Thread: To Sako or not to Sako

The only perceived advantage of a Sako over a Tikka is the different action sizes to suit calibers. If the supposed weight advantage of a smaller action or lightweight rifle, by maybe a few grams, is a driving factor in purchasing then I’d say harden the fcuk up or leave your coffee plunger at home. Unless you put a Night Force scope on of coarse, then you want to save some weight somewhere. I’ve owned both Sako and Tikka rifles, they are both nice. The common plastic stocked T3’s are good but soulless. Sako’s are overpriced for what they are. Just my 2c.

For me it’s the flush mount mag and being able to top load and the look and feel of the sako I’ve owned plenty of both but just prefer sako


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Originally Posted by mase.smith

Hey guys,

I have once again sold my rifle to try and satisfy that ever persistent itch of finding the perfect rifle for me. I have had most of the "standard" brands out there but have always wanted to try my hand with something like a Sako.

I know there are a lot of die hard Sako lads in this forum so I thought it best to get some information from you guys.

People have said to me why spend that much money when you get a T3x with a scope for the same amount? and my quick answer is the Tikkas are reliable, accurate, light and... well... Boring.

So my question is... why do you love your Sako? Why shouldn't I just buy a T3 like everyone else? What is your favourite model and why?

I have had a play around with a 90 Finnlight but would love to hear about the other models.

Cheers.

Robots are boringly reliable. Whatever adjective you want to sling at Tikkas you gotta accept they never fail. Got a Sako 75 [243]which I took for a walk the other night and also a Sako Quad. Our meat rifles are T3 x 3. The analogy is Toyota in America. Go ask GM why they hate toyotas... as millions of yanks will say they are so reliable. LOL.

If you want the perfect rifle for you you'll need to build one.take your info to a good smith and end of story.

I tend to wonder if Sako’s are so good why are individuals forever buying and selling them. Once you’ve got the ‘best’, how can another one of the same make/model be better than another, apart from caliber maybe.

Sakos are nice rifles but I wouldn't say the ultimate. Theres so many choices out there depending on what aspect of a rifle floats your boat. Lightweight mountain rifle? Short bush pig? Lovely wood and buttery smooth action? Lots of quality? Something that looks tactical? Custom made for you? Whatever floats your boat theres plenty of choices.
The amazing thing is that even the cheapest rifle in the shop will still kill deer. (in an appropriate caliber of course)

Originally Posted by woods223

I tend to wonder if Sako’s are so good why are individuals forever buying and selling them. Once you’ve got the ‘best’, how can another one of the same make/model be better than another, apart from caliber maybe.

Hard to explain I’ve had 6 260 sako 85s so no real reason just nuts


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Buy the vixen for sale on here....a real classic in every possible way. You can do a lot with the humble trebly and it will scratch the sako itch properly.if you feel undergunned,well that's reason to buy another in larger cartridge,keeping the trebly for all the stuff it's so great for.

I understand the fascination with Sako’s during the 60’s - 70’s - 80’s because they were a step above the rest in regards too accuracy/quality etc when compared to what was available at the time .
Back in those days if you were comparing out of the box performance for dollars spent then Sako was almost a no brainer .
But times have moved on ……
They are a fine piece of kit , but there are more alternatives today compared to back then .
Would I own a Sako … yes but as of 2026 they have a lot of competition for the consumer dollar .

yes I love earlier Sakos always wood blued for me but what about Fierce never hear of them on the forum I understand a copy of a 75 ?? sako and all the write ups rave about them

Originally Posted by Barry the hunter

yes I love earlier Sakos always wood blued for me but what about Fierce never hear of them on the forum I understand a copy of a 75 ?? sako and all the write ups rave about them

The 75 Sako is the benchmark for the best ever stock.

Fierce was made on a 85 action before they had to move on to their own design.


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Double stack mag and loading thru the ejection port as well as the 60 degree bolt throw makes them really nice and quick when you are rushing a follow up shot or shooting multiple animals
I like my 75 but it’s heavy


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If you are on a budget buy the Tikka. 75 Finnlight is about the best rifle ever made I think.

The safety on Tikka/Sako is big thing for me and the 75 Stock.

One day people will look back and say that the Sako A7 was a nice fit between a "real" Sako and a Tikka. People deride them but they are pretty damned good. Especially in a carbon stock. Different sized actions is a plus over the Tikka.