Sako 85 for a hunting rifle?

[skl1]

Anybody have one of these or have any comments on the rifle/action? I had a Sako 75 (that lots of folks just love), but mine only shot okay and the stock was way too big and bulky. In fact, I thought about cutting out about half the thickness of the rollover cheekpiece to use as a surfboard.

But I'm looking at the Sako 85 Bavarian and hunter models and they really look great. I'm thinking of giving Sako another try.

I've seen some reviews from when they first came out that weren't happy with extraction and ejection, particularly of WSM's. Also some mis-machined scope dovetails. And not as accurate as Sako's reputation. Anybody got one they love? Or hate?

 

[TurdFerguson]

I had an A7 for a while. It was the bridge between tikka and the 85. A lot of the parts were interchangeable. I liked it, faily accurate and reliable. The mags weren't great but you'll have a metal mag with the 85 so it should be fine. Finding replacement parts was hell. Check out sakocollecters.com and you should get some info on it. Cool website but they are hard on the newer sakos. Similarly to how Remington is treated around here.

 

[DJL2]

Honestly? I feel like the Tikka T3 is a straight up better design unless you’re gonna run a cartridge long enough the the limited COL possible in a Tikka is an issue.

Sako gives you a lot of nice, classy touches...they’re just lost on me.

 

[CerebralDistortion]

The 85 is a really nice hunting rifle.

Problems that have occurred is if you fit a scope with tall (or in the wrong position) turrets. Other than that the faults you describe is what I know as well.

I preferr the older A-series, but they are big and heavy in comparison.

An 85 with Optilocks are not a bad hunting rifle. Sako have a 5 shot moa guarantee compared to the Tikka 3 shot.

 

[acourvil]

I have a hunting rifle with a Sako 85 long action (300WM). Great action, never had any problem with extraction or ejection, or eith the scope rail. It is a bit harder to get the right rings/scope setup than with a pic rail, but you only have to do it once.

 

[skl1]

Farmall, I know what you mean about newer models getting run down on that Sako site like Remington's get run down here. And on hunting sites I visit it's sacrilege to suggest anything has an advantage over a 98 Mauser or a Winchester model 70. Funny how the group think goes on various sites.

I had an A7 for a while. It was the bridge between tikka and the 85. A lot of the parts were interchangeable. I liked it, faily accurate and reliable. The mags weren't great but you'll have a metal mag with the 85 so it should be fine. Finding replacement parts was hell. Check out sakocollecters.com and you should get some info on it. Cool website but they are hard on the newer sakos. Similarly to how Remington is treated around here.

 

[skl1]

Honestly? I feel like the Tikka T3 is a straight up better design unless you’re gonna run a cartridge long enough the the limited COL possible in a Tikka is an issue.

Sako gives you a lot of nice, classy touches...they’re just lost on me.

DJL2,

Yes, I've considered Tikka. Really hate the plastic mags (had an early failure and the replacement was a quarter the cost of the rifle). Lots of other cheap plastic parts (bottom metal changed to steel now, or still plastic?). Bolt release. Not in love with the Sako extractor for either the Tikka or the Sako, though with the 90 degree 2 lug Tikka, I think it's a little easier to blow back out at the shooter. Don't love the dovetail bolt handle attachment. Still, love the ergo's of the stock shape and they're almost always accurate and the cheaper construction is sort of reflected in the price.

Still, since they have that "foreign" mystique, you pay more than for a Ruger American or a Savage. But I think they're finished a little better than the US-based budget designs. And they have a great trigger! Still might go that route.

 

[DJL2]

I know what you mean. I have no use at all for most factory stocks, so I think in terms of aftermarket options. I’m also not an especially adept “gun smif”, so I consider how hard it will be to bed, modify, etc.

I love the style of classic Sako rifles and I’d be hella happy to have one made to spec.

 

[CerebralDistortion]

DJL2,

Yes, I've considered Tikka. Really hate the plastic mags (had an early failure and the replacement was a quarter the cost of the rifle). Lots of other cheap plastic parts (bottom metal changed to steel now, or still plastic?). Bolt release. Not in love with the Sako extractor for either the Tikka or the Sako, though with the 90 degree 2 lug Tikka, I think it's a little easier to blow back out at the shooter. Don't love the dovetail bolt handle attachment. Still, love the ergo's of the stock shape and they're almost always accurate and the cheaper construction is sort of reflected in the price.

Still, since they have that "foreign" mystique, you pay more than for a Ruger American or a Savage. But I think they're finished a little better than the US-based budget designs. And they have a great trigger! Still might go that route.

Tikka is a cheaper Sako. Or vice versa. The barrels are made in the same machines.

The Tikkas are great rifles as well and if you want something that feels a bit sturdier, the wood stocks are quite nice.

Compared to the low price point American rifles, I would say that either are better built. You often won't need to blueprint a Sako/Tikka action and often, if you take a barrel off of one Tikka action, there is no need to headspace it when putting it on another.

The Sako bolts are smooth and has always been. Remarkably so.

Regarding sakocollectors.com, I'm on there too. Mainly directing people who have questions about newer (post 1980) rifles to other places. (The TRG questions get directed here for example).

 

[308pirate]

And on hunting sites I visit it's sacrilege to suggest anything has an advantage over a 98 Mauser or a Winchester model 70.

It's liberating to not give a shit about what others think of one's rifle choices

 

[308pirate]

DJL2,

Yes, I've considered Tikka. Really hate the plastic mags (had an early failure and the replacement was a quarter the cost of the rifle). Lots of other cheap plastic parts (bottom metal changed to steel now, or still plastic?). Bolt release. Not in love with the Sako extractor for either the Tikka or the Sako, though with the 90 degree 2 lug Tikka, I think it's a little easier to blow back out at the shooter. Don't love the dovetail bolt handle attachment. Still, love the ergo's of the stock shape and they're almost always accurate and the cheaper construction is sort of reflected in the price.

Don't understand any of your concerns

1. Tikka T3 magazines are nowhere near 25% of the cost of the rifle, unless you got the rifle for an unheard of low price
2. The frame of almost all modern duty handguns is plastic. They will outlive any punishment anyone can give them. Why is the same material a problem in a rifle?
3. Never had an issue with the extractor in particular or extraction and ejection in general with my 75. Not sure what issues you're talking about.
4. What's wrong with a dovetailed bolt handle? It's an extremely strong mechanical attachment that allows for easy handle changes. Dovetails are used in a bunch of applications where easy assembly and extreme strength are needed.

 

[krw]

If you will take your time, you can find nice Sako A Series. That is my favorite Sako rifle

 

[skl1]

Don't understand any of your concerns

1. Tikka T3 magazines are nowhere near 25% of the cost of the rifle, unless you got the rifle for an unheard of low price
2. The frame of almost all modern duty handguns is plastic. They will outlive any punishment anyone can give them. Why is the same material a problem in a rifle?
3. Never had an issue with the extractor in particular or extraction and ejection in general with my 75. Not sure what issues you're talking about.
4. What's wrong with a dovetailed bolt handle? It's an extremely strong mechanical attachment that allows for easy handle changes. Dovetails are used in a bunch of applications where easy assembly and extreme strength are needed.

308 pirate,

Nothing wrong with the Tikka. I just don't like some of those features that were incorporated to reduce cost (dovetail bolt handle, which IS done well and looks good, is strong, and works great. But mostly the plastic parts vs metal. They are suitable for use, but I'd rather have steel). I'm thinking of buying a left-handed 270 as a hunting rifle to use as is, vs dumping the stock/bottom metal/magazine/barrel and using it for PRS.

I bought an early import before 2005 for just under $400. The magazine was trash out of the box. Follower only supported by the incredibly skinny leaf spring would twist up through the magazine lips and jam the rifle every couple of rounds. Tried to get it fixed under warranty but magazines were expendables and not covered. New plastic mag at the time was $90 and a 6 week special order. I know they probably generally work better now and are more available/less expensive, especially compared to the current cost of the rifles.

I have put the Sako extractor in other actions, so I'm not allergic to it. But several years ago a left-handed shooter firing a right-handed rifle (like I often do) had an overload on a 300 WSM and put the Sako extractor through his eye and it killed him. Some actions are designed to contain the parts better. The shooter can see the extractor on the Tikka through the ejection port with a round run home. M16 extractors will also blow out back through the ejection port in many designs, but at least they're retained with a steel pin. Depending how they're set up in some 3 lug actions, the Sako-type extractor is trapped by the lug abutments in the action, blocking it from getting back out. Anyway, remote issue. But I don't love it.

But I love the Tikka stocks, both wood and synthetic. And the triggers are great. The barrels are great. They are well-machined and finished well, instead of covered in some heavy black oxide matte finish to hide all the tool marks.

 

[DJL2]

Consider this -

I bought a really gorgeous Winchester M70 Super Grade Maple. It was about $1350. Gorgeous stock...sitting in the back of my gun safe. I don't know what happened to the original barrel. Spent an additional $2,000 or so to have a barrel that shoots and a stock that fits. It's a nice rifle...but, then again, $3500 buys a lot of gun without all the DIY...

I bought a really ugly Tikka T3x Lite. It was about $600. The stock isn't worth keeping once my McMillan Game Warden arrives, I don't think. The original barrel shoots well (expected from Sako as well). I spent $10 on a trigger spring, $80 on a bolt handle, and got $250 bucks of bottom metal for Christmas. When it's all said, I'll be in for $1000 on top of my $600. Less than half as expensive as my M70. I probably could have lived with the factory stock if cost was a concern ($900 rifle versus $1600 rifle).

The more I shoot, the less interested I am in a stock that is not made to my specific dimensions or adjustable to the same...and even less enthused about paying a premium.

 

[skl1]

Consider this -

I bought a really gorgeous Winchester M70 Super Grade Maple. It was about $1350. Gorgeous stock...sitting in the back of my gun safe. I don't know what happened to the original barrel. Spent an additional $2,000 or so to have a barrel that shoots and a stock that fits. It's a nice rifle...but, then again, $3500 buys a lot of gun without all the DIY...

I bought a really ugly Tikka T3x Lite. It was about $600. The stock isn't worth keeping once my McMillan Game Warden arrives, I don't think. The original barrel shoots well (expected from Sako as well). I spent $10 on a trigger spring, $80 on a bolt handle, and got $250 bucks of bottom metal for Christmas. When it's all said, I'll be in for $1000 on top of my $600. Less than half as expensive as my M70. I probably could have lived with the factory stock if cost was a concern ($900 rifle versus $1600 rifle).

The more I shoot, the less interested I am in a stock that is not made to my specific dimensions or adjustable to the same...and even less enthused about paying a premium.

Yes, good points. Luckily, I've had much better luck with Winchester barrels than you!

While the barrels were all accurate, I bought 3 lefty Model 70's during the last days of production in CT that I had to return all for warranty service. All 3 for the recall on safeties, but one also had the barrel threads visibly crooked and the scope mount holes drilled visibly off center. It was a special order so I'd paid for it in advance or I'd have likely rejected it.

I think they've really gotten better since they picked back up production in South Carolina.