Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Express Rifles and Big Bores Only New Sako 85 "Black Bear" 9.3x62

Sakos are always lighter than their listed weight - ususally by some margin with the synthetic stocked versions. The finnlights are actually under the 6lb mark, and not much more than the Kimber montanas. The Sako synthetic stock is very light - only a touch more than the McMillan edge.

I see nothing wrong with the Black Bear ST stock, it's very stiff and utilitarian, the ergonomics are near perfect for me, and I expect it to be durable and accurate. I'd not want to switch for a laid up fiberglass stock because that would add unneeded weight with little to no gain in performance. I'd also be leery with using a benchrest constructed "egg shell" stock as this would be a weaker construction which would save little to no weight and would have no performance gains. If I manage to break this stock, I'd probably also manage to break an "egg shell" constructed stock.

Later

I'm glad you edited your original post and turned it down a notch, you were getting a bit ugly.

Do you actually believe that a benchrest construction "egg shell" graphite Edge is stronger than a solid fill??? You save weight over solid fill, but you lose strength which is why they break when used on bigger chamberings. In addition, do you truly think that by installing an Edge stock that this rifle will somehow shoot more accurately or kill more game???? Do you truly believe that this stock will break from shooting or handling afield?????

I'd wager that this Black Bear ST stock will shoot hunting loads with ample accuracy. I'd also wager that the stock will be durable with many years of dependable service. I already know that it is light, stiff, and has great ergonomics. I just do not see how installing an Edge at this point could add any utilitarian value to the rifle. I can see how a solid fill could add some strength, but the extra strength will be unneeded for performance and I don't want the added weight. An Edge is not a solid fill, it is an "egg shell" that is stiff but with limited strength due to its construction.

It almost sounds like you were beaten as a child with a synthetic stock. A day in the field hunting with a wood stocked blued rifle would do you much good, this would help clear your head from drinking too much Edge Koolaid

I'd relax, there are plenty of Finnlights the world over that work well with their "laughable" factory stocks.

Best

You're having a meltdown. I have an Edge on my long action M70, they are good stocks but not worth having a total meltdown over. You need to relax.

Gary, that combination looks absolutely spectacular. That is probably the definition of a well-balanced, hard-hitting hunting rifle.

Jim, you don't need anymore koolaid. You need a nice camomille tea in a quite room in a nice comfy chair, a few deeep breaths and to relax, dude.