I am considering buying a new rifle and am seeking opinions about Sako rifles. Does anyone have any experience? Are the triggers adjustable? I was seriously looking at the Sako 75, but am also considering the Kimber bolt rifle. Anyone have an opinion on which is a better buy?

Thanks to all who reply

How much experience are you looking for? I am still using a Sako Forester, L57, .308W I bought new in 1961. It's still capable of punching hole double holes on a regular basis. Hell, I was carrying it today but didn't see anything to shoot.

It has never spent a night away from home for service or repair except for the one time I had some wood butcher trim the buttstock, (that SOB). Sako has had a lot of changes over the years and the 75 my brother bought a couple years back is a little heavier than my older model. But I've shot his and it is very accurate and appears to be of superior quality.

I've never owned or shot a Kimber.

I have two, and love them. Mine are the older models, and I think they are second to none. If you are thinking about a 75 get one quick, as Sako is comming out with the 85, and there are no long actions, or Monte Carlo stocks as yet. My 2 cents.

I have 3 currently, all model 75's and can't recommend them enough. Perfect, no, but darn close in my mind.

I been shooting and hunting with a Sako 75 SS in 338 Winchester since I bought the thing with a tax refund back in 1997. All you need is an allen wrench to adjust the trigger if you need to. As for weight yep it's not light on the other hand its very shootable both on the range and in the field. I have owned other sakos, and you pretty much get what you pay for, a good solid no BS, hunting rifle that you can take out of the box, mount a scope zero it and go hunt. From what I understand the New 85 is going to be even better. You can go wrong with one.

Very fine rifles. There are some lightweight models of the 75 around if that's what you're looking for. I used a stainless/synthetic 75 with a 20" barrel, chambered in .308, for a while in 2005, taking a pronghorn at 250 yards and a mule deer at 330. The trigger was very fine out of the box, as was accuracy, on the order of around .5 inch at 100 yards with several handloads and some factory ammo. Weight was right at 7.5 pounds with a scope that was really too big and heavy for the little rifle.

Don't see why the 85 should be any different. Sako has always known how to put together a rifle.

John Barsness

More than one gunsmith, in answer to my question - "What make that you sell, is least likely to come back with problems" has said "Sako". It seems most gunsmiths consider them stone cold reliable. Most hunters that I know who own them, think they're dead accurate too.

Of the more than 100 big game rifles I have owned over the past 40+ years, only ONE was a Sako, it was a Finnwolf in .308. When I bought it, new, from a dealer, it would not feed roundnose bullets from the clip mags, which pizzed me off severely.

I had this fixed and gave it to my brother, who gave it back to me many years later as he quit hunting. I then gave it to his son who loves it and will NOT even consider ANY other rifle as it's equal although he has been offered my Dakota and so forth.

He shoots the Federal 180 NP load into boring 3 shot moa groups and whacks deer with it with the early '70s 4x Redfield. Sakos are beautifully machined rifles with fine finish, but, they are too heavy for my taste and very few of them are CRF, which I prefer.

I just checked out a new Mod. 85 last week, too heavy for it's .30-06 chambering, but, I would certainly buy it in a .338 Win. or a 9.3x64....which they do NOT offer, so........ Overall, I consider the CZ-550 a superior rifle when price is considered and tend to like MKII Rugers as well.

I dont think I have handled a smoother more precise feeling action than the Sako AV I have.

I don't know much about the 75.I've been stuck in a finnbear phase.My old factory 338 is a really good shooter with multiple bullet weights used.I also perfer the finnbear action when rebareling building ect.Have 3 like them all.

Sako's cannot be beat other than they are a little heavier than the Kimber or your run of the mine Remchesther. In my experience they will also out shoot them. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I can't imagine anyone not liking them. You have to look to make sure my 20 year old Fiberclass has actually fed a cartridge. It feeds upside down sideways, prolly underwater!

try a steyr.

For a similar price point, Steyr is the only rifle comparable to a Sako.

I have a SAKO 75 in 270 Win. I have used it every season for the past 12 years, it remains very accurate and is my favorite rifle.
TIKKA rifles are made by a company owned by SAKO. TIKKAs are also very accurate, right out of the box. For the money, TIKKAs can't be beat, I have three of them.

My Sako 75 is in the 25-06 offering. Great rifle, smooth as butter, but a bit heavier than I would like. Hardly a valid complaint when all else is so positive.

Shoots 110gr. AB's into tiny clusters with max load of RL22. Must admit to handling it a bit differently when in the field. Never thought I'd do that as I treat all rifles with great care, but these Sako's are a step above.....IHMO.

Had a boat motor mechanic pull alongside a boat I was tied up to this summer. He looked at my new Honda OB's and said that he has never worked on a Honda OB (130hp) since they came out. Same as BCBrian's story about the gunsmith. Buy quality and MOST times you're rewarded with less issues. A bit more up front, but worth every penny.

Peace of mind is worth alot to me.

Good luck.

I've hd four, two 75's, an a1 in 223 and currently an AV in 300 win. I am ABSOLUTELY a Sako slut.

I own an AV in 270win, it is a tad heavier than some other rifles but everything works precisely and glides beautifully. It has good accuracy and is in some ways too pretty to hunt with, however, I overcome the fear of scuffing it up and it always delivers!

Do you feel peace of mind with Sako or Tikka now as they may be on top of things after the blow ups?

By the way Michigan 70 welcome to the forum.

Even their magazines are top notch. Solid, perfect fit, extremely well put together and flawless in function (again...a bit heavy, but part of making it a quality part). Not cheap, but the workmanship and resulting product is far and above standard detachable magazines.

All of my Tikka's and my Sako were not involved in that "recall"....thank god. Other's were not so lucky and I feel sorry for them. I'm not sure if your question is constructive and sincere or meant to rekindle flames long since extinguished. I'll take the positive approach and assume the former.

I had several conversations with Beretta when that "issue" became known. Initially, it was difficult to ascertain from their answers what exactly was the problem and more importantly, had it been dealt with. The recall of those #'s between this and that # were eventually posted and I'm not aware of any events occuring since that time to indicate that the issues weren't dealt with responsibly.

The barrels in question were manufactured with less than their appproved quality control standards, for both Tikka's as well as Sako's, as they come off the same line. Unfortunate things occur and will continue to do so, no matter how vigilant a company may be. Repeat performances are less tolerated and would be valid reasoning to question the QC of any company.

I expect that each and every large company, whether firearm related or not, has something on their record indicating an unfortunate and unintended result concerning the manufacture of one or several of their products.

Ford, Chevy, Dodge and all the rest have had more recalls than I can count....some quite dangerous and therefore disconcerting to the owner's, I'm sure. But, those defects are corrected and we move forward while still purchasing from the same companies.... trusting that we are not exposing ourselves to the same or different mistakes.

So yes...especially since I would expect their QC to be much more "alert" and less tolerant of any part of their manufacturing process that seemed "lacking"...for lack of a better word.

I'm sure that Beretta would very much like to put those episodes far behind them...who wouldn't? Why would anyone want to dwell on the past?

Outstanding post magnumb.

On one hand I am trying to get over it and on the other I wonder at the praise of Sako and wonder if everyone knows?

Michigan 70- Sako is a great action. However, "if" you have a problem expect a high probability of aggravation from their maryland service facility. With my repetitive problems I was told sales has no involvement. Also, bedding one of their stocks voids the warrenty. Their policy in my opinion is send orders but don't bother us with problems.

When I first heard the reports, I was not a happy camper. 4 rifles made by Beretta and all purchased in and around that same time period of the mishaps. I would have bet all of them would have been in the recall. I was totally surprised that not one was. I'm assuming that the batches in question were shipped to different "coasts" and I got lucky....who knows?

I read everything available (on-line) and called Beretta just to "be sure", several times (about the recalled #'s). So far, so good.

Faith isn't always a great "hat hanger", but without being able to actually view the production process, it's all we've got.

Good luck, I'm sure we won't need it.

I have 5 Sako rifles;

75 Stainless Hunter in 375H&H
75 Hunter in 300 Ultra Mag
75 Finnlight in 260 Remington
A pre-Garcia L61 in 30_06

I stupidly traded my 75 Stainless Hunter in 300 Ultra Mag

I thing they are far superior to anything Weatherby is making (Although I have 4 Weatherby's' .308 Winchester Carbine, 257 Weatherby and 300 Weatherby, Both on German actions and a .338-06 Big Game Master. The stock broke on the 300 Weatherby and when I sent it back, Ed Weatherby answered my call and personally selected a new stock for it. The most beautiful stock I have seen on any grade Weatherby.)

It looks like I am about to join the Sako ranks. I just did a deal in the classifieds on a 75 Grey Wolf. It is chambered in 270 WSM. Those new 130 grain Accubonds will get a chance to please. I have never seen, or held one of these, just a blind azz purchase. I am much relieved to hear the praise on this post.

Congrat's!

There won't be any "buyer's remorse", I assure you. Great caliber too.

Appreciate you gettin' back to us on your results with the 130gr. AB's. It's been in the back of my mind to see what they could do. Although, the 140's really do shoot well. So, just in case the 130's don't do it for you, try those 140's. Most 270WSM guys I know swear by them as well, in front of some RL22 sparked by 215M's.

Pretty spectacular results.

Enjoy your new rifle....how could you not.

Oh yeah....scope?

I have a 3.5-10x44 Conquest that I hope will look nice on it. The tube length might not agree with the Short Mag action. I also have a Burris FF II in 3-9x40. What might you reccommend? The owner had a Burris 4.5-14x42 that will include for an additional fee. If this rifle is what I think it will be then I can also swap a few around on other rifles. My 2 nicest scopes are Swarovski 2.5-10 and a Zeiss V-MV 2.5-10. I hope to find the "right" scope for the action size with at least a 9 or 10 power on the top end.
I have 140 Accubonds also, and had worked out a load for my 270 Winnie. It was used to kill my best buck last year and a perfect job of expansion with the exit I can expect. Used to be all I handloaded for was the most accurate load. This always ended up with a Sierra or Nosler Ballistic Tip. Now the Accubond has arrived and the accuracy is the same with new bullet performance I`m really not used to. I am loving it though. Hey, thanks for the load to try, I swear this is an awesome place, lots of friendly, helpful folks.

Well...since you asked....grin.

The 270WSM wasn't chosen as a close-in, deep woods caliber. And since you said "with AT LEAST a 9 or 10X on the top end", I think the Conquest in 4.5 X 14 X 44 with side AO is just the ticket. Higher magnification that really compliments the superb trajectory that the 270WSM has to offer. The side AO just helps to clarify what may be a little fuzzy to the 9 or 10X w/o AO capabilities.

Now comes a whole assortment of recommendations from other's which is fine, but that would be my hands down first choice. The last thing you want to do is limit yourself on magnification and clarity on top of that. Someone will no doubt comment, "well just get a 8.5 X 25 and be done with it". There is a limit to what's useful and not. Field of view being very important as well as the ability to establish a solid shooting platform given the "ultra high" varmint level magnifications.

If you go with a scope with the bottom end of 2.5X, it's field of view is only slightly larger than the bottom end of the 4.5 X 14. But at the top end of say a 9 or 10X, a 14X gives you substantially more magnification if you need it. My guess is that someday, you WILL need it, perhaps many times more than you think. Helps to shoot little groups at the range as well which allows you to truly see what your loads can do. A huge plus in my book.

You can always dial down in magnification if need be, but you can't dial up to a higher magnification, such as to 14X, if your top end is 9 or 10X.

Good luck with your choice. Whether a bit confusing or not, it's really part of the fun of puttin' it all together.

I honestly didn't know anything about a recall and was sincerely asking what people thought of the Sako rifles. From the responses the Sako I thought I wanted will likely be the Sako I own by August. Thanks for the information.

Rich

michigan - That's what makes these sites so valuable.

Not to worry now, unless you are looking at buying a used Sako or perhaps a new one that has sat on a dealers shelf somewhere for the last few years. Even given that scenario, all dealers were given serial #'s of the affected rifles for recall purposes. That's easily handled and/or verified as well by going to the Beretta site or calling them and asking which serial #'s were involved in the recall. This event occured some 2-3 years ago, but it is possible that many never heard about the issue, so my suggestion would be to verify the serial # prior to making a purchase. Most dealers would probably still retain a list of those rifles affected. Just prudent and safer to do so. Some people have few scruples and would rather turn a product for the best price, less giving the potential buyer the benefit of knowing about a possible issue/recall. Not responsible nor showing much integrity, but it does occur.

Given the oversights and additional QC obviously implemented by Beretta concerning that recall, I would have a great deal of faith in the fact that such a situation is much less likely to reoccur.

I'm excited for your purchase and hope that you'll keep us updated as to your activities in that regard.


Best of luck to you.

I had a AV that the bolt face wasn't squared. I never could get it to shoot MOA. I did love the smoothness of the action though, and wouldn't hesitate to give another one a second chance.

I've been useing a 75 finnlight in 270win the last few seasons. Very functional, couldn't ask for better.

Perhaps wishful thinking, but I wonder if you brought it to their attention, if Sako might have "squared" you away....quite literally.

Maybe yes, maybe no. But like dating....you don't know till you ask.....grin.

Give 'em a call...can't hurt. If not, a good 'smith can make it happen.

Good luck.

Michigan70: You will not regret buying a Sako in any Caliber. I have had a Sako since the Mid 60's , now I have three. one is a 243 Forester built in the mid 60's, a 22-250 I purchased in the early 70's and I bought a Small action sako in 17 Rem. I have had about three yrs. 2 of them are wearing McMillen stocks and when my grandson gets older and bigger the third one will also. Very good actions and Barrels . best of luck with Yours.
Navarro

Currently have 5 Sako's........all AV vintage or older. Love all of 'em.

My "go to'' rifle has been a Sako Fiberclass 270 in the factory McM stock, rebedded. Killed everything from antelope to moose with it.

If you look hard, you can find some of the older ones for sale, new or close to it.

In my opinion, they are better than current models.

Can't speak for the new Kimbers since I don't own one; have an original BGR89 in 338 and it's a great rifle.

MM

I handled a Sako 85 on Saturday and I felt no love. It's has the same style stock as the Tikka T3. They no longer fit me at all.

Have heard that several times regarding the 85.

Don't have that experience myself as I've not handled one, but I know that the 75 seems to be embraced by more than a few.

I own two 75's. One's a Hunter Stainless (wood stock, stainless barrelled action) that now sports a Lilja barrel chambered in .300 Win Mag. The other is a standard Hunter chambered in 7mm Rem Mag. They're accurate, they always function properly and they feel better in my hands than just about any rifle I've ever handled. If they were about a pound or so lighter I'd probably like 'em even better, but that's no big deal to me.

+1 on the bit of weightiness, but part of the package. And what a package.

I have owned and shot quite a few Sakos. There isn't anything on the market that compares to the robustness or smoothness of the Sako in a production rifle. Accuracy is always there with Sako as well. I have never ever seen one shoot over an inch with good ammo. Most hover around the half inch mark. I have seen a couple straight out of the box absolutely and honestly refuse to shoot over 1/4" 5 shot groups over and over again with NO modifications. The triggers are to die for and the "little bit" of added weight (if there really is any) bothers me not one bit. You won't find plastic and pot metal where steel needs to be. Love them! Flinch

+1

I have an AV in .300W/M and an AIII in .270.
My Father in law has an AIV in 7mm Rem.
All 3 are smooth and slick as cat [bleep] on linoleum.
My brother has a mod 60R in .264 Win. and a mod 75 in 7mm STW, not quite as slick, but shoots just as well as the others.
My Sakos are my babies, wouldn't trade them for anything.

Owned a Rem 300RUM just prior to Sako offerings theirs. Muddled that around for a few weeks while handling it several times at my "candy" store. Just couldn't pull the trigger on that purchase. If my Rem. was not giving me the results I wanted (with Jewell installed), it would have been a done deal.

Still think about it often, but don't think they even offer it anymore.

Probably best.....

I acquired a M75 in .25-06 last Spring. Have now fired several hundred rounds through it but acceptable accuracy is still missing. The rifle was used so have no recourse to going back to the company with my complaints about accuracy.
Oh well, this gives me an excuse to look at other rifles to find a replacement.

I've been thinking about getting a Sako lately and I don't see any model on their website that is called AIV or AIII. Can someone tell me what models these are?

Those are predecessors to the curent models.

The following article has a little bit of info on the different Sako actions:

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_8_45/ai_55605741

Don't have a clue if this will work - Tried several different weights in my 75 as well. All gave me the "so-so" accuracy as you describe. I then tried the 110gr. AB's pushed pretty hard and the accuracy improved tremendously (RL22 and 210M's).

Just a thought...and a hope.

Good luck.

Magnumb, thanks for the suggestion. Jim

Thanks guys. Sorry for the thread interuption.

Your very welcome and good luck.

Let me know how that works out if you go that route.

I will Magnumb, but for now my nearest Sako dealer has no 85's and only one 75, but its not the caliber I want and also its stainless and laminated and I want blued and walnut. He says there are slim pickings as far as ordering one and I hope to be able to handle the rifle before paying for it. I also thought the 75 was to be continued and not replaced by the 85 but I could be wrong.

Sako, cant fault mine had them for 10 years now, no issues, very accurate and lite to carry if you have the Finlight. Good trigger and bolt action is smooth as silk.

Yep I love em. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Not sure on the 85 stock though, hiddeous looking. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I would suspect that the 85 is replacing the 75 and think that I've read that, but I'm not 100% sure. Other's here may know otherwise.

Since the 85 is fairly new, however, there's bound to be some 75's around. Google up "Sako 75's" or the like and see what hits you get.

Heck, somebody on this site may be willing to sell one....who knows?

Good luck.

Last summer I went to order a new finnlight and the gunshop couldn't find one, so they called beretta they said they were not making them anymore. I too called beretta and they told me the same thing. Gunsamerica.com is your best shot, thats where I found mine.

That's a shame. I wanted a new 75.

Same thing happened with the Model 70 Safari grade in .375 H&H. Always wanted one and just assumed I would have the time to get one later. Fortunately my son was able to locate one of those. With all the junk being made it is sad to see old classics just disappear.

Well, it's good to know the facts. I want a .243 or 7-08 and have found several used ones in .243 at the Cabelas gun library. Now that I know the 75's are not going to be available anymore I will just have to get myself used to the idea of a used rifle and make the drive to Cabelas to check them out.

Wonder what else I've had on the back burner that I need to go do before its too late.

I have an AV .280 Rem that is very nice looking but I can't get it to shoot any better than 1.5 inches with 5 shots. Most groups are around 2 inches. I have tried every combination know to man with hardly any change. I thought about taking it to a gunsmith or sending it to someone who can accurize it. Anybody have any suggestions?

I had a Sako in 308 that was about a 1.5 shooter. I had the action bedded a/c the recoil lug was not attached to anything but was just sitting in there. The gunsmith also said that the action was not quite square. I sold it. But if I was to do it over again it would probably go to Hill Country for an accurizing job. All of the Sako 75's that we have in the house (4 of em) all have the recoil lug attached to the action. And all are great shooters.

Long

I own 3 Sako's. 2 AV's one in 375 H&H and the other in 338(the Battue Model) and an L461 in 222 Remington Magnum. Very nice rifles.

I have 2 Sako 75's and could not be happier with each. I think they are a great rifle and much nicer than a M-700

Michael

What calibers with what optics?

The reason I ask is because I seem to be about the only guy (I know of anyway) who has a 75 in 25-06. Not complaining, just an ongoing observation. Interested in another 25-06's accuracy/loads, comparatively speaking.

Here are pics of older Sako AV's in factory McM stocks, repainted and rebedded. You can find these if you look hard. I like them better than current models.

[img]http://[image]http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o56/baw0000/Sako270338_4Small.jpg[/img][/image]

[img]http://[image]http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o56/baw0000/sako270338_5Small.jpg[/img][/image]

MM

I currently have 11 of them - except for the new 85 I have owned at least one of every series of action Sako ever made. I find it hard to find fault with a single one of them - there are lots of good rifles out there, many I would like to play with for awhile, but if someone held the fire to my feet and said you can only have one factory built rifle for the remainder of your days the decision would be simple... SAKO.

Maybe my handle should have been SAKO SLUT, because it certainly fits me to a tee.