I'm looking to add a used Sako to my gun cabinet sometime this fall/winter - I'm familiar with the 75 and 85 series, but don't know much (other than reading about specifications, etc.) on the L579, Finnbear, and A I/II/III series. Any one of these variants seen as particularly superior, etc.? Is there one of the variants I should be watching for the EE, etc.?
Used Sakos
- Thread starter buckchaser
- Start date
From my understanding, the Sako's evolution goes something like this:
.222, 6mm - L46, L461, AI/L491
Short Action - L57, L579, AII/M591
Medium Action/everyone else's long action - L61R, AIII, AV, L691
Throw in the M's in there too that came out in the 90's
The AIV seems to be designated specifically to the Safari.
I like the old Sako's that's made with the L579/AII and the L61R/AIII/AV actions.
.222, 6mm - L46, L461, AI/L491
Short Action - L57, L579, AII/M591
Medium Action/everyone else's long action - L61R, AIII, AV, L691
Throw in the M's in there too that came out in the 90's
The AIV seems to be designated specifically to the Safari.
I like the old Sako's that's made with the L579/AII and the L61R/AIII/AV actions.
The original Sako actions were a solid, well made action. They were very popular as the basis of custom rifles in the 1960's and early seventies (prior to the "Remington-in- a-glass-stock" customs). Before they started making the L61 long action, they used FN Mauser actions for this purpose. Early on, they also used Micro-groove barrels; presumably made by Marlin. Marlin market bolt action rifles based on Sako actions at this time.
The Howa action is very similar to the early Sako actions.
The Howa action is very similar to the early Sako actions.
Browning also used Sako actions for some of their earlier rifles. I wasnt aware that Sako actually made 'micro groove' barrels. During the late '70's and for quite a while after Sako promoted their hammer forged 'diamond lapped' barrels and most gun writers at the time spoke highly of Sako accuracy. Prior to the model 75 three lug actions all Sako's employed a mauser style 2 lug action with the left lug bisected to accommodate the ejector (like an M98) although unlike an M98 they have (afaik) always used the small extractor contained in the recessed bolt head. At some point prior to the introduction of the Model 75 they changed the recoil 'lug' to a two piece design...which differed a little bit from the older integral recoil lug arrangement (again similar to the M98) some people think the two piece is inferior...IDK. As for desirability... the one thing that might be worthwhile noting is the level of finish available on different models...for example standard 'hunter' models have a slightly subdued (almost matte) bluing...while the 'Deluxe' models (and the 'Finnsport') models have a very high gloss bluing. There is no doubt that the high gloss is beautiful..but some prefer the lower polish of the Hunters. They all seem to shoot just as well. The problem in understanding all the variants of Sako rifles is that they have been around a long time, make an excellent product...and have a pretty good marketing department...and lots of models.
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I have a Sako AV in 25-06 and it comes in a pretty nice stock and seems a great gun
I also Have a Sako A7 in 30-06, this is a more recent model and is Sako's bargain budget gun, if you can consider a $1,000.00+ gun a bargain Budget gun
I also Have a Sako A7 in 30-06, this is a more recent model and is Sako's bargain budget gun, if you can consider a $1,000.00+ gun a bargain Budget gun
Yes they are nice ... I believe that they used McMillan stocks... they didnt save any weight off the wood stocks though ... Sako showed the long action Hunter, Deluxe, Laminate and Fiberclass as 3.30kg.... I am pretty certain that the brochure is underestimating the wt of the 'Laminated' .... btw there was a 'Sako Handy Fiber that was 3.20kg ... oddly enough both Fiber rifles were only available in the non-magnum . long actions (270w, 30/06 etc)
My favorites were the Sako Classic, the Safari and the 'Carbine' (full length stock) ... oddly enough my least favorite is the 'Super Deluxe' ... I really prefer just plain, well done, simple checkering - while the Super Deluxe has the added embellishment of oak leaves etc that I think detracts from the beauty (IMO!)
I wonder how many people have seen the Sako "Super Match" for UIT, CISM shooting? Or even the Sako "Target"??
stickhunter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Victoria, B.C.
Sako must have eventually introduced the Fiberclass rifles in magnum cartridges as I have had two 338WM Fiberclasses and currently have a 300WM Fiberclass Handy, which is a great rifle. You're correct that the fiberglass stock wasn't really chosen to reduce weight. I think my Handy with the 19" barrel is about 7# 8oz without scope.
Here's a couple of quick-and-dirty indoor shots of my 300WM Fiberclass Handy with a Kahles 6x42 scope:
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Sako must have eventually introduced the Fiberclass rifles in magnum cartridges as I have had two 338WM Fiberclasses and currently have a 300WM Fiberclass Handy, which is a great rifle. You're correct that the fiberglass stock wasn't really chosen to reduce weight. I think my Handy with the 19" barrel is about 7# 8oz without scope.
Here's a couple of quick-and-dirty indoor shots of my 300WM Fiberclass Handy with a Kahles 6x42 scope:
you are right ... I need my eyes examined ... the 1989-90 Sako Brochure I was looking at does in fact show that 7RM, 300Win Mag, 300 Weatherby Mag, 338 Win Mag and 375 H&H WERE indeed available in the 'Fiberclass' .... But (and I just double checked) they did not show any magnum calibres for the 'Handy Fiber' ... maybe they came later than 1990? .
Nonethe less I was incorrect about the Sako 'Fiberclass' chamberings!! .. and will blame it on trying to read down the columns on the spec sheet that was included in brochure
to add - those are NICE rifles!! I think having the iron sights is also a real bonus.... I do have a carbine (full stock) in 375 H&H ... my other carbine is .243W (great little deer rifle!) ... but then so are the 300, 338 and 375 imo when loaded appropriately.
stickhunter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Victoria, B.C.
Thanks for that additional information... like so many things, Sako made a lot of variations on their offerings, and I think you'd have to be a walking encyclopedia to remember them all!
Regarding the irons, I agree completely. One of my 338WM Fiberclasses came with standard Sako/Tikka iron sights, while the 300WM came from the factory with a Williams rear sight. I've got to say that I prefer the sight picture from the Williams over the Sako sights. I also have a Sako peep sight, but I haven't tried it yet. The short barrel is so handy that I really wanted to be able to interchange quickly between irons and the scope, so I'll likely stick with the Williams. The bases are EAWs, I believe, and are detachable. I only got the rifle sighted in a few weeks ago, so I haven't had a chance to test how well they return to zero.
Initially, I wasn't thrilled to find the Handy in a magnum chambering, but the 300WM has grown on me, enough that I've sold off my 338WM rifles and supplies. I'm not recoil sensitive and found the rifle pretty manageable from the bench and even more so in a standing posture. I didn't even notice much of a pronounced muzzle blast, although I didn't have anyone shooting beside me at the time to complain!
BTW did you ever notice the 458WM Fiberclass that Prophet River had on consignment a while ago? It was apparently a one-off for a Sako executive.
Addendum: here's what I mean by the standard Sako/Tikka rear sight:
Thanks for that additional information... like so many things, Sako made a lot of variations on their offerings, and I think you'd have to be a walking encyclopedia to remember them all!
Regarding the irons, I agree completely. One of my 338WM Fiberclasses came with standard Sako/Tikka iron sights, while the 300WM came from the factory with a Williams rear sight. I've got to say that I prefer the sight picture from the Williams over the Sako sights. I also have a Sako peep sight, but I haven't tried it yet. The short barrel is so handy that I really wanted to be able to interchange quickly between irons and the scope, so I'll likely stick with the Williams. The bases are EAWs, I believe, and are detachable. I only got the rifle sighted in a few weeks ago, so I haven't had a chance to test how well they return to zero.
Initially, I wasn't thrilled to find the Handy in a magnum chambering, but the 300WM has grown on me, enough that I've sold off my 338WM rifles and supplies. I'm not recoil sensitive and found the rifle pretty manageable from the bench and even more so in a standing posture. I didn't even notice much of a pronounced muzzle blast, although I didn't have anyone shooting beside me at the time to complain!
BTW did you ever notice the 458WM Fiberclass that Prophet River had on consignment a while ago? It was apparently a one-off for a Sako executive.
Addendum: here's what I mean by the standard Sako/Tikka rear sight:
I smiled when I saw your Fiberclass... I purchased a McMillan stock for a Remington 700 Classic 350 Rem Mag. (which also came with iron sights) ... the stock is pretty much identical to the one on your Sako... (I think it may be the same design in fact) I then put a set of EAW QD mounts and a Nickel Supra 4X,36 scope on it. I can say that the EAW do indeed return to zero.... and the QD feature allowed me to take a pretty nice (for me anyway) whitetail with the iron sights... I was going in to the bush with my rifle slung and scope covers on to help a guy retrieve his deer when we 'accidentally' jumped a good sized buck (apparently the buck had been pawing and snorting at the downed deer!)... it was quicker to remove the scope than the covers ... so I did..was able to hold the scope in my left hand forming a 'V' with my thumb
... You will be very happy with your EAW mounts!If you look at the old Sako advertising, the Sako "Handi" came with either the wood or Fibreclass stock. The Handi is like the Tikka Battue
My favourite of all having owned 85, 75, A series and an older one which I think was an L5 something is the A series.
I had an A1 laminated in 223 that was awesome and an AV in 300 Winny that I killed a whack of stuff with. Loved both rifles.
I had an A1 laminated in 223 that was awesome and an AV in 300 Winny that I killed a whack of stuff with. Loved both rifles.
