Sako M78 Finnscout

Sako · Rifle · Discontinued · 1978

Also known as: Sako Finnscout, Sako 78

Overview

The Sako M78 Finnscout is a Finnish bolt-action rimfire and small-bore rifle produced by Sako from the late 1970s into the mid-1980s. Built on a compact turnbolt action and fed by a five-round detachable box magazine, it was offered in .22 Long Rifle, .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, and the centerfire .22 Hornet, serving as an accurate small-game and 'understudy' training rifle with ergonomics echoing Sako's full-power centerfire sporters.

Specifications

Overall Length1022 mm (40.24")
Barrel Length572 mm (22.52")
Action TypeBolt Action
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity5 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Effective Range150 m (164 yd)
Maximum Range1500 m (1640 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWood
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Service history

Operators

Production

Production years: 1979-1986

Discontinued sporting model; no official total published

Origin

Country of origin: Finland

Discontinued: 1986

Notes

Manufactured circa 1979-1986. The .22 Hornet chambering is the scarcest and most collectible today. Now considered a collector's Sako with values commonly in the 800-1,200 USD range.

Background

Marketed as an 'understudy' rifle, the M78 let hunters practice cheaply with .22 rimfire while handling a rifle whose feel closely matched Sako's costlier centerfire game rifles.