Sako 85 Stainless in 223 REM

[Omenator]

Hi All,
I've been looking around for a Sako 85 Stainless in 223 REM. It seems the only model I can find in Canada is the Varmint Laminated Stainless, which is a bit of a heavy rifle for a walkabout varmint rifle (3.9kg/8.6lbs).
I was on the Sako website and saw they have the 85 Hunter Laminated Stainless in 223 REM, but I couldn't find any in Canada. I took a look at the Stoeger website (Canadian importer for Sako) and it seems the only Sako 85 Stainless 223 REM they're bringing in is the Varmint Laminated Stainless.

I'm looking for a 223 REM sized action bolt rifle preferably in stainless, looks like my options are the Sako S491, 75 or 85 and the currently unobtainable Howa Mini Action Stainless.

I was previously looking for a Sako L461 or AI in 223 REM, but apparently they are a bit short in the magazine box for the 223 REM. But I don't think that's such a big deal as the twist rate is not meant for the heavy bullets on those older Sako rifles. Also the used prices on the older Sakos is such that I may as well just get a stainless 85.

 

[Kevan]

This is probably of no interest to you since it isn't a Sako but I went with a T3 Tikka for several reasons.
The Tikka has an 8" barrel twist allowing it to use a wide variety of bullet weights and its superbly accurate.
Its light to carry, smooth as silk and lends itself to easy scope mounting.
Mine wears a 4-14 Leupold and prints sub 1/4 MOA groups.
My previous walk around varmint rifle was a 257 Ackley weighing 10 lbs. and its going up for sale soon.

 

[ForealBoreal]

..........