Sako 85 Bavarian-- opinions

[Choclabman]

I am thinking of buying one in 30-06. I have had a Finnbear since the early 80's, and just want a new rifle.

I was hoping that members with firsthand experience with new Sako rifles, could give their input. I am wondering about quality, accuracy etc.

Any help would be welcomed.

 

[smcd1983]

I'm interested in Sako 85 experiences as well as i've been considering one for a few months too.....anyone have one?

 

[Horsemany]

I've got an 85 Hunter in 270WSM that I'm pretty happy with. It shoots good. THe fit and finish is pretty good(except for the poorly applied oil finish that will turn a rag brown the first few times you clean it). The trigger is phenomenal.

The things I don't like are...they no longer come with Optilok mounts like the 75's used to. I paid $170 for bases and rings from Beretta. Warne told me there's won't always fit 85's because they couldn't attain a blueprint of the dovetail from Beretta and sometimes the rear ring won't clamp down fully. I'd read a lot of complaints of the Leupold Sako ringmounts shooting loose too. Long story short....I don't like the tapered dovetail especially if they refuse to supply the rings with the gun.

Mine shoots handloads around 1/2" 3 shot groups @100yds from a Sinclair rest. The 85's are slimmer in the wrist and forearm than the 75's were. They are also 1/2lb lighter.