I just took delivery of a new Sako 85 stainless/laminate. I plan on getting a new scope soon, but am wondering what the best way to mount it is. I like the looks of the Optilock rings by Sako, but it seems hard to find them in X-Low (which is what I'd need).

I've also heard good things about Talley bases/rings and Leupold ringmounts for this gun. Does anyone have experience with any of these systems? Which is best?

The rifle is chambered in .338 Federal and will get a low-power variable scope in the 1.5-5 to 2.5-8 range.

Warne ringmounts is the superior way to do it, IMHO.

I love the Optilockring and bases, and have them on all my Sako m75 & Tikka T3 rifles except for 1 - where my gunsmith installed the new style Optilock Ringmounts. The r & b set up will give you extra low rings. I find them too low for me and the LOWS are perfect for my Leupold scopes.

The new style ringmounts are swwet too.

Stick to the Optilocks-either setup IMO.

Are the Warne ringmounts nice and low?

Used Conetrol Daptar bases & rings to mount a 50mm objective scope on my Sako 85 Finnlight. With the low rings, I have 1/16 in. clearance between the bell & barrel. I have the Leupold ringmounts on a 75 Finnlight. Have not had a problem with them, but plan on switching to Conetrols on this gun as well. Just like the streamlined look of them.

Another vote for the optilocks

i have two M-85's one with a 6x42 and the other with 3.5x10 (40mm) both are in Luepold medium mounts and have no issues with either.

The new style Optilock Ringmounts are really nice, a bit pricey, but nice.

g

I've had good luck with Optilocks, Talleys and Conetrols on Sako 75s. I lean toward Talleys as my favorites, but the Optilocks are a very close second.

Why would that be?

GeoW, where did you find your Optilock Ringmounts & can you get them in stainless?

If you like to keep your scope as low as possible the Optilock's are too high with the scopes you mention there will be 3/8" to 1/2" gap between the scope and the barrel. Leupold mediums are about right for me and I have a VX3 2.5-8.

I read somewhere the X-Low Optilock ring mounts are OK, but the rest can be a bit high for all but the largest of objective diameters. My objective will be more than likely 32mm...36mm at most.

Warne.

Optilock

This is where I found mine, I went with the 1" blue low.

g

Yes available in stainless..thats what I got installed but then I had them powdercoated metallic gunmetal grey to match the Leupold scope.

Optilock LOWS are perfect on my Synthetic 85.

Betta go wit da OptiLocks! Trust me!