Thoughts on the Sako S20 in 6.5 creed

Gav89

Member
Hey guys.

Any ones got any real worldly advice on the Sako S20 in 6.5 creed?
I’ve heard there have been feeding and potentially stock issues.
Just wondered if this was a common thing or a few are far between thing. Not many people post about the positives of things nowadays.
I’m both a woodland and open field stalker , mainly on Roe.
I’ve held it a few times and it ergonomically fits me great but the build quality did feel alittle off, especially up against my Bergarra Carbon Crest and to be brutally honest, my Sako 75 feels like a better build.
 
I've had one in .308 since they first came out - its great but heavy. I packed some microfibre cloth in the stock to deaden the hollowness - works. I have two 5 rounds mag and a 10 - they all rattled but a short strip of the loop portion of self-adhesive Velcro cures that. I did have a spring collapse in a magazine that stopped me from shooting my third red stag in a row a few years back (probably just as well otherwise we'd have missed the ferry) but nothing since. Its my go-to for long range shooting and carries a Swaro DS.

To put my rifles in context, I have a Sako 75, two Tikka T3X and the S20 - all fitted with the S20 2-stage triggers (Ed from Edinburgh rifles).

IMG_8306.jpeg01CC6076-E99D-43CB-A9CD-7594B906F255.jpeg1E7C3A14-9B20-4E8E-A0F7-DDA4A1BDAD2B.jpeg0F0E36B4-E1FC-4B2C-8DCA-09A005C41F6E.jpegIMG_2605.jpeg
 
Had mine about 3 years and use it fairly regularly, only had one feed issue in all that time and turned out to be mud/debris in the mag, gave it a quick clean and problem solved. Definitely not the prettiest/most tactile rifle on the market but it does the job and very easy to adjust the ergonomics to suit your needs.

Like most things in life it really depends what you like/want...
 
Cheers guys that’s really helpful.
I think one of the key issues I’ve picked up on is the weight .I like weight saving not adding and given my Bergarra weighs as much as a rabbits tear,I think might struggle with the S20 given my hatred of heavy rifles .
I do love the thumbhole tho.
The issue of it rattling is another concern as paying 2g for something that rattles like a kids toy,dosent appeal.That was one of my gripes when I held it,it just felt cheap. The emerald stock version is alittle nicer as it has tacky feel.But the bolt again felt like a 5 year old has assembled it .Not up to Sako’s usual standards I felt .
Looks like the search continues for a thumbhole that isn’t a B14 as that’s effectively what I’ve already got but in carbon fibre
 
I bought my S20 in 6.5PRC about a year ago
I was told beforehand about the feeding issues and magazine ratlle, but was assured that these issues had been sorted by Sako - in other words they must have done some R&D in the marketplace or released a beta version
Anyway
I have two lower capcacity mags & one higher capacity (3 & 6 respectively for the PRC as opposed to 5 & 10 for CM etc)
I have found the rifle to have the slickest action I've ever used in a rifle. I used to have a semi-custom based on a Borden action plus I still use a Mauser-actioned .375H&H, the Sako is WAY better than either of them. No feed issues at all and no magazine rattle either and I didn't have to go down the path of gluing bits of felt to the magazine or anything like that, the Sako-supplied magazine fits like a mag is supposed to
As said already, it's not the lightest, but that's kinda ok in my book especially as the extra weight really seems to tame the PRC's recoil/reduces muzzle flip to such an extent that I can keep sights on target even at 200m or so
The "hollow" stock noise doesn't bother me, it's no noisier than my old McMillan synthetic stock was
I love the thumbhole stock too, didn't think I would and they're not to everyone's taste

You could do worse than going for a Sako S20 in 6.5CM, but that's just my opinion, and you do seem to have a preference for the 75 - which isn't a bad choice either
 
Been using S20 camo in 6.5CM for couple of years, weight isn't an issue for me and I do alot of active stalking, the stock does feel a little plasticy but doesn't worry me as am dragging it through Sitka plantations.
Incredibly accurate and mounts great especially on a quick follow up shot.
 
Unrelated but Question for you Wyton, what sticks are these please as it looks like its utilising the spartan precision mount? Thanks
@soapywatson


Plus my full Spartan "Ecosystem":

 
@wytonpjs
@soapywatson


Plus my full Spartan "Ecosystem":

Dude , this spigot adaption for the blaser sticks is genius 😇
Sign me up, I’ll DM you, cheers
 
First time round I owned a Sako A7 in .243 and absolutely loved it, comparatively lightweight at 2.9kg too on par with the lighter 90 models. This time round, a guided stalk using the guide's Sako S20 in .308 before purchasing my new rifles, I was quite surprised just how well the S20 handled in comparison, despite coming in at 3.7kg, some 800g heavier. Weight is also a key consideration for me as I have M.E. from a virus in 2013.

Purchasing both another Sako A7 in .243 for foxing and an S20 in 6.5CM for Stalking, the S20 is so well designed and balanced, unless I specifically need the NV capability of the Alpex on the A7, the S20 is now always the rifle I reach for. It has holes in the stock that allow for a side mounted sling, which I have also fitted 'upside down' to mean I carry muzzle down and so despite the added weight, find the S20 simply far more comfortable and better balanced to stalk and shoot with. Horses for courses, but the S20 design for me is so good I would and do choose over the lighter weight of the A7.

In terms of the calibre I also have zero regrets with 6.5CM, quite the contrary. I liked the flat shooting of the .243 but although my permissions only hold Roe and Muntjac, wanted a calibre more capable of larger species this time. I've only taken one Muntjac and three Roe so far but the 6.5 puts them down with far greater force than the .243 without appearing to do much more meat damage. That said, the first three were neck shot and I was quite shocked at the size of the exit, literally all but severing the entire spinal column. I consequently tried the fourth with classic boiler room shot to compare. Although slightly higher than intended or would have liked, the damage was again not particularly any noticeably greater than the .243 despite hitting considerably harder.

Sako S20a.webp

Exit from being shot at 45m, literally severing the entire spinal column such that the head came clean off with simply cutting away the skin:

IMG_1224.webp

Best wishes with the deliberations.
 
I've had one in .308 since they first came out - its great but heavy. I packed some microfibre cloth in the stock to deaden the hollowness - works. I have two 5 rounds mag and a 10 - they all rattled but a short strip of the loop portion of self-adhesive Velcro cures that. I did have a spring collapse in a magazine that stopped me from shooting my third red stag in a row a few years back (probably just as well otherwise we'd have missed the ferry) but nothing since. Its my go-to for long range shooting and carries a Swaro DS.

To put my rifles in context, I have a Sako 75, two Tikka T3X and the S20 - all fitted with the S20 2-stage triggers (Ed from Edinburgh rifles).

View attachment 432010View attachment 432011View attachment 432012View attachment 432013View attachment 432014
Does the s20 trigger when used in the T3X allow the bolt to open on safe?
 
I have a S20, albeit in 270, but really like it. Never had any issues with weight. I have the earlier grey stocks which does feel a little plasticky, but the newer roughtech ones feel good. The new emerald stock is 👌🏻
 
I'm with you on this. I have an S20 in 6.5 Creedmoor and I find it a joy to shoot. The weight is noticeable, but perfectly tolerable.
 
I have said rifle in 6.5CM and in the original stock, it’s not the lightest and I do a lot of both field and woodland stalking, often plotting up for a while so sometimes I either mount on sticks or just take it off my shoulder . It fits me well and is very accurate as long as I do my part, 1/3 moa with S&B Blue 120gr .
I stuck a bit of felt hockey stick tape along the side of the mag straight away and never had any feed or mag issues.
Can't see me changing it as I have confidence in its accuracy and it’s a no frills tool for Deer, maybe a stock upgrade in the future if anything but not essential at mo .
 
Hey guys.

Any ones got any real worldly advice on the Sako S20 in 6.5 creed?
I’ve heard there have been feeding and potentially stock issues.
Just wondered if this was a common thing or a few are far between thing. Not many people post about the positives of things nowadays.
I’m both a woodland and open field stalker , mainly on Roe.
I’ve held it a few times and it ergonomically fits me great but the build quality did feel alittle off, especially up against my Bergarra Carbon Crest and to be brutally honest, my Sako 75 feels like a better build.
I have been hearing on forums a lot about bolt issues , or bolts being pulled out , as the bolt realease catch isn't doing its job especially in the higher calibre rifles , I however have one in.243 and it is brilliant
 
Hey guys.

Any ones got any real worldly advice on the Sako S20 in 6.5 creed?
I’ve heard there have been feeding and potentially stock issues.
Just wondered if this was a common thing or a few are far between thing. Not many people post about the positives of things nowadays.
I’m both a woodland and open field stalker , mainly on Roe.
I’ve held it a few times and it ergonomically fits me great but the build quality did feel alittle off, especially up against my Bergarra Carbon Crest and to be brutally honest, my Sako 75 feels like a better build.
Hey guys.

Any ones got any real worldly advice on the Sako S20 in 6.5 creed?
I’ve heard there have been feeding and potentially stock issues.
Just wondered if this was a common thing or a few are far between thing. Not many people post about the positives of things nowadays.
I’m both a woodland and open field stalker , mainly on Roe.
I’ve held it a few times and it ergonomically fits me great but the build quality did feel alittle off, especially up against my Bergarra Carbon Crest and to be brutally honest, my Sako 75 feels like a better build.
I'm the proud owner of a SAKO S20 in 6.5 Creedmoor, and I'm thoroughly impressed with it. It wasn't until I disassembled the rifle that I truly appreciated its superior build quality. The alloy rail under the barrel and the side M-LOKs, which attach directly to the stock through the alloy chassis, are testaments to its solid construction. Any reviewer who claims otherwise, often just by tapping on the stock, reveals their lack of in-depth knowledge.


I use the S20 for both mid-range hunting and having a play at my weekly long-range F-Class shoots (300-1000 yards). Five hundred yards is its sweet spot for my setup. Typically, my first two shots at this distance are sub-MOA. For some reason, I often get a flyer around the fourth shot before the grouping tightens up again for the remainder. With only 150 rounds fired, I'm still breaking in the barrel. My groups will become more consistent over time.


The barrel is cold-hammer-forged, which is said to offer a longer lifespan, but takes longer to break in.


The stock's alloy subframe is built on the SAKO TRG platform. However, I did encounter a minor issue with the stock. At my first range session, I wasn't happy with the accuracy. As it's a SAKO, I knew the hardware wouldn't be the problem, so I disassembled the rifle and found the butt had a minor assembly issue. One of the two main takedown locking screws was loose; it was an easy fix, but what a simple but major F-up from SAKO. Tightening the screw not only resolved the issue but also significantly improved my groupings. Interestingly, this adjustment altered my point of aim, leading me to wonder if some accuracy problems with the rifle might stem from one loose bolt. I strongly recommend disassembling the rifle for a thorough inspection before zeroing it to ensure optimal performance.


Loading the first round into the magazine can be fiddly, as you need to ensure it's on the correct side. I usually count my rounds as I load to get it right. Despite this, the magazine itself is very compact and has ample capacity for handloads.


For single-cartridge feeding, place the round slightly into the chamber to avoid hooking up; it is simple once you're aware of it.


I've equipped my S20 with a Leica Amplus 6 2.5-15x50i scope, which is a perfect match for handling knocks when hunting and providing clear sight up to 500 yards.

To keep the setup light, I opted for the lightest bipod I could find, the MNT Backcountry, and I run it unsuppressed. I even trimmed unnecessary parts off the sling to save every ounce.


For ammunition, I matched it to SAKO's loads, using SIERRA 6.5 MM 140 GR TGK GAMECHANGER projectiles over 40.5 grains of ADI AR2209 from White River.

And the 2-stage trigger is next level

Hey guys.

Any ones got any real worldly advice on the Sako S20 in 6.5 creed?
I’ve heard there have been feeding and potentially stock issues.
Just wondered if this was a common thing or a few are far between thing. Not many people post about the positives of things nowadays.
I’m both a woodland and open field stalker , mainly on Roe.
I’ve held it a few times and it ergonomically fits me great but the build quality did feel alittle off, especially up against my Bergarra Carbon Crest and to be brutally honest, my Sako 75 feels like a better build.
 
My mate has one in 243 brilliant rifle super accurate smooth bolt only downside for me is it feels heavy but he does have a alpex 4k on it that don’t help. Brilliant for prone shooting at long ranges
 
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