Sako 90
- Thread starter blakeyboy
- Start date
abused children
unphased, I know they are at the spendy end of the spectrum and 1st hunting season underway for them, just curious who's playing, appears they fixed the 85's ejection complaints, mine; first 3 shot group with hornady 168 eld-m regular match ammo went .6" ctc, it's second went .66 (brake on then brake off), it doesn't like a lot of ammo, I tested 8, but a second one that it likes sub-moa is fusion 180's, first group with it went .61" and the 2nd went .875", all other fusions in the 1.5-2 moa, 178 eld-x also, the next best was federal blue box 150 at 1.28" ctc, didn't matter if brake was on or off, the first and 2nd groups of the eldm and 180 fusion were brake on, then brake off to see, it did not like 165 cx superformance worst group 2.5 moa, did better with 165 cx outfitter at 2 moa, shot at 6x prone on bipod with rear bag, 100 yards
mine landed at 5 lb 10 oz out of the box, it's currently wearing a 1-6x24 (30mm tube) with a chunky turret over ejection port in x-low rings (1.5" center of bore to center of scope) and ejection isn't an issue at all, pretty happy so far, I was out looking for my cow elk (species 8 for grendel) while mid day getting a chance to shoot the new Sako and see what it likes, right after the group testing and quick zero...next day took a whitetail buck at about 175, it went 15 yards, heart shot, eld-m so it ended up on the board pretty quick, I'm pretty stoked with it, trigger, integral picatinny rails, the magazine system identical to the 85's so mags go in either, no plastic, the stock is well finished, same finish carries under the barrel channel so all sealed off under there as seamless one piece as if carved from carbon block, the stock is quiet and very rigid/solid feeling (like wood imo), top feeds like a champ, chuck one in loose and feeds like a champ, cycles like butter, 60 degree bolt lift on de-cocked is stout-ish of course, stainless everywhere, even sling studs, fluted, with brake and knurled dust cap
unphased, I know they are at the spendy end of the spectrum and 1st hunting season underway for them, just curious who's playing, appears they fixed the 85's ejection complaints, mine; first 3 shot group with hornady 168 eld-m regular match ammo went .6" ctc, it's second went .66 (brake on then brake off), it doesn't like a lot of ammo, I tested 8, but a second one that it likes sub-moa is fusion 180's, first group with it went .61" and the 2nd went .875", all other fusions in the 1.5-2 moa, 178 eld-x also, the next best was federal blue box 150 at 1.28" ctc, didn't matter if brake was on or off, the first and 2nd groups of the eldm and 180 fusion were brake on, then brake off to see, it did not like 165 cx superformance worst group 2.5 moa, did better with 165 cx outfitter at 2 moa, shot at 6x prone on bipod with rear bag, 100 yards
mine landed at 5 lb 10 oz out of the box, it's currently wearing a 1-6x24 (30mm tube) with a chunky turret over ejection port in x-low rings (1.5" center of bore to center of scope) and ejection isn't an issue at all, pretty happy so far, I was out looking for my cow elk (species 8 for grendel) while mid day getting a chance to shoot the new Sako and see what it likes, right after the group testing and quick zero...next day took a whitetail buck at about 175, it went 15 yards, heart shot, eld-m so it ended up on the board pretty quick, I'm pretty stoked with it, trigger, integral picatinny rails, the magazine system identical to the 85's so mags go in either, no plastic, the stock is well finished, same finish carries under the barrel channel so all sealed off under there as seamless one piece as if carved from carbon block, the stock is quiet and very rigid/solid feeling (like wood imo), top feeds like a champ, chuck one in loose and feeds like a champ, cycles like butter, 60 degree bolt lift on de-cocked is stout-ish of course, stainless everywhere, even sling studs, fluted, with brake and knurled dust cap
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I checked one out at Cabela's last night. Walnut stock on a stainless barreled action, nothing fancy, but a very nice rifle overall. Slick action. It's a matte finish though and like my stainless Tikka it doesn't quite feel as slick as a blued steel action (not sure how they are finishing, might be bead blasted or something for low glare). Was just something I noticed, and that usually "breaks in" and smoothes out over the years.
Compared to the Lupo walnut beside it in the rack, the piece of wood didn't really pop out at me. It's nice though, but I was hoping for a bit more figuring for the price. I do like the satin finish more than the glossy Lupo though, and that might be a reason why it doesn't "pop" as much as far as the wood grain.
I'm not a fan of their proprietary scope mounting system either, but I know some models have a Picatinny "rail" instead of the optilock mount - I don't think it's a full length rail but the mounting is Picatinny compatible in terms of spacing which is nice.
I'm glad they kept the magazine system from the 85, it's probably the best on the market for a hunting rifle.
If I were in the market for a high end gun I would definitely consider one of the carbon fiber/stainless models, I like the mag system, the feel of the action, the integrated Picatinny mounts, the posted/published weight, and I prefer bare stainless over cerakoted steel in general.
Compared to the Lupo walnut beside it in the rack, the piece of wood didn't really pop out at me. It's nice though, but I was hoping for a bit more figuring for the price. I do like the satin finish more than the glossy Lupo though, and that might be a reason why it doesn't "pop" as much as far as the wood grain.
I'm not a fan of their proprietary scope mounting system either, but I know some models have a Picatinny "rail" instead of the optilock mount - I don't think it's a full length rail but the mounting is Picatinny compatible in terms of spacing which is nice.
I'm glad they kept the magazine system from the 85, it's probably the best on the market for a hunting rifle.
If I were in the market for a high end gun I would definitely consider one of the carbon fiber/stainless models, I like the mag system, the feel of the action, the integrated Picatinny mounts, the posted/published weight, and I prefer bare stainless over cerakoted steel in general.
That is a real good review! As for anything out there there will always be some one who will complain about the price! They think that $600 for a new rifle is too much money let alone a scope at $800 and ammo at $90/20’s lol! That is life!
Thanks for the well tested rifle review!
you're welcome, I add a couple details, fluted, with nice radial brake and knurled dust cap, so when starting to math up time, trips to the smith/machinest, range trips, trying to get all the features in one out of the box set up it's pretty full deck of cards, I may end up savings ahead if trying to project something that meets this? it's going to be a short process from box to just hunt, still have a drop data collection day to do and prove some scope functions out, rtz, tall test, get velocities/atmospherics but their slogan of 'demand perfection' seems as appropriate advertising as I've seen
two models I think with the integral pic rails which aren't over the generously sized ejection port which imo is great for top loading access etc., the peak (carbon stainless I got) and the adventure, which is synthetic stainless with cerekote, and the differences between them as I see it on 308 are as follows, 1. ~$900, 2. adjustable cheek riser would offer higher flexibility of scope choice and mounting, 3. adds 3/4 lb (not a bad thing imo...I'm running a heavy scope and glad as the peak with 19.25 oz scope and 5.25 oz rings landed 7 lb 3 oz all up!) 4. no brake but knurled dust cap, 5. cerakote stainless, 6. appearance, carbon/raw stainless peak vs dark on dark theme for adventure (one shows it's price tag more readily, the other more humble and subdued which I tend to prefer but not a deal breaker either way)
I could make either one work, the carbon will limit you on ring heights trying to match the cheek riser imo, for my general purpose goals though this is working out excellent on the peak, even with chunky heavy lpvo in chunky rings it's finished weight/length (40") is ideal blend of lightweight fast handling and recoil tolerance imo, can shoot it well all day but would get more jumpy with more minimalist optics solutions
bearkilr
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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That ranks among the top 5 dumbest posts I've read on CGN, well done.
There's this earlier discussion (link below) on this forum of the Sako 90 from a few months ago. In my opinion, it's a damn fine rifle--like an improved Sako 85. If I were to buy one, I'd opt for the blued steel/walnut version, but that's just me.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...-Line-Announced-Today/page6?highlight=sako+90
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...-Line-Announced-Today/page6?highlight=sako+90
here's another good one, they take this peak apart to see the bedding etc. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZKWXXjz-sU
anyway it's nearly too nice for me, I wanted it to like the 168 eld-m and 165 fusion, that it liked the 168 eld-m and 180 fusion while disliking most other things (by my standards anyway) is like the big guy in the sky was paying attention lol, the 180 fusion impacted 1" higher at 100, nice to have a couple options off the shelf that will do sub-moa, I see some other reviews where they get better accuracy over more load varieties from other models but for a lightweight thin barrel I'm quite pleased it loves what I wanted it to love
anyway it's nearly too nice for me, I wanted it to like the 168 eld-m and 165 fusion, that it liked the 168 eld-m and 180 fusion while disliking most other things (by my standards anyway) is like the big guy in the sky was paying attention lol, the 180 fusion impacted 1" higher at 100, nice to have a couple options off the shelf that will do sub-moa, I see some other reviews where they get better accuracy over more load varieties from other models but for a lightweight thin barrel I'm quite pleased it loves what I wanted it to love
excellent, thanks, I agree, I'm going to build a tikka along side it, I had it first but of course it's first trip to the smith (one town away) has occurred and it's still with him, 20" chop, 419 rail to be skimmed to 0 moa, as the first two things needed to get started, time, gas, machine work costs already added, rail cost, and time to being fully built out of course won't be in same league...whatever that's worth, not just the time/fuel to go back and forth to smith, I'm sure it will shoot lights out and end up similar finished weight although likely doing different optic/rings, it won't have a flush 5 round, won't have brake/dust cap as decided to skip those machining costs etc., not fluted (don't care, just pointing out differences), obviously plastic stock with empty forend but it feels great to shoulder and in hand, trigger feels great, obviously a connection from rail to action, yes there's several clamping options but none that go low enough for me or I would go that way so it's rail skimmed with lowest rings I can find or talley x-lows and want to opt for more robust than talley for these 308's, so it's likely going to perform well just not the 'demand perfection' level of detail, materials, features etc., I have two boys, also like back ups for everything so I sell it to myself I have to have at least 2 of the same thing (if not 3, Costco shopper), one you can lend out, the other you don't
and...there's a part of me that would like to see this peak in their walnut stock, got a thing for those with red recoil pads but this carbon is doing a decent job of keeping those thoughts to a dull roar, I'll tell ya...I have a stocky's carbon on howa ultralight build and would not boast much about that...this sako is a complete world of difference it's hard to believe they are both 'carbon' lol
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Let's see, Sako 90, Hunter cheapest ~2200, Peak ~3600, Adventure ~3000.
Previous iteration Sako S20 was released what 2 years ago? And it went 'poof'. Now Sako S20 is ~1400 ~1700 new still no one is buying.
But back to Sako 90 in 2023. Is it a good action? No, because ARC exists, Zermatt Arms, Lone Peak Arms, there are many actions available to be obviously better.
Is is a good barrel? Its ok, same as Tikka, better finish, nothing more nothing else. Is it a better barrel than any custom or prefits? Not really. Sako 90 is a decent adjustable trigger. Ok. Is it better than triggertech? Not even close. Would you see a difference with CZ 600, Tikka or Bergara? Negligible for hunting, if any.
Tikka is 1k rifle, aftermarket stocks - plenty. Sako 90 - aftermarket zero, was there any aftermarket for S20? None. 1k Tikka goes into MDT HNT26 for $1900 and you have folding, most lightest, all adjustable, m-lock, arca, any bipod, sling flush cups package for 3k with a lot of resalable value. Or you force yourself to find a reason to get Sako 90 Peak for extra $600 and no folding not adjustable, no mount rails..
Hunter version is most basic non adjustable wooden stock over 2k. Iron sights nope. CZ 600 Lux in the wood has irons with fiber optics, ~1300 new. Why would you want to spend 2200 on Sako Hunter 90 again? You want fancy out of the factory? Springfield 2020, carbon fiber, carbon fiber barrel, muzzle break, adjustable stock - 3200.
Big fan of transformers, got into chassis builds before most, folders, take downs. You go up and down the ladder over the decades, on hp and types. And so your flawed logic has no longer included for the desire for out of the box sporters of high quality finish and function. I could have hunted with what you talk of for the past 10 years, but that sort of high end build your talking about and ‘dads rifle done right’ type stuff I tried and couldn’t sell it fast enough. No offence to you or dad, if it gives you the warm and fuzzies then enjoy. Previous decade was blaser k95 followed by half dozen seasons with various 6.5 Grendels from cz/howa/Ruger which erked me plenty but still preferred to the whiz bang high dollar custom. So where do you account for individual wants and desires? Your way or the highway?
At this point in time the sako 90 checks the boxes. Your builds would do eff all for me and go to sell one take a monster bath and most saying what is that? Yeah...you’re missing a ton of things here in your flawed argument, and we haven’t even started asking the questions yet like smoothness, bolt throw, flush rive round?, any trips to smith required? There’s a lot more.
I think you’re projecting the same disappointment from these no name custom types that I found. Come to terms with it and life gets better lol. Bashing an out of the box player that fills a gap not many are in is pretty transparent. It’s a good thing you only have to spend your own money.
At this point in time the sako 90 checks the boxes. Your builds would do eff all for me and go to sell one take a monster bath and most saying what is that? Yeah...you’re missing a ton of things here in your flawed argument, and we haven’t even started asking the questions yet like smoothness, bolt throw, flush rive round?, any trips to smith required? There’s a lot more.
I think you’re projecting the same disappointment from these no name custom types that I found. Come to terms with it and life gets better lol. Bashing an out of the box player that fills a gap not many are in is pretty transparent. It’s a good thing you only have to spend your own money.
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Lol Springfield over SAKO get real.
Have you ever met a gun or design you like owlowl? I notice everything sucks...
SAKO 90 wouldn't be my first choice but guns are not getting less expensive and I have no doubt they are well made.
Lol yup. If only more on this board realized this.
Any of the custom actions mentioned in an hnt 26 with a reputable barrel (whatever that us depends on your preferences I guess) will run you a couple SAKOs and will never be a carbon stocked hunting rifle.
Blakeyboy for once, is making sense.
I am getting into the custom, semi custom thing. But there is something to be said for a high quality gun that just works out of the box. Even if it is a gussied up Sauer 100dancingbanana
No folding or rails is only a dealbreaker for an extremely small subset of the population...
Have you ever met a gun or design you like owlowl? I notice everything sucks...
SAKO 90 wouldn't be my first choice but guns are not getting less expensive and I have no doubt they are well made.
Lol yup. If only more on this board realized this.
Any of the custom actions mentioned in an hnt 26 with a reputable barrel (whatever that us depends on your preferences I guess) will run you a couple SAKOs and will never be a carbon stocked hunting rifle.
Blakeyboy for once, is making sense.
I am getting into the custom, semi custom thing. But there is something to be said for a high quality gun that just works out of the box. Even if it is a gussied up Sauer 100
dancingbananaNo folding or rails is only a dealbreaker for an extremely small subset of the population...
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So I understand that you consider Sako 90 to be high quality out of the box? Based on what? We are talking about same Sako which had ejection issues on 85 with zero changes for years, had garbage plastic on Sako A7 sticky stocks, made Sako S20 which was just pure failure.
Where does this high quality image comes from? That is not savage axis level? Yes, but it is not at the price point to compare with entry level. Hunter for the price they have is very bare bones and odd choice. For top configurations it is not a good deal no matter how you look at it.
Where does this high quality image comes from? That is not savage axis level? Yes, but it is not at the price point to compare with entry level. Hunter for the price they have is very bare bones and odd choice. For top configurations it is not a good deal no matter how you look at it.
Lol, the manufacturing quality on SAKO rifles has been superlative for as long as they have existed.
Ever handled anything made by Springfield?
85 ejection issues existed, compounded by scope choice. They were generally speaking excellent guns. The 90 is a step back imo. The s20 was a goofy gun, but I doubt they were poorly made. Only ever shot one and the owner loved it. If the goofy crossover stock folded you would probably buy one tomorrow. Maybe I'm just a Fudd..
The a7 was probably the best budget rifle I ever owned. Absolutely the most accurate gun I've owned period. Straight out of the box.
The same quality you are praising in the tikkas exists in SAKOs
SAKO perfection baby
Ever handled anything made by Springfield?
85 ejection issues existed, compounded by scope choice. They were generally speaking excellent guns. The 90 is a step back imo. The s20 was a goofy gun, but I doubt they were poorly made. Only ever shot one and the owner loved it. If the goofy crossover stock folded you would probably buy one tomorrow. Maybe I'm just a Fudd..
The a7 was probably the best budget rifle I ever owned. Absolutely the most accurate gun I've owned period. Straight out of the box.
The same quality you are praising in the tikkas exists in SAKOs
SAKO perfection baby
Tikka is a good rifle, yes? Any objections? Ok.
Tikka Artic is not a good deal. Same rifle with a bit extra is not worth the price upgrade.
Same logic - Sako 90 at prices and features they offer is not a good deal. I didn't care about superlative Sako quality when mine had ejection problem. Zero f given to "quality" when it didn't function. If I had A7 stock and it started to bleed chemical goo on me and there is no aftermarket to fix that I don't care about superlative Sako quality.
Sako S20 will be gone soon, discontinued to all stock options with only roughtech left for now. Sako 90 will not get a lot of sales and will go the same route in a couple of years. They already have Sako 100 to chase that "superlative quality". It is neither a value, nor quality, nor high grade timeless piece.
Tikka Artic is not a good deal. Same rifle with a bit extra is not worth the price upgrade.
Same logic - Sako 90 at prices and features they offer is not a good deal. I didn't care about superlative Sako quality when mine had ejection problem. Zero f given to "quality" when it didn't function. If I had A7 stock and it started to bleed chemical goo on me and there is no aftermarket to fix that I don't care about superlative Sako quality.
Sako S20 will be gone soon, discontinued to all stock options with only roughtech left for now. Sako 90 will not get a lot of sales and will go the same route in a couple of years. They already have Sako 100 to chase that "superlative quality". It is neither a value, nor quality, nor high grade timeless piece.
They are a bit costly I'll give you that.
The point remains, buy any of the custom sections you named, buy an hnt26 or even a mcmillan, get a high end barrel, pay a gunsmith. What's the cost going to be?
Look a noslers, weatherbys etc. Wait for the next import cycle. The 3k plus "high end" hunting rifle is becoming a reality. I'm scared to see what kimbers will go for if they ever come back
Now that you've shown us on the doll where sako touched you it makes a bit more sense. My experiences are my own, and have been overwhelmingly positive. Such is life
The point remains, buy any of the custom sections you named, buy an hnt26 or even a mcmillan, get a high end barrel, pay a gunsmith. What's the cost going to be?
Look a noslers, weatherbys etc. Wait for the next import cycle. The 3k plus "high end" hunting rifle is becoming a reality. I'm scared to see what kimbers will go for if they ever come back
Now that you've shown us on the doll where sako touched you it makes a bit more sense. My experiences are my own, and have been overwhelmingly positive. Such is life
I'm not sure I follow, are we going to top end now? Ok fine:
Action 1500
Barrel, from 800 to 1000
Barrel nut 60
Trigger 250
Say 3k all together. You can put it together in 15 minutes.
MDT Field stock +$370 = ~$3400 for full rifle basic stock better than production plastic stocks
MDT XRS stock +660
MDT TIMBR stock if you want laminate with aluminum block + $1150 = $4150
MDT HTN +$1800 if you want ultimate = $4800
Any chambering, any barrel length profile you want.
Sako 90 Adventure at $3k has way worse stock than above with MDT Field. And all the above you can get a replacement from multiple vendors.
Sako 90 Peak at $3.7k is a "value" proposition if only you can take non adjustable stock with no front end rails as "adequate" at this price.
Sako 90 Hunter at $2.2k is not competing with all that at all. It competes with CZ 600 Lux for $1.2k with basic walnut stock, flush 5 round double stack magazine. CZ 600 has usable close range sights and threaded barrel. Sako does not.
And if you want to go from bottom of the price range, as I said, you take Tikka, a 1k rifle, made by the same Sako people and put it into Field or XRS stock and get better package than Hunter for less. Or you take a basic Bergara and a stock.
Christensen Arms Modern Hunter is 4.1k, Mesa is 2700, Sig Cross is 2.2k.
There is too much competition all around Sako 90 range and it is too stagnant of a design to justify the price.
