SAKO 85 M
Posted May 19, 2023
SAKO 85 M
When it comes to long-range precision rifles, few shooting enthusiasts turn away from the SAKO 85 M. This bolt-action rifle has long been an industry leader and favorite among experienced and novice shooters alike. It's an absolute workhorse of a rifle that blends accuracy and reliability, making it a solid option for any long-range shooter.
Let's take a deeper look at the SAKO 85 M and explore its features and capabilities.
Design
The SAKO 85 M is a bolt action precision rifle capable of long-range accuracy. It’s a lightweight but strong platform featuring dual lug locks with two front locking lugs that ensure a tight lock-up and smooth bolt action. The stock is made from sleek, lightweight composite material that fits comfortably against your body while remaining durably tough enough for most any shooting environment. Its three-position safety allows you to quickly ready the rifle for action without compromising any of its safety features.
Features and Performance
When choosing a long-range rifle, accuracy and reliability are paramount. The SAKO 85 M lives up to that expectation, producing great accuracy combined with solid performance. The rifle’s cold hammer-forged barrel gives the shooter the ability to make precise, accurate shots up to 800-1000 meters or beyond. Additionally, the stock is designed for comfortable shooting, equipped with an adjustable cheek piece, adjustable length of pull, adjustable butt plate, and adjustable fore-end.
The rifle also features a adjustable trigger pull weight from 2-4 pounds that provides consistent performance with minimal recoil. Additionally, an integrated muzzle brake with concentric expansion chambers dampens any effect of felt recoil and muzzle-lift while minimizing the report of the rifle.
Simply put, the SAKO 85 M is an outstanding rifle for hobbies, competitions, hunting, and other long-range shooting activities.
Value
The SAKO 85 M is an expensive rifle. Prices range from around $2000 to upwards of $4800. That said, there are a few variants available that are more affordably priced in the $1000-$2000 range. If price is a deciding factor, here's a brief overview of the differences:
The lower priced variants come in a synthetic stock without any adjustable features. But they offer all of the same features and performance as the higher priced models.
Some of the more expensive variants are available with a laminated stock with adjustable features, match-grade barrel, and an adjustable trigger pull. They are designed for shooters who are looking for the best combination of performance, accuracy, and custom features.
Verdict
When it comes to a long-range precision rifle, few can match the overall utility, accuracy, and reliability of the SAKO 85 M. It's lightweight but strong, and an ideal option for a number of pursuits and activities, thanks to its adjustable trigger pull, adjustable stock features, and cold hammer-forged barrel. The SAKO 85 M certainly isn't the cheapest rifle out there, but it's an absolute workhorse of a precision rifle that will give you years of reliable service.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very accurate with its cold hammer forged barrel.
- Highly durable as it has a stainless steel receiver and and aluminium bedding block.
- Very reliable, as it has 3 locking lugs on the bolt for smooth and safe cycling.
- Has an adjustable trigger to customize the shooter's preferences.
- Multiple calibres available to choose from.
- Has a comfortable drop-down stock option.
Cons
- Expensive, as it belongs to the premium class of rifles.
- Heavy, making it somewhat difficult to carry.
- Requires a lot of maintenance in order to ensure optimum accuracy and reliability.
- Requires scope mount for mounting an optic.
- Might be too large in size for slim build people.
Who Should Buy
SAKO 85 M is a high-end rifle that is ideal for experienced and serious hunters and target shooters. It is not for someone who is a novice or who is just trying out hunting or target shooting as a casual activity. It is also not a great choice for budget shoppers, as it is a premium quality rifle that comes with a hefty price tag.
Comparisons
| Product | Caliber | Barrel Length | Length | Weight | Magazine Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAKO 85 M | .308 Win | 22” | 42” | 6.04 lbs | 4+1 |
| Tikka T3 | .308 Win | 22.4” | 43.27” | 6.3 lbs | 4+1 |
| Ruger Scout | .308 Win | 16.5” | 38” | 7.10 lbs | 5+1 |
| Weatherby | .30-06 Spo | 24” | 42.5” | 6.75 lbs | 3+1 |
| Howa 1500 | .338 Win | 22” | 43.2500” | 7.02 lbs | 4+1 |
Features / Specs
• Bolt Action
• Available Calibers: .222 Rem, .223 Rem, .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5x55 SE, .270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, .30-06, 9.3x62
• Right Handed
• Steel Receiver
• Detachable Magazine Capacity: Standard: 3 rounds, 5-round magazines available
• Trigger: Single-Stage Adjustable
• Barrel Length: Standard: 21.625" (550mm), Varis Standard: Varies by caliber
• Stock: Walnut (Sporter, Thumbhole & Classic), Synthetic (Hunting & Classic), Laminated
• Sight Options: Integral 17mm Dovetail, Drilled and Tapped for scope mounts, Iron Sights
• Weight: 6.8 lbs
Popular Accessories
edyeli
- SAKO optic mounts
- SAKO Barrel and Stock Bedding
- SAKO Synthetic Stock
- SAKO Action Bolt
- SAKO Precision Trigger
- SAKO Cheek Risers
- SAKO Steel Floor Plate
- SAKO Soft-Touch Recoil Pad
- SAKO Extended Magazine Release
- SAKO Picatinny Rail
- SAKO Cleaning Kit and Rod
- SAKO Scope Rings
- SAKO Rifle Sling
- SAKO Shortening Shoes
Accuracy
The SAKO 85 M is a precision gun and is renowned for its precision. The accuracy of this rifle is outstanding, making it a great choice for the most demanding, long-range shooting applications. According to Sako, this model was exhaustively tested with 25 different factory ammunition brands, and was accurate at up to 5600 meter shooting ranges. At 100 yards, the SAKO 85 M demonstrated an average accuracy of 1.35" groups. This gun is designed to be extremely accurate – even at long range distances – making it an excellent choice for precision shooting.
