I finally gave in and bought a SAKO

[Fishjager]

I have always beat around the bush about buying a Sako 223. Well this model 85 came on the market the other day and I gave in and bought it. It is the XS model with a single set trigger, 1 in 10 twist. So now I have to wait for a Nightforce NX8 4-32X50 to get here. I am going to use Optilock rings and bases on it with an extra low set of rings. It is a pain trying to figure out the right height ring to buy. But I looked on the Sako forum and there were quite a few that recommended this set up. We'll see.

 

[Hal]

Fish

Nice looking rifle. Let us know how it shoots.

Hal

 

[17VLD]

I remember the first 75 varmint I saw in 204, love at first sight. To me it's one of the best looking, shooting factory guns around. I congratulate you on your model 85 purchase, I bet it will shoot as good as it looks. Thankful I was able to get a few used Sakos,their new prices were always just out of reach for me. Sounds like you are going to have an excellent optic too.
Matt

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

I have always beat around the bush about buying a Sako 223. Well this model 85 came on the market the other day and I gave in and bought it. It is the XS model with a single set trigger, 1 in 10 twist. So now I have to wait for a Nightforce NX8 4-32X50 to get here. I am going to use Optilock rings and bases on it with an extra low set of rings. It is a pain trying to figure out the right height ring to buy. But I looked on the Sako forum and there were quite a few that recommended this set up. We'll see.

I would be tempted to put on a decent scope you have from the closet, and get that thing fired up. You can put your fancy NF scope on it when it arrives. Assuming you have a place to shoot it. right away. It will be good to see how it shoots. keep us posted. And pls include your ammo and or loads you are using. Cheers

 

[Fishjager]

I would be tempted to put on a decent scope you have from the closet, and get that thing fired up. You can put your fancy NF scope on it when it arrives. Assuming you have a place to shoot it. right away. It will be good to see how it shoots. keep us posted. And pls include your ammo and or loads you are using. Cheers

I am very anxious to shoot it as well, but some things you just have to wait for. Mainly UPS and USPS. A couple more weeks is not going to kill me. When I mount everything up I want it to be right, and not have to go back and re-do everything. It's kind of like waiting for Christmas. So I have plenty of time to really clean that barrel, etc.

 

[Fishjager]

I checked out the bore today. It looks pretty good.

 

[lb-ft]

That bore looks amazing!

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

I am very anxious to shoot it as well, but some things you just have to wait for. Mainly UPS and USPS. A couple more weeks is not going to kill me. When I mount everything up I want it to be right, and not have to go back and re-do everything. It's kind of like waiting for Christmas. So I have plenty of time to really clean that barrel, etc.

that will be a lot of fun! yeah, having to set that up twice would be PIA.

 

[jelenko]

The land look sharp but I'm seeing a bunch of carbon.

 

[SmokinJoe]

FWIW, I am building a 6X47Lapua on a L579 medium action as a deer rifle and found that the extra low OptiLoks worked well with my Leupold 3.5-10X50 scope. I think you will enjoy that rifle.

 

[Fishjager]

FWIW, I am building a 6X47Lapua on a L579 medium action as a deer rifle and found that the extra low OptiLoks worked well with my Leupold 3.5-10X50 scope. I think you will enjoy that rifle.

That is good to know about the extra low. That is what I ordered. The previous owner had high on it, and I could not believe how much I had to raise my head to see through the scope. Plus he cross threaded one of the screws so to take the scope off it was a real pain. But all will be good at the end of the week. Thanks for that info.

 

[222Jim]

My Sako 85 in .22-250 is the oldest in my inventory. And I won't give it up. I managed to shoot out one barrel after ~3,500 rounds and had it replaced and am well on my way towards a third barrel. You'll be happy with yours.

Set trigger or single stage?

 

[nakneker]

I’ll be surprised if you do not enjoy your Sako, the 85s are solid rifles. Im partial to the older Sako’s and the AI, AII but I just picked up a Sako 90 in 222. It’s shooting small with H4198 but I’m just getting started with it.

Enjoy!

 

[Rick in Oregon]

LOVE Sako's!
And have for over 60 years. My M75 Varmint stainless/laminated/fluted in 204 is pure joy in the rat patch. The only gripe I have is the DBM. I wish it had a standard box magazine that enables the use of a single shot follower for live varmint shooting. Accurate, excellent set trigger, looks good, varmints fear this rifle.



I have a few Sako Vixens in varmint calibers that will never leave me as long as I'm alive. I consider them to be about the best factory rifle available. As Frank DeHaas said in his book Bolt Action Rifles, "no one has ever said anything bad about a Sako".

If a Sako M85V became available to me, it would come home in a heartbeat. Enjoy that new Sako!

 

[TheCZKid]

Rick got me started in Sako's, when he said the famous words, "Doug, you need a 20 Vartarg!" and he was right! The first Sako I got is an early 1954 Varmint model with a Shilen barrel in 20 Vartarg. Then I added a 222, and also recently got a 221 FB.

But, a few months ago I spotted this early 223 Vixen, heavy varmint barrel and beavertail stock, at a gun show, 12 twist barrel. It now has a Timney trigger, and so far only tested on paper, but hoping to take it to the rat patch this year.



This looks a lot more retro compared to your newer versions, but the quality and craftsmanship of the Sako impresses me, makes them hard to pass up.They are a bit of a challenge to figure out about the rings and such, must say. For the older ones, I find the Leupold rings are excellent.

I'm sure you're going to enjoy yours, and worth the wait to get it set up right!

 

[Fishjager]

In 1972 I was buying Sako's at the Rod and Gun Club in Germany for $135.00 each. I wish I had more money back then. But young enlisted people didn't make much back then. Styer Mannlichers were $157.00 each. I didn't have the extra 20 bucks to spare. We also didn't have credit cards. Oh well.

 

[Fishjager]

Well I got to the range today after finally getting the Nightforce NX8 mounted. I bore sighted it at the range to old style way, down the barrel and moving the cross hairs to get it on paper at 100 yards. I had to walk it into the center a few clicks. I was shooting some Blackhills 223 with 60 grain VMax bullets. I tried some hand load 55's that I shoot out of my AR. But they weren't for this gun. The one group was six shots at 100. The other three shots as I walked it in. Very happy with the gun. I just have to find a comfortable position using the SEB Mini X.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

My Sako 85 in .22-250 is the oldest in my inventory. And I won't give it up. I managed to shoot out one barrel after ~3,500 rounds and had it replaced and am well on my way towards a third barrel. You'll be happy with yours.

Set trigger or single stage?

View attachment 1757598

the Sako laminated stocks are some of the best out there.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

Rick got me started in Sako's, when he said the famous words, "Doug, you need a 20 Vartarg!" and he was right! The first Sako I got is an early 1954 Varmint model with a Shilen barrel in 20 Vartarg. Then I added a 222, and also recently got a 221 FB.

But, a few months ago I spotted this early 223 Vixen, heavy varmint barrel and beavertail stock, at a gun show, 12 twist barrel. It now has a Timney trigger, and so far only tested on paper, but hoping to take it to the rat patch this year.

View attachment 1757642

This looks a lot more retro compared to your newer versions, but the quality and craftsmanship of the Sako impresses me, makes them hard to pass up.They are a bit of a challenge to figure out about the rings and such, must say. For the older ones, I find the Leupold rings are excellent.

I'm sure you're going to enjoy yours, and worth the wait to get it set up right!

Leupold rings on those Sakos work real good.

 

[Fishjager]

Leupold rings on those Sakos work real good.

But the problem is Leupold no longer makes them according to my rumors. I know Amazon still has some, but...................