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Sako 85 9.3x66 (370 sako)

Sako Collectors Club Discussion Forum

letzhunt

Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2011
Messages
11
I have come across a new in the box Sako 85 in 370 Sako (9.3x66) I haven't been able to find another for price comparison. Are these rare? What is a fair price?
 
letzhunt,
Welcome to the forum.
It is my understanding that a few of these rifles in the Hunter model were imported by Beretta. Perhaps only as many as 200. Beretta did not employ any marketing strategy or advertising for these rifles and they sat in the warehouse in Maryland. These rifles were purchased by one, possibly two, dealers here in the States. They are not rare, sort of. Once a myth here that the rifle was discontinued in this caliber, it is only a misconception as the rifle is a standard production rifle that is still sold in Europe in a couple different configurations. There are several other SAKO rifles that are not available through Beretta, as they control the imports to the US. I suspect there will be little interest on Beretta's behalf to import many, if any, .370 SAKO magnums anytime soon. You can always special order one through Beretta. So, depending on your definition of "rare", you can draw your own conclusion.
The unique thing about this rifle is it is the only model that is stamped with the two calibers of "9.3x66 and .370 SAKO Mag". The cartridge was introduced in Finland and gained approval as the 9.3x66 under CIP. SAAMI later approved the round and it became the .370 SAKO Mag. This was so it could be sold in countries that use the SAAMI standard (such as the US). Thus, in production it is stamped with the two caliber marking.
There have been some problems reported with feeding round-nose cartridges in some of the rifles and a fix is available from SAKO on how to alter the feed ramp. Brass is made by SAKO and sent here to Federal who plates and loads them. Most common recommended bullet is a .286 gr. I like the TSX better, but also have the Partition (Both Nosler) The objective of this cartridge was to achieve the punch of the .375 H&H in a round that is more similar in size to the .30-06. Of course, it is a bit larger, but smaller than the 375 H&H.
I have seen these rifles on the auction sites ranging from $1,400 - about $1,700 in the Hunter model.
As far as shooting, it lives up to SAKO "as advertise" standards. For it's lighter weight, it's recoil is not bad for a magnum cartridge. It feels good to carry and could be a most comfortable stalking rifle. It comes up nicely to the shoulder.
I'm not certain as to the import status of this caliber for 2011. I haven't seen a new Beretta catalog.
Hope this helps.
S-A
 
Hi S-A,

The 9,3x66 is a very good cartridge. The "problem" in Finland and elsewhere in Europe is that you

already have the 9,3x62, 9,3x74R and 9,3x64 of which particularly the two first mentioned are extremely popular moose -and wild boar calibers. The 9,3x62 is just slightly less powerful than the

9,3x66 but gets the job done on any creature in Europe with a good margin. The 9,3x64 is more

powerful and on the level with .375H&H. The 9,3x64 is not very common in Finland. Probably much

more used in Germany and France for wild bore. Thus creating a new 9,3 caliber with already good

ones existing was in my opinion quite a brave action. - The sales were not fantastic and I think

the cooperation with Federal and renaming the cartridge .370SAKO Mag was the last effort to save

the caliber. "9,3x66" in competition with the other 9,3xB4s was probably a dead duck.

Some time ago Boddington took a Sako shooting 370SAKO to Africa for buffalo. If I remember correct

he shot 2 buffalos with 2 shots and wrote very lyrically about the caliber and the rifle.

Let us hope the caliber will survive.....and be a success.

SS
 
SS,
I agree completely, and was just responding to the base question, and with some "inside" information/opinion along with it. One cannot detract from the quality of this rifle, and the practical thinking of the World market makes sense if you already have say, the 9.3x64, why would one want this? The double stamping was a novelty to me and I have a Hunter and a Deluxe. I would shoot the Hunter as my utility rifle, and save my L61R Deluxe pre '72 in .375 H&H. For the heavy lifting, I go to the .460 wby mag.
If it doesn't survive, then maybe these will be good to have? I have only shot my Hunter, and I like the way it feels and carries. I also hope it survives, as I think it would be a great Moose and Bear rifle for North America. I have stocked up on ammo. So far, there are some competitive prices by sellers here. I would love to see one come out in the 300 Gr, Scenar.
Thanks for putting down what I was too lazy to chronicle:bigsmile3:. Your informed perspectives are always appreciated.
Take care, my friend,
S-A
 
Thanks Guys, I am looking forward to getting the rifle in my hands this week. If $1400 is a strating point I think I did OK. I have found some ammo out there....but does any one know where the deals are?
 
Letzhunt,
I got some from Graf & Sons at a mark-down before Thanksgiving. .286 gr. TSX. You just have to shop around and you will find it.
S-A
 

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