7mm STW Brotherhood - For those who shoot the 7mm Shooting Times Westerner

[7stw]

Hi Guys - I am looking to sell my 7STW and pick up a new one. Nothing wrong with the old one, just want to get something that is exactly what I've always wanted. So I am looking for some advice on what my old one is worth & what I should ask for it.

It is a Sako model 995 - Factory original - no upgrades or changes other than a trigger job (2lbs, breaks like glass). For those not familiar with this rifle, It is built on the TRG-S action, which is a 3 lug push feed design. It has a 26" medium contour free floated barrell, black synthetic monte carlo stock with a nice palm swell. The action is a matte blue finish and the barrell & bolt handle are a high luster blue. One feature I like is the detachable box magazine which holds 4 rounds. I bought it used 10 years ago and have only shot 60 rounds through it. Never had any malfunctions or failure to feed. It was in 99.9% condition when I got it and still is. For me this gun was always a pleasure to shoot, recoil very manageable, probably due to the stock design. I have 2 sets of Sako rings (med & high) that mate with the integral dovetail bases on the receiver. The rifle weighs 9.2 lbs with a 4x14.5 VXIII CDS on it. I would sell it with or without the scope.

If anyone can help me set a price please let me know.

bobs, that Sako is a fine rifle. The 995 is very similar to the Model 75. And if those rings are the Sako factory rings, those things are high dollar . I know that a 75 stainless will bring between $800-$900 plain, rings should be extra, and obviously the scope value too. I don't know how much less for blues steel versus stainless is on those guns. Maybe do some searches on Gunbroker, or Gunsamerica.
On another note, I know what you mean when you say you want to build on exactly like you want. I just did, and it is perfect, as perfect can be. It came out exactly as I concepted it to be, and shoots awesome. There's nothing better than having income out the way you planned, but it was as much planning it as it is to shoot it.
Getting back to your Sako, you shouldn't have trouble moving it. Those things are good shooters, have great actions, and hold there value very well. Good luck !

 

[ButterBean]

Yup, you did, and it came highly recommended by someone " semi- famous". PFA

I hear ya Brother,PFA Indeed

 

[bobs]

bobs, that Sako is a fine rifle. The 995 is very similar to the Model 75. And if those rings are the Sako factory rings, those things are high dollar . I know that a 75 stainless will bring between $800-$900 plain, rings should be extra, and obviously the scope value too. I don't know how much less for blues steel versus stainless is on those guns. Maybe do some searches on Gunbroker, or Gunsamerica.
On another note, I know what you mean when you say you want to build on exactly like you want. I just did, and it is perfect, as perfect can be. It came out exactly as I concepted it to be, and shoots awesome. There's nothing better than having income out the way you planned, but it was as much planning it as it is to shoot it.
Getting back to your Sako, you shouldn't have trouble moving it. Those things are good shooters, have great actions, and hold there value very well. Good luck !

Thanks for the advice 7stw. That is about what I was thinking. I'm hoping to find someone who wants a HUNTING rifle, 'cause that's what this one is. Not too heavy to carry all day and very accurate too. My new one will be even lighter. Can't wait.

I think I will also be selling off a Beretta Mod 96 7mm Rem mag. It too is a beautiful hunting rig. It has a Sako manufactured controlled round feed Mauser-type action with a walnut stock. It is my son's rifle and he was inspired by my plans - he now wants to upgrade to a 300 Weatherby.

 

[Fire306]

Well after reading through most, not all yet, of the info in this thread, I thought I would post about my STW. I picked it up during the winter, and am still in the works of finding the right load. I started looking for a Sako in 7mm STW, after doing some reading about the caliber and it intrigued my interest. I love my Sako rifles, and started looking for a STW to add to my small but growing collection. I grew up shooting Sako's in my Dads collection, and have a hard time not buying Sako's for myself.

I bought a Sako 75 Stainless, black synthetic (plastic) stock. I did my research and discovered though it had a couple of owners, it had been shot very little. It has a muzzle brake installed on the 26" barrel. Right after I bought it I replaced the stock with a factory Sako Walnut stock. I am not a fan of synthetic stocks, for no more reason than I just love nice wood on my rifles. I topped it with optilock rings and a Leupold VX3L 4.5-14 with the CDS.

I have spent the majority of my load development using the 168gr Berger VLD's. The rifle shoots great groups with most of the loads I have come up with. I was having a hard time getting the velocity I wanted out of it though. Most loads were having a hard time breaking 3000 fps. Then for kicks one afternoon, I shot a steel ram at 200 yards that was on the range. When I walked out to take a look I was surprised to see it bored a hole clean through the ram. So I started to doubt my chrony as 3000 muzzle velocity should not be blowing through rams at 200 yards. After a bit of research I discovered that the chrony was reading muzzle blast, a problem I have never encountered before. After moving the chrony out to 20 yards or so, the velocity was up between 3250 and 3300 fps.

Thanks for the great thread and all the great info. Glad to be part of the brotherhood.

 

[captacademy]

Fire306, what powder and primer are you using with your 168 VLD's?

 

[Sackett]

WELCOME ABOARD FIRE306!!!

thanks guys for the comments on my .257 Rbts!

Just got in from a long morning of shooting, been at it since 7:30 this morning. Shot my 257 Rbts, 30-06 and of course my 7 STW!! I'm loving this gun more and more. As most of you know it is HARD to find anywhere in the South to shoot "long range" I am lucky as I have a 500 yd range 100 yds from my back door! My STW is a hunting rig, with a Bushnell 3-9x50 DOA scope. I've had to play around with it for it to "HIT" acceptable for my hunting needs. I THINK I GOT!! It is 1 1/4" low @100,,,1/2" low 200,,,3/4" high 300,,,3" high 400,,,,and at 500 yds I have to hold between the 400 yd dot and the 500 yd dot...BUT BOY DOES IT TALK AT 500YDS!!!! For me this is GOOD shootin', out of a Remington factory 7mmRemMag barrel, rechambered to 7STW!!!!

500 yards


500 yards,,,,oh how I wish it were that OLE 12 Pointer!

 

[Fire306]

I've tested H1000, Retumbo and H4350, but from my previous post you can see I was having troubles with my Chrony. So I would like to retest with Retumbo and H1000. It is the H4350 I was getting the listed velocities. I just looked it up my data, it was 70.5gr of H4350, CCI 250 primers, Nosler custom brass FL resized, with Berger 168gr VLD's at OAL of 3.660" Velocity was higher than I remembered, 3296-3346fps.

 

[ButterBean]

WELCOME ABOARD FIRE306!!!

thanks guys for the comments on my .257 Rbts!

Just got in from a long morning of shooting, been at it since 7:30 this morning. Shot my 257 Rbts, 30-06 and of course my 7 STW!! I'm loving this gun more and more. As most of you know it is HARD to find anywhere in the South to shoot "long range" I am lucky as I have a 500 yd range 100 yds from my back door! My STW is a hunting rig, with a Bushnell 3-9x50 DOA scope. I've had to play around with it for it to "HIT" acceptable for my hunting needs. I THINK I GOT!! It is 1 1/4" low @100,,,1/2" low 200,,,3/4" high 300,,,3" high 400,,,,and at 500 yds I have to hold between the 400 yd dot and the 500 yd dot...BUT BOY DOES IT TALK AT 500YDS!!!! For me this is GOOD shootin', out of a Remington factory 7mmRemMag barrel, rechambered to 7STW!!!!

500 yards
View attachment 11706

500 yards,,,,oh how I wish it were that OLE 12 Pointer!

Awesome shooting Mr Sackett

 

[ButterBean]

I've tested H1000, Retumbo and H4350, but from my previous post you can see I was having troubles with my Chrony. So I would like to retest with Retumbo and H1000. It is the H4350 I was getting the listed velocities. I just looked it up my data, it was 70.5gr of H4350, CCI 250 primers, Nosler custom brass FL resized, with Berger 168gr VLD's at OAL of 3.660" Velocity was higher than I remembered, 3296-3346fps.

Welcome aboard Fire, Sound like a really nice rig you have there, The Sako's are a fine rifle indeed, Those are ssome really good numbers out of the H4350 Im really suprised, The Retumbo and H1000 are both really good powders for the STW you cant go wrong with either one of those........I personally lean towards the H1000 myself,Im sure if you have done much reading here you have seen that the RL22 and RL25 are great choices too although they are a little touchy in the hot weather,Once again welcome to the club

 

[etisll40]

I like the paint job on the 257 Roberts, nice caliber too. I'm going to do some painting eventually.

 

[7stw]

WELCOME ABOARD FIRE306!!!

thanks guys for the comments on my .257 Rbts!

Just got in from a long morning of shooting, been at it since 7:30 this morning. Shot my 257 Rbts, 30-06 and of course my 7 STW!! I'm loving this gun more and more. As most of you know it is HARD to find anywhere in the South to shoot "long range" I am lucky as I have a 500 yd range 100 yds from my back door! My STW is a hunting rig, with a Bushnell 3-9x50 DOA scope. I've had to play around with it for it to "HIT" acceptable for my hunting needs. I THINK I GOT!! It is 1 1/4" low @100,,,1/2" low 200,,,3/4" high 300,,,3" high 400,,,,and at 500 yds I have to hold between the 400 yd dot and the 500 yd dot...BUT BOY DOES IT TALK AT 500YDS!!!! For me this is GOOD shootin', out of a Remington factory 7mmRemMag barrel, rechambered to 7STW!!!!

500 yards
View attachment 11706

500 yards,,,,oh how I wish it were that OLE 12 Pointer!

Sackett, you just gave that OLE 12 Pointer a Heart attack. @ 500 yards . What more could you ask for. GREAT shooting, and I know it must feel good to get some " T" time , and to get to shoot that well. Once you get your optics figured out, so that you can predict where to aim, and hold, nothing will be safe that you can see.

 

[etisll40]

So many factors at 500 yards, great shot. Totally awesome. Long range shooting takes real practice and skill. Pulling the trigger, locked in, is an Art. Nice shooting.

 

[etisll40]

Guys, I just got offered a Honda Rancher 2010 4 wheeler with low miles, essentially very new and cared for, $4,000., is this a good price? Should I counter or take it. It's hard to find something used when you don't know much about it. I did ride it and it's powerful feeling.

 

[7stw]

FIRE306, Welcome aboard, and welcome to the addiction to the 7 STW. You are in good company here. We have some long shooters, and longtime shooters of this round.questions and comments are always welcome, and lots of folks here willing to help out if need be. Dont be afraid to ask.
As far as your powder choices that you mentioned, I would only be a bit nervous of the H4350 loads. That powder is bit fast, and your load density is low. As my " partner in crime" stated, 22, 25' and H1000 are better suited. Anyway, enjoy, and again, welcome aboard.gun)