Looking for a new rifle (Sako)! Need advice
- Thread starter Frank911
- Start date
It's a great rifle, you won't be disappointed. Used in good condition they tend to go for $1700-1800. Basically you can expect to save the tax and a couple hundred bucks give or take, still a good deal if the rifle is in good shape. Often you can find them with rings included, which is nice since Optilocks will set you back $200 if you go that route. What model are you looking at? If you want to save a little more cash, the older model Sakos are every bit as good (some would say better) as the 85 and can usually be had for closer to the $1000-1200 range.
As an ex-Sako collector ...
I suggest that you test any Sako's cartridge extraction with a scope mounted before you buy.
I have owned several, new ones, old ones .. and almost all fail to extract the cartridge properly, causing a reloading jam.
The problem is widely documented, and sako have not done anything to fix it since the 1980s.
It is exactly what you do NOT want in a $2000 rifle ... especially if your life depends on your second shot!
I suggest that you test any Sako's cartridge extraction with a scope mounted before you buy.
I have owned several, new ones, old ones .. and almost all fail to extract the cartridge properly, causing a reloading jam.
The problem is widely documented, and sako have not done anything to fix it since the 1980s.
It is exactly what you do NOT want in a $2000 rifle ... especially if your life depends on your second shot!
This is a great point. Make sure to see how snap caps cycle and in my experience the short action does not have this issue in the same prevalence as the medium action. The question has not been answered with as much consistency with the magnum action size.
I made a thread about my experience here that I would recommend reading for the full picture. Others similar to that thread exist also.
Take heed ! This is very excellent advice, especially speaking from my own bad experience..
I will parrot what others have said about ejection. I had a 22-250 that shot great but dumped spent brass back in the chamber preventing follow up shots..I got rid of it quick and will never buy another Sako till they address the problem.
If you look around you can find reports of the problem associated with all action lengths. It seems that the problem stems from certain mount/scope combinations not being compatible with the Sako ejection angle, regardless of action length. FWIW I have not experienced this problem with any action length. I always use Optilocks with extra low rings. It may be useful to find out what mounts are being used by the people having problems.
All the rings and bases I use position the scope directly above the bore axis, parallel to the bore axis.
Full length bases aside, there is really no plausible way for the brand name of the devices, all else being equal, which hold a scope to make a difference.
The only variable is height. Are Optilock extra-lows higher than, say, talley lightweight extra-lows? If the variable is height, than the problem is with the rifle design, not the rings and bases.
That makes nothing but sense, friend. I spent a long time lusting after a Sako, but I just can't take the risk. I'm reasonably happy with my Tikkas.
