I just bought this in a 7 mag today. I’m excited to try it. I was moments away from the Christensen Mesa, I didn’t get why this was a few hundred more, the old boy at the store explained it to me, the action, the bedding, fluted barrel, detachable mag, it was a no brainer. I topped it with a Leupold VX-5 firedot 3-15x44
Sweet rig! How's the eye relief with the VX-5HD? I'd love to see it! I've been pondering this set up but am concerned that there isn't a whole lot of adjustment space for mounting front ring with limited tube purchase ahead of the turrets. Also curious which height of Optilock rings did you use and how's the bell clearance to barrel? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated 👍
I own a Sako 85 SS Finnlight rifle in 260 Remington with a fluted short barrel. The stock began decomposing after 2 years and gets stickier every year. Beretta refuses to do anything or even acknowledge they are having a problem as they are the parent company of Sako. Do a search on line and you will see that the Finnlight stock has decomposed for many gun owners.
I'm with you man! My setup is close to yours. 270 cal Finnlight, same rings, with Steiner GS3 3x15x56. I'm able to use the holdovers and make changes if needed. This gun is very light, accurate, reliable and nice to both carry and shoot. I looked long and hard for this setup. Very happy.
I have 2 Sako 85, classic in .270 with Swarovski Z8i 2-16x50 and a SS 7mm rem mag, that will have another Swarovski. I have had two 75 models, and love these rifles especially the wood stocks! Thanks for posting!
I agree that Sako is the best rifle for the money, for both durability and accuracy. My set up is a Tikka T3x stainless light 270 win which I ordered with a factory muzzle break, so recoil is very light. I mounted a fixed power Schmidt Bender 6 x 42 with A7 reticle. The reticle has been rock solid for 3 years now.
Nice setup for sure, but I’d personally go with a hunting-oriented scope instead of a target one. Something like a Zeiss HT is what I’d consider to be in the “ultimate” category; a more-useful magnification range and way better light transmission at about half the weight, while still being reliable and robust.
I went economical but have a Tikka t3x superlite in .308 with a primary arms GLx 4-16x44, I'm just waiting on the scope rings. Only real change was the limbsaver buttpad.
Thanks for sharing. I have the exact same set up except mine is in .300WSM and has a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 scope. Personally I view my Finnlight as a light mountain rifle that can be carried all day. To add a scope of that weight and power (for a 30/06) is too much! it will offset the balance of the Finnlight and personally I think something like a 3-9 is plenty for the calibre. Also the stock soft 'duratouch' style finish lends itself to peeling and 'cutting' (as opposed to scratching due to the finish). This isn;t an issue for me but people need to be aware of this. Also I am lucky in that my rifle extracts and ejects perfectly. Many Sako 85 owners aren't so lucky as the ejecting shell hits the scope tube or turret when ejected. The only option to remedy this is to use higher rings or turn the scope anti clock wise so that the top turret sits to the left. That aside, I'm a huge Sako fan and also have several other Sako's including a Sako Black Bear in 9.3x62. Good hunting.
You have a beautiful rifle there, but not everyone can afford a $5000 rifle/scope. With my budget I chose the Sako A7 Big Game in 300 Win Mag. It's barrel is fully bedded with an aluminum framework inside the Roughtech stock and has the majority of features you desire, plus is in a caliber that than truly reach over 1000 yards with almost 1900 ft/lbs of energy. I've replaced the few plastic items I disliked with metal (AtlasWorks shroud and trigger guard) so it is ready for any hunt. I mounted a Vortex Viper 3-15 FFP scope with illumination using EGW Steel 20 MOA rail giving me additional scope adjustment. It cost me under $900 for the rifle and the same for the scope for about $1800 total.
Hard to argue with this setup; my only comment would be the tradeoff in the 06 you make in sectional density. It is a universal, powerful round for sure, but not quite as efficient as a smaller caliber, though the difference isn't huge. I'm becoming a fan of the 6.5 caliber family due to their outstanding penetration with almost no tradeoff in energy, and less recoil. Don't beat me up....just my opinion! I love your setup. Wish I could afford it !
Great set up! Sako is a solid rifle , smooth and very accurate. I share your preference of the 30 06. Good luck and now if you miss it is your fault with that rig!
Nice setup however If I were you i'd push the front sight base a little more forward. Preferably in the enter of the rail. Looks like you have plenty of room to do that. That should better center the scope so you don't have to waste windage adjustment.
@@rainsong7327 I will say the stock on the finn doesn't feel as well done as the rest of the rifle. It gives good grip and is very comfortable. Maybe not up to par tho for durability.
What Jeff T said is true, most people don’t realize that. The front base mount is a windage adjustment as well, by moving it forward or backward will change your windage. Sako does a poor job of conveying that fact.
That's a hell of a statement considering how young you are. At 73 years old I feel the same way about my Pre64 Winchester Model 70 in 30-06. Never a finer rifle ever made Period !!
Just happy to generate some discussion!! Btw I'd love to get my hands on an old winnie. Check out the video I just posted on my old fn mauser browning for another cool classic. Take care, thanks for watching.
at 73 you need a lighter rifle like this Sako. So now this video is even more true for a guy like you. Trade that old pre64 in, so a young buck can carry that heavy wood/steel stick into the jungle :)
I own both the Sako in fact several and several pre64’s and I love my old winchesters but to hunt with the Sako 85 for the price is one of the finest rifles you can take in the woods! I can buy or hunt with almost any rifle on the market and my Sako’s are up in the top of my list and I have even owned some with the ejection problems and still can say do your self a favor and buy one if you can afford one!
Very nice set-up. But I think it's a more complicated and expensive system than your average sportsman needs, or can probably even afford. But you make some great points in my opinion. My budget =$1000.After speaking to a number of super experienced Alaska guides and hunters, I went with the Savage 116 Weather Warrior in 300 Win Mag Stainless/Synthetic; barrel shortened and crowned to 20 inches. Topped off with a SWFA SS 6x42 fixed power scope. Why not a variable scope? First this scope is indestructible because of its simple precision construction that's still in use by the US military today. Second, the benefits of avoiding the variable complexity and weight leaves more value to be dedicated to super-precise tracking mechanisms. Last, magnification is sufficient for up to 500 yard shots; In most cases I think hunters who attempt shots on big game animals beyond that range risk being irresponsible- learn to stalk/track (in other words really hunt) boys.
A Ruger American stainless steel action with a 22 inch barrel chambered in 7mm08 is the ultimate with a Leupold 2 -7 scope is all any world traveler hunter would need. A 7mm08 with a 160 grain bullet has the same sectional density as a 30/06 with a 180 grain bullet. So penetration would be the same at the same velocities. The 7mm08 has less recoil in the same weight guns. A 7mm08 uses a 140 grain that has the same sectional density as the 160 grain 30/06 cartridge. So penetration would be theoritically equal. The. Ruger American is a lighter rifle too.
Jeffrey Locke hi Jeff thanks for the thoughts. I actually just sold my ruger American. Outside of the quality being nowhere near that of the sako, like not even in the same ball park there are a few other issues. The ruger American is an entry level rifle designed to compete with the savage axis and Remington 783, it uses a push feed only design and has a plastic mag. Now the 7mm08 is an awesome cartridge but your falling victim to comparing ballistics of hi BC modern bullets in the 08 to old lead tips in the 06. What happens when you compare a 208 eld in the 06 at 2600 fps with a BC of 690? The 7mm08 can't compare even remotely with the available energy or penetration if you are comparing modern bullets in both calibers. Still a great cartridge though.
BigMountainMike I am of the belief the 7mm08 with a 140 grain hydrostaticaly stabilized solid copper bullet will penetrate as deep as Karamojo Bell's 175 grain roundnose solid lead core bullet. Woodliegh Bullets makes it. And penetration kills large animals up to elephant. While not a stopping rifle, unless the central nervous system is hit with precision, it is all the hunting rifle necessary to drop any animal. It mirrors the use of the vaunted 30/06. With lighter recoil and lighter, by weight to length, bullets. Karamojo Bell proved it and that is good enough for me. Take Care and God Bless!!!
Jeffrey Locke hi Jeff. Thanks again . I am a big bell fan as well, I remember reading once he equated 1 elephant to 75 bush miles on foot. His shooting angles from behind are also very interesting. I am glad you like the 7mm08 so Well, it is one of the great modern sporting cartridges of our day for sure.
Jeffrey Locke I like your comparison here of the 160gr to 180gr bullets and i agree with what you have said about sectional density and the ability to penetrate but the 30-06 is a larger diameter bullet meaning larger wound channel and its going to hit with 300-500ftlbs more energy at practical hunting ranges I just think the 30-06 is a better choice if he plans on shooting groundhogs to larger moose or bears
The 30/06 is great but no more good at killing than a properly loaded and aimed 7mm/08. Energy is not a determined measurement of killing power. It is momentum to penetrate and bullet integrity. Use of a muzzle brake makes the recoil better on both. But it would be lighter with the 7mm/08. I agree to disagree.
I think this setup looks awesome and sounds like a great rifle..... to the point where I am coping it myself 😂 I’m going to go with the 2.5-10 42mm due to it being 10 oz less and the sako in 6.5 creed ...... but I have a question.... do you think I will have scope mounting issues ? With the scope being compact
I agree...save up and by a great expensive setup rather than having a bunch of shitty cheap guns. Kind of like owning a ferrari that'll appreciate in value instead of 5 corvettes.
Buy once and buy the best you can afford and you will bring home more game snd the rifle will only go up in value! Just my two cents after 60 years hunting and owning hundreds of rifles and always looking for my next almost perfect rifle 🤔😳😂
Hey Bigmountainmike, Love your content, quick question... On your Sako Finnlight Stock, have you noticed anything about the soft touch getting sticky at all?? Really interested in the Sako finnlight but worried about what I'm reading online about the stocks getting sticky over time...Thanks for your time, hope to hear from you soon!
Hi there, thanks for the kind words! They do get a tackiness to them. They also can peel although mine held up well 7/10. I replaced the factory stock a couple years ago with a carbon/Kevlar micro light.
Thanks for the quick response👍👍, still on the fence about the finnlight...because of the sticky stock issues. For the price, IMO, it really shouldn't be something to worry about. I've watched your videos on the finnlight(excellent shooting BTW) and am amazed by the action and accuracy. But the stock, unfortunately, is the Achilles heel for me...anyways, thank you for the videos on the finnlight. The one where you are breaking the barrel in was very useful, especially the cleaning method/tips. Thanks for your time and take care.
It appears that your mounts are too low for the objective lens, from your video it looks as if the objective lens its very close to the barrel if not sitting on it. It may just appear that way but that could be a problem. Just a heads up, good luck with that fine rifle.
While I agree with your choice neither you nor anyone else can pick an ultimate anything for anyone else.Your choice of scope is totally unneeded for 99% of hunting or shooting in general. It's also pronounced SAH KO. If you doubt that you can call them and ask them. I own a Finnlight and it is fantastic but I'm not going to say it's the best choice for everyone else. For someone who just wants to put venison on the table, or just enjoys plinking at the range it isn't needed. And who the hell makes mahogany stocks?
BigMountainMike, thank you for the post. I have the same rifle/caliber with Steiner scope, superb in many ways, but have a major issue. The ejecting case hits bottom of scope turret and falls back into port, same result with low, medium and high optilock rings. Beretta customer service told me to try different scope/rings combination. I have tried Ziess Conquest and Nickon Monarch scopes with same result. What is your experience? would like to know. Thanks, Mike
Hi there Mike. Thanks for the question. I have had an ejecting case hit my windage turret once, it happened when I was ejecting the case gently. I notice that people talk about these ejection issues quite a bit but I haven't really had any major issues with mine. I have Remington, savage, cz, mauser, rifles etc and haven't had any more issues with sako than I have with any of the others. My recommendation to you would be just to make sure you cycle the bolt with purpose and they should eject. Thanks for watching!
Thanks man. It's been my go to hunting rig a few years now. I love NF for the reliability, if I had the extra cash for optic upgrade the nx8 would probably be at the top of the list. I'd also really like to try a S&B
Thank you. Do you think the nx8 2.5 - 20x50 would facilitate quick shots at close range in thick woods? I heard the eye box is right with the nx8 2.5-20, have you heard the same? At close or far range?
I have the exact same rifle and Optilock rings but in 300WSM. Nightforce make bomb proof long range scopes, but in a light carry around rifle like this, it just unbalances the Finnlight. Personally I would go for Swarovksi ZX6 or a Leica in a lower power range. Either way you have a great rifle that you can carry around all day. Thanks for sharing!
I have same rifle and sako optilocks. I don’t agree with your choice of scope. First of all it’s too heavy, mediocre quality glass , too expensive and too high for lower end mag. I went with Swarovski z6i 1.7-10x42 with BT in xlow rings. 10x power is more than enough in any hunting situation and 1.7x is low enough for close shots and running game. With experience you will learn the low end magnification and high quality glass is the most needed feature for hunting
Hey Jay, I have a couple zeiss products, and run Swaro SLC binos and agree with you glass is paramount as far as finding/seeing game goes. For my purposes with the rifle, my main concerns are ruggedness and its ability to dial accurately. The 3.5 x has worked for me so far in the timber and the top end of 15X is great for longer range plinking etc. for reliability, I hunt places in the middle of nowhere and am willing to spend a bit more, and pack a bit more weight for peace of mind. Take care, thanks for the comment/input!
Jay Mann Exactly. Plus he’s in the states, not New Zealand or the Canadian Rockies. Yet experienced hunters in New Zealand, who consistently face longer shots than hunters elsewhere in the world, will almost always have 2-7 power scopes.
seung-hun seo this guy is just a night force fan boy. He watched movies and thinks nightforce is the best. Dialing turrets are never used in any practical hunting situation. The game animal does not sit waiting for you to figure out your clicks. Hunters use MPBR which is usually between 300 to 400 yards for any long range caliber. As long as your hit the vitals , the animals is dead. We don’t need to be in the dead center of vitals. He should have used a light weight scope for this rifle or buy a long range type rifle for this scope. This scope ruined the fit and balance of this rifle. Hope this guy learns soon
@@jagmeetsmann lol. RU-vid expertise from the arm chair cowboys. I have lots of rifles with fixed 4's and 6's I had a 2-7x28 ultralight leupy on this previously. I am a fanboy... but of Bushnell not NF. Give your head a shake bud.
Do you have any trouble with the ejected cartridges hitting your scope? I also have a finnlight chambered in a 300 win mag with a Vortex razor 42mm scope mounted with optilock ringmounts. The ejected cartridges get dented on the windage turret
Hey there, no issues with the 3006, I've heard about the ejection problems from others, it seems like it's mainly the short mags that are having the problem?
Ya my Finnlight is chambered in a regular 300 win mag. It dents the shoulder of the cartridge on the windage turret. I had the extractor claw replaced with one that fits the rims tighter and in improved the ejection angle but still does not quite clear the turret. I have about a hundreth of an inch clearance between my bolt face and cartridge. Is there any way you could measure your extractor claws gap between the bolt face so I can compare it to mine? Thank you so much
In my experience (I have two Savage rifles), Savage barrel + AccuTrigger = amazing accuracy (especially given the price). My Savages shoot not equal to, but better, than my Tikka T3x. However, the Tikka's action, magazine, bolt, stock, basically everything but barrel and trigger, are superior. And my Savage rifles have had some reliability issues, whereas my Tikka has been flawless. I'll put it this way, if I were going on the hunt of a lifetime, I'd rather have a Sako; but if I'm riding fence and taking out coyotes and hogs, there's just no justifying the hundreds upon hundreds of dollars more for the Sako. As for scopes, I use almost exclusively sub $200 Bushnell optics and they have never failed me. And I have a Vortex Crossfire II that I love. But having used higher-end Leupolds and Burris and Tract scopes, and having looked through a NF, I could definitely see how they are better (but again, do you need perfection for your purposes? At 10x the price?).
@@wheelguns4wheelmen802 I agree totally about the trip of a lifetime thing. Most of my guns are pretty utilitarian. Some are even Outdoors in the barn or woodshed and never come inside. I guess I feel like the Savage rifles are ," good enough". I have a model 110 in 243 That's just crazy accurate with factory ammo that one is cased and Indoors.
Sounds like you need to get out a little more🤔😳 from my 60 years of hunting and reloading and owning hundreds of rifles and can afford any rifle in the market and I currently own Sako’s, pre64 winchesters, fierce rifles, Nosler rifles , Christensen rifles , Weatherbys, H&S precision, Browning , and so on and so on and I have found Savage rifles are accurate for the price but the action is one big piece of junk when it comes to cycling the bolt and I have owned a few Savages and have never and I repeat never had one out shoot s Sako rifle. You get what you pay for most of the time and rifles are no different! Just because all you can afford is a cheap Savage rifle doest mean you have the right to tear down somebody else’s rifle. And personally I would not take a Savage or Vortex scope if you offered to give me one for Free. I like to gift rifles to friend at times like pre64 and Mauser 98 and I would be ashamed to gift a rifle to anyone I know!
That's a fine rig you have there Mike and it obviously suits your style of hunting. And every hunter will have different set up that is ideal for them for where and what game they target. I have at least five or more different calibers and scope combinations as terrain and hunting can vary greatly whether on foot or using vehicles here in Australia.I too have the Sako and Nightforce combo and love it . Cheers
This is the result of a person reading forums for months, but has little to no experience in any real world hunting scenarios. You do have an excellent rifle, but to go as far as to say it the best that anyone can get. That is simply being what’s called a keyboard expert. The best gun that anyone can get is, a firearm that a person can effectively hit and kill their target, period! Put 25 years behind that rifle, and thousands of rounds, then come back with more experience than you have now, Your video will be more creditable.
Old guy here, hunting for 50 years, this young guy has "zero" real world experience,I will give him the benefit of the doubt. Unscripted opinion comes across with very little confidence. The best setup is very personal, every rifle has its own unique qualities as does every shooter. After many factory rifles in various calibers, I now have a custom 300 win mag that is "perfect" for me. All the best to young guys, may they learn as they age and do both, well.
I have that stock in a sako 85 finnlight 7mm. The rubber is peeling off due to gun cleaner. I also was told that mosquito repellent will do the same. The stock does not qualify as an item I want to own. I am looking for a more durable replacement and this stock will go in the garbage. I haven't had that problem with any other rifles I own but they don't have the sako rubberized stock. I also don't believe I should need to wrap the stock in a saran wrap to clean the gun.
great caliber for that light rifle. I was close to pulling the trigger and getting the exact same rifle a few years back...but then wife had another kid
Nice gun, however, certainly not for the mainstream as they are too damn much $$$$$. Alot of shooters, hunters are not into the $5000 price tag for a hunting gun. Sorry, but there are much better VALUE priced options for the average guy. Try Tikka, or Howa just to name 2 alternatives. And, I'm sure both of those will shoot right there with that Sako.
Totally agree in the scope! They are great scopes but we’re made more for bench rest shooting and not packing around in the woods. I have owned many of them over the sixty years I have hunted and never had one fail but there is better choices like Leupold which is about a pound lighter and actually brighter in low light condition then the Nightforce is but to each his own
Good setup but the idea one is the Hunter behind the rifle .I have a 1950 to 57 sako 270 That's killed more game then that new one will ever see so practice a lot fear a man with one rifle
@@micus09 Very good. I'm debating between this rifle and new cerakoted Tikka T3X. I really like that yout Sako has stainless steel components. But you seem to be not impressed with the stock.
@@krolelov179 that is true. I have a good friend who I hunt with. He has been using a 30-06 t3 for many years now. The Sako feels like a higher end version fit and finish wise compared to his gun (which is what it is). Both are great rifles, accurate and light. the finnlight stock's rubberized coating and hollowness are the only 2 things that make the sako feel like a lesser rifle than what it is. I changed the stock on mine to a carbon fiber MPI and absolutely love it. You cant go wrong either way. Have fun!
That’s a sweet set up but it’s 30-06 which is an ok round but it’s pretty much a 308 that got kick out of the popularity group and I wouldn’t shoot past 800 with this caliber if you had a 300rum or even win mag 1000yd is as far as I’d go
LOL you may want to read up on the old 06. Been shooting 1000 yards before it was cool to do so. Beside for hunting 500 yards is more than many can shoot
I disagree... but if I had to create what I thought was the 'perfect' hunting platform I'd make something similar. It'd probably look like a ruger mk 77 or win mod70, and top it with something European like a steiner or ziess. Chambering you have options...6.5swe comes to mind first. 7mauser. 30-06. Something like that.
I bet money you'd change your mind and agree once you put that Sako in your hands. Videos don't do this rifle justice. the lightness along with those rubber Hogue like grips will give you a chubby.
You know if you took out the throat clearing, awws and umms and the rest of the pointless words this video could be 30 seconds and get the point across the same.
Tell us how you really feel🤔😳😂 at least he could go to a speech therapist and get his problem fixed your is going to need a little more work! Is there a brain surgeon in the house here is a prime candidate😂
