Older sako model favourite,s. And why

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Keithjohn

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What info or comparison can anybody with hands on experience give me on older model Sako,s pre 75
There's a bunch of them but where did the quality peak ?
 
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I have a .458 Lott Sako AV, a .375 H&H mag. Sako 85 Kodiak, and a .300 Win. mag. Sako 85 Grey Wolf. The AV doesn't have the detachable magazine and quasi-CRF that the 85's have. Still a well-made rifle and very accurate -

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Sako AV .458 Lott with Leupold VX-2 1-4x2mm scope

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Sako 85 Kodiak .375 H&H Magnum with Leupold VX-2 Ultralight 3-9x33mm scope

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Sako 85 Grey Wolf .300 Win. Mag. with Nikon Monarch III 4-16x42mm scope

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GWC.jpg


GWMC.jpg
 
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bearkilr said:
You'll get nothing but subjective answers on which models are best. They're all quality guns, just different features. Choose the Sako you like best.
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Bang on. I've had and will most likely own more earlier A series sako's and there isn't really anything wrong with them, but they aren't my personal favourite. My favourite is the 75 series. I like the 3 lug bolt, the cleaner bolt body (no bolt guide), the better trigger, the simpler to service firing pin assembly including the twin lug shroud vs the single lug of the earlier series, I like the cleaner/better designed bolt stop, the detachable mag and most of all the option of stainless.
 
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Ok , thanks . I've only handled 75,85 and a AV all pretty much the same like you say . I'm looking at a older one that has a bolt guide (looks like a mauser extractor ) and a quite different Safty and shroud - it LOOKS like the extractor is very similar but wondering if parts would be interchangeable. I want to hear yes but have my doubts
 
I dunno, maybe it's true...maybe the new 85's are just as good as the old A-series. I wouldn't know because the two 85's that I have had both experienced ejection problems, with the empties frequently bouncing back into the open action. My several old A-series (an AI and three AV's) always functioned perfectly, even with scopes mounted...so I didn't keep the 85's long enough to perform a fair comparative evaluation.

Speaking subjectively: if you want a detach mag and semi-controlled feed, the 85 is your gun. If you value smooth perfect function and the difficult-to-define but easy-to-spot "feel" of quality, I'd go with the A-series...IMHO, they represent the best of Sako.
 
I really like the older yet, L61R. I can find no fault with any of the "A" series either and I have several, except Sako neglected to finish the checkering in the points of the fore end checkering on an AV full stock that I have.
 
I could be wrong about this but I believe the bolt on the 85s have better controlled round feeding than earlier Sako models (not sure about the 75), and the extractor more positively picks up the round out of the magazine and holds it in place. This helps prevent double feeds and lock ups if something happens and you fumble the bolt. Features you may end up appreciating if you are using your rifle in bear country. I saw a chap lock up an older Sako during an encounter. I can't remember which model (it is now a 25 year old rifle) but after he was told it would not have happened with the newer bolt design.
 
here's a couple photos of my older Sakos

This is an L61R in 375 Wby





Here's the full stock carbine in 308





This is a custom A V with a Bevan King barrel in 9.3X300 WM





These two are my Sako Safari A IVs one in 338 WM and the other in 375 H&H



 
Slamfire said:
Very nice. Has dual cross bolts so it's a magnum. What caliber?
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It's a 7mm and that's a meopta scope that's my fav to by the way . Love it that pics are getting posted anybody know why all I get is the link ( pm me)? I've read the inst and still *#*#* did it without effort the other day
 
Slamfire said:
The 85 doesn't have true CRF. The extractor gets a grip on the case rim when the cartridge is almost all the way into the chamber.
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That is what I understand (i.e. still not true controlled feed like a Mauser) but didn't Sako try to partially address the issues with the 85?
 
"On the plus side, the Sako's extractor will easily over-ride the rim of a cartridge fed directly into the chamber, like a normal push feed action. For all practical purposes (except advertising) the Model 85 is a push feed action. Its receiver mounted ejector lets a reloader deposit fired brass neatly to hand by opening the bolt slowly..."

http://www.chuckhawks.com/sako_85_rifles.htm
 
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