Sako 85 Carbonlight or Finnlight II?

[Billygoat]

Hi.
I need a new rifle and I’ve narrowed it down to these two.
Unfortunately I haven’t been able to see either of them first hand, so I am hoping that some of you may have actually seen, handled or used them and will be able to help me to decide which one to get.
Any input is welcome.

 

[RM100]

Finnlight 2 , in 6.5 CM. Love it.

 

[DavyG]

I had the same dilemma a couple of years ago. Opted for the FL2...adjustable cheek piece & cerakote finish done it more me.
No regrets.
DG

 

[Utectok]

Fin light is a lovely rifle my friend has one shoots cloverleaf at 100. Id quite like one

 

[Richiezippy]

Finnlight 2 , in 6.5 CM. Love it.

Do u use factory ammo?? What’s grouping like 100mtrs?? Looking fir a good 6.5cm shoot sako 270 Finnlight just now.

 

[Billygoat]

Thanks for the replies. I was leaning towards the Carbonlight, but this is making me rethink. The shiny inserts on the Finnlight are the only thing I’m not sure about. Do they dull-down with use, or are they not as shiny as they look on the internet?

 

[rem284]

I have heard the carbon finish wears off whereas the finnlight 2 is hardier

 

[Billygoat]

How about the rubber inserts, do they wear well?

 

[old keeper]

What calibre are you thinking of? I've used a Carbonlight and thought it a really good, very light, rifle. In fact, it's so light that personally, I would probably go no higher than 243.

It's a very nice rifle indeed and shot extremely well. It even looks good!

 

[Billygoat]

What calibre are you thinking of? I've used a Carbonlight and thought it a really good, very light, rifle. In fact, it's so light that personally, I would probably go no higher than 243.

It's a very nice rifle indeed and shot extremely well. It even looks good!

I’m looking for a .243. I’ve heard the Carbonlights are very good.

 

[dunwater]

How about the rubber inserts, do they wear well?

The rubberised coating is a bit sensitive, everything attacks it.
The rubber inserts are fine, no complaints so far.

 

[Billygoat]

The rubberised coating is a bit sensitive, everything attacks it.
The rubber inserts are fine, no complaints so far.

Do you mean the rubberised coating on the Carbonlight, or does the Finnlight also have a rubberised coating?

 

[Basil H]

I have had a .308 Cl for several years. There are no "inserts". The surface is nice to handle, like wood. I am very satisfied with it, and it is not my first or only rifle.
The recoil is, to me, insignificant with lighter loads such as Sako 123.. With a more poky load such as Hornady 150 Superformance, it is comparable to a standard weight .30-06 or 7mm RM with a heavy bullet, so no big deal unless you are sensitive to recoil.

 

[Billygoat]

I have had a .308 Cl for several years. There are no "inserts". The surface is nice to handle, like wood. I am very satisfied with it, and it is not my first or only rifle.
The recoil is, to me, insignificant with lighter loads such as Sako 123.. With a more poky load such as Hornady 150 Superformance, it is comparable to a standard weight .30-06 or 7mm RM with a heavy bullet, so no big deal unless you are sensitive to recoil.

Thanks Basil. How has the coating on the stock faired?

 

[dunwater]

o you mean the rubberised coating on the Carbonlight, or does the Finnlight also have a rubberised coating?

Finnlight has a rubberised coating on the fibreglass stock, its not very durable.

 

[DavyG]

How about the rubber inserts, do they wear well?

Sako built the CL to be their lightest 85 @ 2.6kg. The FL 2 is 0.4kg heavier but several hundred pounds less expensive. The stock on the FL is (IMO) one of the best factory stocks Sako has produced. Both superb rifles, each with their advantages.
DG

 

[DavyG]

Finnlight has a rubberised coating on the fibreglass stock, its not very durable.

I’m on my 3rd season with the FL2. It’s out in all weather 3-4 times a week. So far, it has not shown any wear on the stock and this is a working rifle not a cabinet queen.
DG

 

[Billygoat]

Sako built the CL to be their lightest 85 @ 2.6kg. The FL 2 is 0.4kg heavier but several hundred pounds more expensive. The stock on the FL is (IMO) one of the best factory stocks Sako has produced. Both superb rifles, each with their advantages.
DG

I think the Carbonlight is actually more expensive.

 

[Basil H]

The stock is fine, but my kit doesn't get used hard these days. I wish it were otherwise but long days on the hill are behind me.

 

[DavyG]

I think the Carbonlight is actually more expensive.

Oops...less expensive