I've had a 338 Win Sako L61R AIII for 29 years as my main sambar rifle. It's accurate and reliable with a strong, long action. In that calibre it is quite heavy heavy but I don't mind as it soaks up a lot of recoil. I have never had a problem with the push-feed mechanism or the generous claw extractor and the trigger is good.

My only reservation is that the streamlined bolt shroud doesn't even obscure the left lug runway from the shooter's view. Maybe, with the bolt head surrounded with steel, the makers thought that irrelevant - but it's a lousy psychological load.

If you consider putting a peep sight on one, forget the Sako model for any kind of hunting. It has a pin hole surrounded by heaps of metal that will keep you from getting on the target in any hurry.

- Paul