Sako 85 vs 75

[wildfowler.250]

So as a 75 owner, why are they so much more sought after than the 85’s? People still talk on here about buying a used 75 over a new 85 but a new 85 would come with a warranty and spare parts if needed. And where would the T3x throw into this mix now that it’s done away with the T3 plastic? I will say though that the wooden stocks on the new tikkas don’t look like they’re in the same ball park as the sako’s.

Cheers!

 

[wildfowler.250]

Can’t be much in it then

 

[Norfolk Horn]

Well the funny thing is I had been thinking the same as there always seems comments about 75 being better than 85.
I dont own either, Tikka T3 which shoots spot on

 

[palmer_mike]

I’ve had 2 75’s and currently own an 85.
In my experience there is very little to choose between them.

I love my current 85 and can’t think of a thing I’d change about it.

 

[BigPat]

I think it’s just one of those things....

I have a 75 and a T3, both SS Synthetic. To be honest there really isn’t much difference in them. The Sako feels a bit more solid but both shoot super accurate and both are over 15yrs old and still going strong. I also shoot a mates 85 occasionally and again I can’t really say I notice a huge difference or anything that makes me think one is better then the other.

 

[wildfowler.250]

Cheers guys! So really there’s nothing wrong/poor with the 85? I’ve never fully understood why people prefer the 75. The one I have is great and I’ve bought a spare mag for it so hopefully just rebarrel if ever needed down the road. But I’ve never seen any reason on here for exactly why folk think the 75 is ‘better’? In some ways a warranty and spare parts 10 years down the road might make the 85 a better choice?

 

[ejg]

Firstly I don't know much about 75/85 but had a few in the workshop. Initially I could not get my head around how to bed the 85 properly with the little in-between "tuning fork" and thought the 75 is better for that reason. In the meantime we use Tikka T3 recoil lugs to bed Sako 85 and throw away the little in-between piece. Easier to bed than a 75 that way. Some have issues with the 85 ejecting at an angle that hits the scope leading to the empty to fall back into the chamber.
I would choose a T3 over both, stiffer action, better scope mounting options, one action length and a clever bedding shape. If a shooter has a few rifles in different calibre's (as we do) the T3 offers that one can swop the stocks around between T1X and all T3/T3X even if epoxy bedded. Much better variety of aftermarket parts for the T3 because it outsells 75/85 by a factor 10? as a guess.
edi

 

[wildfowler.250]

Cheers Edi! Hadn’t thought about bedding the rifle to be honest. Agree heaps of aftermarket parts for the T3’s. Had a look at a Macmillan stock once upon a time for the 75 but it was a faff to order and loads more T3 options.

Doesn’t sound like there’s a huge amount between the 85/75 then apart from a few minor changes

 

[User00040]

Every 85 that I have seen will eject spent cases towards the scope, leaving a dent in the case neck.

Not ideal if you want to reload without having to FLS (with expander ball) every piece of brass.

 

[palmer_mike]

Every 85 that I have seen will eject spent cases towards the scope, leaving a dent in the case neck.

Not ideal if you want to reload without having to FLS (with expander ball) every piece of brass.

I’ve heard that myth before. Never had a single case damaged as such by one of mine.

 

[DavyG]

The difference between a 75 and an 85 is plainly obvious...10.
DG

 

[ejg]

I’ve heard that myth before. Never had a single case damaged as such by one of mine.

That myth seems to crop up all over, I recon there is some truth in it. Was never mentioned with T3 or Sako 75 or earlier models only 85. Might be some cartridge scope combination that doesn't work. Bet they fixed that on the new S20.
edi

 

[wildfowler.250]

The difference between a 75 and an 85 is plainly obvious...10.
DG

Being that helpful you must work for BASC..

 

[wildfowler.250]

That myth seems to crop up all over, I recon there is some truth in it. Was never mentioned with T3 or Sako 75 or earlier models only 85. Might be some cartridge scope combination that doesn't work. Bet they fixed that on the new S20.
edi

would be interested to know what’s actually different about the bolt? You would imagine type of scope must have some factor in it

 

[I. Farticus]

Being that helpful you must work for BASC..

It would've been 9 if in our favour, 11 in theirs...

 

[User00040]

I’ve heard that myth before. Never had a single case damaged as such by one of mine.

@palmer_mike what height optilock rings are you using? Or do you have a rail installed? What action length/calibre?

Interested as all of the 85's I have come across were 'long action' ones.

 

[User00040]

would be interested to know what’s actually different about the bolt? You would imagine type of scope must have some factor in it

T3 is a closed receiver, the 75 and 85 are open top, that has an effect.

Bolt head wise the T3 (and 75 I think) are of similar construction, but the 75 has 3 lugs.

The 85 bolt head is 'open' on one side and has a blade ejector, the T3 and 75 use plungers.

 

[Deutsch - Drahthaar]

I have never owned a 75 but shot plenty. I own a Tikka 595 and two 85's and they all shoot extremely accurately. there is nothing between any of them accuracy wise.

 

[Border]

would be interested to know what’s actually different about the bolt? You would imagine type of scope must have some factor in it

The 85 bolt is more open underneath as it is an attempt at semi controlled feed. I believe this meant that the extractor position changed and exerberated the problem of cases hitting the scope and getting dented or hitting the scope and bouncing back into the action. Apparently some 75's had this issue which also led to horrificly high optilock mounts. The problem isn't a myth. Vapentidningen, a Swedish hunting mag experienced it on their test of the new 85. Not everyone experiences it luckily, it seems most prevelant on long action models.

 

[palmer_mike]

@palmer_mike what height optilock rings are you using? Or do you have a rail installed? What action length/calibre?

Interested as all of the 85's I have come across were 'long action' ones.

That might be it then. Mine are .308 length action......

no rail just ‘low’ optilocks and 50mm objective scopes