Any other Sako fans here?
I have a Sako 75 Black with a Black synth stock(fac)in 300win 4-16 X45 Leoupold. Man is it a tack drivin SOB!
Sako Finnbear 30-06 Blue with wood stock 3-9 Leoupold also a tackdriver.( will be mine after dad dies, hopfully no time soon!)
I don't think I have ever shot a Sako I did not like.
MM

Yes, yes, plenty of Sako aficionados around here.

Although I started out with Sako big game rifles (.30-06 Hunter, Custom .280 AI - both on AV actions), these days my interest is primarily in the small caliber area. Just last weekend, I shot my single shot A1 in 6mm PPC in preparation for a match at the end of August. I'm not sure if it is the accuracy of the gun (I own more accurate guns), the trigger or mere shootability, but there are few rifles I shoot as well as that particular gun!

Another advantage of bringing that rifle to a match, is that it really does not look like anything special! The stock is, how shall I put it, not exactly blessed with a lot of figure, and the colour can probably best described as bland... The barrel channel is about a crooked as can be, and the barrel is only floated by virtue of the gaps being rather excessive... The stock shape is that of a regular Monte-Carlo sporter, so all the guys sporting the latest in target stocks won't feel threatened by this part of the competition at all. But, man, does that gun shoot!

My smoothest action is an L461 in .222 Rem. It is stocked with a custom stock from Herter's (of old), and is just sooooo smooth! Slowly needs a new barrel, though.

A friend of mine just tested the last L461 (Pre-Garcia) in .222 Rem I bought about a month back. I have yet to see the rifle, but he said his first attempt at a load (25 grs of BL-C(2), CCI BR4, Sierra 50 grs Blitz) produced a .448" group. I was rather pleased with that!

- mike

If I have counted correctly in my head, I only have nineteen Sakos.

Really it does not seem like enough. I will have to do something about that.

MM,
I have said on more than one occasion that I like my Kimbers,
But I love my sakos…

Some Sakos that have followed me home over the years….


a few more….


some typical sako groups





2 (a double) of 10 hogs shot in two consecutive afternoons with my “lucky 7†mag


one of a the only triple I’ve eve made. Sako AV in 375 H&H


GWB

GWB, that is a nice looking group of Sakos. What caliber is the Laminated stock 75 on the bottom?

Ron,

and I thought I was a Sako nut. I take my hat off to you.....

GWB

ron,
it is a 260 remington in 75 varmint w/ set trigger. The last group in the pics above is during breakin. I took two hogs with it two weeks ago using 130 gr accubonds. Shot them both behind the ear. they were drt.
GWB

I have two without the set triggers and the barrel fluting, one in 6PPC and the other in 222 Remington. Never had the chance to shoot the 222 yet, I have only had it for two years, no sense getting in a hurry.

Only 2 as of right now one in a 222 a riihimaki, and a custom L579 in a 358 win. I like them, but not as much as Ron. He is a true SOCKO connaissure.

Ed

Here are three sako fiberclass rifles two in 25-06 and one in 270 winchester.

[IMG:left] [/IMG]

ron, I may actually have you beat on that score. I owned a sako 222 vixen for about 5 years before I ever shot it.
so many rifles, so little time
GWB

Sako, never heard of em

Holy Crap!!!!!!!!
Man I thought I was in love with Sako's! Man those are some beautiful collections guys. Someday the Good Lord willing I will have such a collection. I really like my Ruger M77's but the Sako's just fell so right in my hands, and inherantly shoot so dang nice!
MM

Well, maybe Fish will weigh in on this thread, he loves Sakos too.

My latest. Acquired recently from one of our fellow AR members.

8 pounds light and 40.5 inches short in .375 H&H Magnum.



I'm stumped as to why I need any other rifle at all.

mrlexma, I had the 11th .375 carbine built by Sako and had the devil of a time keeping the fore piece of the stock attached. Good luck! While accurate and fast handling, heck I took my Griz with it... I must recomend discretion when discharging the rifle!

308 Sako, I have had no problems yet, but I haven't really worked it hard yet, either.

The forward part of the two piece stock is held on with a bracket and two heavy screws in the barrel channel, then of course there is the barrel band with a machine screw that goes through the stock and the band at the attachment point, and up front there is the end cap with a wood screw of its own. How all of that could come apart I do not know!

What did yours do?

mrlexma
That is a wonderful rifle. What a sexy looking peice of Sako finnery.
MM

Mr Lexma,

The fore piece basically walked away from the main stock as the metal bracket stretched in the channel. I ended up with a Mac Millan stock and later rebarreled to .300 Winchester.. Sorry I did as collector value went, but I was a hunter more so.

I am a fan of the old L-series sako and I don't mind the A-series, after that Sako became junk IMO....My all time favorite action is the L-461, 223 length action..My lovely little 6x45 is on that action.

Like most things as soon as the bean counters are hired to boost production and make more profit, everything goes to hell until a generation of shooters die off and the newbies don't know any difference. Such is the way of the world.

I usually agree spot on with Ray (Atkinson)
but I really disagree with him on the later version SAKO's. It probably kills him, but I prefer the Sako 75 series, and I have no issues with the 85 series. I have a bunch of 75's and 85's, and a couple of the L series and a 'pre Garcia or two as well.

In my opinion, the absolute best 'Factory out of the box rifle'. I have NEVER had a Sako that didn't shoot at least very well--sub moa, with little to no load development. I have over a dozen that shoot so good it's scary. I have a TRG sporter that Charlie Sisk recommended instead of him building me a rifle on a Rem or Win action. He said unless I was hell bent on a CRF action, that my accuracy goals will probably be exceeded by a 'Bone Stock' TRG sporter. Damn was he right. Factory ammo in this rig is a true 1/4 minute rifle, without touching it. That experience didn't start my Sako love affair, but it cemented it--Heavily!

I've got several I've re-stocked with really sexy walnut, some with various types of McMillan stocks, and I can say, the only things I don't like on any of my Sako's were the standard synthetic stocks, and those hard ass orange pads on the wooden '75 series---hard and ugly pads in my opinion.

Lots of different action sizes to choose from, and make damn fine customs, got at least 8 customs off of 75 and 85 actions, function smooth as silk, and if you couldn't tell, I won't have a rifle that isn't damn accurate--all of my Sakos are!

Here's a pic I've posted before, a bevy of 85's--with a large bear I 'got' one winter....

Well, I'll balance things off by agreeing with Atkinson 100%.

I dearly love the L61Rs, and I too feel that things just went downhill from there.

I also had a L-46(something or other); a sweet little .308 with a barrel like a buggy whip and fiddleback from one end to the other. Had it 29 years, NIB unfired, and sold it that way. Should have had my ass kicked.

quote:

Originally posted by Tumbleweed:
NIB unfired, and sold it that way. Should have had my ass kicked.

You should only have your ass kicked for not letting me have a shot at buying it....wish I'd of known about it...


I am curious why you (and others) think things went downhill, I just don't see it. Quality is comparbale to any of my older Sako's, with the possible exception of wood quality, but same barrels as before, and (I think maybe what some folks don't like in the new actions) the shorter bolt lift is good IMO, and the box magazines are as good or better, the actions feed flawlessly, just like the old ones, and I like the stock designs a lot better--as do most folks who just weigh in on stock design--look at the McMillan web site, the Sako 75 stock design is one of the best, and they sell a TON of them for all kinds of action....I do love my older Sako's, but wish they had some of the features of the newer actions.

Regards--Don.

quote:

Originally posted by mrlexma:
My latest. Acquired recently from one of our fellow AR members.

8 pounds light and 40.5 inches short in .375 H&H Magnum.



I'm stumped as to why I need any other rifle at all.

I once suggested one of these as good packin' rifle. Those hombles on big-bore forums said I was nuts and also wrote this rig would create to much noise and blast.
I used to have nice 2nd hand lever Sako in kal. 7,62x51. Sako always done nice job with their rifles.

quote:

I am curious why you (and others) think things went downhill, I just don't see it.

Well, it's 'cuz we're old, of course. We just know stuff like that. The older we get, the better we were!

quote:

Originally posted by Tumbleweed:
[
Well, it's 'cuz we're old, of course. We just know stuff like that. The older we get, the better we were!

Fine answer, damn fine!

Fish, I totally agree with you. I've gone through many rifle makers and have always come back to my sako 75's..of which I have 4.
I certainly respect Rays opinions but when I asked before, why, he thought my 75's were junk he didn't care to respond.
Me, I'll keep on running sakos, cause they have the features I like( except the factory syn. stock)and just plane shoot and function wonderfully.

Don't get me started on Sakos. Although I like many different brands of rifles, when I go to guns shows or shops, Sakos are what I am looking for. Besides looks and workmanshop, I can't expalain my love affair with Sakos, but I prefer the A series. I have owned literally over 100, having at least 90 of them at one time. After some urging by my wife I sold off duplicates and got my collection to about 8 and it's now back up to 20 sakos out of a 30 rifle collection. I need a 12-step program. My most prized Sako is my NIB Hunter in 9.3x62. Only because they are pretty rare, as are those chambered for the other European rounds. Don't tell my wife but I just picked up another AV Hunter in 6.5x55 when on leave. This is one duplicate that I won't be parting with. The wife goes before anymore of my Sakos. I just hope they are all there when I get home from Afghanistan. Lou

Though I love many, I have a soft spot for the Sako Mannlicher. Dad carried one when I was a kid in .222 for turkey. I have two .375 Sako Mannlichers and have been thrilled with groups under 2" at 200 yards with the factory peep sight. It did however loosen the teeth in my upper right jaw.

Dr. Lou, sounds like you need to Rx some therapy and show good patient compliance, and get back down to 8 rifles! On the rebound? Ha!

Now Tanker, you must be built like a tank, as my head would roll shooting that 375 but any man good enough for 2" at 200 yds with a peep is to be reckoned with! I watched a fellow use a Springfield semi '06 peep w/LC Match ammo, shot 5 in about a nickel to quarter size group at 100.....as he said, it's all about consistent sight pic.

Oh, took my sons 75 Grey Wolf 260 to the range yesterday (bought if for myself, but had to bet him if he could hit a milk jug at 100 yds, it was his....I lost- he did miss the first two as he had been using my 6BR and 7BR last year and was intimidated) anyway, first load w/some 130 AB's put first 2 of one group in .25, shot #3 went under an inch.

Next group, even group, 5/8" at 100 also.

Needless to say, I was convinced and put the gun up! Load found!

6.5: That rifle is a shooter. The 200yd bench was at our service rifle range and I shot the Sako in front of some of the other competitors after a match. They were impressed with what a factory full stock .375 could do. Of course a match M1 or M14 can do as well. Off the bench that Sako stock isn't the best. The other shooters were not too interested in trying it after watching me from behind. It isn't unusual for .375s to shoot well.

My Sako is a 375 H&H Model 75. That rifle will put it bullets all in 5/8" at 150 yds.

I am down to two sakos. One is a 94 in 22lr and the other is a 995 in 338 lapua. I gave one of the crown jewels of my safe to a friend for his graduation from law school, a Finnwolf in 308 (was represented as unfired to me when purchased, and I put maybe 30 rounds through it). That finnwolf is the hittingist rifle I have ever shot from a standing position. That thing is just as much a combat rifle as hunting rig. Sights were perfect for 150 soft points or 147 ball ammo. The finnwolf is my favorite sako. I will buy another one some day.

I was not doubting a 375 shooting that well, as many have had very good results from them.

BTW, it seems the guy shooting the LC ammo in that Springfield said something about match parts and/or it being a match rifle - some of the components that help accuracy, and also IIRC, something like 'Navy Match?"

I don't know anything about those rifles, but going off recollection from '94-96.....it surprised me!

Never seem to hear of any bad Sock O's!

quote:

Originally posted :


I am curious why you (and others) think things went downhill, I just don't see it. Quality is comparbale to any of my older Sako's, with the possible exception of wood quality, but same barrels as before, and (I think maybe what some folks don't like in the new actions) the shorter bolt lift is good IMO, and the box magazines are as good or better, the actions feed flawlessly, just like the old ones, and I like the stock designs a lot better--as do most folks who just weigh in on stock design--look at the McMillan web site, the Sako 75 stock design is one of the best, and they sell a TON of them for all kinds of action....I do love my older Sako's, but wish they had some of the features of the newer actions.

.

I can only speak for myself, but here goes.

I very much like the older Sakos, including both the "pure" Sakos and the many 1950-60s Browning/Marlin/Colt and others Sako hybrids.

When I began disliking them was in 1972/73. In Canada at least Sako flogged a bunch of them as "clearouts"...I believe concurrent to a model change. Anyway, I bought one NIB in .25-06 and took it home tickled pink to have it at a price under $200 including scope rings.

After about two weeks of working with it, I flogged it off. I didn't take it back because it was about 650 miles to the gun shop. It was a total loss as far as a working rifle. First, that rifle was one of the most inaccurate of any brand that I have ever owned, not even a 2.5 MOA gun. Second, the bolt would freeze shut with ANY load which even met .250-3000 velocity standards. Top velocity was about 2,800 fps (or less!) with 87 gr. bullets!! Additionaly, when I got it home where I could compare it with my other Sakos, I noticed that the wood was not as nicely finished, was "squarer" in profile (not as much work put in on getting it into the profile I had come to expect in Sakos), the finish was much thicker, lumpier, and not rubbed in at all. The metal work had a more or less decent blue/black for a factory gun, but the polishing under that blue was not nearly the quality of my earlier Sakos. The blue itself was not really a "blue" colour such as on my earlier Sakos either.

Well, anyway, that kind of soured me on the new ones. Then years later when living in Calgary I tried again. I bought what was certainly the first TRG I ever heard of having arrived in Canada, a .308 chambered one. It shot decently, but not really well for the cost and reputation....maybe an average groups size of 1.33 or so inches.

I have no idea what new Sakos look like now in respect of quality because at that point I gave up on them. I didn't like the idea of paying a premium price for a gun which didn't perform any better than, or even as well as, a Remington 700.

I still like older Sakos very much, and about at least once a year try to find an ANIB older one (pre-1970) around that I can buy. They cost more than the new ones now, but they are worth a lot more to me.



I feel the same way about Ruger No. 1s and Brnos too, so maybe the concept of fine factory-performed workmanship just finally went away all over the world at about the same time.

If you guys have had other experiences, I'm glad you have. I'm just relating mine and how they affected my views.

Best wishes, AC

Canuck,that is interesting intel. I can tell you, that a lot of folks consider the older Sako's to be the very years in which you began your dislike--which by the way, represent some of the model years for which I don't like a Sako or two. Most 'detractors' rail against the post Beretta models, which include the M-75 and M-85 actions, IME. Also, IME these are fine actions and fine rifles. I have never heard of a TRG that shot poorly when produced Post '80, again, supporting my 'the new ones are good' thought process.

Thanks for sharing your views!

Man there is a lot of good info being posted here. Thanks for your responces guys. I have learned a lot about my beloved Sakos I did not know before. So far I have had great results with mine. But that is only two rifles.
Sorry to hear there are bad rifles out that that bear the Sako name!
MM

You ought to PM "stonecreek" as he is a big Sako fan and has a bit of a collection.

Howdy,

I've yet to achieve the greatness exhibited here, but I have been molding the innards of the safe to a more scandinavian motif. I recently sold a safari grade to a gent that had been scouring the boards for one. I in turn have been determined to not let those funds just "disappear" into the diesel dodge or fridge. So hear are a few shots of my sako stable and a couple that I'm in the process of acquiring. The .243 classic should be here tomorrow, the .338 probably around mid month. the only one I don't have a shot of is the 7mm rem mag classic that is in a McMillan Hunter stock, as I haven't been able to "weather" that stock in the photos. The .17 has accounted for many coyotes and rockchucks.

What should I put on the .243? Thinking 6x42 leupold with LR reticle. I've got 4.5 x 14 leupolds on everything else, the .338 will too. I'm going to try to save the .243 for my son's 16th birthday...10 years away.

I tend to agree with Ray on his preferences, but don't consider the newer models junk, just not for me.

Safari Grade

.17 rem vixen


7 mag classic


New purchases .243 classic NIB


.338 win mag (only 17 shots down range(

and I recently got burned on GA on a 6 PPC deluxe that I still drool over. Sold out from under me, dangit.

I don't like the new Sako rifles..I love the old Sako L series rifles and even the later A series, thats about it for me...The bean counters at Sako with all their engineering genius from school really screwed up a fine rifle in the name of money!! but hey they ain't the first to screw up that way....