My friend was looking at trading a Weatherby MkV Ultra Light in 25-06 Remington for a Sako 75 in 338 Win Mag, either the walnut/blue Hunter or the stainless/synthetic model.

Does anybody have one of these Sako rifles, in 338 Mag, or any similar caliber?

How do they shoot?
What do they weigh? Sako claims 8 5/8 lbs.
How is the scope mounting system?
What type of recoil pad do they use? Hard rubber or a good Decelerator type?

Thanks in advance,

I got one in Stanless and I use the Sako Mounts. Mine weighs in at a little over 9 lbs. As for shooting, I can put 5 shots into a quarter at one hundred yards with 250 gr. Nosler Partitions. Plenty accurate for the Kind of game you hunt in BC. Sako was never a light rifle to begin with. I like mine, I have to date shot three moose and two elk with it. Its a good out of the box rifle.

I have a Hunter Stainless in 300 WM. Shoots from 1 to 1.25 MOA depending on load. 150 or 180 grains, it doesn't care. I haven't weighted mine, but I believe their 8 5/8 lb claim. It is noticeably heavier than my Howa 1500. The recoil pad looks good in red (with the walnut stock), but it's pretty hard. The 300 WM doesn't kick hard enough for me to change the pad, but a 338 might. If so, I would STRONGLY recomend a Pachmayr Deccelerator.

Keep in mind that a little heavy .338WM should reduce recoil somewhat.

I took a Sako in on a gun trade but I didn't like the locking key (which is certainly not needed on a hunting rifle). When the rifle is not cocked, the key can be removed very easily by hand and this will disable the rifle.
That's my only gripe about the new Sako's, otherwise a nice looking rifle.
Regards,
Terry

So the Sako 75 has a 2 position safety, but can be made to cycle the bolt while still on safe??

They sound like good rifles.

Same as Ruger.

I have my father's hunter in 30/06. It's heavier but shoots like a charm with 165gr. btips. I'll never know how many it's taken.