Recommended Bases and Rings for a Sako ?

-Savage-

-Savage-

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Hello everyone !

I have just acquired a Sako Aii (L579) in .243 win. Here is a photo of her:

Sako_A2_243win.jpg


The Sako Aii is a classic from 1979-80 and has a receiver with a tapered dovetail for attachment of the scope. I have never owned a Sako before and of course I want to set up my beauty correctly and I am hoping that, in this regard, some of you with more experience can share your knowledge ...

Firstly, do you recommend that I buy a set of Sako Optilok bases ($65) and Optilok rings ($97) .. or are there cheaper but equally effective bases and rings available from some other company?

Secondly, is there any information that I should be aware of regarding installation of the rings and bases? .. (my 33 year old rifle has been well looked after and the last thing I'd want to do is damage it in any way).

Thanks in advance !

- Savage


PS: This Sako was acquired from Trade Ex, and I must say that their product description was accurate and their service was exceptional.
 
I would recommend Leupold Rings that fit directly on the receiver. Solid and much lighter and not as expensive.
 
Sako

DON'T MESS AROUND YOU BOUGHT A SAKO, BUY SAKO RINGS AND BASES!!!!! They are absolutly fine, made for the job. all of my current and previous sako's wore sako rings and bases and never, never did I have a problem.
That said I like and do use leupold rings and mounts but not on a sako.
 
I used Sako rings on mine. Never had an issue. A friend tried Millet rings that fit the Sako dovetails and they would not stay tight for some reason, cheaper to buy but he ended up going with Sako rings.
 
I recently acquired a set of the old-style (pre Optilock) Sako rings that were made specifically for that receiver. They are nice and trim rings and they seem very strong so far.

These old Sako rings are certainly a great deal leaner and less clunky than the Optilock system, and I got them for cheap. It might be a good option.

On the other hand, I've heard that Optilocks are incredibly strong. Their only downside appears to be cost and size.
 
First of all, I'd like to thank everyone again for your help,
and secondly I'd like to ask a followup question : ...

I want to keep my scope as low to the receiver and barrel as is feasible.
And, I have been made aware that era-correct integral ringbases made by Sako,
are now available, but only in Low height :

Sako_Ringmounts_Low_01.jpg


Now, I do like the idea of going "era-correct" as much as is feasible,
and, these very low ringmounts preclude the use of a scope of a 40mm scope
but, I also like the inherent simplicity and robustness of slim single-power scopes.

so IF I buy the Low height Sako ringbases,
and IF I mount a Weaver Classic K-4 Series 4x38mm scope ...

THEN Will the bolt handle of the Sako Aii clear the scope ??

Again, thanks in advance ..

- Savage
 
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I am a big fan of Burris rings and bases.

I find the Optiloks too bulky and can have problems getting the scope far enough forward if it has lots of eye relief.

Leupold Sako rings work OK, just not as big a fan as of the Burris. The rear base of the Burris is sloped, it gets me an extra 1/3 of an inch room to move the scope farther forward. YMMV, I use Zeiss Conquest scopes with 4" of eye relief and am a stock crawler.
 
so IF I buy the Low height Sako ringbases,
and IF I mount a Weaver Classic K Series 4x28mm scope ...

THEN Will the bolt handle of the Sako Aii clear the scope ??
Click to expand...
Can't beat the older Sako rings - simple and strong. Also if you want low mounts they are the lowest of all types out there I'm pretty sure.

As to any scope eye bell clearing, by using the manufacturer's diameter specs and careful measuring of receiver with a straight ruler, you should be able to answer your own question with rifle in hand. The Sako lows are 3/32 at the bottom according to my info - medium 5/16 and high 15/32.

Lastly that 4x28 Weaver you mention is a long eye relief scout scope I think. The Weaver you probably want is the Weaver Classic K-4 which is a 4x38mm - unless I'm mistaken.
 
Whelen B said:
.. that 4x28 Weaver you mention is a long eye relief scout scope I think. The Weaver you probably want is the Weaver Classic K-4 which is a 4x38mm - unless I'm mistaken.
Click to expand...

No, Whelen B, you are not "mistaken". Well spotted! .. Yes, the 4x28mm Weaver is a scout scope (with 9.5 in. eye relief), and I meant to refer to was the 4x38mm Weaver K-4 regular scope (with 3.3 in. eye relief). I have edited my post accordingly. Thanks.
 
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