Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Sako 85 (or other suggestions)

Thinking about thinning the herd and buying something nice. Is the Sako 85 worth the price?

no i dont think so

Thought on the Kimber 84L?

It it were me. I would buy a Sako 85 with pride! The only Kimber I will touch ATM is the 84L, but I'm sure the other models are now sorted........Once bitten twice shy I guess

Make that twice bitten LOL

Thank goodness it didn't go in 3's

I won't buy a current Sako because of CS problems I had with Beretta on a 75.I own a 75 and an L579 which are fine rifles.I would buy an older Sako over an 85 but most are fairly heavy,if weight is a major consideration.

I have considered a Cooper as a high end rifle but I have heard of recent CS issues there as well.

What is you major criteria for (something nice?)

I'll bite.

What are CS problems?

That's pretty much a subjective question. Some folks will say yes, some will say no. I find that I'm very seldom sorry that I went first class, while many times I'm less than satisfied with cheap equipment.


I own/have owned a number of Sako's. Only one I could not get to shoot. Turned out it was a chamber issue. I took it back to the store where I trade and got my money back.

Used Sako's if purchased right are definitely worth the money.
Used Coopers if purchsed right are definitely worth the money.

It's hard to get the best quality, availability and service at a cheap price.

Although I usually buy used, here are a couple I bought new. Hard to find these used. I do not regret purchasing either one. The actions are smooth as silk, they feed flawlessly. Have set triggers that break about 9 oz. The Stainless laminate in 260 Rem will come close to shooting 1 hole groups with 130 gr. Accubonds and the 308 Bavarian carbine is a jewell. Not a 1 holer (yet) but definitely shoots sub inch at 100.



Best

GWB

I have a few Sako Finnlights. I find them very comfortable and very accurate rifles. The ergonomics of the Finnlight stock fits me well. Realize everyone is different. I also like Tikkas. All my Tikkas and Sakos shoot very well

My latest has proven to be an excellent rifle. Ugly as sin, but I have no complaints on performance.

Best

Accurate without a lot of tinkering, excellent fit and finish, smooth operating, real nice walnut. I've owned a bunch of sub-$1000.00 dollar rifles and I was wondering what the next step up is like. I've thought about the Cooper, Dakota, Sako, and even an American made Weatherby. I think the Cooper and the Dakota may be a little more than I want to spend.

I'll just add, as much as I like Sako, my world does not revolve around their rifles. I like Ruger rifles and find them claw hammer tough and reliable. I have a semi-custom built on an M70 that I'd not part with. I'm a huge Mauser fan and love the simple trench warfare design. A well built Mauser is near magical. Lots of good things can be said of many different rifle makes and models. What will work best for you is your decision to make. Just like boots and packs, what may work wonders for one, may prove the bane of existence for another.

Best

I'd be looking at the Kimber Classic Select Grade, various Coopers, the M70 Super Grade and possibly the Weatherby Mark V Sporter.

All made in the USA too.

I have a 85 finnlight that shoots well but I dont like the cheap stock, For the cost I expected better. If I was to buy another Sako product it would be the Tikka.

I think the opposite. Those Sako Black Bears are slick looking N sexy

The Kimber Classic Select Grade is mighty tempting.

I've owned or own all the rifles mentioned so far and I like the Sako 85's better. The 85 Classic in particular fits me well.

Melvin,

In terms of performance, I agree. The factory stock is near ergonomically perfect for me, it handles well, and the ST feature is ideal for foul weather. The stock is light, as is the entire rifle, and the stock takes nothing away from accuracy. It just plain works, so I will not change it for those reasons. But for someone looking for a high grade polished and/or case hardened finish with fancy wood and checkering, this model is not it, and in that case is ugly as sin.

Best

An older Sako Forrester or Finnbear Deluxe would meet thoes requirements.Look long enough and you might find a deal.You have probably seen this before but here is a Forrester Deluxe from 1969 that I recently purchased for $900.


I have a weird range at home at the edge of a large gully.I haven't tried 100 yards yet because of that, but my Forrester shoots 100 grn factory loads into one tiny hole at 50 yards and less than 2" at 250 yards.It is around 8 lbs with scope and sling.

swarf
CS is just my way of saying customer service,sorry for any confusion.