Does anyone own a SAKO ???

Hidalgo

Hidalgo

Well-known member
Folks, I'm looking hard at a Sako for my next rifle. Yes, they are pricey but no more than some other quality firearms. From what I can gather they are exceptionally accurate out of the box. I'm looking at the S20 in particular. The stock options are interesting, and the magazine is longer than most to allow for extended bullet seating.

Does anyone own a Sako and can cast some light on how you feel about it ?
 
I have owned older Sakos but not any new ones. I do have some new Tikkas. My Tikkas shoot just as good, but the older Sakos were nicer. Boils down to Do you want to pay extra for a rifle that shoots the same, but is nicer, I guess.
 
I don't know that the Sakos are any "nicer" than the T3s. And I do love my Tikka. But the longer magazine length and longer throat on the Sako is a definite selling point for me.
 
Currently own a Sako TRG 42 in 338 Lapua. Have messed with several Sako's as well as many Tikka.

There 3 lug bolt is rock solid and they all shoot very well for a factory rifle. If I wasn't a custom snob Sako would be my first choice.

They actually are nicer fit and finish compared to a Tikka, have CIP length magazines and have metal instead of plastic for parts in certain areas over the Tikka. They are chambered the same as a Tikka.

Think of Tikka as a Chevy and the Sako is a Cadillac. Both are great rifles.
 
I had 5 but I'm down to one Sako and two Tikkas now. As for the S20?? The reviews seemed mixed to me. The older Sako's have all been very nice to look at and all were good shooting rifles as well. I haven't shot an S20 but have seen a few but I just can't get past some of the negative accuracy reviews that I've read.
 
I have a Sako 75 and a couple Tikkas. You absolutely cannot go wrong with the S20 unless you're concerned about weight. To me, Sako is one of the finest production rifles out of the box. Feeding and extraction is butter-smooth. Triggers are really good and accuracy rivals custom barrels. Velocities tend to run a bit slow. Coming from a Remington and going to a Sako years ago was night and day difference.
 
Originally Posted By: pyscodogI haven't shot an S20 but have seen a few but I just can't get past some of the negative accuracy reviews that I've read.

I haven't seen any negative accuracy comments. I'll do some more research though. Accuracy is the main reason I'm considering it.
 
I know a lot of reviews are based off shooting factory ammo. I've seen very few rifles that won't shoot a hand loads better than most factory fodder. Most the negative reviews I saw, the reviews were done with factory ammunition, so there may be some wiggle room there. AND....I get a little anal about accuracy. To me a one inch group isn't good enough. I like the holes to touch or at least be really close to each other. I've sold a bunch of one inch guns. LOL
 
I totally agree.

Except for my Ruger that finally got to MOA
lol.gif


I am looking for a long range rifle and under MOA is mandatory as far as I am concerned. Anything over 1/2" after load development is going to be a disappointment. From the few reviews and tests I have read the S20 is very capable of that.


.
 
I had two Tikka's. A 595 in 22-250 and a 695 in 25-06. Both were heavy barrels in walnut stocks and both shot little bitty groups. I ended up swapping them for a really nice 40XB with a Leupold scope. Was it a good trade? I think so as I really wanted the 40XB and it does shoot very very good. If you like nice blueing and beautiful walnut stocks you might shop for one of those. I also have a 595 in 243 and although its a skinny barrel it shoot very good too. If it doesn't shoot you could re-barrel with a quality barrel and probably still be money ahead. Not much ahead but a little.
 
I have an older one, the L461 in 222RemMag and it does shoot well. It routinely shoots 3/4" groups with a wide variety of loads.

I helped a friend get into reloading and he has a Sako in 300Win Mag. His best target shows a 5/8", 4 shot group, at 200yds.

I stopped him after the 4th shot, as I didn't want him to blow it.

So, in my experience, yes, they are accurate.
 
I like the older Sakos, but don't have one currently. Have owned a Forrester Carbine in .308 and an L61 in 7mm Rem. Mag. I don't know anything about the newer Sako offerings. The Tikkas are fine rifles and generally seem to shoot very, very well, but I don't like the enclosed/shrouded bolt design. They are a nuisance at the range or any other time you want to single load a round. I had one in .308 and it shot great, but I eventually sold it. If you like the design they are a great value for the money. I wound up with Bergaras instead, now have a 6.5 CM and a .308 and am well pleased with them. I kind of think of them as a Rem. 700 action made the way it ought to be...
 
I used to own or currently own
-Sako A1 .222 Rem
-Sako L461 in .243 Win Bofors steel
-Sako A7 RoughTech .300 WM
-Sako A7 Coyote .223 Rem
-Sako 75 Hunter .280 Rem (limited run of few hundred or less)
-Sako 75 Hunter .30-06
-Sako 75 Hunter .300 Win Mag (now to be turned into a 9.3mm-300 WM wildcat)
-Sako 75 Classic .338 Win Mag
-Sako 85 Classic Deluxe 9.3x62mm with some of the prettiest wood you have ever laid eyes on
-Sako 85 Varmint SS/Laminate .22-250

All are very nice rifles and as much I love all my tikkas (have quite a few of those too), the Sako rifle generally is going to be better fit and finish and be "prettier" with more refinement. The 3 lug bolts of the new rifles seem to be well designed and all that I have tested have shot well. I looked at the S20 and was kinda disappointed. Id probably buy a Bergara Premier series over that for the money.
 
I have a 1964 L579 Forester in 243Win, Bofors barrel…quality is better than my T3X Stainless 223, but the tikka is more accurate
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top