All this talk about best gun under $2k got me thinking’s and looking. I’ve never owned a high end rifle and would like one. I’m not like a bunch of you guys on here that go thru guns like underwear. I usually buy a gun and keep it for a lifetime. So truly an heirloom. I think I may sell a couple of guns and get one of the above. BUT which brand? Weatherby vs Sako

I haven’t decided on caliber but something that would confidently take anything in North America.

Only other gun that I truly think I have that I’d be proud to pass down is a WIN M70 but it’s not a pre64 gun. I bought it used and plan on getting it redone.

I'm a Weatherby junkie so in my opinion there can be only one right answer. Mark V Deluxe in .300WbyMag

Having said that the Sako 85 Deluxe in 6.5x55 would be a mighty fine option as well. Small cartridge with a big history.

Obviously accuracy is of the utmost importance. And Weatherby and Sako guarantees a sub MOA gun. I’m then concerned about fit and finish. One better than the other? One gun nicer than the other. Price point wise they are within $100 of each other I think. So are they truly comparable?

I think it really comes down to personal preference. They are both really nice firearms with immaculate fit and finish. I'd try and find a gun shop or dealer that has them both and handle them to see which fits you better. Good luck on your purchase, I look forward to seeing which one you choose.

This thread ought to generate some good responses once the ALDeer brethren start stirring around in the a.m.

Even though I'm not a big fan of the Weatherby style, I think it is an iconic American rifle. A Mark V deluxe in 300 Weatherby Magnum is the ticket. Both the Sako and Weatherby are high quality rifles, but there is a part of me that has always wanted a Mark V deluxe in 300 wby mag. Put a high quality scope on it and enjoy.

Weatherby. That Monte Carlo stock just works good. And they are awesome guns chambered in awesome calibers.

Handle both and decide based on that. Another that I would consider is a Cooper. Only negative on that rifle IMHO is that the safety doesn't lock the bolt on safe. Cooper has a 1/2 moa guarantee and they are close in price to your other picks.

Weatherby. IF you are wanting to shoot a Weatherby caliber which I would recommend you take a look at.

Otherwise they are pretty close to each other at all the grades they offer. I personally like the Weatherby better and it definitely has a better action. The Mark V action is one of the strongest actions ever produced. Also consider that the old rifles Sako built their reputation on are no more. They are really a Beretta now. Weatherby is still pretty much the same as it has always been.

.300 Wby is a stone cold killer. My personal favorite but there are also several Weatherby rounds that are better than their non-Weatherby cousins which don't kick quite as bad if recoil is an issue.

Cooper is another fine rifle.

Have a gunsmith do a little work on a Remington 700 bed stock after market trigger and it will shoot with most anything I owned 2 weatherby’s sold them both just couldn’t get them to group to satisfy me they were mark V’s

If I don’t go with the Weatherby or Sako and decide on a different brand. I’m thinking .35 whelen

You won’t be disappointed in the Whelen.

Well see,I would have to find a custom Mauser if I was going 35 Whelen.

I’m not against any brand. I just want a nice gun that I can take anywhere in the US.

here you go. Either would be awesome.
https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...mmremmag-new-model-.cfm?gun_id=101129333

https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...2-backcountry-30-06.cfm?gun_id=101128631

The backcountry is an Ultralight.
A Wheelen would be fine but I would prefer either of these and they are much more available.

I own both. Both are great. Go with what feels the best.

If .35Whelen is on your radar take a look at the Montana Rifle Co AVR.

MRC - .35Whelen CLICK HERE

The MRC's are very nice rifles. I wish they had a dealer here in Alabama.

Those are nice as are the Coopers. One drawback though with either is weight. It just depends on the needs of the hunter. You might want the weight with the 35 Whelen. Personally I would much rather have a lighter rifle without the Whelen's recoil.

If I wanted a Whelen I would get one of those Montana Rifles in a hot minute.

I have a 35 Whelen AI, custom built on a commercial mauser action. I have to say it kicks much worse than you would think a cartridge based on a 30-06 case should. Damn thing can be brutal off the bench.