Sako 85 6.5x55

[neoinarien]

Looking for a new rifle, not enough money to go custom. It will be a jack of all trades, hunting (deer, hogs, anywhere from 50 to 300 yards) and shooting at the range out to 600 yards. I do reload and love my 6.5x55.

I'm thinking about the sako 85 in 6.5x55 finnlight (synthetic/stainless).

Thoughts?

I'm thinking about just getting a tikka in the same caliber, or a FNH 7-08 m70 or something else (non-remington).

 

[fdkay]

Re: Sako 85 6.5x55

I believe that CZ is making one in 6.5x55 also.

 

[MinorDamage]

Re: Sako 85 6.5x55

I would get a Tikka before the Sako. I own a TRG, but for the type of rifle you describe, the Tikka will do everything you need. They are silly accurate and the aftermarket is starting to come around on them.

However, if you have the money and want the Sako...try to get a Sako 75. They bill the 85 as controlled round feed, but it does not function like a true controlled round feed. Plus, the 75 could be found for a bit less and still gives you all the features that it looks like you require.

All in all, the Fins build a wonderful rifle and I would not trade my TRG for anything. The Tikka should be just as accurate and has the ability to upgrade things like stocks, bottom metals, etc. You can save a grand or more by going the Tikka route. I think it is the best bang for the buck hunting rifle out there.

Josh

 

[Will Fennell]

Re: Sako 85 6.5x55

I've got a TRG22, a TIkka in 6.5x55, and SAKO .260's in both 75 and 85 actions. For the purpose stated by the OP, I would prefer my SAKO/85/260 Greywolf, but that is just me...

For the $$$$$'s, I would take my TIKKA T3 in 6.5x55mm and never feel underguned....my T3/6.5x55 is a dream to shoot, and prints tiny little groups. If you already have a 6.5x55, you already know how well they kill.......

 

[bowslngr]

Re: Sako 85 6.5x55

Have you considered the new T/C Incon in 6.5 Creedmoor? I am pretty convinced that I will be buying one soon.

 

[Bevan]

Re: Sako 85 6.5x55

BUY


get the standard S/S thought not the finnlight. Just because I don't like fluted barrels, no other reason.


A friend has one and it's a tackdriver.

 

[proneshooter]

Re: Sako 85 6.5x55

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MinorDamage</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They bill the 85 as controlled round feed, but it does not function like a true controlled round feed. </div></div>
Are you saying this because you've worked an 85 and it failed to capture the cartridge as soon as it came out of the magazine or are you saying this because the bolt is not a copy of a Mauser 98 or Winchester Model 70?

The definition of controlled round feeding is a system where the bolt's extractor captures the cartridge by the rim as the cartridge comes out of the magazine lips to the point where the cartridge is fully engaged the moment it leaves the magazine lips completely.

It does NOT mean that the bolt has to have an external extractor substantially similar to a Mauser 98.

It is a question of function, not appearances.

 

[MinorDamage]

Re: Sako 85 6.5x55

Proneshooter,

I never said it had to have an extractor similar to the mauser. However, it does need to function as such. I fooled around with one at the range and it is apparent the difference. Chuck Hawks explains it as good or better than I can:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chuckhawks.com</div><div class="ubbcode-body">To briefly cover the new features of the new Sako 85 action, let's start with controlled-round feeding. We reviewed a Sako 85 Hunter in depth (see the Product Review Page) and found that the Sako 85 version of controlled feed lacks the advantages of a true controlled feed action. This action does not have a full-length extractor on the Mauser 98 pattern. The 85's bolt head mounted extractor is much smaller than the full-length extractors on a Mauser 98 and takes a smaller bite on the case rim. <span style="font-weight: bold">If you close the Sako's bolt about half way (until you hear the next cartridge in the magazine click up, ready to be fed) and then pull the bolt back and try to close it again, it will jam the rifle by attempting to double feed.</span>

<span style="font-weight: bold">A true controlled feed action, in that situation, holds onto the first cartridge until the bolt is completely withdrawn and it is ejected. If the bolt is run forward again while still holding the first cartridge, the extractor keeps it in place and guides it into the chamber, preventing the bolt from attempting to pick-up the second cartridge and preventing a double feed jam.</span>

Nor does the Sako 85 guide a fresh cartridge into the chamber like a controlled feed action. It simply pushes it forward and into the chamber like any push feed action. It is not until about the last 1/4" of forward bolt travel that the Sako's extractor actually gets a firm grip on the case rim. By that time the cartridge is almost all the way into the chamber anyway, so being "controlled" at that late stage is pointless.</div></div>

Like I said, I own a Sako and think they are one of the best rifles out there. However, if CRF is a criteria that is putting the decision in favor of the Sako, the OP may want to reevaluate or get the Sako 75 at a discounted price.

Josh

 

[Bevan]

Re: Sako 85 6.5x55

Uh the 75 isn't controlled feed and the action is significantly heavier than the 85, something tells me that weight is a factor here since he's looking at a finnlight

 

[MinorDamage]

Re: Sako 85 6.5x55

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bevan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Uh the 75 isn't controlled feed and the action is significantly heavier than the 85, something tells me that weight is a factor here since he's looking at a finnlight </div></div>

I realize that about CRF. Hence why I said if CRF is not the deciding point, he should look into the 75. Also, the Sako 75 and 85 in the finnlight trim are within 1/4 pound of each other. Hardly "significantly heavier".

Josh

 

[Bevan]

Re: Sako 85 6.5x55

Yeah but the 85 finnlight has 3.5" more barrel than the 75 finnlight

 

[Bevan]

Re: Sako 85 6.5x55

The 85 standard s/s is lighter than the 75 finnlight


my 75 is a heavy bitch compared to my mates 85, or was til I stuck it in a McM EDGE stock.... compare the actions side by side and you can see the 75 has a lot more metal in it, the 85 has been 'shaved' in non-critical areas (sides of boltshroud etc) that lighten the action a lot

 

[proneshooter]

Re: Sako 85 6.5x55

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MinorDamage</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Proneshooter,

I never said it had to have an extractor similar to the mauser. However, it does need to function as such. I fooled around with one at the range and it is apparent the difference. Chuck Hawks explains it as good or better than I can:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chuckhawks.com</div><div class="ubbcode-body">To briefly cover the new features of the new Sako 85 action, let's start with controlled-round feeding. We reviewed a Sako 85 Hunter in depth (see the Product Review Page) and found that the Sako 85 version of controlled feed lacks the advantages of a true controlled feed action. This action does not have a full-length extractor on the Mauser 98 pattern. The 85's bolt head mounted extractor is much smaller than the full-length extractors on a Mauser 98 and takes a smaller bite on the case rim. <span style="font-weight: bold">If you close the Sako's bolt about half way (until you hear the next cartridge in the magazine click up, ready to be fed) and then pull the bolt back and try to close it again, it will jam the rifle by attempting to double feed.</span>

<span style="font-weight: bold">A true controlled feed action, in that situation, holds onto the first cartridge until the bolt is completely withdrawn and it is ejected. If the bolt is run forward again while still holding the first cartridge, the extractor keeps it in place and guides it into the chamber, preventing the bolt from attempting to pick-up the second cartridge and preventing a double feed jam.</span>

Nor does the Sako 85 guide a fresh cartridge into the chamber like a controlled feed action. It simply pushes it forward and into the chamber like any push feed action. It is not until about the last 1/4" of forward bolt travel that the Sako's extractor actually gets a firm grip on the case rim. By that time the cartridge is almost all the way into the chamber anyway, so being "controlled" at that late stage is pointless.</div></div>

Like I said, I own a Sako and think they are one of the best rifles out there. However, if CRF is a criteria that is putting the decision in favor of the Sako, the OP may want to reevaluate or get the Sako 75 at a discounted price.

Josh </div></div>
Roger. Concur. The design fails to work as a CRF.

 

[neoinarien]

Re: Sako 85 6.5x55

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bevan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yeah but the 85 finnlight has 3.5" more barrel than the 75 finnlight </div></div>

Yeah, I'm a bit confused on this.

I've seen listed a few sites online that the 85 in finnlight, 6.5x55 has a 24" barrel (24 and 3/8s I believe offhand).

But when I go to the Sako website, it says that the length is 22" (22 and 7/16s).
http://www.sako.fi/pdf/specs/85Finnlight.pdf
http://www.sako.fi/pdf/datatables/SakoRiflesDatatable.pdf


So I'm guessing that the barrel length on it would be 22 and 7/16s, but I see it as 24 on sites and now here.

Which is it?

 

[neoinarien]

Re: Sako 85 6.5x55

And yes: I have looked at the Sako 75 (and have been for a LONG time too). I prefer fixed ejector blades, so it fits the bill there (and hence one of my concerns about the Tikka, along with the closed top and desire to take out a lot of the plastic parts).

But finding one in great shape or NIB in 6.5x55, finnlight... yeesh.

 

[Bevan]

Re: Sako 85 6.5x55

75 finnlight is 20" barrel and still heavier than the standard 85 sako s/s


I will get the actual barrel length of the 6.5x55 85 finnlight for you today, I will get my mate to measure his... I think it is 23.5" or so

 

[neoinarien]

Re: Sako 85 6.5x55

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bevan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">75 finnlight is 20" barrel and still heavier than the standard 85 sako s/s


I will get the actual barrel length of the 6.5x55 85 finnlight for you today, I will get my mate to measure his... I think it is 23.5" or so </div></div>

Thanks!

I'm expecting 22 and 3/8s on the 85.

 

[MinorDamage]

Re: Sako 85 6.5x55

Bevan,

I glossed over the barrel specs. Thanks for the heads up.

Josh

 

[Bevan]

Re: Sako 85 6.5x55

Looks like it is "22 and a bit" for the 85 finnlight