The Tikka is a good rifle, the Sako is a great rifle. They both share the same barrels, hence the excellent accuracy turned in by both. There are a few things about the Tikka that I find undesireable in a hard core hunting rifle: Plastic parts are not for me (Magazine and trigger guard), detachable magazine (some like them, I find them a nusance and liability), and the seperate recoil lug (that one's just personal). They do shoot well, and the adjustable trigger is nice. For a rifle that's not doing to get beat on I think the Tikka will do well. But, for a rifle that's going to ride around in a sadle scabbard or get strapped to a backpack for days on end I'd go with the Sako. ~josh