Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Rings/bases for Sako M85?

I have no problem with Optilocks except that the 2 piece are way too heavy for what is sold as a lightweight gun. Why would I want to use rings and bases as heavy as some scopes on a light weight rifle?

The Optilock ringmount is fine but will only accommodate about a 42mm objective.

Leupold makes even lighter ringmounts but they need to be at least half way down the dovetail to grip so scope tube length VS eye relief could be a problem with some action lengths and some scopes.

Talley makes bases and rings.

Near MFG makes a picatinny rail

Some others I can't think of right now too.

Are you guys talking about different heights with the Optilock Ringmount? The Ringmount is one piece. I've never seen them in different heights but Sako may be offering some now as I haven't checked in a couple years.

I have used the optilocks on 2 Sako 85's and have no complaints. Not sure if I care for the plastic in the rings but it does not seem to affect accuracy IME.

As stated above Near Manufacturing makes a mount for the Sako 85. Richard Nears products are as well made as I have seen. If I was installing on a true long range rig I would go that route.

Good luck and shoot straight

Bob

I wish all rings came that way to be quite honest. Near rings and bases are a thing of beauty and should be classified as modern art.

This may be of help. I have the latest/current Optilocks and they do not use these older metric allen screws which you guys hate. My latest Optilocks use Torx T10s for the ring caps and Torx T25s for the ring to base and mounting clamp screws. The T10 cap screws are spec'd for 15in-lbs and the T25 base and clamp screws are spec'd for 45in-lbs. The Torx heads on these base screws are the same as the T25 front and rear action screws which Sako is torquing into the receiver at a spec of 55 to 57in-lbs. That's 12in-lbs higher than needed for the Optilock mounting base screws. I've torqued, removed and retorqued the cap screws three different times, I've done this with the base clamp screws about a dozen times, and I've done this with the action screws about a half dozen times. So far, they are all in perfect shape without a mark or blemish. The torx bit bites hard and I cannot see how anyone could damage these screws without using a bad bit and/or torquing way, way over spec.

I'd think at some point you should be able to order these torx screws as replacements over the older metric allen screws which are disliked. Brownell's carries the Optilocks, so they may have the Optilock small parts. If they do and you can get Military, LEO, or Dealer pricing, replacements would be inexpensive.

Best

A Torx T25 is normally spec'd to handle a max torque of around 140in-lb, with a T10 maxing out at around 30in-lb. Based on my latest Optilocks, I think a person need be ham fisted while grossly overtorquing the screws to cause damage. I'm using my T25s to remove and replace the scope and mounts to address the iron sights. I plan on retorquing these clamp screws scores of times and will let you guys know if I manage to wear them out. I've already retorqued the smaller T10 cap screws several times and they remain pristine, so I'd imagine they'd last a lifetime with proper care.

Best

Good for you Gary. I guess I got a bad batch.Your experience may be different than mine, but that doesn't make either experience untrue,unless one of us is lying.

As I have said I own 3 SAKO Classics, all 3 with Optilocks. I don't know which SAKO 85 you bought. Assuming its the Classic or above, you drop $2k on a gun, why would you even think of using Aftermarket rings and bases. Stick with the the Optilock, and don't listen to the Talley fanboys. It not like you are mounting a Zeiss scope with rail and need the Zeiss mount.

I would also suggest that you check out Sakocollectors.com.

I've always used the Sako ring mounts on my Sakos and love them. They have different heights so you will be able to get them to work with your 50mm scope.

I bought a Finnlight in 300 Win Mag. Scope will (probably) be a Swaro 4-12X50mm. This is my first Sako, so all the input on rings and bases is MUCH appreciated.

I have 42mm scopes and use the low. That's what Euro-Optics recommended.

What kind of scope and action length of rifle? Does not sound even remotely correct.

308 Classic short action w/ Leica ER 3.5-14x42 scope
300 Classic long action w/ Leica ER 2.5-10x42 scope
375 Classic long action w/ Leica ER 2.5-10x42 scope

As I have said I own 3 SAKO Classics, all 3 with Optilocks. I don't know which SAKO 85 you bought. Assuming its the Classic or above, you drop $2k on a gun, why would you even think of using Aftermarket rings and bases. Stick with the the Optilock, and don't listen to the Talley fanboys. It not like you are mounting a Zeiss scope with rail and need the Zeiss mount.

I would also suggest that you check out Sakocollectors.com.

As far as I know the much lighter 1 piece Sako Optilock Ringmounts still only come in one height. The heavy 2 piece ring and base Optilocks come in different heights.

I use the low ringmounts for my Leupold 6x42. Lots of room

I'm using these, the Sako 1-pc Optilock Ringmounts. Back when I first got these, they only came in the 3-sizes listed on the package. They are lower than the x-tra low 2-pc Optilocks, and are cleaner with less bulk. They require a Torx key to loosen, but Sako published that they are designed to be removed and replaced without loss of zero. They have a solid fit with a positive stop. I much prefer these over the 2-pc, but would go 2-pc if 1-pc did not fit.

Thought they later came in medium and stainless.

Are you using the Optilock Ringmounts or the Optilock rings in low with the Optilock bases? Two completely different mounting systems?

Scope?