Can anyone give me some info and advice about Sako rifles in general? Things like quality of wood, metal to wood fit, accuracy type of magazine, funtionability, smoothness of bolt etc .etc. plus overall looks of rifle. I'm thinking about a model 85 hunter with walnut stock and blued action and barrel.There are no shops in my area that have any Sako's in stock to look at.Any help would be appreciated.
ps . thinking 7mm-08
Thanks Steve

I am a huge Sako fan, owning a couple of dozen of them to the exclusion of almost every other make of rifle.

That said, there is little to recommend the current production of Sakos over any other quality rifle. The action of the 85, while very serviceable and innovative in ways, is nothing to compare to the old L-series. Nor do I care particularly for the stock design and overall appearance. They are said to be accurate, which I'm sure they are, but they are also priced well above other rifles of comparable quality.

If I were shopping for a NEW high-quality rifle that is value-priced, I think I would look very closely at the Kimber 84/8400. Of course, the last time I bought a new rifle was . . . can't remember exactly when, but I don't think I had to fill out a "yellow sheet".

I know this will be viewed by many as a "cookoo clock" suggestion, but I recommend you alter entirely the way you decide on rifles. It is is NOT meant as a criticism, just a friendly suggestion.

I suggest you start attending some gun shows, if you are not already. I am not suggesting you buy at a gun show, but use it as an opportunity which corresponds with the original purpose of gun shows...to see and learn about different types of guns. (You know, in the old days selling wasn't even allowed at the better shows...a gun show was considered an educational effort for the general public by the clubs which put the shows on. Later they added "trade tables" at an increased price over "display" tables. But, with some tables selling and others not, keeping track of who was selling and who had paid for a trade table and who had not, they finally threw their hands up in the air and let everyone sell. That is why so many shows have deteriorated to the "flea markets" many have now become.)


Anyway, by going to a variety of gun shows, it will not take too long to decide what appeals to you. You can inspect fit, finish, features, trigger pulls, etc. for yourself, and see what rows your boat and what doesn't.

That will save you many dollars over the years, which might otherwise have been spent on guns which sounded nice and were highly recommended (or hyped), but didn't really fit your personal tastes, and would not do the best work for you.

As for Sakos, they are sound enough rifles, and I still personally have a few (5 or 6). But, they have never really turned my crank to anything like the degree they do with some folks. Personally I much prefer traditional commercial Mausers made in Germany, or Belgium, or even at better "names" which were assembled in Great Britain. That is NOT bad-mouthing Sakos, just saying that they really aren't my first choices over all.

They might not be yours either, if you "hands-on" compared them with a lot of the other stuff out there.

Secondly, regardless what model and make of rifle you decide you prefer, I'd recommend looking primarily for a really good condition used rifle, at shows, in gun shop used racks, wherever you can see guns for sale. It may take longer to find, but you can probably end up with better fit and finish and better wood, for less money, if you are a bit patient.

And, of course, after doing both the above, you may find that you really do prefer the current "new" rifles. In that case you can feel quite secure when you buy one that you are really getting what you want and won't end up with a burning case of buyer's remorse.

Best of luck, whichever way you go...

Stonecreek....I was just thinking myself this morning about the Kimber 84 and the Sako 85 in 7-08 for a all around light cal. rifle except in stainless...
I agree with you that the Sako is pricey, maybe even overpriced...
Like alaskamaryann I don't have access to these rifles except through mail-order and I am wondering why you find the L-series superior to the new 85's?...any thoughts on the 75's?
Thanks for your reply..

Low Wall,

I find the L-series rifles preferable to the newer ones for much the same reasons as Albert above likes the Eurpean Mausers in preference to the Sakos. It is their more traditional action and feel, I suppose. Just as the L-series Sako is in many ways a modernized and updated Mauser, that, as far as Albert is concerned lost some of its charm in the modernization, the 75 and 85 seem to me to be updated L-Sakos that have lost something in translation.

I definately do not care for the dull and rather opaque finish on the Hunter (standard) stocks, nor the rather pedestrian blue on this model. I realize these are more in vogue these days, but they just don't fit my ideals.

I happened to purchase a Kimber 8400 simply because the seller was so unreasonably reasonable on his price that I couldn't pass it up. Although I have only given it a cursory work out from the bench, I am impressed with its quality wood, sound and slick action, and apparent top notch accuracy. It has severely classic lines and is outstandingly trim with no excess weight or bulk. I'm guessing that you can buy one for perhaps a little less than the standard grade Sako 75, so it appears to be the better buy.

But back to the Sakos. You can usually find a mint L-series gun for quite a bit less than a Sako 75/85. To me, there's just no value comparison, especially when you save a couple of hundred dollars on the L.

I have umpteen Sako rifles mostly 75s I only have one 85 and it is a 338 Federal and other than the lack of a palm swell I have no complaints and actually prefer the oil finish on the stock of the 85 as for the accuracy any Sako that does not shoot at least good strait out of the box are few and far between.

I'm the odd man out here I guess, I like my (4) sako 75's better than the old models, which in their own right are great rifles. I just happen to like the detachable mag, palm swell and the lower bolt lift of the 75 and the stock fits me better. Best bet is find some to look at in person. One thing almost all sakos shoot well and usually have excellent fit and finish.I think the 85 is a nice rig. I've been through many brands of rifles and always come back to sakos as my fav.

IMO Sako screwed the pooch with the demise of the grand L series of rifles, its been a downhill fall ever since..but then I like the pre 64 M-70s and 98 Mausers also..My generation was into workmanship.

Ray, please explain the lack of "workmanship" on my sako 75's

sako L579 forester deluxe,drop dead beautiful and deadly.

Here's a 200yd group from my M-75 300 Ultra:



Here's a typical clean bore group at 200yds from my M-75 Finnlite 300 WSM:



Here's a 300yd group from my M-75 Finnlite 270 WSM:





Geez, they aren't "L" models but I think that I'll keep them.

The newer Sako's M-75's and M-85's are superb rifles and are definately a nice step up from your average Savage, Ruger or Remington. Out of the box they just flat out shoot. They are guaranteed to shoot a 5 shot 1" group at 100yds before they leave the factory. They have superb triggers. They are smoother than just about any other current factory rifle save the Sauer 202.
I have a couple older Sako's also and they too are fine rifles, though I find the new ones to have better triggers and smoother bolts.

I'm particularly fond of the Finnlites as they are a little lighter weight and handle really well. The synthetic stock on the M-85's looks a little funny to me but it fits pretty well. The Wood stocks on the M-85's are quite nice, straight classic design which I prefer, crisp checkering and nicely detailed cheekpeice. I think they are one of the best out of the box factory guns you can buy today............................DJ

I have owned a lot of rifles and ended up buying only Sako's.

The shoot like a dream out of the box.

Older Sako's is better ?

Human eye is better than cnc machine ?

If you wan't a shooter - Buy a Sako 85 (or any other Sako they all seem to work)

quote:

Originally posted :
Human eye is better than cnc machine ?

Sometimes the human eye is definitely better than a CNC machine. It still all depends on the skill and the experience of the operators. For instance, I would rather have a George Schoyen or Harry Pope barrel on a schuetzen rifle than any mass production cnc-cut barrel out there.

And just to add a bit of fuel to the incipient flames, I believe that sometimes "feel" is even better than the human eye.

Anyway, no one criticized any age of Sakos anywhere in this thread...just stated their own personal preferences.

My post, for instance, was just to emphasize that there is a lot more to a favourite rifle than accuracy on paper, cost, or what someone else thinks of them. It is always best to study, look at, handle, if possible try out, and compare things in their finite form before one buys - whether cars, guns, whiskey, or for that matter, wives.

Luckily, not everyone will want exactly the same item.

quote:

Originally posted by Freewind:


Older Sako's is better ?

Human eye is better than cnc machine ?

If you wan't a shooter - Buy a Sako 85 (or any other Sako they all seem to work)

I like that Freewind! Human eye better than a CNC, I actually think that means a lot. Current production rifles often incorporate technology that makes them damn superior technically, and is something you may or can't get in 10 or more year older rifles.

Some folks like older often, just cause that's what feels comfortable to them. Machined feed rails are a reason to like a rifle technically--pre 64 Win, SHIT gas handling is a technical reason not to like one--also pre 64 Win.

Wood ain't what it used to be for anybody. I don't like the semi transparent stain they use on most rifles now, inclduing my Sako 85's and 75's. I have a bunch of both. I have refinished many, and I'm not very talented in that arena, but they look better to me now than when they had their bone stock factory finish. Having said that, Sako's out of the box kick the crap out of about anything else in fit and finish and performance, until you take a big leap in price, such as the Sauer rifles. See DJ's comments. Kimbers are nice, but it ain't no secrety that their quality is hit and miss. The second best rifle IME in the 'around a grand' category. Straight out of the box, Sako's are definitely more consistent than Kimbers, with less work for sure. I have both and like both.

Older mausers and such make great rifles, no doubt. It's a different beast than current production rifles, and it just ain't the same as buying a high quality current production firearm. IME, the Sako is the best of the best in this arena. Some semi-custom shops like Ed Brown are probably comparable, but far more expensive, same with several others.

Buy a Sako 85 and never look back. They flat out shoot, and function smoothly and relianbly right out of the box.

Since you're looking for a Sako 85 wood/blued, here's a pic of my .270.

I own 4 other Sako's.. an L57, L579 and 2 75's. At first I was disappointed in the 85. The stock finish is dull... the blue not shiny and polished.

Yes, the older Sako's appear to be more nicely finished... but tell you what, this 85 shines at the range. I'm a mediocre shot at best, but found 2 of the 4 factory loads I tried shot into 3/4" groups, first time out.

It's a keeper. Good luck... Rob

Robco, whats your rig weigh?

Handwerk... I don't trust my bathroom scale (all I have!) which reads 8.5+ lbs.

The Sako website lists the Sako 85 (.270 wood Hunter) at 7 lbs 4 oz and the same Sako 75 at 7 lbs 15 oz.... almost 3/4 lb difference ! I believe it... those 75's are heavy.

The Zeiss 3x9 Conquest is 15 oz. Not sure about the original Sako medium rings, but they are lighter than Optilocks.

I will say my Sako 85 scoped as pictured carries and balances better than my Sako 75 wood hunter... unscoped !

Hope this helps... Rob

I am a huge fan of the Sako A & L series, but can't bring myself to accept the 75 & 85. I had two 75s (22-250/416) and traded both. To me they just don't have the same feel of quality as the earlier Sakos, but that's just my opinion. Lou

What is a reasonable price for a pre Garcia Sako Forester in .308? I have handled one in .243 the gun felt a bit on the heavy side but it was selling for $800 US. I was thinking if you put a McMillan Edge stock on one it might bring the weight down, if you had to you could screw a new barrel on it as well.

I got hold of a Sako in the early 70`s. Seemed like a nicely built rifle plus it was a .243.
It had one problem, the cases split for what ever reason(was using Remington ammo I believe) so off it went to a new owner .....
with the case problem dis-closed.

I've had Sakos since the 1980's they have never let me down in some trying conditions. Lots of dust semi arid country with high temps up to 46 centigrade. In and out of the pickup walking around. They have good scope mounts too.
I've got 17 Rem, 223 Rem, 270 Win and 308 Win. A lot of my mates use them as well.

I have a Sako AV and a 75....i like both very well. I will upgrade more of my rifle's to this level of quality when I can, but I don't see myself settling for less. Great accuracy, great triggers, reliable function....

You could do much worse.

Cheers,

Dan

I have a Sako TRG 42. Not very similar to the other Sakos, but it i a great rifle. The bolt is really smooth and the accuracy is great. I wouldn't know about the metal to wood interface, the TRG is all plastic. Tikkas come form the same factory, they are just cheap Sakos, and the interface in them is pretty good. I would expect that it would be even better in the full price 85

I hope you are watching this AM. Some good info here. I agree with the Canuck on some things. This is one. Education about the different models can be had for a small price at gun shows. Even if it is what you don't want to own. Good luck in your quest. Packy

quote:

Originally posted by alaskamaryann:
Can anyone give me some info and advice about Sako rifles in general? Things like quality of wood, metal to wood fit, accuracy type of magazine, funtionability, smoothness of bolt etc .etc. plus overall looks of rifle. I'm thinking about a model 85 hunter with walnut stock and blued action and barrel.There are no shops in my area that have any Sako's in stock to look at.Any help would be appreciated.
ps . thinking 7mm-08
Thanks Steve

Steve...are you a cross-dresser?