Sako 85
Sako Ltd. · Rifle · Discontinued · 2006
Also known as: Sako Model 85
Overview
The Sako 85 is a premium Finnish bolt-action hunting rifle introduced in 2006 as the successor to the Sako 75. Its headline feature is a set of six caliber-specific action lengths (XS, S, SM, M, L and XL) sized exactly to each cartridge family so that bolt travel and receiver length match the round, optimizing rigidity and weight. The Sako 85 added controlled-round feed with a mechanical claw extractor over the push-feed Sako 75, and pairs a cold-hammer-forged free-floating barrel with a single-column 'Total Control' detachable magazine, an integral 17mm dovetail scope rail and an adjustable single-stage trigger. Offered in over a thousand configurations across walnut, laminate and synthetic stocks.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3310 g (116.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1072 mm (42.20") |
| Barrel Length | 570 mm (22.44") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 13 N (2.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3590 J (2648 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 700 m (766 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 279 mm (10.98") |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .308 Winchester · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Win, 7.62x51mm
- .270 Winchester — also known as .270 Win
- .30-06 Springfield — also known as .30-06, 7.62x63mm
- .300 Winchester Magnum — also known as .300 Win Mag, .300 WM
- 6.5 Creedmoor — also known as 6.5 CM, 6.5mm Creedmoor
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Two Position Safety, Bolt Locking Safety, Key Lock Bolt Shroud, Controlled Round Feed
- Features: Caliber Specific Action, Six Action Lengths, Controlled Round Feed, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Free Floating Barrel, Total Control Magazine, Integral 17mm Dovetail Rail, Adjustable Single Stage Trigger
Variants
- Sako 85 Finnlight — Lightweight
- Sako 85 Bavarian — Classic
- Sako 85 Grizzly — All Weather
- Sako 85 Kodiak — Dangerous Game
- Sako 85 Varmint — Varmint
- Sako 85 Long Range — Long Range
Production
Production years: 2006-2023
Superseded by the Sako 90, presented in 2024
Origin
Country of origin: Finland
Discontinued: 2023
Notes
Standard calibers feed a 5-round detachable magazine; magnum chamberings reduce capacity to 3. A two-position safety locks both trigger and bolt handle, with an optional key-lock bolt-shroud provision. Production ran roughly 2006-2023; the Sako 90 was launched as the successor in 2024, reverting to a push-feed action.
Background
Rather than fitting every cartridge into one or two receiver lengths like its rivals, Sako built the 85 in six caliber-specific action sizes, so a .222 Remington and a .416 Rigby each ride in a receiver tailored exactly to the round.