Sako 75 vs 85 and 90

[Tralle]

The other notable problem with an 85 is that it’s absurdly expensive, but provides no clear benefit over a T3 (and they use the same barrels).

Not completely true is it?

Owning both I will say notable things over the t3 is:

- Three pos safety (though you can get it for the Tikka now)
- Double stack magazine that can be loaded in the rifle.
- Action scaled to cartridge

All things I would include if I had to design the perfect stalking rifle

Precision wise there is no difference.

The 85 has its niggles but they're mostly confined to internet experts IMO while thousands of happy users are blissfully unaware.

Other than sticky stock syndrome, I can say I have had 0 issues with mine.

As mentioned, you do have to cycle with a little authority or the case will not clear the action.

 

[Dunwaters]

I’ve had a few Sako riles, an A1 in .22/250 the same again in .270 and an 85 in 6.5, you wouldn’t get any change out of 45years of total use. They were all good serviceable accurate firearms that never needed to go back to the shop.
There is however a wee problem, Sako change models more often than some people change their underwear and they produce a staggering number of action lengths and inlets to suit various cartridges. Multiply the action lengths by the number of different models and the sheer number of variables makes it impossible to find anyone making aftermarket parts, particularly stocks and mounts .
I did fettle the 85 into a 75 deluxe stock, but I did it mostly because someone told me that I couldn’t, you can get me to attempt almost anything if you tell me it’s not doable. It worked, but I moved the stock on and now the rifle is back where it started.
That’s my 10 bobs worth, good reliable firearms but there’s better donor options for a custom build out there, if you buy one to use as it is ,they’re fine , you most likely won’t be disappointed.

 

[The Optimist]

I had an 85 SS Laminate. It was outstanding - it did have the well-known and irritating issue of ejected cases hitting the scope’s windage turret, but subtly adjusting bolt cycling technique mitigated that. Initially I didn’t like the Optilock dovetails, but I got a set of Tier One rings with Tier One’s excellent specific Sako dovetail mounts to fit and never, ever had an issue or lost zero. Now I have a 90 SS Laminate and to me it represents a step change improvement. It shoots like a laser and scope mounting has been easier with the two-part milled-in rail. Trigger adjustment is great. I also have 2 x Tikka 3x rifles which are great, but don’t quite have an emotional appeal like my Sakos. The Tikkas are more very reliable, high quality, professional tools.

 

[ejg]

I have an old 308 Sako L579 Forester action that I think is horrible. Not nice to use, always had feeding issues and shot lousy in orginal barrel /stock/mag system. Once these components were changed she started behaving well but the ergonomics of the action is still lousy. I came across a few actions that were made between 579 and 75 that seemed quite nice but never hunted with one. I never liked any of the scope fitting solutions of Sako rifles. None of the Sako action designs came even close to usability of the T3 Tikka. Even the recoil lug design of the 75 does not impress. I have a Sako 85 and S20 lying around that we will look at closer regarding stock design. Once the 85/90 has the recoil lug conversion they should be quite ok. Overall I am not a fan of top loaded mags or lack of one piece rail which does not allow one piece scope mounts such as the Spuhr hunting version.
Pity they made the S20 as a three lug action however once fitted to a nicer stock with improved magazines it could make a nice hunting rifle with an action length that bit better for longer cartridges than the T3. Sako/Tikka all versions seemed to have very good triggers.
edi

 

[Mungo]

Not completely true is it?

Owning both I will say notable things over the t3 is:

- Three pos safety (though you can get it for the Tikka now)

I’ll grant you that one! Though as you say, easily changed.

- Double stack magazine that can be loaded in the rifle.

Completely personal preference. Some want it, some don’t. Having had both, it’s not something I care about at all. Happy either way.

- Action scaled to cartridge

Interesting one. You see people getting very worked up about this. I actually did some investigating when I was getting my .22 ARC built. Since it was a custom build, I could choose any action. The choice came down to a Sako 75 small action (the one for 223 etc) or a standard T3. Since the ARC is 223 scaled cartridge, my initial thought was to with a 75. But then I compared the weights. The are so similar as makes no difference. So there’s no weight advantage in using the small action. That means the only benefit to the scaled action would be the difference in bolt throw. Do you actually notice that difference? Does it make any difference at all in any context? Not that I could tell. So I went with a T3.

I’ve had five 75s (in .222, .243 and .270). Early on, I read threads like this, and got bamboozled into thinking they were so superior.

I now only have T3s…

 

[HonestJohn]

Best rifle Sako ever made was the l46 riihimaki. The only thing they could have done to improve it, was double stack internal mag, otherwise its pretty much perfection

 

[Bowland blades]

I am fairly certain you can get the locking parts replaced with standard non-lockable parts. A friend of mine had it done years ago on his 75 Varmint. Finding the parts these days might be an issue though and I'd expect Sako/Beretta to try bleed you dry when you want to pay for the parts...

Just don't lock it - Job done , it was a daft Idea thing from the get go . I have a few 75s and the lock is never locked - end of all troubles !

 

[Bowland blades]

I’ll grant you that one! Though as you say, easily changed.

Completely personal preference. Some want it, some don’t. Having had both, it’s not something I care about at all. Happy either way.

Interesting one. You see people getting very worked up about this. I actually did some investigating when I was getting my .22 ARC built. Since it was a custom build, I could choose any action. The choice came down to a Sako 75 small action (the one for 223 etc) or a standard T3. Since the ARC is 223 scaled cartridge, my initial thought was to with a 75. But then I compared the weights. The are so similar as makes no difference. So there’s no weight advantage in using the small action. That means the only benefit to the scaled action would be the difference in bolt throw. Do you actually notice that difference? Does it make any difference at all in any context? Not that I could tell. So I went with a T3.

I’ve had five 75s (in .222, .243 and .270). Early on, I read threads like this, and got bamboozled into thinking they were so superior.

I now only have T3s…

The Key lock was dropped was it not? Changing to a Tikka ? Well that's really like throwing the baby out with the bath water (not a critiism of tika product ) all said and done Tika and Sako have been in the same plant for a long time .
The difference is always there in the costs , The two brands in one is a well played move for the pair