Sako P94S aka. The original finnfire

[NiemiPT]

Is there anyone still shooting with original finnfire?

I bought finnfire when I was 15 as my first gun and back then I didn’t had any money for optics so it’s hunter version.

I have been thinking to install a nice stock and scope in it. McMillan A5 would be nice but it’s expensive and hard to get.

So what kinds of mods do you have?

 

[Kisssofdeath]

I shot 350 rounds out of my Finnfire Range today. No mods on mine I'll get some photos up afterwhile.

 

[NiemiPT]

Range is sweet! I’m pretty sure that it was not available at that time when I bought mine.

 

[Starbuck]

Mine started in 1997 out as a Varmint Sporter in a walnut stock. It still has the excellent (now threaded) factory bbl, plus:

• McMillan Game Scout stock
• Timney Tikka T3 two stage trigger
• DIP billet trigger guard
• DIP tactical bolt knob
• AI 11mm scope mount
• Amazon Arca Swiss mini rail
• SAP mag holders
• Altius spare round holder

 

[NiemiPT]

Lovely! It’s sad that we don’t have a lot of stock options here in Finland.

I have a DIP picatinny rail waiting for installation. Are those quality products?

 

[Starbuck]

Lovely! It’s sad that we don’t have a lot of stock options here in Finland.

I have a DIP picatinny rail waiting for installation. Are those quality products?

If you like to looks of the McMillan stock, you could contact them in Phoenix, Arizona. They may be able to ship to Finland. Their stocks are expensive, and you will need to wait 6-8 months, but I am not aware of any other stock options for the P94S.

Regarding DIP rails, these used to have two longitudinal rows of set screws that affix the rail to the 11mm dovetail, and in my experience the rail would cant slightly left or right during hard use. I am not sure but I believe they are still constructed in this way. The Accuracy International mount clamps right to the dovetail for a much more secure and robust connection.

 

[Kisssofdeath]

NiemiPT, DIP products are top quality. In total I have 11 of their products and looking to buy more with the addition of this Finnfire Range.

Starbuck, that is a really nice setup. I have a few questions about it.
1. The mag holder, I would imagine it attaches with velcro strips?
2. Is the barrel original and after you had it threaded did you notice a difference in accuracy?
3. Do you or did you have failure to eject problems? If so how did you fix it?

 

[Starbuck]

NiemiPT, DIP products are top quality. In total I have 11 of their products and looking to buy more with the addition of this Finnfire Range.

Starbuck, that is a really nice setup. I have a few questions about it.
1. The mag holder, I would imagine it attaches with velcro strips?
2. Is the barrel original and after you had it threaded did you notice a difference in accuracy?
3. Do you or did you have failure to eject problems? If so how did you fix it?

• Yes the SAP (Short Action Precicion) mag holders attach with velcro.
• Original barrel, no accuracy change after threading.
• No FTE issues with the action or the AI mount interfering with the spent case. (FWIW the AI mounts do interfere with ejection on my Anschutz 64-R, but not on the Sako).

 

[NiemiPT]

Regarding DIP rails, these used to have two longitudinal rows of set screws that affix the rail to the 11mm dovetail, and in my experience the rail would cant slightly left or right during hard use. I am not sure but I believe they are still constructed in this way.

This is exactly what I was worried about when I got the rail. I thought that it would be like your AI mount with clamps. I planned to use some strong epoxy or other glue with screws.

I want to have picatinny and noticed that there is plenty of 11mm dovetail to picatinny rail adapters and I would trust more to clamps with locktite.

Edit: For example this seems to be way more solid construction.

Search results for: 'scope mounts rings hd cz 452 453 455 511 512 for 11mm picatinny rail mount 0 moa'

www.egwguns.com

 

[Kisssofdeath]

I won this Finnfire Range at the Regional online Rock Island Auction a few weeks back. Shot the Range for the first time yesterday/last night. The range is very stable in its current setup as shown on the table. The adjustable stock is fantastic, after adjustment it fits me perfect. I did have a lot of failure to eject and will have to look at the ejector spring. I had the same issue with my Tikka 22 and 17 HMR but have fixed those. The Tikka uses the same design but the ejector is more forward. Feeding was excellent with no issues feeding all 10 rounds every time. The Tenex did give some issues feeding, it would feed but hang slightly before chambering. I credit this to the blunt tip of the Tenex. It was the only type that hung up on me.

This current setup will probably change as I want the Weaver T-36 like is on my Kimber SVT. The scope that is on it in these photos is my Vortex Razor HD LH 3-15x42. It is an excellent scope but I have other plans for it. I shot one 10 for 10 and a 9 for 10. This is something I do which consist of shooting ten 5-shot groups and all being 1/2" or less. I got a late start and it got dark at the end plus started raining. I brought the flashlight out and was good until the rain started.

I'll post a few photos along with some dialog.

Here is my Kimber SVT and I'm just waiting for another 10% off sale on Natchez to get another Weaver for $319. This is the scope I want on the Range. It has a 1" tube and should work with the Talley rings perfect for a nice streamine look.

Various photos of the Finnfire Range. I did a bolt comparison between the Finnfire design and the Sako M78 and the Tikka T1x.

First is the Finnfire "left" and the Sako M78. Quite a change in design.

Here is the Finnfire and the T1x. Very close in design but the T1x is missing the extra locking lug. After shooting both I'm not convinced the extra locking lug is all that important.

Photos showing the adjustability of the buttplate. I left the spacers in at the LOP is perfect at 14" +/- .25". I do measure and try to keep all my rifles in that range if possible.

Here is a close up of the scope/ring combo. Actually continued on the next post as I'm only allowed to post 10 photos.

 

[Kisssofdeath]

Scope Ring combo.

Now for the meat of the subject, the range photos of the Range.

Showing the flashlight on the far table to help be see. It was a lot darker than the photo would have you believe. If it was daylight you would never see the grass being lit up by the flashlight.

Overall photo before removing targets. The far left bottom target was shot with RWS Subsonic and the bottom far right was CCI SV. I will try to finish up today shooting those two and some other ammo I have.

Here are the targets from best to worst. All info is recorded on the targets. All shot on 15x and at 55 yards. I left out the SK Rifle Match as it shot the worst but can be seen in the above photo on the top, far left.

I contribute the bad showing of the Tenex to bullet shaving when chambering. Reason for this is it shot Eley Match best and a decent showing with Club.

As a side note, when I post group photos this is what you get. No cherry picking of single "one hole" groups and shit like that. This is real world results. Good with the bad. Information you can depend on,

 

[Kisssofdeath]

Regarding DIP rails, these used to have two longitudinal rows of set screws that affix the rail to the 11mm dovetail, and in my experience the rail would cant slightly left or right during hard use. I am not sure but I believe they are still constructed in this way. The Accuracy International mount clamps right to the dovetail for a much more secure and robust connection.

They will do that if the mounting screws are not tightened down in the right orientation. A friend of mine found this out when he mounted his DIP rail on his CZ 455. Starbuck, I mean no disrespect toward you when I say this, merely pointing out that the DIP product will work.

 

[Kisssofdeath]

• Yes the SAP (Short Action Precicion) mag holders attach with velcro.
• Original barrel, no accuracy change after threading.
• No FTE issues with the action or the AI mount interfering with the spent case. (FWIW the AI mounts do interfere with ejection on my Anschutz 64-R, but not on the Sako).

Thanks for the information. I'll check into the SAP mag holders. I made my own from left over stuff laying around. But I don't have anything left to make more.

As for the FTE issues, I guess I'll see what I can do. I'll check for spare parts availability first though just for an "ahh shit" moment.

 

[Kisssofdeath]

Followup, Just noticed in the photos and verified, my rings slid forward just a bit. This is contributed to operator error and should not reflect negatively on the rings or mount design. I have used these rings on a Steyr Zephyr II for a year without any issue.

EDIT: When I screw up, I admit it. LOL, I hate excuse makers.

 

[NiemiPT]

@Kisssofdeath you got a nice range! And thanks for sharing T1X bolt. I havent thought how close it is to Finnfire and it’s successors.

Some day I would like to have range too. I would prefer P94S as a 22lr but quad would be nice to have multiple barrels.

Anyway I don’t plan to sell guns. I prefer long term relationships and because of that I have to choose carefully

 

[Kisssofdeath]

I was thinking the P94S was multi barrel capable too. Is that not correct?

 

[Kisssofdeath]

Shot another round with the P94S Finnfire Range yesterday before the rain set in. I got the ejection issue fixed (main reason for shooting it). As with the Tikka's, the ejector wire needed a bend in the right place, now it's 100% reliable and operates as smoothly as before. I'll try to get a photo of that for anyone who is interested. Also just to follow up with the Talley rings, I went back over them with 30 in/lbs on the bottom bolts and 15 on top. The rings didn't slide at all this time. Instead of getting another Weaver like on my Kimber 82 SVT, I'm thinking about getting another set of Talley rings just like these but for a 30mm scope tube. I'd like to have a little more than 15 power, which is the max on this scope. I can remove a 30mm scope from another rifle, which would save me some money.

After getting the ejector fixed I shot a box of Lapua Pistol King and was really happy with those results. On the 9th bullseye I just pulled the trigger instead of my normal squeeze and this actually rattled me. I should have gotten up and taken a break but didn't and really screwed up the 2nd shot. After that I did get up, walked around, pick up some hulls on the ground and clear my mind. After a couple of minutes I sat down and put the last 8 shots on the bullseye. It's weird how this type of shooting is a mental game to me.

 

[jbell]

Figured I might as well post a picture of my old one. It was a great rifle!

 

[CBDR]

Mine started in 1997 out as a Varmint Sporter in a walnut stock. It still has the excellent (now threaded) factory bbl, plus:

• McMillan Game Scout stock
• Barnard T3 two stage trigger
• DIP billet trigger guard
• DIP tactical bolt knob
• AI 11mm scope mount
• Amazon Arca Swiss mini rail
• SAP mag holders
• Altius spare round holder

View attachment 7114444View attachment 7114437View attachment 7114438View attachment 7114439View attachment 7114440

I have been playing with the idea of adding a high end 22 rifle into the inventory. So much has changed from my last 22. Can you say a Marlin bolt action OMG 1976. I guess this is a great starting point for me. I have a lot to learn about the cal 22.

 

[Kisssofdeath]

View attachment 7117804
Figured I might as well post a picture of my old one. It was a great rifle!

Nice wood and scope on that one. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Kisssofdeath]

I have been playing with the idea of adding a high end 22 rifle into the inventory. So much has changed from my last 22. Can you say a Marlin bolt action OMG 1976. I guess this is a great starting point for me. I have a lot to learn about the cal 22.

There are many good choices out there. For the money the Tikka T1x is hard to beat.

 

[AirGunShawn]

Scope Ring combo.

View attachment 7114484View attachment 7114486

Now for the meat of the subject, the range photos of the Range.

View attachment 7114487

Showing the flashlight on the far table to help be see. It was a lot darker than the photo would have you believe. If it was daylight you would never see the grass being lit up by the flashlight.

View attachment 7114488

Overall photo before removing targets. The far left bottom target was shot with RWS Subsonic and the bottom far right was CCI SV. I will try to finish up today shooting those two and some other ammo I have.

View attachment 7114490

Here are the targets from best to worst. All info is recorded on the targets. All shot on 15x and at 55 yards. I left out the SK Rifle Match as it shot the worst but can be seen in the above photo on the top, far left.

View attachment 7114496View attachment 7114497View attachment 7114498View attachment 7114499View attachment 7114500

I contribute the bad showing of the Tenex to bullet shaving when chambering. Reason for this is it shot Eley Match best and a decent showing with Club.

As a side note, when I post group photos this is what you get. No cherry picking of single "one hole" groups and shit like that. This is real world results. Good with the bad. Information you can depend on,

Hello KOD,
How would you compare your P94S to your Vudoo? I'm looking at a Sako Quad.
Shawn

 

[Kisssofdeath]

Hello KOD,
How would you compare your P94S to your Vudoo? I'm looking at a Sako Quad.
Shawn

Never seen nor held a Vudoo. If things go well this year I should have one. So to answer your question I can't compare at this time. Never had the Quad and don't know a whole lot about them except the switch barrel ability. Well, one thing I do know is that particular Sako has a lot of aftermarket support.

 

[NiemiPT]

Finnfire II and Quad (P04R) actions are way longer than Finnfire (P94S) because formers are made for .22 wmr also.

 

[AirGunShawn]

View attachment 7117804
Figured I might as well post a picture of my old one. It was a great rifle!

Hello JBell,
I'm looking at a Sakoo Quad Range. Do you know anything about them? Your old FinnFire Range is really beautiful and I would prefer it just based on looks.

 

[Kisssofdeath]

I like the threaded barrel option on the Quad

 

[Rolltide]

I've got both a FinnFire Range and a Quad Range. The FinnFire will shoot with the Quad any day.

I really like both rifles, I just don't shoot them as much since getting my first Vudoo.

 

[NiemiPT]

This is exactly what I was worried about when I got the rail. I thought that it would be like your AI mount with clamps. I planned to use some strong epoxy or other glue with screws.

One fault in the DIP design is that it cannot be used with spuhr one piece mount because DIP doesn’t have slots in the ejector port area and screws in spuhr are designed to fit into slots. So I guess that spuhr need five slots in the area of one piece mount.

 

[ratton]

I have two Finnfires (one Range stock and one in McMillan HTG stock, a Quad Patriot Arms build) and a Anshutz MPR Biathalon. All shoot equally outstanding. The Sako's don't reliably feed the 10 round mags all the time. The Anshutz feeds 100% anything I feed it. All really nice quality firearms. I use Dovetail AI scope mounts on all of them. The AI scope mounts work well and are frequently on the Hide for less that $100. Vudoo's are excellent, but twice the price.

 

[PAYDIRT]

One in awhile I'll break out my P 54 Sako.

 

[AirGunShawn]

One in awhile I'll break out my P 54 Sako.

Have you ever considered selling it ??

 

[PAYDIRT]

Have you ever considered selling it ??

No. I've seen a few for sale online over the years. You might get lucky and find one.

 

[AirGunShawn]

No. I've seen a few for sale online over the years. You might get lucky and find one.

PAYDIRT,
I understand. I'm picking up this Quad Range tomorrow. I truly prefer the FinnFire in the last photo mostly because of the dark wood and no engravings.

I found a photo of a 54. I really like the way the forend bulges. It is similar to my 1416 Annie.

Shawn

 

[PAYDIRT]

Love that quad. My 54 needs a little TLC, probably gonna be a b day present to myself.

 

[AirGunShawn]

Mine started in 1997 out as a Varmint Sporter in a walnut stock. It still has the excellent (now threaded) factory bbl, plus:

• McMillan Game Scout stock
• Barnard T3 two stage trigger
• DIP billet trigger guard
• DIP tactical bolt knob
• AI 11mm scope mount
• Amazon Arca Swiss mini rail
• SAP mag holders
• Altius spare round holder

View attachment 7114444View attachment 7114437View attachment 7114438View attachment 7114439View attachment 7114440

Starbuck,
Do you recall who's thd protector you bought? Do you ever have trouble with the last round feeding from your ten round magazines?

thanks so much
Shawn

 

[woogie_man]

Bought one of the newer quad ranges last summer from the hide here. Probably the best rifle I have right now. Shooting her she is deadly accurate. Have redone the stock in a sako green, and have a few DIP items on her.
Best trigger I have shot on a factory rifle in a long time. Should say on a powder rifle, my day state mk4 air rifle had probably one of the nicest.

 

[AirGunShawn]

Bought one of the newer quad ranges last summer from the hide here. Probably the best rifle I have right now. Shooting her she is deadly accurate. Have redone the stock in a sako green, and have a few DIP items on her.
Best trigger I have shot on a factory rifle in a long time. Should say on a powder rifle, my day state mk4 air rifle had probably one of the nicest.

If you have never had a nice air rifle, you have no idea how nice BB gun triggers are !! These are the last two that I have.

The HW-97 spring gun, comes with a rather dull finish. after some handleing, there are parts that become glossy
so I decided top rub this one out with FLITZ to make it look the same all over. It is still the factory finish, just hand rubbed.

The other is a FWB P-70 high power field target rig. Both are German and you can tell.

 

[ratton]

I have two Finnfires. A Range model and the other a Varmint model that I put in a McMillan HTG (desert camo) stock. I use AI dovetail scope mounts and DIP billet aluminum trigger guards and bolt knobs. Awesome 22lr's

 

[jbell]

Hello JBell,
I'm looking at a Sakoo Quad Range. Do you know anything about them? Your old FinnFire Range is really beautiful and I would prefer it just based on looks.

Sorry I missed your question some how. No, unfortunately I don’t know much about the new Quad Range. I do like how they look though!

 

[Starbuck]

Starbuck,
Do you recall who's thd protector you bought? Do you ever have trouble with the last round feeding from your ten round magazines?

thanks so much
Shawn

Just a stock Brownells TP, they sell them iirc in a few different diameters to match your barrel.
And, nope, my 10 round mags (factory) feed the last round with no issues.

 

[orkan]

I had 2 P94's. Both would shoot great groups... but POI would wander all over the place between sessions. Something to do with that barrel attachment method. I spent a considerable amount of money on each, trying to get them to settle down. They just wouldn't behave.

 

[AirGunShawn]

Love that quad. My 54 needs a little TLC, probably gonna be a b day present to myself.

PAYDIRT,
I recently picked up a Sako Quad Range from Jimmy D in Ak. and although it was in great shape, I wanted to give it a little TLC and get to know her better.

I took all of the fittings off of the stock and used some #0000 steel wool on her. The stock and action were cleaned up with some tooth brush's. Then I put multiple coats of Renaissance wax on every surface that I could get to. In the end, both stock and action were wiped down with EEZOX. I even took the opportunity to chuck up the muzzle break and give it a new finish with some scotch-bright finishing pads.

I bought some new magazines and wiped them down with denatured alcohol to remove any residual manufacturing films and affixed numbers to them. As luck would have it, I had a trigger shoe that is
a perfect fit for her as well.

I'm certain that a lot of people would not notice the difference or even care but I do !! I will post some photo's later today.

I just ordered a quart of EEZOX to do the rest of my toy's.

Shawn

 

[Atanasius]

Here’s mine. Sako TRG trigger , Sako TRG bipod. So far the best rim fire rifle I’ve owned. 96 yards.

 

[J.J]

I just acquired a really nice P94 range. Put a scope on with Spuhr AI one piece (11mm) mount and before heading to range checked that it will eject live rounds perfectly. On range I noticed that occasionally shot shells were bouncing back or dropped to feed ramp causing FTE's. This happened more frequently if I cycled the bolt fast.

First I thought that this problem must occur because of the one piece dovetail mount blocking too much but here I see people very happy with one piece AI mounts. Of course original AI mounts could be a little bit narrower and this problem is occurring only with the Spuhr mount. On the other hand I've read a lot about problems with weak factory ejector springs that could be made better with stiffer piano wire. I'm thinking about sawing the right side one piece clamp to two pieces so it would allow more clearance for ejecting (picture). But I've had to put the mount pretty far forward because of correct eye box and that would leave only one screw short clamp behind the ejection port, but since it's a .22lr that shouldn't be a problem. And you could always have another clamp as a spare part for future (Spuhr part A-0070).

Any ideas?

 

[J.J]

Here’s mine. Sako TRG trigger , Sako TRG bipod. So far the best rim fire rifle I’ve owned. 96 yards.

Really love your TRG mods on the P94! Did you make the trigger guard and TRG bipod adapter yourself? I'd love to get that kind of adapter for the TRG bipod to get the bipod closer to bore axis.