waterwolf
Well-Known Member
I get tired of people I read complaining about the modern Sako 85, comparing it unfavorably to almost any earlier Sako rifle. And I know the difference because I own and shoot a fair number of vintage Sakos from the 50's and 60's, before they got so heavy and bulky after about 1972.
My lightweight Black Bear 30-06 fits me like a glove. When I throw it up to my shoulder the sights (or the the scope) are instantly aligned. Starting at the front: The adjustment of the front sight is fast and easy. It took me about four shots to zero the Talley peep. The fluting of the barrel is both useful: lightening weight, assisting cooling, and also good looking. I like barrel band sling swivels. They lower the rifle on the shoulder to avoid snagging on bushes. The Black Bear also takes another Q-D sling swivel in the conventional stock forend position, just in case you prefer that or want to shoot using a tight "hasty sling". I have sling swivel bases in both locations. I use Talley bases, peep sight and rings, a good workable combination that allows me to easily switch from open sights to scopes. I first tried an original Sako peep and original semi-Q-D Sako rings, but found that I prefer the Talleys. I have two Swarovski scopes set up for this rifle, plus the peep. I have had zero ejection problems with either scope, and other one is a big 3-12X. Incredibly smooth bolt with very positive ejection and short throw bolt handle. The trigger is great, breaking around 3lb. just like the proverbial icicle. The safety is silent and locks the bolt handle down. A detachable magazine that can be ignored and fed from the top provides the best of both worlds. I have a spare for backup. The stock isn't Circassian walnut and of course I wish it was but like I said, it fits me perfectly and aligns the sights instantly, so that trumps walnut for now. The overall matte black finish on the rifle is both useful and good-looking. However, I also stripped the blue off the blot handle (not in these photos). I can't stand blued bolt handles. And with a bit of wear they look terrible. I don't know why Sako bothers to do it. Its an extra unnecessary manufacturing step. Maybe polishing would cost too much, but I don't want a polished bolt handle, just a bare steel one...some degree of polish will come over time. This is a great rifle that consistently shoots both discount brand factory ammo and my warm hunting reloads into less than an inch. What is there to complain about? The relatively high price? I think its worth every penny.
My lightweight Black Bear 30-06 fits me like a glove. When I throw it up to my shoulder the sights (or the the scope) are instantly aligned. Starting at the front: The adjustment of the front sight is fast and easy. It took me about four shots to zero the Talley peep. The fluting of the barrel is both useful: lightening weight, assisting cooling, and also good looking. I like barrel band sling swivels. They lower the rifle on the shoulder to avoid snagging on bushes. The Black Bear also takes another Q-D sling swivel in the conventional stock forend position, just in case you prefer that or want to shoot using a tight "hasty sling". I have sling swivel bases in both locations. I use Talley bases, peep sight and rings, a good workable combination that allows me to easily switch from open sights to scopes. I first tried an original Sako peep and original semi-Q-D Sako rings, but found that I prefer the Talleys. I have two Swarovski scopes set up for this rifle, plus the peep. I have had zero ejection problems with either scope, and other one is a big 3-12X. Incredibly smooth bolt with very positive ejection and short throw bolt handle. The trigger is great, breaking around 3lb. just like the proverbial icicle. The safety is silent and locks the bolt handle down. A detachable magazine that can be ignored and fed from the top provides the best of both worlds. I have a spare for backup. The stock isn't Circassian walnut and of course I wish it was but like I said, it fits me perfectly and aligns the sights instantly, so that trumps walnut for now. The overall matte black finish on the rifle is both useful and good-looking. However, I also stripped the blue off the blot handle (not in these photos). I can't stand blued bolt handles. And with a bit of wear they look terrible. I don't know why Sako bothers to do it. Its an extra unnecessary manufacturing step. Maybe polishing would cost too much, but I don't want a polished bolt handle, just a bare steel one...some degree of polish will come over time. This is a great rifle that consistently shoots both discount brand factory ammo and my warm hunting reloads into less than an inch. What is there to complain about? The relatively high price? I think its worth every penny.
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