Sako Rifles
 

I’m looking at getting another rifle and I’m considering getting a Sako. I have read that they are accurate rifles and are very well made but was wondering if anyone could give me there comments on these rifle. I did look at one up and close and was very impressed with the 75 synthetic stainless model. The stock with the soft-touch grip was very nice. Are they really worth the extra cash compared to Ruger Or Remington? Thanks for any info.

RE: Sako Rifles
 

Hi Trailer:

If I could do things over, I would only own SAKO rifles. They are well worth the money. if you decide on SAKO, make sure you use their Optilok mounts. SAKO is currently recalling their new production stainless/fluted rifles as there are instances of the barrels splitting. Any of the Stoeger imports or non stainless/fluted rifles are great.

Good luck.
CE

RE: Sako Rifles
 

Put a scope on one and take it to the range..no triggers to adjust,pressure bedding forends, bedding tricks etc etc ad nauseam, they just plain shoot. If I know what I know now the house would be stocked with them and only them. I have helped Remington,Ruger,Winchester, Weatherby,Browning and Savage out with sales though[:@]

RE: Sako Rifles
 

Too heavy and overpriced. Just my opinion though.

RE: Sako Rifles
 

No Pharaoh..Cheap rifles are overpriced .. I can't even compare the quality of my 700 BDL SS with my SAko 75. One cost 579 the other 749. I have spent 45 dollars on the Remington to replace the wart ISS firing pin assembly and another 40 to do the trigger. The Floorplate has to be held in place with Duct tape until I mail the complete rifle back to Remington for it to be replaced so tell me what overpriced is. Only thing done to the Sako is scopemounts and a scope.

RE: Sako Rifles
 

My father got me my first rifle it was a Sako Hunter .30-06 back in 1986, last time I took it hunting was when I hunted the rifle area of NY, that was 1996. I did take it to range not to long ago, and this gone is still on. That trigger is so crisp !!! The only thing I did to my rifle back when I got it was I got the bolt, and floorplate jeweld.

The gunsmith we used was in our hunting club, he & my father are good friends he's retired these days. He started his career with Stoger which imported sako back in the day. But he always said and still does today, that the older Remington 700s are just as good as the sakos, not the newer ones, the older ones, but I love my sako. I did buy about 5 years ago a Remington 700 ss in .300 win mag, I got at 1/2 price, its a good gun, but compared to the sako it like comparing black & white tv to plasma !!!! Go with the SAKO

RE: Sako Rifles
 

Everyone knows how I feel about Remingtons. You couldn't give me one. I would rather own a Winchester or Browning. As for pricing, up here, you can get a Winchester, Remington, Ruger, Browning for $700-800. Sakos START at $1549.

RE: Sako Rifles
 

First off Oldelk, you got a killer deal on your 75 its sounds like. Most people I know are paying around 900 dollars for a sako 75 stainless/synthetic. I put them at a better bargain than weatherby, and both are quality. If they were all $750, it would definately be worth it. Especially with thier nice extractor. But I am into lightweight, and they are really lacking in that department. The finlight I have shot doesn't have the accuracy and are very expensive. I guess they are right up there in price to the 700Ti. But if I tell you a better bargain, your going to make fun of me again and say I am putting logos on the back of my truck:D

RE: Sako Rifles
 

Yup, Pharoah hit the nail on the head. With new Sako's starting at $1500 in Canada you have to seriously consider the pros and cons of buying one. I have a Sako 75 and it's a great rifle. Very accurate. The only problem I've had is with the extractor a few weeks ago with some old reloads. I've put another 50 rounds through it with newer brass and it's been flawless as usual. I also got it with a walnut stock and it's crept over to the right; still no problems with free floating (contact). Wood warps; I don't care how much you pay for it ;)

I'm not sold on Sako for life. If I were buying a rifle right now I'd look at many brands but I wouldn't spring for a Sako. (Of course, that's easy for me to say since I've already got one ;) ).

RE: Sako Rifles
 

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I know exactly which one your referring to BC . No I won't make fun of your choice..picked one up myself and they are light. WOn't make me forget a NULA but pretty nice. Another one I like is the Kimber Montana.

RE: Sako Rifles
 

old elk are you seeing the 75's for that price regularly?

RE: Sako Rifles
 

trailer, I'm the owner of two Sako 75's. They've been terrific rifles. The quality of these rifles is in a league above and beyond your typical Remington, Winchester, Browning, Ruger etal. Mine have been very accurate, have always functioned properly and fit me better than any rifle I've ever owned. I recommend them highly, but stay away from the Finnlight. I believe these are presently being recalled.

As far as scope mounts are concerned the Sako Optilocks are very nice although they're a little high (above the reciever that is) and the ring screws are somewhat soft (this really aggrevates me). I've got these on my .300 Wby Sako. Another option is Conetrols. I've got these on my 7mm mag Sako and I really like them. They allow for a lower scope mount, look really nice and are rock solid. Of the two, I prefer the Conetrols.

RE: Sako Rifles
 

Nope BC , Sako has a fire sale going on long action V rifles in the Rum and STW calibers. Some are available from a Cott's firearms in Missouri. He has some listed in Gunbroker. He is selling a 75 SS in 7 RUM for 649.

RE: Sako Rifles
 

Thanks for all the response on the Sako. Information I will definitely look over. I would have to agree that these rifles are expensive but it was the only rifle that had a good solid synthetic stock. I just found the quality to be very good. Once I have the cash, the only other problem I’ll have is to decide between the 270 Win. or the 270 WSM. Keep the comments coming if anyone has anything else to add. Much appreciated...:D

RE: Sako Rifles
 

I am on my second Sako. The first was a Finnbear 3006 and I now have a Finnlite 7mm rem mag. I took my time before purchasing the finnlite and compared it to darn every other stainless/synthetic on the market. My short list was that or the weatherby ultralight. I consider Sako the best off the rack rifle out there. No need to tinker with them just adjust the trigger to what you like and shoot em! My Finnlite shoots true 1/2" groups and has yet to shoot over an inch with several loads tried now. People spend alot more money than that on custom rifles that don't perform any better. To put pricing in perspective up here in Canada, A Sako costs 1500 bucks and a Rem Win Ruger run around 1100 bucks. If you don't want to spend that much the Tikka is also a very good rifle. Never met anyone who actually owns a Sako to not love them!

RE: Sako Rifles
 

Hi Trailer:

As OldElk mentioned, distributors are practically giving away some models. These models aare Stoeger imports and are calibers that will be discontinued. At the shop I visit, they have several 300 RUM 75s for $649, and had them priced at $599 for a weekend and they didn't sell!!! My first SAKO is my elk gun of choice, a .416 REM and if I could find another one, I would snap it up in a second. It would be a nanosecond if it were a rigby, but they never offered that.

I would stay away from the new models, get a Stoeger import and you will never have problems.

I happily concede the 75 is heavy, I don't want an 8 lb .416!!!

Good luck.
CE

RE: Sako Rifles
 

Theres rifles and then theres Sako's. I LOVE my TRG-S. (I guess I got lucky, mine was a 99 and has Stoeger stamped on the barrel.) Remington's, Ruger's etc... theres a reason those are sold at Wally-World and Sako's arent.

Gimme da good stuff,
RA

RE: Sako Rifles
 

I have only had two Sako rifles and while they were fine rifles, they won't do anything better than my Remingtons. They were not more accurate than my 700's either.

RE: Sako Rifles
 

Trailer, Sako is my favorite. The accuracy is exceptional out of the box and the quality of workmanship is excellent. Each rifle is supplied with a test target shot at the factory. If the rifle doesn't make the grade, it's not retooled or mickey moused, it's melted down and they start over. The scope mounting system is rock solid. If you pull a Sako out of the stock you will see what detail is about. All metal and wood parts are finished with the same detail as the outside of the rifle. I have purchased Sako's since I received my first one as a gift in 1967. I own a few 700 Remington's and they shoot well, but my favorites are my Sako's.
Good hunting...;)

RE: Sako Rifles
 

Having owned Remingtons too, that's hard to believe. My Remingtons shot well too, but there are several things about my Sakos that I consider better besides just fit and finish:

1. Sako triggers don't require work on them to make them really good.
2. The Sako safety actually blocks the firing pin. A much safer system than Remington's.
3. The Sako extractor is a more reliable design than that little springy thing Remington uses. I had numerous extraction problems with my 700's.
4. I think the standing ejector is a better design feature than the plunger style.
5. While mostly a personal thing, the Sako stock fits me better.
6. The Sako bolt is a one piece design. The handle is not brazed on like the Remington's.

So, while the Remington is a nice rifle and is known for being accurate, I just think it lacks too many important features compared to the Sako 75 and other rifles like the Winchester Model 70.

RE: Sako Rifles
 

I have had a lot of 700 Remington rifles. I have never had a problem of any kind. I do the triggers myself if they need doing. Never had an extracter problem. Sure never had any trouble with the bolts. I did have the bolt handle come off two 788 Rems but never a problem on with a 700. I like the 700 ADL's. I can buy two of them at least for the price of a Sako. When I shoot at something with my Remingtons I just need to start skinning. Thats what I ask of a rifle and a scope as well. I don't care two bits about the pretty stuff. I buy a rifle to do a job and Remington has always got it done and at a good price. There is nothing wrong with Sako. They just cost way more than they are worth to ME. Right now there are seven rifles sitting here beside the computer. They happen to be all a different brands. I use them all but Remington would get the nod if I had to use just one brand. They work well, shoot well and are priced well.

RE: Sako Rifles
 

1. Sako triggers don't require work on them to make them really good.
2. The Sako safety actually blocks the firing pin. A much safer system than Remington's.
3. The Sako extractor is a more reliable design than that little springy thing Remington uses. I had numerous extraction problems with my 700's.
4. I think the standing ejector is a better design feature than the plunger style.
5. While mostly a personal thing, the Sako stock fits me better.
6. The Sako bolt is a one piece design. The handle is not brazed on like the Remington's


All very good points Solitary Man..all I can say is the quality is extremelyconsistent and the price if they are bought right is not that much more. I know when I am at home and looking at my guns and handling them the Sako comes out more times then any of the Remingtons. I have had zip problems with Sakos and have not run into anyone that owns/owned them that has had problems as well. I would say that almost 1/2 the Remingtons I have bought have had one problem or another and if they had consistent QC they shouldn't have been put out there for sale in the first place . That also includes custom shop Remingtons. They aren't in the same class as a Sako and cost more.

RE: Sako Rifles
 

I have to admit, the Sako is a better gun. Hands down. But I have always been able to make a 700 just as good. I get 700BDL's for 550. I can get a Sako extractor milled in the bolt for 100 dollars. I can get the chamber's headspace checked and glass bedded for 100dollars. I can get the trigger adjusted for 45. so lets say 800 dollars, I can get a 700 doing everything a Sako can. Now I can't get a Sako 75 SS for 800 dollars.

RE: Sako Rifles
 

And at the end of the day you still have a gun that is worth no more then a regular remington. I pay more to get a quality car/truck that I want to drive and that usually involves a few thousand dollars at minimum. A couple of hundred dollars here or there spent to get what I really want in a firearm is not a sacrifice. It is far more expensive to scrimp on quality then to buy what you really want. Same applies to scopes.

RE: Sako Rifles
 

But what about the safety, bigcountry. Of the differences that make the Sako better in my opinion, that's the most important one. At least it is to me. I just don't trust the Remington safety due to the reports that have surfaced from time to time about 700's accidentally firing.

RE: Sako Rifles
 

Alot of good points here. I never worried about safety, but i usually hunt alone. And generally doing have a round chambered unless I am stalking. But its a good point. I guess its a gamble. You hope to buy a 700, and it be a tack driver out of box. You slowly add a change one at a time hoping to make it a tack driver. Worst case, you reach the end and have changed bedding, trigger setting, and you hope not but had the crown recut and headspace reset.

Sure you can buy a good gun almost guaranteed to have all these. But whats the fun in that.:D

RE: Sako Rifles
 

If someone wants a SAKO 75 SS in 7mm Ultra Mag For $649.00 or or SAKO 75 HUNTER for $599.00, call SHAWN at COTT firearms 660-784-2688, I believe he has a few left. Tell him MIKE from NEW YORK sent you.

GOOD LUCK