I am about an inch away from investing in a Sako 85 Finnlight in 7mm Rem Mag. The only other hunting rifle I own is a Model 70 .30-06 (which I love and will never get rid of), but I'd like to get one more rifle that is 1) stainless/synthetic, 2) flatter shooting for longer distances, and 3) suitable for mountain hunting where you have to do a lot of hiking with the rifle on your shoulder.

I handled a Finnlight this past weekend and loved it. Anyone have one in 7mm RM? Or a different caliber? How do you like it?

My biggest question - any serious issues with recoil? I'm not overly recoil-sensitive but don't want to get knocked over by a mag caliber in a lighter gun...

Thanks!
Dan

I own a 7mag although not in a Sako. I have however shot them. No problems, and recoil is mild.
You should like the gun.
Cheers!

if you're accustomed to the recoil of a '06, you'll have no probs with a 7mag.

quote:

but I'd like to get one more rifle

Not very likely you'll stop at just one. I see the makings of a future rifle looney.

Hahaha, I had a feeling I'd be hearing from the Labman on this one! I agree, wanting a gun and needing one are two different things - and the want often outweighs the need...

The 7mm RM is one of the most easy recoil you can buy it... I have a sako 85 7mm RM SS model and it's my keeper...

I have several Finnlights and find all to be good shooters and well made. My favorite for out west is a 300 WSM but the 7 Mag should serve you well. I shoot 150 grain partitions out of my 7mag and also have good accuracy with 160 grains.

I have a Sako 85 Finnlight, and a Sako 7mm Rem. Mag. though they aren't the same rifle. My 7mm RM is an L61 Finnbear I've had for about 40 years. Fine rifle but it's a heavy old beast!

My 85 Finnlight is a .243 and it is one of the finest rifles I've ever owned. I am sure if you get a Finnlight you'll be pleased with the quality.

Just a note, check the weight of the rifle if you buy it. The Sako web site says my .243 weighs 6 lb 3 ounces. In fact on an accurate scale it weighed 5 lb 14 ounces out of the box. With light rings, scope, and web sling I kept all-up weight (loaded with 5 cartridges) to 6 3/4 pounds.

The 7 RM Finnlight is shown as weighing 6 lb 13 ounces. There are lots of options with bases/rings/scopes of various weights so you can tailor overall weight to suit yourself.

At an all-up weight of around 8 pounds, and with the well designed Sako stock, I'm sure anyone used to shooting a .30-'06 can manage the recoil.

If you do buy the rifle I'd be curious to hear your thoughts after having a chance to shoot it.

quote:

Originally posted by HuntingOutWest:
Hahaha, I had a feeling I'd be hearing from the Labman on this one! I agree, wanting a gun and needing one are two different things - and the want often outweighs the need...

I give up needing after my 06 the other 30 or 40 are all want.

Thanks everyone for the responses. Very helpful! I've ordered the Finnlight in 7mm RM and will post my experiences here once I receive it and start shooting.

Hello
just welcome to Sako fan club. I bet you won't be disapointing. Just my experience: use Talley scope mount or the sako optilock "x-low" rings ref S1701900. it's a lower mount than sako optilock.
My sako 85 7mm RMG love hornady superformance 162 grain SST.

I finally got everything set up on the rifle and had it out shooting yesterday. 85 Finnlight in 7mm RM.

First, the trigger is great. Best factory trigger I've ever felt. No need for any adjustments.

I was a bit nervous about the recoil of a 7mm in a light gun, but it's not an issue at all. With ringmounts, scope, etc. the gun weighs 8 lbs. even, and it kicks maybe a hair more than my M70 .30-06. Definitely manageable and not excessive.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. Anything else you want to know about how it shoots, etc. just send me a PM or post here.

How many guns does a fellow need? Just one....more.