I'm resurrecting this thread to show off the Sako I acquired this winter as discussed above with good input from friends here. I finally got it scoped (new Redfield Revolution 3-9x40) and ready to shoot. I took this pic yesterday at the range. For several reasons I couldn't shoot it yesterday but should later this week I hope.Congrats on the new shooting iron, pics and update once you've had it awhile would be nice.
It really fits me well and the old school quality is evident. It's not as handy a rifle as I'm used to - but I knew that of course. It weighs 8 3/4 lbs empty as pictured. I got the long range reticle to try zeroing at 200 and then using the 300yd, 400yd and 500yd reticle hash marks.
My first test loads are ready to shoot - ReL17 and IMR4350 behind the 225 Accubond bullet. I think I can get 2850 or possibly 2900 with ReL17. The magazine and throat seem about perfect for this bullet. With a COAL of 3.470" I'm .030" off the lands and the mag allows 3.500". It feeds well and I hope it proves accurate too. Time will tell.
Larger pic here - http://35cal.com/gunpics/sako338_2b.jpg


















































