Sako 85 Carbonlight vs Sauer 101 Silver XT (Both in .308)

Qklese

Qklese

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Hey folks,

I'm having trouble picking a bolt action for mainly hunting use with the occasional range visit. Is there anybody who owns one of these rifles here? I read some complaints people had towards the 101 because they felt the MOA was not what it should be at this price point. But is another $1000 really worth it to ensure perfect accuracy every time? I'm very interested in the carbon fiber stock on the Sako because weight is one of my most important considerations. That's not to say everything about it is perfect either. Apparently there are also some scope elevation issues some owners have encountered: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihURwQQwGlc.

Looking forward to hearing back.
 
1) "Sako 85 ejection issues" is a great set of keywords to start with google.

2) Carbonlite specifically is very neat. However I would advise to try it personally. I went to a store to buy one, but changed my mind once I've touched it. It is way too slick with some kind of coating. Didn't like the handling on it.

3) Sauer 101 has very limited aftermarket if any, and barrel is press fit. This makes resale value pretty much zero.

4) Both carbonlite and 101 are not worth the money, you have to really really like them to pay that extra. You can do much better for these prices.

5) Accuracy guarantees are practically pointless, don't count on claiming one ever. It will never be "I walk back to the store and they give me a new rifle instead of broken one" for sure.

6) Quality ammunition and personal skill will play way way more than a choice of a rifle. Most of the time rifles are fine, ammo is junk and shooter is clueless on what is or is not possible.
 
owlowl said:
1) "Sako 85 ejection issues" is a great set of keywords to start with google.

2) Carbonlite specifically is very neat. However I would advise to try it personally. I went to a store to buy one, but changed my mind once I've touched it. It is way too slick with some kind of coating. Didn't like the handling on it.

3) Sauer 101 has very limited aftermarket if any, and barrel is press fit. This makes resale value pretty much zero.
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This is good to know. I haven't had the chance to actually handle any of these myself so I'll be doing that the first opportunity I get. I've heard about the ejection issues but didn't think it was that drastic of a problem. Looking at it again, it seems to affect more models than I previously thought but aren't the issues mostly centred around the scope turrets being too protruded? I'm have no plans on reselling so aftermarket prices aren't a concern for me.

owlowl said:
4) Both carbonlite and 101 are not worth the money, you have to really really like them to pay that extra. You can do much better for these prices.

5) Accuracy guarantees are practically pointless, don't count on claiming one ever. It will never be "I walk back to the store and they give me a new rifle instead of broken one" for sure.

6) Quality ammunition and personal skill will play way way more than a choice of a rifle. Most of the time rifles are fine, ammo is junk and shooter is clueless on what is or is not possible.
Click to expand...

Yeah too bad there's not really an easy way to check if all the internals are working as expected. Perhaps one day there'll be a store that offers such a service. Is there another recommendation you have?

Thanks for the reply.
 
My 101 is the most accurate with any off the shelf ammo rifle I own. If I want to hit a target at 400+ meter its the gun I grab. My 202 is just as accurate but fussy on the bullets it like, which is more likely a long throat Weatherby thing. I don't own any Sakos but have handled newer ones. Fine rifles to be sure but I was not impressed enough to buy one over a Sauer. The pressed barrel thing on the 101 is a non issue to me. I shoot a lot but I can't see my self shooting out the barrel in my lifetime and I would seriously question the assumption that it has any significant effect on resale value to the average rifle.
 
My opinion..., the two rifles are not in the same league. The Sauer is a cheap "throw away" rifle not even capable of making it in stainless. Just painted silver. Barrel not changeable. Rumours have it that Bergara make the barrels which would be the best thing about the rifle. They normally shoot well.

The Sako has one of the best made carbon stocks on the market. We manufacture carbon stocks and know a thing or two about the process. Most carbon stocks on the market are "Micky Mouse" carbon look, the Carbolight has good technology. We have one in the workshop that we will bed, think it is no mistake to do that to any rifle.
Sako also have proper stainless and a barrel can be changed if needed in the future.
edi

ps. I wouldn't be the greatest fan of the soft touch paint on the Sako, normally won't hold up too long if used hard. These stocks can be re-sprayed if old and tatty.
For myself I would rather go T3 stainless with aftermarket carbon stock, aftermarket mag system. Just prefer the way the rail is fitted to a T3 and the rest is proven.
 
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My vote goes for the Sako, but not the carbonlite. I have yet to experience the ejection issues mentioned on this site. I am not denying some of our members have experienced them, but I have assembled and ranged a pile of 85s without a problem. I have a couple buds on this site, that do not own or operate a Sako 85, but love to reiterate complaints of the ejection issues. Every 85 I had in hand shot under an inch with factory ammo, and that was predominantly with Federal blue box Powershocks. I do not like the carbonlite stock as it is just as flimsy as the Finnlight. Go for your choice of cartridge in a Finnlight, then order a custom stock. The price will be in the same range, maybe better if you shop around for the rifle.
 
Heard about the 85 ejection issue and I was planning on buying a finnlite in 7 rem mag.
So I asked the store to mount a scope on the rifle a Leupold VX2 and brought a fired case with me when I went to pick up the rifle....sure enough the rifle experienced 100% failure to eject.
Every time the case would hit the scope and fall back into the chamber.
Pretty disappointing for a 2k plus rifle.
Ended up buying a Kimber Montana 280AI. ..awesome rifle!
 
In have a carbonlight in 7mm-08 and am a big fan. It groups well and I like the grippy feel of the stock. Shoots different then my other Sako’s in terms of feel, but once I adjusted it became my favourite gun.
 
x2 I would buy a finnlight and put it in a lightweight Mcmillan stock. I'm not a fan of lines or length of pull on the carbon light. A Mcmillan hunters edge will put it in the same weight class and have the classic lines I love.
 
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