Sako Model 85 vs 75

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BlackRam

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Have been noticing that some posters here prefer the model 75 to the newer Model 85.
I have never owned a Model 75, and had only heard that the main improvement in the 85 over the 75 was the magazine release. I currently have one Model 85, another on order, both in long action cartridges (6.5x55 and 9.3x62, respectively) and am trying to locate a short action rifle as well.
I have just recently seen posts as to some issue with ejection in the Model 85, and that it refers to longer cartridges only.
Who here can provide more insight?
From personal experience please, not just second hand say-so from someone else online.
What has done to remedy the issue?
 
I’ve had both and prefer the 75 series, but wouldn’t avoid the 85. There are a few differences, recoil lug arrangement, bolt face, mag release, bolt handle, etc. The only improvement the 85 has over the 75 in my opinion is that it’s lighter.

As for the 85 ejection issue, first it should said that not all suffer with this issue. However, I’ve read it’s solved with a new extractor spring, and in severe cases a new extractor with tighter tolerances - which holds the case tighter to the bolt face.
 
I like both, although I do not own a 75. My first Sako was an 85 Finnlight. I now own several other 85s in various configurations.

Some prefer the receiver and recoil lug on the 75, with complaints about the new recoil lug concept in the 85. I find it very secure, no issues. Another complaint about the 85 is ejection issues, specifically on the 85M, but I have yet to see it on any of the rifles I either own or have assembled for other shooters.

Accuracy is amazing on both models. Ergonomics are perfect for me. Silky smooth action. I appreciate the new locking mechanism in the 85 magazine.
 
My first rifle in Canada was a 75 in 30.06.

The store had both, so I was able to choose from a 75 or 85, identical in calbre / specification etc.

No comparison. The 75 felt of much higher quality, nicer finish and the bolt operation between the two was chalk and cheese.

A friend of mine has an 85 in a high specification 308, beautiful wood and blueing. But the bolt operation still feels cheaper.

85 are a great rifle, but a 75 is better still IMHO.

Candocad.
 
The recoil lug is much better on the 75.

I've never had any mags fall out of my 75's so no idea why the 85 "improved" mag release is needed. Personally I don't see it as an improvement.

Like others I also prefer the stock design of the 75.

I have a few 75's and one 85. Overall I prefer the 75's.
 
I own a Sako 85 Finnlight in 7mm08, and I absolutely love it.

Over the years I have owned many Sakos.
  • A few of them had ejection issues, including a 1980s vintage Aii (243), an A7 (7mm08), and a 85 Greywolf (270).
  • But I've never had a problem with short-action 85 Finnlights.
  • All have been tack-drivers, especially the Aii which was a ragged 1-hole shooter.
  • Some were a tad heavy, including the 85 Greywolf and an AV (30-06).

And yes, I would like to own a 75 as well, especially a Finnlight. I've only ever heard good things about them.

-Dennis
 
I have a 300win mag and my wife a 7mm rem mag both in 85 Finnlite. Never a problem with either and both get shot alot. I could see a future stock upgrade my 300 as the soft grip is starting to ware from heavy use....
 
I bought my first Sako 75 back in 1997 and never looked back. Love the Monte Carlos stock, fit and finish second to none until Sako was bought by Beretta.

I have several Sako 75 rifles in the SS and Greyolf models. Built a 338-06AI off a Grewolf in 2008.

Sako 75 all the way for me.
 
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