Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Sako 85 owners, proponents, and critics.

I consider the Kimber Montana to be probably the closest combination to a Sako 85. IMO they both have advantages and disadvantages over the other. I've had great luck with the 9 Kimber Centerfire rifles I've had, though there have been some complaints of varying quality control. A good Kimber however can be a great rifle and equal to the Sako 85. I hunt with both of them.

My Sako model 85 is a 270 WSM Grey Wolf with a Swaro 3-12x50 PH with the TDS reticle, in Optilock mounts:



The deer isn't the biggest one we shot this year where I was hunting in Pennsylvania but he's tasting great!

I've also hunted a bit with Sako 75's. This one is a 300 RUM with a Swaro 4-16x50 PH, TDS again with Optilock mounts:



Again, not the biggest Elk of the year but he ate great, my Mom and Stepdad ate almost the whole Elk!.

Of the 2 rifles, so far the 300 RUM is more accurate. I probably should work on load developement a little more for the WSM. I wouldn't say that 75's are more accurate than 85's just this example. I'm sure that my 85 Grey Wolf will improve with a little more work, it's about the 3/4" 3 shot group at 100yd rifle. I prefer the Grey Wolf stock to the old synthetic because it's shaped better and feels "Warmer" being made of laminated wood. The laminated seemed to hold up well in the rain I was hunting in......................................DJ

Kimber is no comparison...not even in the same league...Kimber's QC is of questionable standards. Sako will not let you down.

BTW great pics and animals DJ...

I'd have to disagree. I own several of both. In fact the only problem I have with my 270 WSM Sako is that my Kimber is a good bit more accurate, the Sako shoots 3/4" at 100yds, the Kimber has shot 1/2" at 200yds. Both are excellent rifles.....................DJ

Maybe but I have never had to send my Sako to a smith to fix a mess like Kimber made on their rifle.

what calibers do you own in kimber, also I am looking for a 75 are there any new ones left in stores like cabelas ect..

I use to have a 270WSM in a Kimber, but it went down the road like a lame horse going to the glue factory...will never have another. I have a Sako 85 now in a 30-06 and love it.

I should say that the 270WSM is a great caliber, it was just the rifle I hated.

In Kimber's I have or have had a 2-270 WSM's, a 7 WSM, 2-300 WSM's, a 325 WSM, a 7-08, and a 308 Winchester, and a 22lr. All shot sub-MOA and I only did any real work on 1 of them - which was bedding the floorplate.
In Sako's I have or have had a 223, 6 PPC, 2-308's, 270 Winchester, 270 WSM, 300 WSM, 7 RUM, 2-300 RUM's, 338 Win Mag, 338 Lapua Mag and a 375 H&H.
I feel that I've had at least a decent sampling of both rifles. I'm sorry that a few people have had Kimbers they were disappointed with but please remember that there also are a lot of people that think they are the best rifles they've ever owned. They are at least worth a look along side the Sako's............................DJ

Im looking at getting a new 300 win mag, which one would you recomend between the sako 85 the kimber or anyother?

I would really like to find a new 75 but dont think I will find a new one in 300 win mag.

Just take a look online at gunsamerica and/or gunbroker and you should be able to find a model 75 in new or close to new condition. Or call cabelas and ask them to check the inventory in all their stores, they'll transfer it from one to another for you.

Leupold showed-up today. DJ, followed your instructions. Everything went fine until I started sliding the front base/ring. Nothing happened. I had everything level and the vertical line matched-up with the door frame. Moving the base didn't change anything. I did use the mirror and matched-up the reticle with its shadow, so maybe I have everything as it should be. Gotta get it to the range this weekend to sight in.

Tighten everything up right where you have it and then sight the rifle in. After you are dead on at 100yds, loosen the front ring screws and slide the base forwards tighten everything up and reshoot, you'll see the windage change. The reason you didn't notice any movement is that you probably didn't have the front base lower screw tightened.
So, what do you think of the Optilocks otherwise?............................DJ

OCC, that is a nice rifle, what caliber? What model Leupold do you have mounted on it?

That is one sexy set up OCC!

Sweet looker.

OCC, are they extra-low Optilocks?


340

LOL! I'm laughin' at myself! DJ, I missed a very importrant part of your instructions.



Don't ask what I did!

I think the Optilocks are the only real choice. I like them just fine. Now that I have ordered this custom scope, I'm pleased that I don't have to worry about putting ring marks on it. The Talleys would have marred my action if I would have really tightened them down! They already left a little just snugging them enough to hold them in place for the photo shoot. I need to find some "extra low" rings as the "lows" are a little higher than I would like with a 36mm objective.

Jimmy, it's a good ol' .308 Winchester! Got it from a Georgia Cracker (dealer) from the Dalton, Georgia area! I had a hard time finding one in .308 Win. I was going to have to wait a few months before Beretta expected more from Finnland.

The scope is a Leupold VXIII 2.5-8x36mm and I had Leupold put an M1 turret on for elevation. It probably would have looked a bit more conventional with a turret for windage too, but I am by no means a marksman and know absolutely nothing about wind doping. Once I have the windage adjusted, it will just be a game of moving the crosshairs for elevation to compensate for whatever handload the rifle likes best. I'm going to start with 130gr TTSXs and work through the 168gr TSXs. I'll fool with a few Accubonds and maybe even the 150gr E-Tip. You know the drill around here. It's just going to be the go-to whitetail gun.

harv & 340, thanks! They're "lows." I would like "extra lows", but can't seem to find any.

I have an "M. Edge" on order for it! I hope I get it in enough time for someone to pillar and glass bed it for the '08-'09 season.

OCC,

Ya know that rifle is only going to weight 7lbs and 8oz if you put an edge on it.

Spot

I have no idea what it weighs now. It's no Kimber 84M Montana, but it's nice and light.

Looks pretty nice OCC. Let us know how the range session goes...