Sako Optilock and Alternatives ?

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I am fairly new to Sako rifles and their mounting system. I purchased a new set of Optilocks for a Kodiak which seem to be a solid, permanent mount for the 1-4x Leupy and they cost a small fortune so they better be :d

But the iron sights on the Kodiak are really nice. Actually, they are the best I've ever used. So that brings me to my question: do you know of a two piece picatinny base or rail for the Sako? Or a high quality dovetail adapter? I'd like to have the option to put my 1-4 on a quick disconnect system if I want to swap to irons. The only thing I can find is UTG $7.00 adapters for air rifles and 22's, or a 20MOA one piece rail for $200. I thought there would be more options out there
 
Warne made quick detach rings for sako's that clamped directly to the sako dovetail in both the original premier series (they were machined from solid steel), and the later maxima series (made from sintered steel). I have a set of the premier series, 1", medium height, matte finish if that interests you, but be warned - they aren't cheap.

I think leupold and talley both offer bases that can be used with their own quick detach setups - but neither is picatinny style.
 
Hey DG. yes I've looked at the Talleys and the Leupy's but the Optilocks seem to be far superior in quality, and the former does not solve the quick disconnect issue. Unfortunately the scope is a 30mm tube however I'll shoot you a PM on what you have. Cheers.
 
You can use the optilock ringmount as a detach system, with the pin in the rear ring. Depending on your scope length.
 
Dirtdigger said:
What about this? http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/ammo_charts/Sako_Optilock_Quickmount.pdf
Click to expand...

These are awesome mounts, I have one set. They are hard to find now, I believe discontinued. Pricey too, $300 +

All optilock mounts can be basically used as quick mounts. When mounted properly, (before tightening the clamp bolt, make sure the bases are as far forward as they will go, tight. Then tighten the bolt) the bolt can be cracked loose anytime, give the scope a very slight bump with your hand rearward and it will slide off. (Make sure the bolt is open, some models it hits the bolt when sliding off) The scope can be re-mounted by simply sliding it back onto the dovetail as far forward as it goes and you will be good to go. Test it at the range to ensure your zero doesn't move before trying this in the hunting field. I have tried it on practically every Sako I have owned and the zero never moves.
The only difference between the real "quickmounts" is the lever, you simply have to use an allen key or torx key depending on the age of your mounts.
 
Leupold makes a relatively cheap QD system for Sako rifles. I bought two of them for my Sakos. I have never shot either rifle but the mount seems solid. I have used the same Leupold QD mount and rings for a Montana Rifleman 1999 rifle for several years. It works and retains its zero. I expect the same for my Sakos.

Clay at Prophet River can order you in the Leupold QD mount. It was $95.00. I can't recall what I paid for the rings. But I think it was around $50.00.

Another option is the Weaver #65 and #67 bases plus a set of QD rings. Warne and Buris make good and cheap QD rings that fit Weaver mounts. While I never tried this, I used the bases and Buris Zee rings on a Sako Forester varmint gun in 308 Winchester. It works well. I think the Weaver bases and a good set of QD rings would cost well under $100.00. This might be the cheapest way to go. But the Leupold QD system looks very very cool on my Sako Grizzly. I would go with that myself.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Sent an email to NEAR to see if they have a mount, and contacted Optics Planet to see if they have the Sako Quickmounts - looks like the only retailer that may have them in stock. $320 USD though, ouch. Doubtful that 400 to my door is worth it. A custom rail may be an option, ill check out the leupold as well.
 
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Fire306 said:
All optilock mounts can be basically used as quick mounts.
Click to expand...

Bingo. Optilocks ARE intended to be quick detach, either in their standard or lever form. The standard versions can be undone with a torx and will retain zero perfectly. I prefer the lower profile of the standard mounts, and just carry the appropriate torx key in my Leatherman case when hunting. Back the screws off a bit, tap the front of the scope with your hand, and it slides right off.
 
I was thinking tool-less QD but as you say, no big deal to keep a torx key on your person. I am going to give your suggestion a try since I can't find Quickmounts anywhere in the USA. I also ordered a rail from NEAR that I will keep as a second option to tinker around over the coming years. Pic of it on a Finnlite below.

For those interested, it is a dovetail to picatinny rail fabricated here in Canada, and supposedly works really well. If you have any problems, it sounds like NEAR will do anything to make it right, adjust it or send you a new one no charge. Good customer service from the boss directly. Cheers guys and thanks for the suggestions

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