Oldelkhunter,

How would you rate the new Sako 85 compared to the "old" 75? I've never actually seen an 85, but from the pics and the Sako website (not the Beretta website, which is useless) I can't really tell any difference other than the new magazine latch.

Mike

I would rate the 75 higher..the 85 was a way to remarket the 75 and cut costs at the same time. I like the new magazine latch even though I never had a problem with the OLD one. Differences are the recoil lug functions like a Tikka lug does as it is aluminum and bedded into the stock and there is an indentation in the reciever to hold the lug in place. I personally think this is a step backward and really cheesy. The rear bridge on the action is longer supposedly to cut down on binding. Anyone that has a 75 knows that this is marketing bunk. The bottom of the bolt has been milled out making it CRF even though in running the action it doesn't completely control the cartridge like a true CRF. The bolt shroud is contoured which is cool. The Stock isa classic contour ..what was wrong with the old stock? According to Mcmillans site the old Sako 75 stock is probably the best designed hunting stock available. In short if you want a new sako and don't have an older 75 then purchase it. It is still a Sako and a step up then most rifles sold today and certainly anything made here.Myself I will keep looking for 75's . I sold a 75 Deluxe to a Collector a few months back..this stock had the most exquisite wood I have seen on any rifle for its price range and it was in 300 win mag. It shot one ragged hole at 100 yards with REmington yes Remington 150 grain win mag corelockts. The guy had 37 Sako deluxe 75's.

OK oldelkhunter, Im starting to look a little more at the Sako. The blow up factor is a concern, but somewhere there is a list of affected serial numbers, so figuring that out shouldn't be a problem. So whats the deal with those optimounts?? It looks like the rib is tapered, whats the scoop?

I do know that the "blow up problem" happened over a year ago and has since been resolved. They actually did have an exact list of serial numbers and those guns were recalled. Many were never even sold, but were pulled straight from store racks. It effected only the Sako Finnlite and a few Tikka T3 stainless rifles. The standard weight Sako 75 were not included, and the Sako 85's are fine. They got a bad batch of barrel blanks from their foundry that were too soft. Since it's the foundry that casts and tests the blanks, Sako didn't become aware of the problem until after the rifles were made.

Nothing to worry about.

Mike

I don't know what your comparing a Sako to but if by just handling the rifles you cannot tell a difference then there isn't much I can do for you. Blow up factor ............Geesh this is old news.. the same gun posted all over the internet a million times just because it's a Sako. There are tons of threads on optilocks elsewhere.

I have'nt had a chance to handle one yet, Im heading toSportsmans today to check one out. Just what I've learned on here and have read, Im pretty impressed. I had never considered one until now, and the more I read, the more I like them. I do tend to over-analize, but I do want my money's worth. Thanks for the information.