What do you think of Sako?

Bill Allen · #1 03-05-2005, 01:12 PM

I recently went to a small gun show and picked up a Sako and was impressed with the rifle. Of course, I can't remember which model Sako it was since I picked up a bunch of guns that day, but I really liked the Sako. So, I thought I would see what you guys thought of Sako rifles? I am looking for a gun for deer hunting and have narrowed down the caliber I want to either 243,25-06,7mm-08 or a 308. How do the newer Sakos compare with the older ones? Which models should I be considering? Thanks for the help.

captain2k_ca · #2 03-05-2005, 01:35 PM

I have a Sako in 25.06 and its a great deer/coyote gun! Accuracy and reliability are top notch!!

Too bad that you are US resident as I am trying to sell my Sako

srab · #3 03-05-2005, 05:29 PM

Sako makes a great rifle, at least IMHO. The rifles that
I've run across, mostly 75s, have been respectably
accurate right out of the box. They tend to be a little
pricey, though. And, with recent-production rifles, there
is that whole stainless-steel-barrel fiasco.

For considerably less money, the other Beretta-owned
rifle, Tikka, is a pretty good buy. Both the Sako and
Tikka are manufactured at the Sako plant in Riihimaki,
Finland, at least since 1989. They wear exactly the
same barrels. It's the action and stock that differ.

Bill Allen · #4 03-06-2005, 04:55 PM

Captain, It is too bad because we might have made a deal and 2506 happens to be my current caliber of choice. Why are you selling your Sako?

captain2k_ca · #5 03-06-2005, 09:56 PM

I am selling it because the gun doesnt fit me very good.

I am a left handed shooter and the gun is right-handed.

I havent even fired the gun in about 2 years.

I want to use that money to build a really nice plinking gun

To bad it isnt easier to ship across the border

Dom · #6 03-07-2005, 01:15 AM

Sako's are good, I've got two of 'em. Don't overlook the .270 if you want an excellent deer rifle, the older A V model that I have is sweet. I did free-float the barrel and put a Timney trigger in mine, and with pet reloads it's an excellent shooter. Waidmannsheil, Dom.

Cal Sibley · #7 03-09-2005, 02:09 PM

I think Sakos, especially the older ones, are to die for. I have a Sako Varminter from the 80's in .222Rem. that'll shoot all day in the .4's (5 at 100yds.). I also have a rifle built around a Sako L461 action in .222Rem. Mag. that groups in the .3"s. The actions are very smooth, hard to beat. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

Bill Allen · #8 03-23-2005, 02:32 PM

Which older Sakos should I look for, Cal? I have read that the pre 1972 L61R Finnbear and the L579 Forester are the best Sakos, does anyone agree? Which are the better years for Sako? Anyone have any opinions at all, on Sako?

JackRabbit · #9 03-23-2005, 03:03 PM

Hi,Bill you realy should check out the new tikkas as they are slick.I was looking at a friends older sako and the gun was great looking but in comparion it is not even close to my tikka. the bolt is soooooo smooth it's unlike any i've ever used and much less money.Good luck.

trex · #10 03-23-2005, 03:53 PM

I have one of the older Finnbears in a 3006. It is amazingly accurate and I nor my dad who used it before me have done a single thing to it. It will make 3 shots touch at 150yds when I'm shooting off of a rest, in the prone on a good shooting day. Smooth action and wood thats actually too pretty to take out in the woods are some of the other better qualities of the rifle. If I ever get another rifle I would very much like it to be a Sako, but a Tikka wouldn't be bad either. I'd like something in a short action myself. Anyways, the new Sakos come with a 1" guarantee out of the box. If that isn't telling me something then I dont know. Good luck

Cal Sibley · #11 04-04-2005, 03:04 PM

You won't hear many complaints about Sako regardless of the model or year of manufacture. Since most of my shooting is at the range and for varmint I'm more familiar with the Sakos based on the smaller L461 action. Rifles for larger game are based on other actions. I've never heard of one that didn't shoot rather well out of the box. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

ghost stalker · #12 04-04-2005, 03:28 PM

i just bought a tikka t3 lite.. very nice gun for the money. you would be doing youself an injustice to not check out these guns before you make a purchase. also the savages are another nice gun in the same price range

just my opinion though.

hey lets see a pic when you make up you r mind and drop the dough!

Bill Allen · #13 04-04-2005, 03:31 PM

Guys, I bought a Sako L579 Forester in .243 just this past weekend at my local gunshow. The gun is in mint condition and unfired even though it appears to be a 1970s model. I couldn't be more pleased with my purchase.

The gun has attractive wood with a nice dark finish and the metal craftmanship is also superb. I can't wait to get a scope installed on it and then take it out to the range! Thanks for all of your help!