Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Sako 85's

There's some fine looking wood stocked rifles here https://www.sako.fi/rifles

Why are they not more popular? All I ever see on this board is talk of older models. Is it they are just not widely available? The scope rings? Because people mispronounce the name? I just don't get it.

I’ve heard/read that the 85 has ejection issues - ejecting the case straight up into the scope. That’s my guess - and only a guess as to why a $2k rifle with ejection issues isn’t popular.

Its a design fu ck up from the beginning. Whoever designed the ejector needs a swift kick in the azz, or head. One of the 2..

Yes, after reading all of the accounts of ejection stories and watching several ejection failure videos on 85's, I wouldn't bet my $2K on not having ejection problems that Beretta will not acknowledge and stand behind. Beretta won't acknowledge the problem because they know there is no fix for it. It is a design error. I believe Sako is responsible for not redesigning the ejection system as soon as these reports of ejection failure started showing up many years ago. RJ

To bad. The SAKO 85’s are a great looking rifle IMO but between there wordplay on controlled round feed (something that I know isn’t really needed but that I like just because if spending the money I like and want I like and want) and the ejection problems it’s not a rifle at the top of my list to sink 2k in to. I can get past the marketing controlled round feed line but not all of the reported ejection problems. On the other side Tikka’s are ugly as sin IMO but all that I hear is that they shoot lights out with about zero problems.

I have heard that but of the 5 Sako 85's I have owned NONE had that issue.

Did 75's have the same issue?

No, the 75's had the ejector properly located.

I think the problem arises because many American shooters think they have to place the scope as low as possible and bury their face into the stock. Most Europeans shoot with a more upright position with their face lightly touching the stock or not at all. Looks like user error. Sako does not make junk, IMHO. My 2 cents for what it is worth.

Nobody can possibly think that putting the ejector at the 6 o-clock position is a good idea.

Neither's mine.

Mine has been excellent as well. Never a problem with a zeiss diavari 2.5-10x42 in low sako ringmounts. 308 winchester.

Same here...I have the Sako 85 Stainless Varmint Laminate in 243 it's a freaking tack driver. No ejection issues either.

I have owned a dozen or so 85's over the years and have never had an ejection problem.

The problem seems to be more common in the long action 85's. A buddy bought one in 7mm Rem. Mag. Outfitted it with a Leupold 3.5x10x40 scope in low Sako Optilock ringmounts. He experienced the problem. Not every shot but often enough to cause concern. Who wants to have an empty case hit the scope and drop back into the action and jam up the gun in a hunting situation? Beretta was absolutely no help. He sent the rifle down the road. As mentioned earlier, putting the ejector in the 6 o'clock position is just plain dumb. Beretta should redesign the action

You are correct. The problem seems to be most common with long action calibers. I have not heard of short action or shortmag rifles having the problem.

What's new about the 85 over the 75?

I would have one if the ones I'm looking at on their website were available in America...( no where does it say they're not...but they're not...)

I own 2 85 short actions never a problem with either and both are very accurate.

Good luck and shoot straight y'all

85

75: Push feed
85: Quasi controlled round feeding and enhanced mag change where mag has to be pushed up to release.