Rifle Scopes Sako tapered dovetail

[R Moran]

Anyone have any experience with the tapered dovetail on Sako rifles?

Just got back a Sako A V, 30/06 that's been rebarreled with a Bartlien #3 contour.

Unfortunately, using the medium Leupold ringmounts, the Bushnell LRHS no longer fits.

Researching, it looks like I have about 3 options. All with pro's and con's, and supporters and detractors

Another set of Leupold ring mounts

Talley bases and rings

Burris and IOR(?) make a base with weaver and/or pic slots that fits over the dovetail, and then you can use standard rings.

The Leupold is one piece, so it uses the dovetail as inteneded, for whatever thats worth.
The Talley and Burris/IOR adds a base to a base, adding height and more parts/joints to worry about.
Th Burris or IOR system will open a lot more ring options...but how many do I really need?
The original style factory rings are expensive and not available in 30mm. The new Beretta opti-locks are also expensive, two pieces and fairly tall.

I've had the rifle since 1986, never really shot it a whole lot, but have made changes to it over the years. Don't hunt a whole lot, but now living in Utah may try to get into it. So, the rifle will be a sort of do all, GP rifle.

Seems like I've been chasing my tail a lot lately trying to scope some rifles, like a Rem 600...so I'm just looking for some input before I spend more money.

Thanks

 

[Jjviperzar1]

Is it the opti-lock dove-tail? I have a Sako 85 and am in the same boat.

 

[Jjviperzar1]

I have found a few ways to put a pic rail on the dove tails. Look at Near Manufacturing. They make rails and I think one piece mounts for the Sako actions. They are fairly expensive Another is era-tac makes an aluminum rail to fit the Sako dove-tails.

 

[R Moran]

I've heard about the Near, but nothing on the web site. I think it might be overkill for this rifle. Talley lightweight mounts would be perfect, so, of course they dont make them for the Sako dovetail.

Not sure on the 85..its a machined in dovetail that tapers front to rear.

 

[Jjviperzar1]

I have opti-locks for a 30mm tube but going to a 34mm tube and think I’m going the rail method and use some badger rings I have.

 

[Crang]

Near Manufacturing does have a rail that fits over the dovetail. Just contact him. He really does make the best stuff around.

 

[blisters]

Sako original Optilock mounts work great, and rings come in different sizes and heights. They include a plastic insert to protect your scope and resolve any alignment issues. Some dude called Spuhr makes rings for the Optilock bases if that tickles your fancy. The Spuhr rings are very good looking in my opinion but lack the plastic inserts.

As mentioned, Near makes picatinny bases, as does Contessa. I have two Contessa rails for Blaser and one in size XS for my Sako mini action. They are very nice but I cannot compare them to Near as I’ve never seen one of those in real life.

For my current Sako A1 Vixen project I will probably go with Optilock mounts and rings as it is first and foremost intended for hunting. Looking to mount a Meopta Optika6 on it.

No matter what brand you choose, make sure you get the correct length of base, corresponding to the action length of your rifle.

 

[jwood1284]

Optilock bases with Spuhr rings. Pricey, but set and forget.

 

[VDVSNIPER]

On my Sako I have tried the Burris 2 piece rail, near rail and US Optic rail. Near rail and US Optic rail are my favorite. Near and US Optic need to be drilled and tapped into the rifle.

 

[MTS308]

I have a sako 85 varmint stainless fluted that has a nightforce shv 4-14x56 in talley rings with talley bases. Works perfect for me. Not sure what height the rings are though. Bought the rifle used and the rings and bases came already on it.

 

[matagouri]

Both Conetrol and S & K also have mounts that will fit a sako dovetail..

The only problem you will have to consider,, if you decide to mount a rail is it will put your scope higher than other mounting options.....

 

[Alabusa]

I have one of the Contessa 20 moa pic rails on my Sako. Works quite well. You can get one on Ebay for about $120

 

[R Moran]

Thanks for the replies guys.
I sent a message to near...if they make one of those 1 piece alphamounts for the dovetail, I may go that route.

Otherwise, a full pic rail is not what I think I want for this rifle. It's a Bartlien #3 in a McMillan classic stock.
It also kinda bugs me to put a base on a base...irrational? Sure, but there it is..

Still debating...I got in on Shortbus group buy to have the stock painted, so I need to send that off...so, I still have some time to research and think on it.

 

[HayStax]

I use the SAKO Optilock system on my 85 Finnlight. Simple, clean and lightweight.

I’ve seen too many cheap ring/base issues while hunting to risk a convoluted setup. Equipment failures while hunting will haunt you forever

 

[R Moran]

Are you using the ring mounts, or the two piece base and ring system?

After more research, I found that Sako/Beretta does still offer a 1pc ring mount. The 30mm Low looks like it might work...100-150 bucks depending on where you shop. I might give them a try.

 

[Alabusa]

I have a pair of Leupold bases for the dovetail if your interested. I took them off of my rifle in favor of a 20 moa pic rail. Let me know....

 

[want2learn]

Beretta often has sales on the Sako brand and Optilok rings etc. Here's the link, i bet they'll have another sale soon. I picked up some hard to find magazines for a very inexpensive price on their last sale.

Search Results

www.berettausa.com

 

[FCrifles]

The Near base is super solid. I put a couple on a pair of 375 H&H's not to long ago. Expensive, yes, but top of the pile for quality.

 

[brianf]

I had a near on my 42 for years and it worked fine, I’ll se if I can find it for you.
I should also have the optiloc three ring mount as well (hopefully in same area lol). Mount is 30mm

I’ll give them for a song since I sold the rifle a few years ago.

 

[Mbaysinger89]

What hight rings do you need? I just bought a sako that came with optilocs and I plan on putting a rail on it when all the parts get here. Id offload the rings at a good price.

 

[R Moran]

Thanks for the help and offers guys.
I bought a pair of Sako Optilock ring mounts, which are one piece, not two. Just got them today, thanks to a free trial of Amazon prime. $110...just mounted them up.
Not perfect, but I think they will work. They have the locating pin on the rear ringmount, but some guys grind that off to get some more leeway in ring placement, and I may end up doing that.
Could be a cunt hair lower...but not a big deal.
They use a polymer insert, that allows you to slide the front ring back and forth to get some windage adjustment.
They are also polished blue, while my rifle has been parkerized, and the Bartlien barrel was given a heavy bead blast finish.
Right now I'm fairly happy with them, if they shit the bed, I will revisit,

 

[Sicario1968]

I have a sako L61r action, currently has sako bases and rings. I want to change the scope and need 20 moa single or 2 piece picitinny rail to accept 30 mm rings to mount my vortex golden eagle scope. Please help I have emailed leopold and warne no reply!

 

[R Moran]

After all my research I think your options are

1- Near base that requires drilling and tapping

2- Contessa or EraTac(?) Base that fits the tapered dovetail

3- IOR/Valada 2pc pic rails that fit the tapered dovetail, then use Burris signature rings with inserts to gain 20moa

4- Redfield made and I think burris still has bases that fit the tapered dovetail and accept std dovetail rings. Again, you'll need Burris signature rings to gain the 20moa

 

[Sicario1968]

After all my research I think your options are

1- Near base that requires drilling and tapping

2- Contessa or EraTac(?) Base that fits the tapered dovetail

3- IOR/Valada 2pc pic rails that fit the tapered dovetail, then use Burris signature rings with inserts to gain 20moa

4- Redfield made and I think burris still has bases that fit the tapered dovetail and accept std dovetail rings. Again, you'll need Burris signature rings to gain the 20moa

Thank you, is there a specific model number and what are the best quality?

 

[R Moran]

Thank you, is there a specific model number and what are the best quality?

You'll have to call or email Near...I haven't heard back from them.

I think I saw the Contessa in the Brownells catalog...and ebay.

SWFA and I think Euro Optic has the IOR

I can't speak to the quality of any of them, as I've not used them. The NEAR as noted above gets excellent reviews and is highly recommended.

 

[DetroitRearView]

I have nothing but good things to say about Richard NEAR products

www.nearmfg.com/contact_us.htm