Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Will 28mm->33mm Scopes w/Original Sako 'Low' Rings Clear a Sako AII Action/Bolt?

Just picked up a new AII (L579) Mannlicher in .308 with Sako original "Low" rings. I want to keep the rifle trim and avoid running "Medium" rings, high power scopes, and/or non-Sako ring mounts. Will the eyepiece & objective on any current 28mm -> 33mm scopes clear the bolt handle and barrel when using Sako original "Low" ring mounts (pre-Optilock)? What about those with 36mm objectives? Leupold seems to use trim eyepieces that allow low mounting and I am currently leaning towards the VX-3 if it will fit. Anyone have first hand experience to share? Trying to include/exclude scope options from my list.

Possible Scope Options:
Leupold FX-II 4x33
Leupold Ultralight VX-II 2-7x28
Leupold VX-3 1.75-6x32
Valdada 4x32 Hunting Scope
Minox ZA 5 1.5-8x32
Schmidt & Bender 4x36 (If I can find a used one)
Zeiss Conquest 4x32 (If I can find one - discontinued)
Zeiss Conquest 2-8x32 (If I can find one - discontinued)

The box for the original Sako split ring mounts list the following measurements from the bottom of the base to the bottom of the ring: Low (3/32"), Medium (5/16"), High (15/32"). Many thanks!

I have a Sako III action with Douglas featherweight 7x57 barrel, and an M-8 Leupold 4x33 scope in Sako rings, and it is fine...I don't recall if the rings are low or medium, but I think they are lows.

So, the answer to your question is "maybe/probably".

gee, some one on the Gunsmith forum should know.....

I have a set of these that I have used on several different Sako rifles. I've never found any scopes exept those with straight tubes on the objective end that will work with these rings. They are the lowest mounting system I have ever seen on a bolt action rifle. The only one of the scopes you listed that might work is the 2-7x28 Leupold but I doubt it. An older 4x28 Leupold might work but the objective end would have to stick way out. Keep in mind that the bolt handle barely clears the eyepiece so the large euro style like the Zeiss may not clear the bolt handle.
My suggested scopes, fwiw:
1. Leupold FXII 3 power (cuz I'm a fixed power guy)
2. Leupold FXII 2 1/2 power compact
3. Leupold VXII 1-4
4. Any other scope of similar size. Be wary of variables
with large power adjusting rings or with large bumps on
the ring (like a VXIII).
Good luck with your choice. Pics would be nice when you get it all put together.
Steve

OK thanks. I've been told that a 2-7x28 Vari-X II will work as well as those you suggest. Might try a VX-3 to see if that will work too. If anyone else knows of combinations that will work, please post 'em!

I have some Sako original medium rings on my Finnbear. It will barely allow a 40mm bell to be used.

Quick update - I can now confirm that neither the ocular nor the objective will clear a VX-3 1.75-6x32 when mounted using low Sako original ring mounts. I don't think the 4x33 or VX-II 2-7x33 will clear either as they share the same 1.6" ocular diameter. I have a VX-II 2-7x28 on order now to try out.

Also, I can confirm that a 3-9x40 Zeiss Conquest with medium Sako original ring mounts will clear and fits nicely w/o much excess elevation.

Cannot recall if I had Lows or Med original rings on my old Forester 579 in 243, but I used a 7.5x w/43 objective (non ao).

Just seeing your last post, congrats.

Perhaps a Leupold 3x would be a nice choice in the low rings and would make a handy package. Don't overlook what a Leupold 3x can do, it's very capable, far more than many might believe. It sure would keep weight to a minimum and your face down low if speed to sight pic is important.

Another update for the reference archive...I tried out all of these scopes in person and none would clear when using original Sako low ring mounts on an L579/AII action:

1. Leupold FX-II 4x33*
2. Leupold FX-II 6x36
3. Leupold VX-3 1.75-6x32
4. IOR Valdada 4x32 Hunting Scope

However, after giving up on the 'lows' and switching to original Sako 'mediums', I learned that a Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 fits perfect with minimal wasted space. Not quite as lean a package as I wanted but not bad either. Scopes with ~20mm objectives didn't resolve anything either as the large eyepieces won't clear the bolt. Too bad nobody makes narrow fixed powers with the long main tubes anymore.

Hope this helps someone out!

*The Leupold FX-II 4x33 might work for folks who are comfortable with the bolt being able to make some glancing contact with the eyepiece when it's retracted. However the tube is short and forward/aft movement needed to get correct eye relief is extremely limited.

My rifle must have had mediums, an L579 Forester 243 sporter, and they were original Sako rings. The rings still put the scope and line of sight pretty low so cheek weld was not an issue.