Years ago I used to see this action as one highly preferred by those that were having a gun custom made. Is it true that it was (or is) more higly regarded than other actions made by Sako? How does this action compare to other options more readily available on the market? Are some gun makers still using this action when they can find it?

This is my opinion only but, I would prefer the A5 over any of the newer SAKO's. I believe that anything they have done to the subsequent models was only done to help with production and not esthetics or functionality. Oh, by the way, did I mention I am extremely conservative in my tastes.

quote:

Originally posted by Masterifleman:
...I would prefer the A5 over any of the newer SAKO's. I believe that anything they have done to the subsequent models was only done to help with production and not esthetics or functionality.

+1!

The A5 actions used to be sold by Brownells for not that much more than a M700 action. That was a steal - sadly I only got one at the time. These days, they are hard to come by, and you often have to cannibalize a gun to get the action.

It is a very well built and very slick action - probably its greatest plus. The trigger is great - unless you are looking for a "target type" (sub-1 lbs) pull weight, in which case you are out of luck. I live with the safety, but that is about as positive as I can get about that part ...

Nice action, all in all. Great platform for a nice custom rifle.

- mike

I did have a custom gun made in 1990 that has a an AV action and still use the gun a lot. I've been thinking of getting another custom gun made and have not looked into what options are now on the market. I do have a couple of other later model Sakos and so I'm very familiar with their comfort and design. I'm now trying to to decide if I should go with another Sako action or consider something else.

It is still the best action out there. The A-III had a sli9ghtly better trigger, but its tang is pretty short. The Model 75 isn't too bad, but the model 85 is just plain awful.

quote:

Originally posted by lawndart:
It is still the best action out there. The A-III had a sli9ghtly better trigger, but its tang is pretty short. The Model 75 isn't too bad, but the model 85 is just plain awful.

If you wanted to find one for a new custom project, where would you look?

They are fine actions in my book!

Go for it, and most importantly post pics of it here when she is done.

quote:

If you wanted to find one for a new custom project, where would you look

Used gun racks, gun broker.com, guns america, etc.

Try an add in the classifieds here.

Good luck.