Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Tell me about the Sako A2 (AII), and how it compares to a Tikka T3x

I'd appreciate your input on the Sako A II rifles. I don't see much on the internet about these things. I ran across one yesterday, handled it and I really like it. Nice wood stock and smooth action and trigger. Slightly reminding me of the Tikka T3. As I understand it, these are very similar to the older Sako L579. I believe this rifle has the 2 lug system, more like the Tikka, with the same extractor, and probably the same barrel that Tikka uses. This rifle is chambered in 243 Winchester, and has a slightly heavy barrel with no sights. I really like how the rifle feels in the hands. Seems to be of slightly better quality than the Tikka's.

The bore on this one is very copper fouled, but the rifling looks good and sharp. Chamber looks good, as does the throat, with sharp lands, so I think it is going to be a shooter, after I address the copper fouling. The rifle also feels like it needs some glass bedding, so that will also get addressed. I'm curious to tear this rifle apart and see how the recoil lug system is on it. Do they use a recoil lug system like Tikka? When I get the rifle home, I'll find that out for myself, but something I was wondering about.

I probably don't have to ask how these shoot, as I'm sure of the answer I'll get. You can enlighten me though, if you want. The rifle comes with a set of what looks like Millet rings. From what I hear, Millet had a contract with Sako to make rings for them. I don't believe they are the optilocks though.

My plans are to tear this one apart, clean the heck out of it, put a scope on it and shoot it. That way I'll have a baseline for accuracy/precision. If it does not impress, then I'll look at the bedding, and maybe freefloat the barrel.

Thanks in advance for anything you can share about these rifles.

I collected them. Great quality - way better than anything later on. The AII is a proper petite short action with a slim bolt. Extractor is a small claw, the Mauser style rotating extractor is in fact a guide rib. Ejection is via blade at the rear; no plunger. Recoil lug Mauser style, no crppy T3 style.
The trigger is normally an adjustable one for pull, back lash and engagement.
If it’s a ‘classic’ ie straight comb stock then the older ones are cut chequering and have VERY nice wood, the later ones are pressed chequering panels, ho hum wood and generally a lighter profile barrel.
They are generally very accurate esp when bedded

The rings might be the original windage adjustable as. Do they have large thumb wheel adjusters?

The pre Garcia Sako Vixen in 222 is a beautiful little rifle. A light sporter that shoots like a BR gun. When my hunting buddy died from cancer I bought his Vixen from his widow. She worked in a LGS behind the gun counter, so I just asked her how much she wanted for the Vixen and paid her. Not regretted it for a second. It is a great shooting and handling little 222 rifle.

I have a Sako AII chambered in 22-250......I have a Tikka T3x also chambered in 22-250

The Sako is not for sale, the Tikka I would sell for what I have in it.
I believe the Sako A series rifles were made in the late 80's so that's why you dont see many of them anymore (I have an AV also). Yes after the L579
The only thing that I like better about the Tikka is the trigger, you can adjust it to a lighter pull.

btw: I did glass bed mine about 15years ago, I should have done it when I got it

Sako A1 and A2 in the late stocks with red recoil pads, palm swell grips, are some of the best rifles ever made. Condition is everything of course.

The Sako AII is an L579 with an enclosed bolt shroud. The L579/AII and the T3 have almost nothing in common. I've owned a ton of L579/AII's and they are one of the best rifles ever made IMHO. The action is scaled down considerably from the larger L61R/AIII/AIV/AV action in outside dimensions, bolt diameter and length.

Like boatanchor, I have an AII chambered in 308 and a T3x in 6.5. I’d sell the Tikka tomorrow with the Sako being the last one ever. I like the palm swell and that rifle fits me like a glove

Mine shoots every 150 grain load I have tried well and most great. 165s a little more finicky and sprays most 180s I tried. It does seem to like Federal Premium with 180 Partitions and I used that load to kill an elk and several moose

My hunting buddies always ask me with a chuckle what rifle I plan to bring on a hunt, as if they had to ask. I know I don’t have a 10th of the rifles other here do but I really do love my Sako

Living Walnut/Blued rifles are Goat Fhuqks,no matter the Make/Model. Hint.

Sako struggles mightily,with twist rate and rather often COAL. Hint.

Though admittedly,I don't gawk at schit,I fhuqking shoot it. Hint.................

You heard it right here folks, pig stink says he shoots Schit!!!

Great info guys. I appreciate it!! After I get it, I'll post some pics. My local gun guy, was saving this one for me to look at. The funny thing is I have been looking for a good 243 for a couple years now. I ended up buying one for my girlfriend to hunt with, about 5 months ago. A nice little model 70 compact. But I was still on the lookout for a good 243, for myself. This one is pretty nice. To answer a couple questions that you guys had. It does not have the thumb wheels on the rings. They appear to be millets and adjust for windage. From some research, I found that Millet made rings for these rifles. I'm hoping they work out well. If not, I'll probably just replace them with a good set of rings.

The stock has a gloss finish, with what looks like the original plastic butt plate. No red pad. It is also a montecarlo type, and I believe pressed checkering. It seems like a well made rifle, and it was priced where I'd expect a used Tikka T3x to be. Personally I like the wood stock, over the Tikka plastic stock, and the fact it has a floor plate. After inspecting it, I felt like I'd be kicking myself in the azz if I did not buy it at the price offered to me. Thanks again for your input!!!

Hunting guns don’t get much better. Twisted perfect.

Well, we've seen his rifles too. Some of us here like looking at them, and shooting them. Some of us also like taking care of their rifles, and keeping them in pristine condition. Most of my rifles are in better condition, than the day I bought them. I also burn up more than my fair share of powder, but that doesn't mean I throw them around, and let them soak in a creek bottom.

Shrap, I also know you like Sako's, but probably the older ones.

Very nice. Those are Burris rings, aren't they? Thanks for the input..

Thanks. Leupold ringmounts with a small shim between the ring and receiver to clear the objective.

Ok. Thanks. I know where a few sets of Leupold/sako rings are in town. If the Millet's don't work, I may look at getting some of those. I was thinking the objective is pretty close to the barrel. What stock is that?

Yes it’s mounted perfect. That’s a Brown stock.

I like those Brown Precision stocks. I have a couple PoundR's on my pre 64 model 70's.. Thanks for sharing.

The nicest rings are the old Warne Premiers - not to be confused with the current Warne dross

Thanks otto. I'll look those up. But if they are the vertical split rings, I don't care for those much. I like the sleek look of the Leupolds that remingtonpeters posted. However, the Millet's that are on the rifle look fine too. I plan on running a gloss 3-9x40 on the rifle, so I'll see if the rings that are on it will suffice. Hopefully the height will be fine.

By today’s standards, AII (A2) Sakos are now old. I have a few and they shoot better with less problems than pig stink says. He’s not the only guy that shoots a lot on this forum, just the only one that thinks he matters most…

Thanks shrap. I guess a rifle made in the 80's is now 40 years old, or close to it. I was talking to gunner500 yesterday, and he said he likes the pre garcia's, but doesn't have much experience with the AII. I figured this one was calling my name and I've been interested in the older Sako's for a while. I had a Sako A7 for a couple years. It was a fine rifle, but I sold it a couple years ago. Personally, I like the looks and features of this older AII over that rifle.

You cant go wrong with any of the A-series Sakos. These actions were the last to be scaled to the caliber ‘family’. The MX91’s had different length actions, but the bolt diameter stayed the same. This carried thru with the 75, 85, and now model 90. Although Sako went with 3-lugged 60 deg bolt throw starting w the 75.

I had a 75 deluxe in 17 Remington and it was small bolt face with 3 lugs, 60 degrees…

I had no Idea that Sako made smaller diameter bolts after the AI’s. I’ll need to research that. Any pix?

That's why I started the thread. These guys know their Sako's. I've always admired the older ones. Almost bought a few, but never took the plunge. This one really caught my eye, because of it's size. It reminds me of the Tikka T3x that I love. The bolt body is comparable in size to the Tikka, it is very smooth, just like the Tikka, and I'm sure it's going to shoot as well as a Tikka. These guys here confirmed a lot of this. Even though some say they are nothing like the Tikka, I see a lot of similarities.

I just looked at both. Hard to compare fairly as one is a short action and the other is not. My Sako is about 3 inches shorter total but the weights are about the same. Also not fair is the Tikka is set up for a different style and has a much larger/heavier scope. Both are stock with nothing being done to either. Slapped a scope on them and shoot /hunt.

The action of the Tikka is significantly smoother than my Sako but is a good bit slopper

There is a lot of plastic on the Tikka compared to the Sako

This is subjective but the build quality of the Sako is a lot better

I have not played with the Tikka as much as I shot the Sako but at this point in time it has been a lot less finicky with ammo than the Sako. All brands and bullet weights that I have tried but if push comes to shove the Tikka likes heavier bullet weights

And finally just going off memory and again hugely subjective is recoil. The Tikka felt recoil is more in my opinion. Maybe stock design, maybe fit to me, maybe I’m nuts but I find the Tikka a good bit snappier. Not unbearable by any stretch but surprising to me

I’d buy either in a heartbeat if they were something I were looking for but I’d also sell one a lot quicker and that wouldn’t be the Sako

Just my opinions from the cheap seats.

Someone got a new gun and didn't post photos?

Sako rifles check all the boxes for me. Extremely well made, good stock ergos, nice wood, beautiful bluing, and accurate. The original Sako scope mounts just add to the charm. Those Finns know how to make a gun (and gunpowder, too), which isn't surprising considering Russia is permanently camped on their doorstep.

Here's my AII in 22-250 wearing Deluxe trim. She's a great little prairie dog git'r.

This is a picture I have that shows the 17 Remington, between a 6mm PPC deluxe and a 22 PPC deluxe. It is probably one of the rarest Sakos you could find. Sako never even listed it among the calibers available for a 75 deluxe. It also had a drop floor plate which was even more rare, as 75’s typically had detachable magazines and an ugly bolt with a proboscis sticking out the back of the bolt…

Nice rifles. Those late A series stocks are the best.

It’s a good day, I learned something new.

That is a sweet little rifle there. A lot to like with that one. The one I bought is not as nice as the deluxe model, but will fit me much better. Those roll over, and high cheek pieces hurt. As is, the rifle feels great in the hands and when shouldered. The action is buttery smooth. I don't have the rifle in hand yet, as I purchased it in the middle of the day on Friday, and the shop closed early Saturday. I should pick it up on Monday. Then I'll start in on it. I'll get some pics taken after I clean it up. Probably pics before it gets a scope, and then some afterwards. I'll more than likely glass bed it, and then probably shoot it Tuesday? Is that fast? Some of my buddies buy a rifle, then take 3 months to get a scope on it!!!!

I know, I wanted to show some before and after, and get a baseline, but I already know it needs to be glass bedded. I could feel it when I ran the bolt at the fun shop. That is something some guys don't get, or understand. But as some have confirmed, they shoot better when they are glass bedded. So I won't waste any time getting that done. The barrel is not freefloated, so I may just leave that alone? Then experiment later, if it's not shooting like I think it should.

The barrel on this 243 winchester is heavier than the 22-250 you pictured. It is horribly copper fouled, so I'll be soaking that and getting it cleaned. In my mind, the seller probably got rid of it because it was "not shooting like it used to". You know how some guys say they send them down the road, when they start shooting like schidt?? Well, that's my best guess. Then I come in, and make them shoot well again. Just how it goes. This one shows good sharp rifling, from what I can see of it, and the bolt face is very nice, so whoever had it, didn't shoot it much, but also did not take excellent care of it. Like I've said before, this rifle will be a lot nicer after I buy it, and tune it up a bit. If you guys want pics of that progression, and work, I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for the comments. Much appreciated!!!

Great info. Thanks! I know I'll have fun comparing them. I know there are some things that are different, like the plunger ejector on the Tikka. It never fails. If the Sako is a better build quality, then that should also be good, even though it has a fixed blade ejector. I know after a few problems with my A7, I got rid of it. That was a poor mechanical design though. I don't see that happening with the A II. I hope.. We'll see though, as when I test I am not going to be biased toward one over the other. If the Sako fails, I'll call it like it is.

Sucko 243's are EPIC Goat Fhuqks at 1-10" Hint.

Not that you CLUELESS Drooling Dumbfhuqks,could even begin to summons a FIRST fhuqking clue. Hint.

How did those 108's do in your 6x45 upper? HINT.



Yet SchitSmell is an even DUMBER Fhuqk. Hint.



Bless your hearts for fhuqking TRYING.

Hint.

Fhuqking LAUGHING!..................

Pre AII actions are sweet. I just picked this L46 222 at a gun show in Las Vegas. This is a classic example of how well Sako rifles are made. Somehow this gun remained unfired all these years as when I cleaned it, the original packing grease was still in the bolt, action, and magazine.

I hope to be shooting it soon…

Cool find. That one does look brand new. Chambered for a cool cartridge too. Nice find!!

Nice thread. I know nothing about Sako's.

Come on Ed..

WhenI bought my AII 22-250 many years ago I wanted the deluxe but the comb was just too high for me so I got the standard........lower comb and plastic plate instead of rubber recoil pad
not quite as pretty but never been disappointed

I ran a AII in 22-250, with Millet rings, for going along about 30 years. Lots of figure in the buttstock. Fine looking and shooting rifle. Let's see some photos of yours, maybe it's my old one.

Hey Guys-----I just listed in Classifieds a nice AIII Varmint .270 Win...Pretty rare bird. Thank you.
Darrel Wick. AKA Mauserfan

I'll have to check it out.

A-series rifles are the epitome of the brand. This was decided a while back. All y’all try and keep up.

Never heard that before, but I'm going to shoot this one tomorrow, and see how she does:







Put an older gloss Burris FFII 3-9X40 W/Ballistic plex reticle on it and adjusted the trigger down to 2 5/8 pounds. Any lighter, and it was dropping the hammer when I closed the bolt. Maybe a different spring is required?

Here are some pics of when I got it to the house, before I cleaned it up:

I did wipe it down with some old english in this pic. ^^^^^


Here you can see the Millet/Sako rings. I did not like them, as they were a little loose, even after tightening them down. They just did not seem real secure.


The new Leupolds are much better..

The rifle was missing the sling studs, so I put some in:


Sorry, this is not factory, as I had to inlet the front sling stud so it was inset into the stock:


The trigger doesn't appear to have ever been adjusted:


I don't think the receiver had ever been out of the stock before either. There was a lot of dirt and grime in there.

In this pic, it looks like the recoil lug and receiver has been rocking around in the stock:

This is likely going to get taken care of when I glass bed it. I'm going to shoot it tomorrow, to see how it fares.

Do you guys think this thing is worth the $650 I gave for it???

That is what I would call a transition gun, when Sako didn’t finish cutting the checkering on the fore end. I was disappointed when they started doing that, and they also put plastic followers in the magazine. I have seen some that had the Herring Bone checkering with a steel follower, but I was afraid Sako had started to go downhill and cheapen their guns. They didn’t continue with the uncut checkering and plastic followers, making them as they should.

Your trigger is probably too light. Original Sako triggers, though adjustable, don’t like to go below 3 pounds. You need to work that bolt as fast as you can and see if it holds without firing. You also need to put the safety on and off, while it is set at 2 5/8 pounds to see that the safety moves freely, with no obstruction. If you feel any resistance, it is too light.

I would also try jarring the gun with the safety off to insure it won’t fire with that trigger adjustment…

Thanks shrap. I was wondering about the checkering as well. It seemed odd to me. I also did exactly like you suggested as well, with checking the trigger. I generally do that when checking triggers after adjusting on other models too. That's why I said I could not go any lower. I really wanted at least 2.5 pounds, but 2 5/8 is as low as it will go. The safety works as it should, feels good. I racked the bolt good and hard, when checking while I adjusted. Both before I had it in the stock, and then afterwards, when it was back in the stock. You know your Sako's. I appreciate your guidance and knowledge.

As for the follower, this one has the steel follower. I'm glad it does not have a plastic one.

After tearing it apart, this rifle looks like a quality rifle. I like the machine work, and design. I have fired the rifle, just to make sure it works. Fired one shot though, before even cleaning it up. Later on today will tell me how it shoots. I'll be using some loads I worked up in another rifle, and also some loads that I made up a couple months ago with the 62gr varmint grenade Barnes. Those were meant to be fired in my new to me Winchester model 70, but I haven't gotten around to shooting them yet. I'll just shoot them in this rifle, to make some brass, then start fresh with proper OAL etc. I should be able to see if the rifle has potential, after just a little bit of shooting later on today. I'm thinking it will show promise though.

I also need to buy a new smaller diameter bore guide!!! I knew the bolt body diameter was smaller, but I didn't think it was that much smaller than a Tikka. I was wrong. My normal bore guide does not fit!!!

I learned something new. I’ve seen them with that checkering and a plastic follower but I have never seen one with a white line spacer.

A shop I visited a few weeks ago had a later model vintage chambered in 308 and they were asking $750.

That is a super rifle. Looks in great shape. I think you got a great deal especially in 243.
I have got these triggers down to 1.5# on my varmint rifles but wouldn’t mess any further with where you’re at now for a hunting gun. I haven’t had to bed these to get them to shoot, but most of mine are heavy barrels. The Burris scope suits the rifle quite well.
Sakos have a tendency to multiply quickly in your gun cabinet, so be careful.
Great find!

Putting a sling stud backer nut on an old walnut stocked rifle is very smart. Safety and gun preservation wise. Good call.

JDK, that sounds like a good deal to me. I took this rifle out today, even though the weather sucked balls:




Rifle is still copper fouled, but I worked on it a little bit ago. Ran some sweets through it, and it still has copper in there. I'm wondering if the goofy 12 land rifling likes to collect copper? I blame this on someone that did not clean this rifle the way it should have been cleaned. I went at it with the sweets a few times today, but I don't like letting that stuff stay in the bore for very long. There's still copper in it, so I'll work on it, over a few range sessions.

Here's the weight on the rifle:


Just to compare it to a Tikka. Here's the weight of one of my Tikka's with a wood stock:

I figured the wood stocked model would be a better comparison, vs. the plastic stock version. Same/similar scope (Burris FFII 3-9x40, but newer manufacture: same 13 oz's though)

So, honestly, it's closer to what my pre 64 model 70's weigh. Basically a 2 OZ difference.

338wm for example:

Both of my 300WBY's weigh the same as that 338. ^^^^^

So as a comparison to the Tikka, maybe not so much here guys. Here's the down low:

1. I will say the rifle functioned flawlessly.

2.Trigger worked very well, almost didn't notice the little extra pull weight. (Tikka trigger is better).

3. Smooth action, not quite on par with a Tikka though. Close, but not exactly the same.

4. Ejection was good, but more like a model 70.

5. Accuracy will get there, but it's going to have to be after more copper mining..

6. Rifle weighs slightly more than a Steven's 200, at 7 pounds 14 oz's. scoped.

I hate to make it sound like I'm being negative toward the Sako. Maybe I should say, that when it's up and running 100%, it's going to kick the Winchester model 70 classic compact's azz!!! With its load:


That will give me something to shoot for. Like I said, I'm not going to be biased. This is as honest of a report as I can give it right now. Thanks to those who shared their experiences as well. Much appreciated!!!

Thanks buddy. I've had a sling stud pull out once, and swore that would never happen again!!! A front stud should be anchored properly. I was slightly apprehensive, since the rifle is pretty much all original. But I agree with you, it's an improvement that needed to be done.

You certainly didn’t waste any time. That rifle is a typical sako shooter. Good shooting on your part as well. If everything was that easy 👍👍

Well, thanks. I generally don't waste time on a rifle project.

It's nice because I haven't even glass bedded it yet. I am going to tackle the copper fouling issue first though.

Sorry, the pic sucks. My phone didn't want to focus on the right thing (the bore).. You can see the copper in there though, even though it's blurry..

Work one thing at a time. I appreciate you input buddy!! I'm pretty happy with the rifle though. I don't see anything wrong with it, and it did function very well. I am looking forward to shooting it along side that Winchester model 70 classic. My girlfriend will be shooting that rifle, for practice in anticipation for this years hunting. If we draw tags..

If you don't want to mechanically remove it (JB compound, Flitz, whatever other) then put down the Sweet's and get one of the modern copper removers you can leave in there if you don't want to babysit.

Good suggestion. I’ve been thinking about trying some new stuff. No one in town carries it though. Any suggestions for what works best? Montana extreme? I bought some Barnes CR10, but that didn’t do much.

Montana Extreme and WO seem to work best, IME.

Thanks Jordan. That WO was one I was trying to think of. With my rifles, I generally just use shooters choice. This one was blue patch after blue patch, using sweets. I still see copper in there too!!! When I go to Reno, I'll see if I can find one of those 2. I like the fact that it is not as harmful to the bore as sweets is.

I've had good luck with WipeOut and BoreTech Eliminator. Working a patch back and forth with Eliminator will lather it up. That's when I see it really start to work.

Bore Tech Eliminator, for tough copper fouling Bore Tech CU+2 copper remover
Have found it to work much better than Montana Extreme and smell better as well
Have never seen these two products at local stores so normally have to buy it from Potterfield

Great info in this thread!!!

I've used Montana Extreme with good results, but for a while now I've been using Bore Tech products.

Thanks mathman. I ordered some of that WO jordan suggested. I've never had a bore this copper fouled before, so this gives me a chance to try out some stuff I've been wanting to try. When I bought the rifle, both the shop owner and I knew it was pretty copper fouled. I'm actually surprised the rifle shot as well as it did. He gave me a heck of a deal on the rifle, because it needed a couple things, like the sling studs, and a little TLC and cleaning..

Thanks devnull. I'll use that technique, when it gets here.. I think I'm going to go and shoot the rifle a little bit today, and then hit it with some sweets afterwards as well. The wipe out should be here in a few days..

Update:

Well, I'm really liking this little rifle. It reminds me more of my pre 64 model 70's, than a Tikka though. I know it's not a Tikka, but Sako/Tikka are now made in the same facility. I was expecting it to act more like a Tikka. It is shooting a little better, after a little sweets 7.62 treatment. Yet, it still has copper in the bore. The Wipe Out should take care of the rest, then it will get the same regiment of Shooter's Choice, I give all of my rifles. She's looking pretty good though.

Today's range session, before the bad weather came in. Glad to get there before noon today, when the sun was out:


Nice blue sky for a little while too. Even the furry dogs came out to say hi:


This one was the only one to show his head. But not for long!!^^

I know, some of you guys like the 400 yard groups, so here goes:

Wind was blowing almost enough to take the 100gr Hornady BTSP interlocks off the paper. But they hung in there, just barely...

Second group at 400:


The third and 4th groups opened up a bit when the barrel heated up. Wind wasn't much. About 5-6 mph:

3rd group:


4th group:


Hopefully some of you guys enjoyed this thread. It is fun learning about new rifles. I'd like to add, that IF I run across another one of these rifles, I'd not hesitate to buy it!!!! Thanks again, to those that contributed and left their suggestions and input.

I feel the Sako A2 classic is a gem.

I agree. I believe it's looking like it's a great hunting rifle. I like a lot of aspects of it. It seems like it has a bit of old world quality (very similar to the pre 64 model 70, as I said before), and functions very well/similarly. It could possibly be a rifle I reach for on yote hunts, deer or antelope hunts, and even shooting jackrabbits in the sage, and open desert. I look forward to playing around with this one some more. Generally when a new to me rifle shoots a 3/8" first group (or close to), I know it's going to be a keeper. Then it's going to have to prove it's reliable. This one seems to check that box as well..

I got tired of searching the internet, as I know some of you guys know the feeling. I figured I'd just start this thread because I know there is a wealth of knowledge here. That is very much appreciated!!! I'm more of a model 70 guy, and also love my M1917's and Ruger 77's, but have only had one other Sako, and it was not a great rifle. It had some quirks/strange ejection pattern because of a design flaw. I often hear how good these older Sako's are though, and I knew these guys would know this one. Hell, there isn't even much on Youtube about these AII's. Maybe it's kind of a bastard child? It's not a "pre Garcia", and it lies in between the infamous Sako 85's etc..

However, for me, it checks a lot of boxes though. I like simple and reliable. I really like the ejector location, and the pre 64 model style hinged floor plate. The trigger isn't perfect, but it's a lot better since I adjusted it down to a minimum of 2 5/8 pounds. Shrap is right, you can't adjust them down much lower than 3 pounds, but this one is working very well at 2 5/8. It's pretty crisp, and I don't even notice that it's not 2 to 2 1/2 pounds, like my other rifles.

I also appreciate the info in this thread!!