I am about to scope a Sako 85 Barvarian carbine
and would like any opinions on the Talleys vs Optilocks. I have Optilock on
two Sakos but they are heavy and even though they are “low” one piece rings they
seem high.

I've had Talley's on my 75 for many moons. They have performed well.

Get Optilock ring mounts and you will be happy - no base.

I tried the talleys but when I found out they have set screws that crush down into the top of the metal chechering in top of the action and leave marks I didn’t use them, it hurts resale value. So, unless you are going to keep it fore ever with Talley only rings - I say ring mounts are your go too.

I use Leupold medium ringmounts

Bill, do the Leupold bases have the same problem as the Talley’s with the set screws damaging
the metal checkering?

Simple solution: don't use the set screws. Given the design of the receiver (wedge shaped) and the shape of bases like the Talleys, Redfield, and others, recoil will serve to tighten the bases to the milled receiver. When initially installing the bases, give them a good tap with a non-marking hammer (brass, plastic)--recoil will take care of the rest.

I like the Talleys on my Sakos. I like the bases and split rings.

Fixing to have both my 85's drilled and taped for the Talley lightweight Tikka mounts

Look at S&K's; my first choice. Their gloss or matte blues would look great on that gun. I have them on my L61R Deluxe, 300H&H

Sami optimism discounts on my 3 Finnlights, no real complaints except for the rings screws.....softest metal ever. I tried the Talley and didn't like them aesthetically.


The best solution, and one ill be doing soon is getting a NEAR rail which will facilitate the use of picatinny rings,

That’s what I have on a few Sakos

I tried a few but ended with Conetrol on my Finnlight.I used Burris Signature on my L579.They have the nice features of Optilocks but more svelte.I also needed to mount a 26mm tube.

Ringmounts.. Protects your base and scope.

I have Optilocks on my Sako L691 300 Wby. They have been rock steady for 25 years.

I used the optilocks on 2 85S both are capable of extreme accuracy.

Good luck and shoot straight y'all