SAKO 85 HUNTER
Posted May 25, 2023
, a rifle
The SAKO 85 Hunter is a bolt action hunting rifle manufactured by the European company SAKO. It is available in a variety of different calibers, from .223 to .338 Lapua Magnum, and is a popular choice among avid hunters across Europe and North America. In this review, I will be focusing on the SAKO 85 Hunter in .30-06 Springfield, although much of what I have to say can be applied to any caliber of the rifle.
First, let’s take a look at the design and construction of the SAKO 85 Hunter. The rifle is a two-piece design, consisting of a separate barrel and receiver. The receiver is machined from solid steel and is rigid and very strong, giving the SAKO 85 Hunter its excellent accuracy potential. The fully adjustable synthetic stock is lightweight but sturdy, and the free-floating barrel is cold-hammer forged and chrome-lined for improved corrosion resistance. The trigger is adjustable and can be set to the shooter’s preference, and overall the rifle is well designed and ergonomically sound, making it a joy to shoot.
Of course, a rifle’s accuracy potential depends on its action and barrel. The SAKO 85 Hunter’s action is smooth and tight, and the three-lug bolt offers plenty of locking surface for improved accuracy. The cold-hammer forged barrel is perfectly suited for accurate, long-range shooting and with the right ammunition and in the right conditions, it is capable of extremely tight groups.
The SAKO 85 Hunter is designed for hunting, and it excels in this regard. The rifle is well balanced and feels right at home while out in the woods. Its short action makes it easy to carry and handle, and the adjustable stock allows for it to be customized to fit almost any shooter. Add in the adjustable trigger and the shooter is able to customize it to their own specifications, making it easier to shoot accurately at long range.
The SAKO 85 Hunter is available in a variety of different calibers, and this is one of its major advantages. With most rifle manufacturers, the shooter is stuck with just a few standard calibers. The SAKO 85 Hunter can be purchased in just about any caliber the shooter desires. This makes it easier to find the ideal cartridge for a wide range of applications, from small game to large game and even long-range target shooting and precision shooting.
Ultimately, the SAKO 85 Hunter is an excellent choice for the hunter and shooter looking for a reliable and accurate hunting rifle. It is well designed and well constructed and is capable of excellent accuracy. Its adjustable stock and trigger make it suitable for a wide range of shooters, and its selection of calibers provide plenty of options for any type of shooting. Anyone looking for a solid all-around hunting rifle should consider the SAKO 85 Hunter.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Superior accuracy: Sako’s cold hammer-forged barrels are one of the most accurate barrels available.
• Reliability: The Sako 85 Hunter’s synthetic stock is extremely weatherproof and has a positive lock up in all conditions.
• Comfort: The length of pull, recoil pad and cheek piece are all adjustable and ergonomic for a comfortable fit.
• Durability: Sako is one of the most well-respected firearms companies in the business, and they make sure they use quality materials to make sure their rifles are built to last.
Cons:
• Weight: The Sako 85 Hunter is a bit heavier than standard bolt-action rifles, weighing about 8.7lbs.
• Cost: The Sako 85 Hunter is a premium rifle, and has a premium price tag to match.
Who Should Buy
The SAKO 85 HUNTER is designed for those who are serious about hunting. It is an expensive, specialized rifle that is built for precision and accuracy. It is suited for experienced hunters who are looking for a quality firearm and are not afraid to spend the money for it.
The SAKO 85 HUNTER is not recommended for novice hunters or those who are just starting out. This rifle is best suited for experienced hunters who can use and appreciate its features. It is not a good choice for those who are not willing to put in the time and effort to learn how to shoot it properly.
Comparisons
| Feature | SAKO 85 HUNTER | Product 1 | Product 2 | Product 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.4lbs | 7.2lbs | 7.5lbs | 8.3lbs |
| Action | Long Action | Long Action | Short Action | Short Action |
| Feed | Magazine Fed | Magazine Fed | Bolt Fed | Bolt Fed |
| Trigger | Adjustable | Regular | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Barrel | 24.4 Inch | 22 Inch | 21 Inch | 20 Inch |
Features / Specs
• Calibers: .222 Rem, .223 Rem, .243 Win., 6.5x55, .270 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., .308 Win., .30-06 Sprg., 7x65R, .300 Win. Mag., .338 Win. Mag.
• Length of Pull: 13.75”
• Barrel Length: 24.4”
• Magazine Capacity: 4-5 rounds depending on caliber
• Twis rate of twist: 12”
• Weight: 8.5 to 8.7lbs depending on caliber
• Trigger: Adjustable single-set trigger
• Stock: Oil-finished walnut stock
• Accuracy: Sub-minute of angle (MOA) accuracy with quality ammunition
Popular Accessories
?
- SAKO 85 Scope Rings
- SAKO Optilock Scope Mounts
- SAKO 85 Magazine
- SAKO 85 Buttplates
- SAKO 85 Cheek Pieces
- SAKO 85 Grip Caps
- SAKO 85 Slings
- SAKO 85 Bolt Handles
- SAKO 85 Trigger Adjustment Tools
- SAKO 85 Swivels
Accuracy
The SAKO 85 HUNTER is known for its outstanding accuracy. It features a cold hammer-forged barrel, along with SAKO's exceptional two-way safety latch, adjustable trigger, and the renowned SAKO direct-adjusting sights. All of these features combine to provide hunters and marksmen with an incredibly accurate shooting experience. It is capable of delivering .30-06 Springfield loads with sub-1 MOA accuracy, meeting and exceeding all standards for hunting and target shooting. Furthermore, the SAKO 85 HUNTER is renowned for its ability to retain accuracy over wide temperature ranges and after inaccurate cleaning. It is no wonder it is held in such high regard by the long-range and precision shooting communities.
