Sako 85 Kodiak (375H&H). Have one, used one, thoughts?

emerson said:
The Ruger is $1500 or so now, and the lack of detachable mag is a no go for me when spending that much. $800ish more gets the Sako. I carry a hunting rifle many more hours than I shoot it. The max 44 mag revolver loads don't bother me, so I doubt muzzle blast will be an issue. I would mount an optic that I already own. I notice the only repeated criticism of the Sako is cost.
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I'm the opposite. Much prefer a hinged floorplate in a rifle like that. I'm sure you would be happy with the Sako if you are looking for a detachable mag rifle, even though it's more $$$:)

Muzzle blast isn't an issue from the shorter barrel. Not that I've noticed, anyway.
 
Bowie said:
The Sako is well balanced, not too heavy for a .375 like a lot of rifles (Ruger RSM, Brno), freakishly accurate, stainless, excellent trigger and typical Sako fit and finish. You can't go wrong.
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Agreed. The Sako Kodiak in 375 and the Black Bear in 30-06 are two of the best rifles I've ever owned. Very high quality and shoot.
 
Thanks for the input. Good to hear from some owners. Mostly what I expected, but due diligence is your friend. Time to build the savings account.
 
I own a Sako Kodiak in 375. Very nice gun, I took my biggest deer with it this year. I like the gun well enough that I just bought its smaller brother the 85 in 300wsm gray wolf. I've had 2 ruger Alaskans - nice guns, A new production Winchester model 70 safari express- I put this one close to my Sako for like ability....So really it's up to the OP what he wants. I chose the Sako for its fit/finish, short barrel, iron sight, detach clip, and it's laminated stock. Anyone of these 3 rifles will serve you well. So it's up to your "wants" in your perfect rifle and of course - your budget.
 
emerson said:
Still waiting on a Mossberg 375. I handed a different Sako 85 and it was great... Thinking about saving more and going for the Sako. ???
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The one I handled felt awfully heavy to me. More suited to a 416 than a 375. Of course the bolt felt like it ran on greased bearings.
 
I am in a similar predicament, except I've looked at Sako's and CZ's. I'm really after reliability and relatively light weight. I don't know that I would be comfortable with the less than stellar build quality of a Mossberg. One of My brothers has a ruger in 375 Ruger and loves it as well. Lots to choose from in this segment. Legendary caliber. I'm looking for a Griz/moose/africa rifle and everything points to 375 as a great middle ground.

If I were you I'd save up for the CZ or the SAKO. There should be no compromise when it comes to reliability in big caliber rifles.
 
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