Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Sako 85

These sure get raves around here. I've never handled one. What are the pro's ans con's of this rifle?

Pros: Beautiful workmanship, super slick action, great trigger, consistent accuracy, great ergonomics's.
Cons: Some don't like the looks of the stocks.
Beauty is as beauty does.
Yeah, I love em.

How's the weight?

In 85's, I have only owned the Finnlight in 300 WSM. It goes 6 lbs, 6 ounces with a 24" barrel. A bit heavier than a Kimber.

What he said.

No idea what mine weighs, don't care.

I had an 85 grey wolf don't know the exact weight but it felt good in my hands and I wouldn't mind hunting with one.

Spot on!

A McMillan Sako Classic Edge will solve any stock issues!

Jeff, drop some of that real estate commission dough and get yourself one. The resale on the darn things is about like a Weatherby. So, if you don't like it you can get back most, if not all, of your money.

Not bragging, but tell me this aint sweet!: The picture does not do it justice!!!

Oh, and Opti-Locks ALL THE WAY!!!

'McMillan Sako Classic Edge' eh? I've got the laminate and it is heavy. I've been thinking about a change.

My Stainless Synthetic 375 H&H weighed a fraction of an ounce under 7 lbs before scoping.

I can't figure out why anyone would want to re-stock them.

My S/S 300WSM 85 weighs about 8lbs with a 3.5-10x44 Conquest and Optilocks(no sling/ammo).

And like Brian says, the stock actually isn't bad at all.
Very 'comfortable' rifle to shoot.

85's are hard to beat, they do have long throats like all other sako's, other than that I can't find anything that isn't all I could want.

Spot

I'll stick to the old AV Fiberclass myself

The only problem I've had with my 85(WSM action) has been the magazine spring. Bolt would sometimes miss the cartridge.

Not good, took a spring overhaul to solve the problem.


And it has a fairly picky barrel(but still shoots awesome with the right combo).

I guess I am the odd man out

I have never like the tapered dovetails for the mounts. Sako knows that does not work which is why stops are used. The opti lock mounts look unattractive to me.

For that money I just can't come at a rifle with the leggo set recoil lug. However, if never rebarrel or bed a rifle than it would be OK. Actually I think if I had one and rebarreled or did anything to the rifle I would have a Rem 700 style recoil lug installed.

I own a Sako 85 Finnlight S.S. in 300 WSM. It weighs 6.3 lbs and finishes at 7.2 lb. with Swarovski 3.5-10x42.

It is a very nice package. I have never owned such a high quality production rifle. I have zero complaints. The DuraTouch stock is very nice indeed.

I don't own one but in my (jealous) opinion BCBrian hits the nail on the head...7 pound .375 before scoping seems like a good deal. A 308 or .243 in a 7 pound rifle...not so much....a 5 pound 338 Fed seems about right also

Us light weight guys move more on the shot so our shoulders just don't soak up as much recoil energy and pain as "heftier" folks..

I have lost 32 pounds in the last 18 months and the first place I noticed it was in the shoulder when testing some 180's in the 300 WSM. I know what you mean.