SAKO 85 FINNLIGHT II
Posted May 19, 2023
Introduction
The Sako 85 Finnlight II is a lightweight, well-crafted and reliable bolt-action rifle, quickly becoming a favorite among hunters and target shooters alike. This versatile firearm offers superior accuracy, consistent action, and long range performance. With a lightweight design and a carbon fiber barrel, the Finnlight II is an excellent choice for medium to large game and long-range precision shooting.
Construction
The Sako 85 Finnlight II is constructed from high quality materials and is offered in three different calibers: .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .280 Remington. The barrel is a lightweight carbon fiber wrapped offering, made from high grade steel and protected with a matte black Cerakote finish. The action is made from stainless steel and features Sako’s three-lug locking design and a lightened, crisp trigger pull. The bolt and magazine release are oversized for easy operation. The magazine is a standard five-round detachable box magazine. The rifle also features a rubberized recoil pad and the recoil is extremely light and manageable.
The stock is made from a high-impact synthetic material and features an adjustable comb height and a wide forestock with finger grooves. The stock has a textured finish on the grip and forend which provides a secure, comfortable grip. The buttstock can be adjusted for length of pull using spacers (included). The overall length of this rifle is 43.5 inches and the weight (without scope) is 7.2 pounds.
Performance
The Finnlight II has superb accuracy and consistent action. The adjustable trigger pull is light and crisp, making this rifle suitable for precision shooting. The action features performance tuned bolts that cycle with near-perfect reliability. The three-lug locking system offers superior rigidity and lock up, delivering reliable accuracy shot after shot. The velocity is consistent and this rifle is very forgiving with various load types. The recoil is extremely light and not overly punishing.
The lightweight construction and comfortable stock design make this rifle easy to carry and handle. The rubberized recoil pad provides extra shock absorption, resulting in comfort and less fatigue in the field. The three-position safety allows for easy transition between locked, half-cocked, and cocked positions.
The Finnlight II combines a perfect blend of accuracy, reliability, and light weight. The light weight makes this rifle comfortable to carry and handle, while the carbon fiber barrel is extremely accurate with a strong, consistent action.
Features & Benefits
The Sako 85 Finnlight II is a great choice for hunters, target shooters, and precision shooters alike. It offers a combination of light weight, superior accuracy, reliable action, and long range performance. The lightweight design and comfortable stock make this rifle suitable for all day hunting or target shooting. The three-lug locking system ensures reliable accuracy and the adjustable trigger allows for a clean, crisp break. The carbon fiber wrapped barrel is lightweight and offers superior accuracy and consistent action. The wide forend and rubberized recoil pad provide comfort and reduce felt recoil.
In addition to its performance, the Sako 85 Finnlight II is also easy to maintain and care for. The carbon fiber wrapped barrel requires minimal cleaning and maintenance. The rubberized recoil pad and adjustable comb allow for personalized fit and feel, making this rifle appropriate for almost any shooter.
Conclusion
Overall, the Sako 85 Finnlight II is a solid choice for both hunters and precision shooters. It is lightweight, reliable, accurate, and offers superior performance with various load types. The adjustable trigger pull and three-lug locking system provide consistent accuracy and performance. The rubberized recoil pad and wide forestock offer comfort and reduce felt recoil. The Finnlight II is an efficient and reliable firearm, making it a great choice for precision shooting and medium to large game hunting.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Lightweight; a FinnLight II weighs about 6.1 pounds with a 20" barrel.
-A SAKO 85 is made with solid construction and high-quality materials.
-It has a Rifle Barrel Vibration neutralizer which reduces recoil for improved accuracy.
-The bedding is precise and allows for better accuracy.
-The trigger is adjustable for a lighter pull allowing for better accuracy.
-Its sleek design also makes it a great choice for hunters who need a rifle that’s easy to carry in the woods.
Cons:
-The cost is high compared to other rifles in its class.
-The magazine only holds four rounds.
-It can be difficult to find aftermarket parts and accessories for a SAKO 85.
-The scope rings which comes with the rifle isn’t the best quality.
Who Should Buy
The SAKO 85 FINNLIGHT II is a precision rifle designed to offer superior accuracy and stability for hunting and target shooting in varied conditions. It is an ideal choice for someone who is looking for a rifle with accuracy and stability for long-range shooting, or simply wants the best quality hunting and target rifle available.
People who should buy the SAKO 85 FINNLIGHT II should understand the basics of firearm safety, know how to accurately shoot a rifle, and should have the necessary shooting skills to make the most of the rifle's capabilities. This type of firearm should be used only by experienced shooters who understand the safety regulations.
On the other hand, people who should not buy the SAKO 85 FINNLIGHT II include inexperienced shooters, those who do not understand firearms safety regulations, or those who are not prepared to use the firearm for its intended purposes. Additionally, anyone who is not able to commit to a rifle of this caliber of accuracy and stability should probably look for something else.
Comparisons
| SAKO 85 FINNLIGHT II | Alternative 1 | Alternative 2 | Alternative 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .270 WSM | .308 | .30/06 | .300 WM |
| Barrel Length | 22.4 in | 22 in | 24.2 in | 22 in |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs | 7.2 lbs | 8 lbs | 7 lbs |
| Magazine | Detachable | Internal | Internal | Detachable |
| Stock | Synthetic Gray | Walnut Brown | Composite Soak | Composite Tan |
Features / Specs
• Bolt Action
• 6.5x55mm Caliber
• Integral 19 mm Dovetail rail/Picatinny rail
• Cold hammer-forged Sako barrel
• Steel action
• Single-stage trigger
• Two-way safety
• Blued barrel & action
• Black Synthetic stock with both Matte Finish (BL) and Textured Matte Finish (TM)
• Rubber butt pad
• Swivel studs for attaching a sling
• Capacity: 3+1 rounds
Popular Accessories
- Scope: High-quality scopes, such as Leupold, Zeiss, and Schmidt & Bender, are popular options for the SAKO 85 FINNLIGHT II.
- Rings: A variety of rings from brands such as Leupold, Weaver, and Badger Ordnance are popular options for mounting a scope to the SAKO 85 FINNLIGHT II.
- Bipod: A bipod is an essential accessory for steadying the rifle for accurate shooting. Popular bipod brands used with the SAKO 85 FINNLIGHT II include Harris, Atlas, and Accu-Shot.
- Sling: A sling helps with carrying and handling the rifle. Slings from brands such as Magpul, Blackhawk, and Browning are popular for the SAKO 85 FINNLIGHT II.
- Magazine: Quality magazines from brands like Accurate-Mag can improve the performance of the SAKO 85 FINNLIGHT II.
Accuracy
The SAKO 85 FINNLIGHT II is an incredibly accurate firearm, as it is manufactured using extremely tight tolerances. The barrel on the FINNLIGHT II is cold hammer-forged and is tested for accuracy at the factory prior to shipping, giving its users added confidence. This rifle also features the SAKO TRG trigger system, which is adjustable for weight and creep. The organic stock of the FINNLIGHT II also features adjustable cheek and length of pull, allowing its users to further tailor the firearm to fit their needs. With all its features combined, the SAKO 85 FINNLIGHT II is capable of shooting 1.5 MOA or better with the right ammunition, making it suitable for various types of hunting.
