Sako 85 Synthetic Stainless in US
 

I'd like to have a Sako synthetic stainless in 30-06. I realize that Beretta does not import them. Is there anyone that does? Beretta told me that anyone can import them if they place an order for 250. Can this gun be had in the US?

Alternatively, can anyone convince me to go with a Finnlight over the synthetic stainless? My reasons for not liking the Finnlight are the stock and fluted barrel. I've never shot a fluted 30-06 but I'm concerned about barrel jump when shooting off a bench as I enjoy reloading and spending time at the range.

I prefer synthetic stainless rifles for hunting.

I know the guyz at the range all compliment guns with beautiful wood though.

Barrel jump is more a function of stock design rather than barrel weight. If a round barreled rifle doesn't have excessive muzzle jump, neither will a fluted barrel.

Europtic has them online. And my local Gander Mountain has a nice 30-06 in stock right now. Not sure why you don't think they are in the US - most premium gun stores have them...

Beretta (mother company) does not import them and therefore they can be hard to find. I called Europtic and they do not have them. Is the 30-06 at your local store a new or used one? I would appreciate the contact info for them if it is a new one.

Bolsa carries them - see link below

http://www.bolsagunsmithing.com/

Do Sakos really live up to the accuracy guarantee the company claims? I've never had one but I've had other makes that shot as good as the Sako guarantee and those rifles came with no guarantee at all.

I've never owned a Sako either so I don't have 1st hand feedback for you. However, I've never heard anyone complain about them. Certainly there are others that shoot just as well or better. I guess the only comfort in the guarantee is that if it doesn't shoot that well they're take it back. Most likely that will be w/ a lot of questioning about what load you are shooting and the shooting conditions. And by "take it back", they probably just mean that they'll look at it, reconfirm that they can get it to shoot under 1" and send it back to you. So I don't know that the guarantee is worth much but I have heard that they shoot great.

I've had three Sako's total. One was a 75 Hunter, one a 75 Gray Wolf and one 85 Finnlight. Still have the original 75 Hunter. My only issue is with the safety... don't much like that design. All have been very well made and GREAT shooters. I may get another ...ya never know.

Brand new Sako Finnlight in 30-06 at Gander Mountain in Eden Prairie, MN. At least they had it the last time I was there. Nice soft touch stock and everything. Another option would be the Tikka Superlight that Cabelas carries - camo stock, fluted stainless barrel - $900.

Proud owner of a Sako A7 Stainless in 7MM RM.

Basspro in Baltimore has t3 stainless steal rifles in stock.

I have owned 2 Sako rifles (hunter 75 and 85). My synthetic stocks on the Sako were average quality and not that attractive. They are very nice rifle but their safety was out of place and odd to operate for me. They also require their own proprietary scope mounts that are pricy. Accurate was good but no more than any other premium brands. I personally believe the new Winchester M70 made in South Carolina are a better gun. Unfortunately they are hard to find in the more popular calibers.

Still not having any luck finding the 85 synthetic stainless. No luck at Bolsa (but thanks for the link). I don't want to give in a settle for the Finnlight (not a big fan of the gray inserts on the stock and a fluted barrel).

My next consideration is a Forbes. The only downside that I can come up with for it is it might be too light.

Finnlight is a better value and better all around than the regular 85, which is why it's more readily available.