I am actually considering buying a factory rifle for the first time in many years.I have been offered a new unfired sako 85 stainless laminate with rings and bases in 7mmremmag for a great price,and I would like to hear from sako 85 owners as to their opinions on their rifles.

I have a new 85 Hunter in 25-06. I can't tell you too much as I haven't fired it yet, waiting for a broken collar bone to heal. I have found that when cycling cartridges that I will get the occasional jam if I don't do it with great enthusiasm. Perhaps I am just spoiled by the CRF of my classic M70 but I don't really consider this a controlled round feed as Sako advertises. The fit and finish are nice though.

Stubblejumper, I have a 85 Hunter Walnut in 25-06 and it shoots fantastic. Cavedoc when I first picked up my 85 in the summer of 07 I would get an occasional hangup from the right side, I called Berretta and they took the gun back and replaced the detachable magazine with a "new design". This thing feeds like butter, I have 4 Model 70 Classics and this Sako is right htere with them.

Stubble, The Sako 85's are great rifles. If you find one at a great price you'll be glad you bought it and mad at yourself if you don't.

The Laminated stock is heavier than the other options but is pretty weatherproof. I hunted mine in the rain with zero problems................................DJ

I am well aware that the laminate is heavier,but I hate the factory synthetic stock.If I really like the rifle,it will eventually get a Mcmillan stock.

You might find that you like the feel of the laminate. They are "warmer" than synthetics, almost like std. Walnut stocks.
One of these days I might take off the buttpad and see about loosing some weight out off the Laminate stock (or maybe just buy a McMillan) .................DJ

It is a great rifle, if it's a great deal I'd do it for sure! I have several 85's and they are all very accurate, a couple are scary good.

The laminate on the 5 action which is what a 7 mag will be on is definitely a heavy rascal, but very stable, and helps tame recoil a bit.

I have restocked a few with McMillans, they do an Edge stock that will fit, and that will make it a MUCH lighter rig. If you go with the standard stock, it isn't a huge difference.

Good Luck

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I have restocked a few with McMillans, they do and Edge stock that will fit, and that will make it a MUCH lighter rig. If you go with the standard stock, it isn't a huge difference.

I don't like really light rifles,and due to retina issues,I want to keep recoil down.

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Originally posted by stubblejumper:

I don't like really light rifles,and due to retina issues,I want to keep recoil down.

Then I'd just stick with the laminate, and if you want to trim a few ounces, drill a few holes in the butt and fore-end

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Then I'd just stick with the laminate, and if you want to trim a few ounces, drill a few holes in the butt and fore-end

And a heavier fill sako hunter by Mcmillan with a decellerator installed,would be the ultimate.

My suggestion is to flute the factory barrel. I did on my Sako m75ss 300WM-love it . I have had this rifle new since 1998. I was a one rifle guys up to 2004, now the Sako m75 collection has gotten bigger along with a few Tikka T3 LS rifles.

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My suggestion is to flute the factory barrel.

Apparently you missed my earlier post.

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I don't like really light rifles,and due to retina issues,I want to keep recoil down

I am looking at the laminate stock to make the gun heavier.

got you, sorry

I've got a stainless synthetic in .308. I love it. Shoots great and I don't need to worry about it in the weather.

I've been thinking of picking up a laminate version in a standard length action to re-barrel into a .338-06.

-nosualc

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Originally posted by nosualc:
I've been thinking of picking up a laminate version in a standard length action to re-barrel into a .338-06.

-nosualc

You either need a Sako m75 rifle in a "IV" action or a Sako m85 in the "Medium" action to do your 338-06 build. It took me awhile but I finally found a new m75 Greywolf 25-06 to do my project rifle on (338-06AI). Seen a few used Greywolf m75 rilfes in 30-06 but I got the new rifle for less than what people wanted for their used.


As for the heavier rifle, thats why I waited the addtional year to get a Tikka T3 laminate stainless 270WSM over then SS version. The stock of the T3 synthetic I do not care for. If it was a Sako m75 different story. I Sako would of had the Greywolf out, I would of definately bought it but it was another year away then.

Mighty Peace,

I agree with your reasoning entirely. For this rifle I'd like the heavier laminated stock.

I've been looking for a 25-06, 270 or 30-06, with a decent price (so far no luck). Unless you want to part with yours ;-)

-nosualc

ps - sorry for highjack sj.

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It took me awhile but I finally found a new m75 Greywolf 25-06 to do my project rifle on (338-06AI). Seen a few used Greywolf m75 rilfes in 30-06 but I got the e rifle for less than what people wanted for their used.

If I could find a 25-06 stainless/synthetic or laminate in Canada for a great price,it would soon become a 280,and I would not bother with a 7mmremag at all.Unfortunately,all the great deals are on 260s.

I'll keep my I open or you stubblejumper. There are a few gun shows in the next couple weeks around where I live. Does it have to be a 25-06 or any caliber (25-06, 270, 30-06, 6.5x55, 9.3x62)with the "IV" action in a m75 or "Medium" action (270, 25-06, 6.5x55, 30-06, 9.3x62, 9.3x66Sako)on the m85 rifle.


I seen Sako m75ss (Keylock Bolt) 30-06 with Leupold scope- I believe a Vari-X III asking $1499 in St. Albert. I dont know if its still here, but I could let you know.

My sako is a model 75 375H&H. That rifle puts all its bullets into 1" at 150yds. It has a walnut stock that fits me very well. Weather its
warm or cold bullet goes to point of aim.

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I'll keep my I open or you stubblejumper. There are a few gun shows in the next couple weeks around where I live. Does it have to be a 25-06 or any caliber (25-06, 270, 30-06, 6.5x55, 9.3x62)with the "IV" action in a m75 or "Medium" action (270, 25-06, 6.5x55, 30-06, 9.3x62, 9.3x66Sako)on the m85 rifle.


I seen Sako m75ss (Keylock Bolt) 30-06 with Leupold scope- I believe a Vari-X III asking $1499 in St. Albert. I dont know if its still here, but I could let you know.

Any suitable rifle will do.
As for the rifle in St Alberta,I talked to the owner on the phone,and he does not want to sell the gun without the scope,and he is not willing to drop the price.I have no use for the scope,so I will pass on that deal.
I have found a couple of sako 85 stainless/laminate rifles in 7mmremmag,and one 7mm-08 stainless/synthetic,and I am leaning toward purchasing one or the other.To tell you the truth,I think that I could live with a lighter 7mm-08 that has even less recoil.

Are thosethe rifles @ P & D Enterprises I seen listed?

Maybe another rifle to look at would be a Tikka T3 7mm-08 in a laminate stainless as save $800. My two T3 LS rifles in 270WSM are both great shooters. BUT SAKO gets my first vote for sure! If you are going synthetic, what about a Sako A7?? I never handled one yet. I personally prefer the model 75 stock anyways.

Good luck on your decision.

P&D doesn't have a stainless/laminate in 7mmremmag,or a stainless/synthetic in 7mm-08.Russells has the 7mmremmag,and Ellwood Epps has the 7mm-08.I am still waiting for Pud at Bashaw to get back to me,as I prefer to deal with him whenever I can.Tikka doesn't interest me at all.They are a great gun for the price,just not for me.I prefer the 75/85 to the A-7.When Pud gets back to me,I will make a decision and get things rolling.I am at home recovering from eye surgery right now,and I need something to look forward to when I fully recover.

Sorry but I beg to differ, I just rechecked their website and the have Sako m85 Greywolf 7mmRM and 7mm-08 and a m85 Finnlight 7mm-08.-updated as of April 7/09. (near bottom of link)

P & D Enterprises-Centrefire Rifles

I understand how a person likes to deal with a person they know and have purchased from before. P&D has treated me pretty good so I like to recommend them or Corlanes in Dawson Creek.

Speedy recovery wishes from your surgery.

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Sorry but I beg to differ, I just rechecked their website and the have Sako m85 Greywolf 7mmRM and 7mm-08 and a m85 Finnlight 7mm-08.-updated as of April 7/09. (near bottom of link)

Right you are,I checked their site late yesterday and they didn't have a Greywolf in 7mmremmag listed.It's in bold so it is a new arrival.They still don't have a stainless/synthetic in 7mm-08 listed.Pud doesn't have either gun in stock,so it looks as though I will likely be giving P&D a call very soon.

I think its a Finnlight model...I guess you dont want a lighter rifle since its a fluted barrel.

HAve fun with your new purchase

If you like the 85 in grey laminate/ss they are on gunsamerica now for $750ish (IE half price) if you want it in .338 Federal as Sako is discontinuing them.

I seen those on GunsAmerica too. For us, we need someoe that will import the rifle into Canada. There are a few guys but it costs about another $300, then add our GST. If a person can get it for a good price then it makes sense to do the importing.

MP, if you vist one of us bretheren here in the states, and we were to give you a rifle like you described as a gift, what does Canada do to you when you bring it home??

Just curious.

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MP, if you vist one of us bretheren here in the states, and we were to give you a rifle like you described as a gift, what does Canada do to you when you bring it home??

If you try to bring a firearm across the border into Canada without an import permit,the Canadian authorities will likely seize the gun or worse.If the U.S. authorities catch you trying to export a firearm out of the U.S.A. without an export permit,they will likely arrest you,seize the gun,and you will likely never again be allowed to visit the U.S.A.