SAKO 85 L
Posted May 19, 2023
The SAKO 85 L is a high-end, precision rifle made by SAKO Ltd. in Finland. The L-series of rifles are engineered to the highest standards of accuracy and craftsmanship, and are intended for use as a target rifle or hunting rifle. It features a heavy contoured 22” barrel, as well as a short action (3-position) trigger. It’s also equipped with SAKO’s proprietary and adjustable muzzle brake, which helps reduce muzzle rise and recoil. As the flagship of the SAKO range, the 85L combines advanced engineering and quality materials to deliver accuracy, precision and performance.
I recently had the opportunity to become acquainted with the SAKO 85L when I purchased one for use as a hunting rifle. After extensively researching the features of various models and reading countless reviews from satisfied customers, I decided the 85L was the model for me.
The quality of the rifle is immediately apparent as soon as one takes a look at it. The blued steel barrel and action is aesthetically pleasing and comes with a well executed matte black finish. The bolt move smoothly and silently, and its level of rotation gives a nice sensation when manipulated. The trigger is a delight to use thanks to its light and crisp trigger pull. The magazine capacity of the 85L is also great, with the detachable model being able to seat 4 rounds and the fixed models being able to seat 5 rounds.
On the range the SAKO 85L shot superbly. Groups consistently measure less than 1”, which testifies to its superior accuracy and precision. Not only that, the muzzle brake did a great job in reducing recoil. Shooting multiple rounds off felt almost effortless and the rifle was comfortable to shoot in any position.
Throughout my tests, the SAKO 85L proved to be an excellent and extremely reliable rifle. I have no doubt that its accuracy and precision will continue to offer top performance for many years to come.
In my opinion, the SAKO 85L is one of the best rifles on the market when it comes to accuracy and precision. Its quality components ensure consistent groups and the adjustable muzzle brake enhances recoil mitigation. The rifle is also a pleasure to shoot and highly ergonomic, making it comfortable to use. In addition, the 85L is also a great choice for hunting thanks to its solid construction, durable materials, and magazine capacity.
All in all, the SAKO 85L is an excellent rifle with an impressive accuracy and precision. It is sure to provide great performance for shooting enthusiasts and hunters alike. I highly recommend the 85L to anyone looking for a quality bolt-action rifle.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Very reliable rifle and is well made for long-lasting use
-Accurate and has a crisp trigger with very low recoil
-Very hardy and able to tolerate variable weather conditions
-Lightweight and easy to handle for a long day on the range or hunting
-Synthetic stock and stainless steel barrel add to the rifle’s robust build
-A wide range of calibers, from .222 to .338 win mag
Cons:
-Having only one non-detachable magazine takes away from the rifle's versatility
-Can be expensive depending on the caliber chosen
-Heavier than some of the competitors rifles
-Barrel isn’t always free-floating, meaning accuracy can be affected by pressure on the barrel
-Wooden stocks are known to warp or crack in wet weather
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for an accurate and reliable all-weather hunting rifle should consider the SAKO 85 L. This particular model of rifle is an excellent choice for hunters of all experience levels, especially those that need a more compact rifle for quick, accurate shooting. The SAKO 85 L is also suitable for both recreational and sport shooting.
This particular model of rifle may not be the best choice for those looking for a Target rifle or Tactical Shooting rifle. Additionally, the SAKO 85 L is not ideal for small game or beginners, as it may be too powerful for a novice hunter.
Comparisons
| Specs | SAKO 85 L | Similar Product 1 | Similar Product 2 | Similar Product 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Bolt-Action | Bolt-Action | Bolt-Action | Bolt-Action |
| Caliber | .308 Win | .308 Win | .300 Win Mag | .30-06 Sprg |
| Barrel | 20" | 22" | 24" | 20" |
| Mag. Capacity | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 |
| Stock | Walnut | Synthetic | Synthetic | Walnut |
| Sights | Open | Open | Open | Open |
| Weight | 7 ½ lbs | 7.7 lbs | 8.77 lbs | 7.3 lbs |
| MSRP | $1,699 | $1,119 | $1,649 | $969 |
Features / Specs
• Available in standard and full-stocked versions
• Adjustable trigger
• Cold-hammered barrel
• Two position safety
• Available in 20 different calibers
• Adjustable double-stage trigger
• Weight ranges from 6.3 to 8.3 pounds depending on caliber and stock
• 50.7 to 62.5 inches in length
• 5 or 6 round magazine capacity
Popular Accessories
VSF?
Popular accessories for SAKO 85 LVSF include scope rings, bipods, high-quality firearm scopes such as Leupold or Swarovski, barrel installations, muzzle brakes, and aftermarket stocks.
Accuracy
The Sako 85 L is widely esteemed for its exceptionally accurate accuracy. Sako has claimed that the 85 L can deliver accuracy that ranges within a minute of angle, which is roughly equivalent to a 1-inch (2.5 cm) group at 100 yards (91.4 m). More often, however, it delivers results that are much tighter than this, with groups of a quarter inch or even smaller being commonplace. The exact accuracy of the Sako 85 L depends greatly on the type of ammunition used and the exact model of the rifle, but the consensus is that it is highly accurate and consistent, making it a great choice for hunting and target shooting.
