Thread: Sako S20

Hi all I'm thinking about buying a Sako S20, not too concerned about the weight. It will be used more for longer range hunting where weight is more of a good thing. I have found mixed reviews online but its a Sako so how bad can it be. Looking for comments and criticisms on this model which might help me make up my mind.

I really like them. Ive been hanging out for @buzzmann to buy one in 243 so I can buy it off him cheap.

Originally Posted by Tahr

I really like them. Ive been hanging out for @buzzmann to buy one in 243 so I can buy it off him cheap.

I'm also a fan....prefer the precision buttstock personally. The built-in rail is a nice touch, only limitation is caliber choice, but if it's available in a caliber you like, go check one out

A mate has one with a top of the line Pulsar. Seen his vids head shooting deer. Bloody impressive. It is his sniper rifle on his quad.

Originally Posted by TeRei

A mate has one with a top of the line Pulsar. Seen his vids head shooting deer. Bloody impressive. It is his sniper rifle on his quad.

sound good. I did see a couple of write ups which commented on the poor grouping of the the S20. which seems surprising considering its a Sako. I'm wondering what the catch is and why its not more popular.

Originally Posted by zeropak

sound good. I did see a couple of write ups which commented on the poor grouping of the the S20. which seems surprising considering its a Sako. I'm wondering what the catch is and why its not more popular.

A good review.
https://rifle-shooter.com/article/sa...age%20features.

I had a look at them, like dannyb prefer the precision buttstock instead of the thumbhole.
But it was a struggle to see any real advantage of the S20 over an T3x Aspire, CTR, Tac A1 or similar.
Especially when you can put a normal T3x into a KRG or MDT Chassis and be able to use AIC mags and a full length picatinny rail.

It looks as if this is a takedown rifle that can be fitted in a short case ? A great advantage if youre using a small car. I wonder if there is any guarantee on the zero stability when you take it down and reassemble it ?
As noted in a previous thread, you can take the stock off a Sako 85 and put back on with return to zero of better than 2 moa.

Meanwhile, the S100 is not only takedown but you can switch the barrel and cartridge.

i have one in 6.5cm, it's a shooter for sure.

The main drawback is that it sits in its own ecosystem. There are 0 aftermarket options for stocks, I use the prs front end with the thumbhole stock. it's not a takedown rifle IMO but because of the modularity concept it comes apart at the stock end. some like, some dislike this, ymmv

one of the main issues was feeding from the 10 round mags, a little janky due to the magazine geometry, some reported it with the 5 rnd too but not as prolific. I most use 140 eldm in it and can load long due to the mag design which is good. i added an Arca rail to the bottom of the forend due to the mlok slots and how they are centred.

don't know if its better or worse than anything else but I'm happy with mine

The s20 could be described as a sako trg sniper rifle refined for the hunting market.
Same style of aluminium chassis, similar locking system of the rear stock part.
So rock solid set up that will not loose its zero unless your scope or scope mount fail. A bit heavy to carry long distance , specially with a big suppressor or big scope. It would probably be best suited for 6.5 prc , 7 rem mag or 300win mag rather than smaller cartridges to make full advantage of its long range potential.

.

From the horses mouth.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kEs8Jd2xwo

Have been thinking about a new Tikka, but this is making me change my mind...

Bought one of these on Friday, took it back today and went with a T3x instead.
Pretty disappointed to be honest.

Why did I take it back....

Majors issues:
Bolt not picking up the first round out of the mag when 3 loaded into the mag. It worked fine with only 2 rounds.. but not with 3. I tried this MANY times... to no avail.
Bolt VERY hard to close when a round loaded in (it left marks on the back of the brass!)

Minors issues:
Magazine was rattly - even when loaded.

What I really liked/wanted:
Thumbhole stock
Ali Chassis
QD mounts
Adjustable cheek riser
Threaded & Fluted heavy contour bbl
Cerakote bbl & Action

Funny how Sako Foresters and Vixen's have sky rocketed in price.

Originally Posted by Jukes

Bought one of these on Friday, took it back today and went with a T3x instead.
Pretty disappointed to be honest.

Why did I take it back....

Majors issues:
Bolt not picking up the first round out of the mag when 3 loaded into the mag. It worked fine with only 2 rounds.. but not with 3. I tried this MANY times... to no avail.
Bolt VERY hard to close when a round loaded in (it left marks on the back of the brass!)

Minors issues:
Magazine was rattly - even when loaded.

What I really liked/wanted:
Thumbhole stock
Ali Chassis
QD mounts
Adjustable cheek riser
Threaded & Fluted heavy contour bbl
Cerakote bbl & Action

Bugger, that makes it pretty hard to get keen on them. I was just starting warm to the idea based on the comments so far.