Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Sako 85 question

I am having trouble deciding between a Sako 85 Finnlight or a Sako 85 Hunter Laminate chambered for the the .300WSM. I want (a) accuracy, (b) "weather resistance", and (c) lighthweight, in that order. While Sakos are reputed for their accuracy, all makers can and have produced duds. Therefore, If I happen to get a dud, I want "easier" accurizing options - I assuming the Laminate Hunter may have the advantage here - e.g., easy to bed a wood stock - I am assuming a Sako finnlight might not (tupperware stock?).

Also, if I did get a the Laminate Hunter 85, would I be risking accuracy if I got it fluted?

Any opinions (particulary those with experience with both rifles).

Thanks in advance.

I'd think the Finnlight would come out ahead in all three.

For hunting, wouldn't you expect the accuracy to be a draw between them, providing shoot light rifles well. Weather resistence a draw or personal preference. But weight-wise, my .30-06 75 greywolf is at 9#10oz no sling/ammo, so there's your clear difference. Get's back to what you're doing - if am stand hunting it's a nice and steady rig. If am walking and stalking, I pick something else.

I would go with the Finnlight it should be more weather resistant, and lighter plus with Sako's accuracy garuntee you really won't have to accurize it yourself if it doesn't shoot you can just send it back but more than likely it will shoot.

I think the Finnlight would better meet your criteria. The recoil with the Finnlight is going to be a good bit more, however. If you are recoil sensitive, you factor that into your equation.

You'll get your ABCs in a Finnlight.

As he said, A+B+C + better resale value.
No Brainer, Finnlight.

The 85's don't have near the resale value that the 75 does, or even the AV series.

If I were buying a .300wsm, I'd go with a M70 EW.

My 85 Finnlight is a 300 WSM. It is very accurate. It is light & is fun to shoot. Were I to seek better I doubt I'd find it. It was accurate with its factory plastic stock. It is accurate with its new Edge stock. It weighs 7.6 lbs.

"The 85's don't have near the resale value that the 75 does, or even the AV series.

If I were buying a .300wsm, I'd go with a M70 EW".

Around here the 85's have a slightly higher resale value than 75's or AVs.

I've yet to see a range report on a new model 70 Extreme weather rifle that impressed me. Seems most are shooting 1" for best groups and some larger than that. My Sako's and Tikka's will shoot groups half that size.

Yeah, they can shoot, but I'm not as impressed with the 85's for what they want for them, and the ejection is poorly designed. Around here the used 85's go for 55% of new.

I've ran my share, but now only a custom 75.

Finnlight hands down.

You won't be able to bed the lug on a plastic 85. The fit is so tight that there isn't any room for bedding compound. Of course this a good thing.

The Finnlight is obviously lighter and IMO would make a much nicer gun to carry. The laminate will be more fun to shoot but not so much to hunt.

If you buy one in 300WSM and want some load info PM me if you want. I traded a 75 Greywolf for an 85 stainless/synthetic and also have an A7(all 300WSM's). The A7 is actually my favorite of the 3 to hunt.