander and Husqvarna 640.
L61r sako finnbear 7mm remington
Mag my favorite rife given to me by
Grandpa..My dad has one finnbear in 30/06 and and a vixen in .223 rem with factory reciver peep sight...
All rifle are super accurate...
Love the rifle content.
I stupidly passed on buying a Sako Finbear in 30-06 at the US Army.PX in Germany in 1968. I'm still crying about it.
My dad came back for Germany
With finnbear in o6 and vixen in 223
Bought on base..gandpop liked it so
He bought finnbear in 7 rem mag..
All are accurate...
Was a Mauser . Twist bolt . Probably safari . Ish . 30.06. 1000. $ . Yavapia pawn . 86303?
$180 I paid for mine. 1977.
They're not that hard to come by even now.
@@dougdownunder5622 In real dollar terms, that's about the same as what they go for today.
Not to eclipse the Sako or Tikka fine rifles; but In 1965, Bill Ruger hired Jim Sullivan and developed the M77 “Tang Safety” rifle in 1968. Jim improved on the standard 90 deg. recoil lug with an angled lug inline with the recoil; he moved the safety to the top of the tang under where the thumb naturally rests; casted dovetail mounts integral with the receiver and made the trigger adjustable.
Third party manufacturers were used for the barrel and varied in quality; my .308 I bought new in ‘82 at a US Army Rod and Gun Club in Germany was @1-1/2 MOA accurate.
I have since rebarreled with a 26” PacNor polygonal rifled in 260 AI, in 1-8 twist heavy Sendoro profile. It’s a tack driver and the polygonal rifling cleans out easily.
I hunt Whitetail with the tang safety in 7mm rem mag. Beautiful tack driver.
The best part about the Ruger 77 is the Len Brownell-designed stock.
Steel metal rifles with wooden stocks. 🙂 I really like aperture sights. That's like butter on pancakes with maple syrup. 😊 Good video Mike! {Just checked my Reloading manual and the 9.3mm bullet translates to a .366 caliber.}
Love the Tikka! Thanks for sharing.
So many slick gun channels out there and this man is just slow and so beautiful in his appreciation of these amazing weapons so well done thank you very much God bless
God Bless you as well my friend. Notes such as yours keep a fellow going
My dad was a Winchester Model 70 guy thru and thru and owned both the Westerner.264 Winchester Magnum and the Alaskan 338 Winchester Magnum as well as a .300 Winchester Magnum with one lone exception and that was a Sako Forrester .243 Winchester that you could shoot a 5 shot group at 100 yards that you could cover with a dime. When he died in 2016 he only had two rifles after decades of hunting and those were his 338 and that Sako.
Really enjoyed this Mike!
I owned both Tikka's... the 55 in, .243, and a 65 in 7mm RM. Both worked flawlessly and both were extreme tack drivers. My 55 was 6 lbs iirc very much ahead of their time IMO. The main thing that they had over other rifles at the time was an extremely good trigger when most stock rifles were just adequate to poor.
**I should have also stated that out-of-the-box accuracy for every Tikka I saw or shot during that time period (MODS 55-65) and that quite a few were sub-MOA, mine were both .6" Locally they were pretty common amongst savvy shooters.
absolutely with you on that one with the trigger... the one on my lsa 65 is just so damn good, especially compared to so many newer rifles imo.
Hi Mike. Good video as always. Us old fudds still appreciate blued steel and walnut.
My oldest son called me here in Reno one day from Washington state, exited to tell me about having shot a friends Tikka in 30-06. He said he hit everything he aimed at. He went on to say how smooth the bolt worked with little play when slid all the way to the rear. He also said he wanted a 30-06 to possibly hunt Elk with up there. I told him to go check out Ruger 77's and a Remington 700. We also talked about other makes of rifles and mention was made that Winchester model 70's but he said they might be out of his price range.
Sometime later he called and said the Ruger stock didn't fit him and the Remington bolt rattled around when open all the way. More months went by and one day I was in one of the old time family owned sporting goods shops here in Reno. I counted maybe 20 or more new and used rifles in 30-06. Most had a bolt that rattled around when opened. There were several Weatherby's in 30-06 some Vangards and some MK V's.
One particular MK V looked new even though it was "used". It was an 89-90 vintage 9 lug magnum action made in Japan and it had Weatherby South Gate stamped on it. When I opened that big 1 inch diameter bolt it slid smoothly back and did not rattle around. The store owner told me the rifle had been owned by a friend of his father so he knew it's history. They had put it together for their friend. He said it had a 3 lb glass rod breaking Jard trigger in it and it wore a Zeiss 2.5x10 Conquest scope in Talley rings. The store owner also told me the rifle had originally been built with a wood stock but it had been cracked in a fall. Weatherby replaced it with a textured grey fiberglass stock that goes with the matt black finish the metal work wears. I bought it.
The Weatherby would not quite group to my liking at first. Two shots were sometimes close and the third was always 2-3 inches away. We tried a dozen or more loads in it. I cleaned, lapped with JB and looked at the bore with my bore scope. It looked new. I was at a loss until a guy that could re-barrel Weatherby's asked me if it was free floated. It wasn't. Being a #2 profile, Weatherby did not free float their thinner profile barrels back then. So I sanded the two pads down in the front of the barrel channel that pushed up on the barrel and now a dollar bill could be slid under the barrel nearly to the action. Took that Weatherby out and shot it with Hornady Superformance 165 GMX's. 3 shots in .400 out of a cold barrel. That will do.
Boy I was tempted to keep that Weatherby and give my O3-A3 to my son. But in the end my son got the Weatherby and I still have the Smith Corona O3A3 my dad gave me when I was 13 in 1969. I sporterized that 03 back then by carving and fitting it into a Herters laminated stock dad had bought several years earlier and never had the time to do the work himself. We had it mirror blued back then. I put a Timney trigger and a Timney speedlock spring in it then as well. It is still a work in progress. The bore has some fire cracking, more pitting and generally rough finish from war time production. After a recent scope change I was zeroing it at 200 yards the other day and accidentally got 3 shots in an inch! It's still got some life left in spite of all the surplus ammo I put through it back in the 70's and 90's.
Growing up I always wanted a Sako but could'nt afford one. In the early 80's I bought a S&W (Howa) 1500 in .270 Win. Used for about 8 yrs. Went to a gun show in early 90's and found a Sako A111 in .270 WCF for $450. This time I had money in pocket and went home with it. Stock had been banged up quite a bit but it shot wonderfully. It now wears a McMillan stock with a Zeiss 3-9 x 42 scope set in Conetrol rings and bases. This became my #1 rifle and even have my name engraved in the floorplate. Taken many deer with it including a beautiful brown Fallow stag. Serial number suggests it was made aroind '80-'81. My favorite load is O'Connors favorite. H4831 powder, Nosler 130 gr Partition, Federal benchrest primers in Sako brass.
Hi Mike the great to see you again. The older sakos are so beautiful made . Wood to metal fit are so nice . I had a Forester short action. Deer on the floor plate. 308 cal . thanks for sharing Mike. Love your videos. Keep them coming!! I think sako made rifles for Ithaca arms . LSA 65 . I love huskie rifle's to my favorite!!
You are awesome! I hunt deer in New Zealand. My fav hunting rifle is a Sako Finbear 3006 Ackley Improved (rebarrelled Shillen Barrel). I have also owned many old Tikka - currently have a LSA55 243 deluxe and an LSA55 223 (rebarrelled Shillen Barrel). I absolutely love the old Sako and Tikka. Must be old fashioned as I also hunt with a Mauser 98 in 8x57
2:00 what about Brno? They might be not as spectacular, but compact and steel nonetheless.
Speaking of scope mount bases, I miss old dovetail mounts. I've finally got myself employed at the store that's related to a certain gunmaking company, and they make their rimfire rifles with dovetails - only to put a Weaver rail on them rather than make a CZ-style mount
It may be interesting for viewers to realize the Husqvarna logo on everything from weedeaters to motorcycles is the endview of the business end of a gun barrel and the three horns are gun sights.
That is interesting : )
@UnitedStatesOfGuns Yeah, look up Husqvarna's history. They began back in 1689 making muskets
I just want to say I came across your channel and am now addicted. I too love the classic shotguns and rifles and really enjoy your presentations and in depth analysis of these gems. If you have a chance I would love a review of the Winchester M59. Thank you and God bless.
I'm glad you're here. I'll review the 59 - thanks for the suggestion. God Bless.
Back in the late 60's, early 70's, I was torn between getting a Sako like my shooting partner had (264 Win Mag) or getting a Husqvarna in 7mm Rem Mag. I decided on the Husqy and never regretted it. Thanks for keeping these beauties alive.
Can't "miss" with that choice - the Husqy's seem to get better and better. Cheers
I own a Swedish 6.5 x 55mm rifle. My first was an early 1960s Winchester Model 70 in 30-06 = and later a Remington 700 BDL in 700 Remington Magnum.
Never owned a Sako or Tika....As a teenager YEARS AGO....my first rifle was a Parker Hale...270...model 1200C paid $225 back then....A real tack driver...nocked a lot of animals down in 40 years of use
I own a 1200 super varmint in 243, my dad had an 30/06. Not sure exact model but hands down the most accurate rifles I have ever shot.
1948 JC Higgins in .270 original 4x and still very tight groups... it never disappoints!
I have a mod-1200 in .270 , factory french walnut stock , serbian action , fully-adjustable trigger . Today this would be considered a Custom-rifle worth thousands yet they are still cheap in NZ , I wouldn't sell it for 3-times what I paid . Dave nz
I always enjoy your videos. Informative, factually correct. In short, excellent.
Now, if I may make a little suggestion. I noticed through the years that you have an extensive collection of very fine rifle scopes. I myself am an optics fan and if you would find it a good idea I’d love to see some more videos about your scopes. Some of them really seem worth making a video about. Just a suggestion.
Beside that, thanks for another excellent video.
Kind regards
I feel a sense of home, tradition, as I listen to Mike talk about all these great rifles of the past. In years gone by, many people put meat on the table with these older rifles.
Was surprised to hear you mention Parker-Hale! Dad gave 50 yrs ago me a new Parker-Hale made in Midland England 308 Cal. The pistol grip has a palm swell that I love! This rifle has always shot tight groups at 100yrds with any scope mounted! I’m 68 yrs old and the grandson will inherit it! Great video thank you!
Much appreciated
I’m always impressed with your reviews. Just love the Sako’s and Sauer rifles. I have a Sako deluxe 75 in 416 Rem mag it gives you the impression it will last forever.
Have you ever done a review on the Sauer 404 or 505?
Keep up the good work.
👍 Years ago I had a Sako in .30-06 and foolishly sold it. But agree with everything you said about their rifles.
I now own a Carl Gustafs in 6.5x55 that was manufactured in the late 1890s and sporterized in the mid-20th Century. An excellent rifle.
I own a Sako in 6.5x55se , but my old sporterised m38 CG is lighter and every-bit as good , its trigger is better ! Dave nz
Got a non import marked l61r in 300 win mag that was hunted hard in Alaska by previous owner, a bit of cleaning and a couple new screws and she's a beauty. The small caliber ones have quite the reputation as well. Been told by many an old timer that the vixens in triple deuce were the bees knees
I like that buy : the 300 and your approach. They run indefinitely. No batteries in those puppies! The Vixen is unmatched. Cheers
Hi from Sweden, yes we did make great rifles in Husqvarna (it is both a brand and a smal town) back in the days and some models were based on the 96 action. But we also made better version based on 98 actions that are superior and some more modern ones such as 1600 and 1900 models. The 1900 were first producera in Sweden and later in Italy. But the Italien made is not at all as good at all. Or neighbour Finland has for a long timme produced very nice rifles and are still doning so. So you are pretty correct in your list of best bolt , but you missed THE BEST ONE ;-) that is the Brno 600-serie from Tjeckoslovakia! Mine is from 1973 in 308 win with a popup peep and integrated scoope mounts, nice trigger, smooth bolt, fixed 5 round mag, good wooden stock but nothing fancy, short and handy, I have put on a good recoilpad and also I have beded it. I have both a vortex venom reddot and one Zeiss 2,5-10x42 with illium. Of cource both has quick release in steel. With the reddot the weight is only 3.1kg or 6.8 punds. Over here you can find thoose for around $400 so much craftmanship and almost for free it can hardly get much better!
Picked up a Sako 75 in 308 in 2001 during my time in Helsinki, my came all stainless with the black stock with hand warmer inserts on grip and forearm, wish I chose the blue steel and wood stock after seeing your excellent video, thanks.
That 75 is a gem - and in .308 : ideal. I like that model - with that stock. All the best to you!
Wow this brings back memories. Back in the 70's, my father had a Finnbear in .338 Winchester Magnum. Absolutely beautiful rifle! Great video!
Thank you!
It's a good presentation. Nice to see an appreciation for true craftsmanship. Personally, I'd love an old Browning Medallion .243 from the early 70's with a Sako action.
That's a gem - the Browning; so scarce though. All the best.
Just bought the T3x Arctic C19 in .308. The bolt handle is removable. Very smooth action! It was on sale for $500 off so I had to get it. Comes with 10 round mag.
Congrats; hard to find at that price! Great rifle!
Loved the video. I have a modern tikka T3 and the bores of these rifles viewed with a bore scope look hand lapped. Exquisite.
Good presentation. Quality rifles. Glad to see a 30-06. I am a fan of 30-06. Bought my son a TIKKA in .308. He doesn't realize what he has . He hasn't shot it yet. Shoots very good.
Yes, 100% agree! I truly believe what you've said of the Sako, and of them all, the Finnbear would be my pick! And, I absolutely know you're right about the Tikka M65 because I have one! It's a priceless rifle! And, I'd have to give a Sako a complete thorough workout to believe it's a better rifle than the M65! Excellent video!
Love this content. Love to see those classic, discontinued rifles in appreciative hands. I'm always on the lookout for quality used rifles like these
Thank you
Real metal..real stocks… true craftsmanship
Kind regards
New Brunswick Canada 🇨🇦
I still treasure my Sako Vixen L461 .222 Rem with Weaver K10 after 49 years. The Tikka was regarded as a cheaper alternative in South Africa, but were renowned for accuracy.
Hello - Those Vixens are so fine. I think I mentioned one in .300 Blackout - a custom proposition of course - what a diamond.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns A 6.5 Grendel Vixen would be an absolute peach!
The Husqvarna rifles are awesome.. My dad had one in 6.5x55 and it was awesome.. I managed to get a 4 inch spread at 600 yards shooting it.
Most accuracy per dollar on the market today
Nice video thanks. I have an M70 Zastava basically a 98 and similar to that Huskivana, Was very reasonably priced and very good quality. A foolproof 122 year old design, Cheers from Australia..
Zastava is one of the last 'honest' rifles still made , simple , elegant , no-frills strong and shoot well at a realistic-price . Dave nz
Excellent video! Thanks for sharing these beauties with us
Your channel always costs me money! I enjoy owning quality guns and I appreciate you explaining all the details making them so.
😂 sorry about that - and thanks for the good words. Guns seem to keep going up in value - so each is a savings account that one can use. IMHO
A 30-06 has and always will be the most universal caliber that’s ever been invented and has staying power like no other!!!
Love your videos
You are a great gift for the bolt action enthusiast !
Thanks again
Thank you for your kind words. I agree; the 30-06 is a timeless monarch among cartridges.
Thanks for teaching me how to close M96 without having to dry fire it.
You're most welcome
My go-to rifle is a M65 with standard stock , in the correct caliber (6.5x55SE) , and it's an absolute tack-driver. Better than 1/2 MOA with 140grain projectiles. It cost me 450$ , absolutely a steal. The difference between mine and a deluxe: Higher grade wood , the wood insert at the tip of the stock , and the monte carlo cheekpad.
My grandfather shot his Sako finnbear in 300 win mag so much the stock did eventually split. From what I’ve been told, he absolutely loved that rifle
He chose well - fantastic rifle.
Sako .270 was the first rifle I ever bought, back in Pennsylvania for whitetails in about 1974 or 5. I still have it and it's still a gem.
Mike, I own an M558 in 22-250. I bought it on the used market years ago. Tikka did a fine job on it. Perhaps not the most elegant rifle, but it is certainly smooth in operation, completely reliable, and consistently accurate. Like you in this case, I do not shoot it often, but I enjoy it each time that I do.
Another fine Tikka - the 558. You're right - there is something Spartan about Tikka rifles from that time. They focused on what matters IMHO
Sako AV Hunter in 7mm rem mag caliber. Purchased it back in the 80’s and is still my primary big game rifle! Ne ver will I give it up !
Thanks!
Thanks very much for your support!
A great video! Please do more like this. Indulge me in a short story. My friend asked me to sight in his rifle several years ago prior to our annual elk hunt. It was a Sako Finnbear in .30'06. I have to say, that rifle was punishing to shoot and would loosen fillings! My M.70 Featherweight '06 was like a BB gun compared to his.😀
Thank you - so interesting. Stock design I guess; or 150 grainers vs 220's - anyway - I know what you mean : ) - some rifles really hit me - others are friendly. Cheers
that husky appears to be a factory sporterized military action, right down to the stripper cut and thumb slot. what an awesome trio of tank tough hunting machines!
It's fantastic
The Sakos with a long Mauser extractor,controlled round feed are FN Belgium Mauser actions. Very nice rifles.👍
Love these "old rifles".
The only ones I've seen having problems with the push feed ejector was a Remington 600 Mohawk and a Sako from the 70s. My favourite is still the Husquarna/Carl Gustav 1900. Never heard or seen problems with them
Love your "slow vids" - keep 'em coming 👍
Absolutely outstanding! All the best Sir…… you and yours kindly take care as well 💯
I like to watch this channel, presentation specially, nice and calm. And one can understand that you have a long history with rifles. Moreover, being a Finn this warms my heart. I have often wonders how this is a case, we have Sako and Tikka, also Lynx, then Lapua bullets ( Scenar-L, have not found better ) and Vihtavuori powder. All high quality and respected. Hope we can keep it on this level in the future. Also our neighbor, Sweden; Husqvarna rifles and old Husqvarna shotguns, if you can find one highly recommend to keep it for ever.
Out of high-school I bought an Ithaca LSA65 for $175 and found out a few years ago that it was actually a Tikka. I found out when I finally got around to mounting a scope on my favorite 30-06 and couldn't find mounts for an Ithaca LSA. With some research, I found that Tikka made these for Ithaca to import to the states and after just a few years, had a dispute with Ithaca because Ithaca had marketed them as an Ithaca made in Finland. I just needed scope mounts for a Tikka T3. Mounted right up.
Mike, if the previous owner of that Sako actually used the receiver sight, that might explain why the comb had been pared down. A .243 Forester I had came with that sight, but there was no way I could get my face down low enough to use it . Sold the sight for a good price as I was using it scoped. Shot a deer with it and passed it down to my son. As always, thanks for the videos.
Great Show.
My father had a Tikka M55 Deluxe in .222 Remington. A beautiful rifle. Sub moa accuracy easily with hand loads. They don’t make them like that anymore.
I have one in .222 , the barrel is very-worn (very ! a 'Smith' refused to shorten the barrel because it was worn-out..wtf ?..)but it still hits golf-balls at 100yds , all down to hand-cut chambers and rifling combined with a superb trigger . Dave nz
I really like this guy,I bought my 22,steyr zepher ii based on his review ,However the squirrels in mid Nebraska on the loup River would have something to say about his review.(or maybe not cuz I ate em!)
😂 Glad you have that Steyr ....and the stew. Cheers.
My first time watching your vids and I must say it was excellent. Loved the Sako and Tikka comparisons, two very well made firearms.
Thank you!
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns You’re welcome. Have you ever had the pleasure of shooting a Voere? My brother purchased one in the mid 70s and it was a fine rifle, along the lines of today’s Weatherby brand. Caliber was 30-06, I believe my nephew still has it today. Really enjoyed your presentation.
Back 60 or 70 years ago (yes I am that old) I bought a Tradewinds rifle in 7mm rem. It was pretty cheap and I was poor. It had a cheap stock. It was Huskavorna {sp}. I was disappointed with the accuracy so I took it to a local gunsmith and he told me what I need ed was to put some pressure on the end of the stock pushing up on the bbl. so I had him do it. I didn't have much hope but when I took it to the range it would shop groups of 3/4 inch at 100 yards. I was very pleased shot two moose with it before I lost my mind ant sold it and bought a 338. I have never owned any other rifle that could compare to it. I no longer hunt of course and just gave up shooting since I do not drive very well. But had a lot of fun when I did. Maybe I will tell you all how I got a moose with an extension ladder sometime. Like your podcast.
Thank you for such a fine note. "60 or 70 years ago" - that's a good start : )
I'm glad you shared what happened with the rifle, accuracy and upward pressure. Year ago that was THE thing to do and I saw plenty of accuracy improvement with that method. As you know, it is a harmonics thing. I still like that system. I'd love to hear how you got a moose with an extension ladder. Seems to me a rifle is a better way. 😂 Just kidding of course - please write again. All the best until then.
USOG you have great style .
Thank you 👌
Older IS better 😊
I started out hunting in 1969 using a sporterized military O3-A3 in 30-06. This year will be my 56th season hunting and I've always preferred the older guns, simply because i found them to more reliable than the newer rifles being made. Im currently 67 and this year ill be carrying a sporterized military Model 1917 (made in 1917) also in 30-06 of course. And its still incredibly accurate, even using factory loads. And it's absolutely reliable.
You're right - the Springfield, Enfield, Lee Enfield, Mauser and others were made to higher standards then most modern rifles. As one vet wrote me; the common hunting rifles of today would last a couple of days in the trenches, jungles, caves etc... during war.
What a magnificent presentation. Thank you Sir!
Tikka is marvelous - I owned a T3 light and its very light and accurate
i've got a sako AV in 6.5x55 , which is the L61R action as far as i know , best damn rifle i've ever owned !