I'd be pretty happy with 1/8" clearance. I'd be happier with even less. When I had my 4.5-14x44 Conquest in medium Conetrols on my 7mm mag Sako 75 I had no more than 1/16" clearance and I thought that was about perfect. Since I sold that scope and now have a 3-9x40 (Conquest, of course) on it, I've got about 1/8" or maybe 3/16". I can live with that.

Oh yea, as long as it doesn't hit when fired all that matters.

Mustad

I have used Sakos for years because they (the stock design) fit my body so well. Mine are mostly the pre-75s, the Lt Wt Hunter model in calibers .300 up to .416. I have a new model 75 stainless/wood in a magnum. A real oinker to carry (over 10lbs w/it ready to hunt with). Being so heavy, it's pleasant to shoot.

I had one Sako that wouldn't shoot. A .338 WM. The best I ever got out of that one was about a 2" group, most were 3 1/2 to 6".... I tried everything I could think of to make it shoot. Powder, primers, brass, bullets. In desperation, I totally freefloated the bbl. Finally, I got rid of it.

Other than that one, They have been good for me.

Gadd Zooks,

That's interesting that you mentioned you had lousy accuracy with a 338 sako. I am considering purchasing a Sako 75 SS in 338 Win Mag. Has anyone else out there had any problems with a 338 Sako? And to add to that, I would be interested in hearing any accuracy stories that people have with the 338 Win Mag with rifles other than Sako.

RDJ

The problem child .338 was the Hunter Lt Wt, the forerunner to the current 75 model. Sako brought out this model in the .340WeaMag and I purchased it after getting rid of the .338 It shoots fine.

Recently, the New Model 75 in .338WM was put back into my battery as I wanted a S.S. model for the rain and snow. Plus I have another .338 (blued). I always bring 2 rifles whereever I go hunting, in case one rifle fails (horse brakes the stock, scope damage, etc). It was time for me to get the S.S., as a backup and for bad weather usage. Plus, I wanted a second rifle in the same caliber. The S.S. .338WM shoots 1 1/2" groups when I do my part with the Federal's H.E. 250gr Noslers. I haven't Chonographed them yet, but when I do, I'll post here. (After the Big Thaw)

I took a look at the model 75's today in the hunter, deluxe and SS today. I think I'm sold on the SS model. I didn't think I would like it, but was really impressed with how dull the stainless steel barrel was. I think the synthetic stock will work very well for me, especially for Moose and Caribou hunting.

Chambered in 7mm rem mag, I think I'll shop it around a bit and figure out where I can get the best deal. The only version I didn't look at was the Finnlight, which I think is what you bought GZ, true? I didn't think the model 75 SS was going to present any issues in carrying around, so I think I'll just stick with this.

Thanks a ton for the great advice.

Cheers

mudtad

The Sako 75 which I bought wasn't the 75 Finnlight. It was their regular 75 SS model, with a wood stock (I wished I would have gotten the Synthetic). Both of the models, wood or synthetic, weighed around 8 1/2+ lbs! No scope, no rings, no bases, no bullets, no sling.

After a day of humping Miss Piggy up and down the mtns, you'll start looking like "Arnold".

I have the Finnlite in 7mmrem mag. It shoots 1/2" groups with 2 different load/bullet weights. Best rifle I have ever owned. In the last 3 seasons I have taken 2 caribou, 2 pronghorn and 1 bull moose. All 1 shot drop in your tracks kills. I used to shoot a rem 700 in .338 win mag for moose and I don't miss it at all! Just make sure you check serial # on Finnlites as there is a recall out on some of the newer ones. I love the trigger, clip and safety on the new sakos. I went with the Sako Optiloks on mine.

Did any of ya'll get iron sites on the rifle when you bought it. I'm thinking about a Sako 75 Hunter in 300 Win Mag, but I think I would prefer it to have iron sites even though I will mount a scope. My thinking is if you knock the scope, you can always take if off and use the iron sites. Any thoughts, comments?

I can't shoot so great with iron sights anyways. I also only use leupold scopes so have never had a malfunction yet. We always have at least one spare rifle in camp so I don't worry much about that.