tell me about Sako rifles
- Thread starter quaticman
- Start date
It's in all the small details.
Beyond the smooth action and fit/finish people rave about, I find Sako's to be better thought out than almost any other factory offering. For example, I find a detachable box magazine preferable to a floorplate and Sako offers the best in the business in my opinion. While a Tikka .308 3rd magazine protrudes below the stock, the 5rd Sako equivalent is flush with a retention feature making it impossible to accidentally drop. Similarly, factory trigger's on all of the Sako's I've tried are excellent and don't need to be refined by a gunsmith or replaced. I am also a huge fan of the safety on the 85 models, where the safety is either on or off, no three position nonsense, but if you wish to operate the bolt while safe you still can by pressing the bolt override.
If you couldn't tell I'm a Sako fanboy, however, even I'll admit it isn't perfect. I've heard some long action 85's have ejection problems with certain cartridges though I've never seen or experienced it myself. The synthetic stock materials used, at least on the Finnlight and Black Bear, feel a bit cheap when compared to the competition though are very functional. And finally, I'm ambivalent about the dual dovetail scope mounting; some love it, some hate it.
Back to the stock. While I wish the Black Bear stock was a bit nicer in materials, it is the best shouldering rifle I've ever held and the irons are effortless.
If tinkering is your thing a Sako probably isn't your jam. If buying a gun to get a job done with minimal fuss is your thing, buy a Sako and be done with it. My only regret about my 85 Black Bear is I didn't buy earlier.
Beyond the smooth action and fit/finish people rave about, I find Sako's to be better thought out than almost any other factory offering. For example, I find a detachable box magazine preferable to a floorplate and Sako offers the best in the business in my opinion. While a Tikka .308 3rd magazine protrudes below the stock, the 5rd Sako equivalent is flush with a retention feature making it impossible to accidentally drop. Similarly, factory trigger's on all of the Sako's I've tried are excellent and don't need to be refined by a gunsmith or replaced. I am also a huge fan of the safety on the 85 models, where the safety is either on or off, no three position nonsense, but if you wish to operate the bolt while safe you still can by pressing the bolt override.
If you couldn't tell I'm a Sako fanboy, however, even I'll admit it isn't perfect. I've heard some long action 85's have ejection problems with certain cartridges though I've never seen or experienced it myself. The synthetic stock materials used, at least on the Finnlight and Black Bear, feel a bit cheap when compared to the competition though are very functional. And finally, I'm ambivalent about the dual dovetail scope mounting; some love it, some hate it.
Back to the stock. While I wish the Black Bear stock was a bit nicer in materials, it is the best shouldering rifle I've ever held and the irons are effortless.
If tinkering is your thing a Sako probably isn't your jam. If buying a gun to get a job done with minimal fuss is your thing, buy a Sako and be done with it. My only regret about my 85 Black Bear is I didn't buy earlier.
They have always made a nicely finished rifle of good quality... I don't think they are that much better when it comes to actually using them... all makes and models have particular quirks. If you can afford one give it a try but just because it costs twice as much doesn't make it twice as good.
A few years ago Sako had a bad batch of stainless barrels that blew up a few rifles...
This is one rifle that blew with factory ammo... Here is a picture link: https://postimg.cc/gallery/FLgrCdP
Last edited:
nowarningshot
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
One of the best m98 bolts. Somewhat over rated, but better than spending.much more trying to make a value rifle.even close.
I have no complaints with those i have owned. New ones have a poor reputation for not ejecting .
I have no complaints with those i have owned. New ones have a poor reputation for not ejecting .
I have owned several Sako rifle over the years, from 222 Remington to 338 Win Mag.
While they are quality rifles, and all but the 338 were very accurate, I have never
been able to warm up to these rifles, so at present I have none, and none in the for-
seeable future.
For the price of a "good quality" Sako, I can build a custom rifle that is exactly right
for me. For those who have and love Sakos I say: "More power to you" Dave.
While they are quality rifles, and all but the 338 were very accurate, I have never
been able to warm up to these rifles, so at present I have none, and none in the for-
seeable future.
For the price of a "good quality" Sako, I can build a custom rifle that is exactly right
for me. For those who have and love Sakos I say: "More power to you" Dave.
Just buy a Near mount.. I put one on my late 70s Forester can't be more impressed
No, but have handled the 375 H&H Handi Rifle. That's how SAKO spelled it.
I was tempted, but my twenty inch 375 Mark X was already too loud.
Ted
Care to share your experiences?
stickhunter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Victoria, B.C.
@conor_90, not a 7mm Mag, but I have an equally loud fireball-breathing 300WM Sako Handi rifle - this is the Fiberclass model with the MacMillan stock:
I've installed a detachable magazine conversion and it's currently sporting a Leupold VXR 1.25-4x20 scope. This Sako is one of my favourite rifles.
Thanks for sharing
My experience with Sakos are different, got 5 of them 3 are 85s and i haven't had any issues with them.
But my experience with Al Flaherty’s have been similar to yours.
Cheers
