Sako 90 Reviews/experiences

[JohnsIsl]

That’s a S&B Polar with a 50mm objective and a 34mm tube. Running UM low.

 

[Vedran_R]

I've been using S20 in 300WM and 90 Peak in 30-06.

S20 had feeding issues from the start but 90 feeds flawlessly.

Both shot mediocre with factory ammo but I literally tried one load and went straight to reloading. I managed to get S20 shooting about 0.5 MOA with 180gr Sierra TGK's @ 3150 fps (5shot groups). With the 90 I'm usually just under 1MOA with the same 180gr Sierra TGK's @ 2850 fps but I didn't really bother finding the right load as hunting season was starting. Good enough for now.

Not the most precise rifles I used, both Sauer and Blaser shot a lot better, but for a lightweight hunting rifle I'm fine with it.

 

[JCMCUBIC]

I have the 90 Peak that was mentioned earlier as denting cases when the bolt is pulled back if 5 rounds are in the mag. There's a pic of it on here somewhere in one of the Sako 90 related posts. I just run 4 rounds in the mag but will look into it more after the season.

Aside from that, the only complaint I have is the LOP is a bit long, especially when layered up on cold days.

I've not worked up a load. The first load I shot through it was great so I just went with it. I've done the majority of my hunting with it this year and it's killed 4 deer and a coyote so far. Still have until early Feb to hunt and it will likely be the main rifle used.

There's a lot I really like about it. Love the integrated pic, the mag/bottom metal design, trigger, option to open on safe, smooth action/feeding. I prefer a zero drop/neg comb/vert grip stock after spending time with the Rokstok/CF Versa/Mt Tracker LR, but for a sporter stock the Peak's is really nice. For a sporter style stock, I've been impressed with how little barrel rise there is with it. More than the 3 mentioned above, but it's still pretty good there.

 

[MtnHawker]

Appreciate the responses! Still going back and forth in my head between a 90 or just grabbing a Tikka and being done with it. Can buy a whole lot of ammo for the price difference. Seems like people are generally happy with their 90's but they're not knocking anybody's socks off.

 

[eLightfoot]

Appreciate the responses! Still going back and forth in my head between a 90 or just grabbing a Tikka and being done with it. Can buy a whole lot of ammo for the price difference. Seems like people are generally happy with their 90's but they're not knocking anybody's socks off.

The main reasons I went for the Sako (I’ve been a huge tikka fan since 2006 and have many)

The 5 round double stack, flush fit, all metal magazines. I like having more than 3 rounds. I don’t like the ergonomics of tikka 5 rounder.

Integral pic rail

Everything is metal

They look better

I’ve decided I want hunt with rifles that will eventually become heirlooms and more than just a tool. I love seeing rifles that are more than just the standard/basic joe, value weapon. Like when you see someone’s grandpas old super grade or deluxe model. I want to be that old guy who has nice guns some day.

If you just need a no bullsh*t killing machine, a Tikka T3 light is all you need.

 

[MtnHawker]

The main reasons I went for the Sako (I’ve been a huge tikka fan since 2006 and have many)

The 5 round double stack, flush fit, all metal magazines. I like having more than 3 rounds. I don’t like the ergonomics of tikka 5 rounder.

Integral pic rail

Everything is metal

They look better

I’ve decided I want hunt with rifles that will eventually become heirlooms and more than just a tool. I love seeing rifles that are more than just the standard/basic joe, value weapon. Like when you see someone’s grandpas old super grade or deluxe model. I want to be that old guy who has nice guns some day.

If you just need a no bullsh*t killing machine, a Tikka T3 light is all you need.

That's nearly my exact thought process. Just need to figure out what route I want to take. Eurooptic has some solid deals on 90's in other calibers. Maybe I'll do both

 

[Vedran_R]

I went to get a Tikka and exited the store with a Sako two times now.

I know Tikkas are great shooters but stocks suck, magazines are not flush, no threading on older ones, two position safety... I'm buying a rifle, not looking for a project.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

If I didn’t want a wooden RokStok on my rifles, then the Tikka vs. Sako decision would be much harder. The extra things the Sako offers that cannot easily be “fixed” on a Tikka are pretty nice - 3-position safety, better magazines, integrated picatinny rail. To me, however, they aren’t nice enough to spend all that extra money on them. But only because I am spending all that additional money on my wooden RokStok. I can’t justify getting a Finnlight at $2100 and then adding a $2300 stock. Not when I can get a T3X lite and bottom metal for $1100.

Tikka T3X lite stainless, .243, 1:8” twist, 20” barrel, threaded 5/8-24 - $850
PR Precision stainless steel bottom metal - $250

Fancy wooden RokStok - $2300

Sako 90 Finnlight (stainless, synthetic stock)- $2100
Sako 90 Hunter (not stainless, wood stock) - $2500

If I was starting over and thinking about it more clearly from the start, I could also get the better magazines and 3-position safety with a Sauer 100. Only things I would give up versus the Tikka is the stainless steel and a proper twist rate in the .243 (the twist rate is a significant difference in my mind). I could get a wooden RokStok made for a Sauer 100 in 6.5 CM

Sauer 100 Classic XT, 6.5 CM - $429
Sauer 100 Classic XT, .243, 1:10” twist - $469
Sauer 100 Classic (wood stock) - $629
Barrel cut and thread (conservative estimate) - $200

 

[JCMCUBIC]

I really like the Peak, but if I doing it over again, I would:

1. Check with Mr. Maxwell to see if he would be willing to do a wooden RS Lite for the Sako 90.
2. If he would, I'd pick up a Finnlight or Adventure and have him restock it.

It would be costly. I think it would be a rifle that is a collection of my preferences and desires in a hunting rifle. I say this without having handled the RS Lite but based on using the standard RS.

I have several Tikka's that will functionally do everything that is needed, and do it well. They are great rifles, stocked with RS's (1 6.5, 1 .223), CF Versa's (1 6.5, 1 .223), and one with a Mt Tr LR (7 PRC). There will likely be NO functional improvement. Functionally and monetarily, the juice would not be worth the squeeze.

...but...do I want to use an excellent rifle that's "almost" meeting all my desires or one that meets them all?

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I really like the Peak, but if I doing it over again, I would:

1. Check with Mr. Maxwell to see if he would be willing to do a wooden RS Lite for the Sako 90.
2. If he would, I'd pick up a Finnlight or Adventure and have him restock it.

It would be costly. I think it would be a rifle that is a collection of my preferences and desires in a hunting rifle. I say this without having handled the RS Lite but based on using the standard RS.

I have several Tikka's that will functionally do everything that is needed, and do it well. They are great rifles, stocked with RS's (1 6.5, 1 .223), CF Versa's (1 6.5, 1 .223), and one with a Mt Tr LR (7 PRC). There will likely be NO functional improvement. Functionally and monetarily, the juice would not be worth the squeeze.

...but...do I want to use an excellent rifle that's "almost" meeting all my desires or one that meets them all?

I’m fairly sure [mention]longrangelead [/mention] told me he could make a wood RokStok or RokStok lite for just about any action. I ordered one for a Tikka M690 a month ago. And I have strongly considered doing so for my favorite Mauser action as well.

 

[JCMCUBIC]

...
Sako 90 Finnlight (stainless, synthetic stock)- $2100
Sako 90 Hunter (not stainless, wood stock) - $2500

...

FYI...it is my understanding that the 90 Adventure is coated stainless. It may be a consideration for some.

I’m fairly sure [mention]longrangelead [/mention] told me he could make a wood RokStok or RokStok lite for just about any action. I ordered one for a Tikka M690 a month ago. And I have strongly considered doing so for my favorite Mauser action as well.

I've gone back and forth about contacting him to ask. Thanks for passing that on.

Time to hit the road then take a stroll up the mountainside with Peak.

 

[eLightfoot]

To solve the stock issue I am making my own from wood. I also just ordered a $200 laminate stock from Boyd’s inlet for Sako 85 (same as 90).
Got the pro varmint and am going to shape it into a Rokstock lite. I’ll make a thread on it once I get it. If you have some tools and woodworking ability it should be a pretty easy project. Cheap way to get a wood rokstock

 

[vonb]

If I was starting over and thinking about it more clearly from the start, I could also get the better magazines and 3-position safety with a Sauer 100. Only things I would give up versus the Tikka is the stainless steel and a proper twist rate in the .243 (the twist rate is a significant difference in my mind). I could get a wooden RokStok made for a Sauer 100 in 6.5 CM

Sauer 100 Classic XT, 6.5 CM - $429
Sauer 100 Classic XT, .243, 1:10” twist - $469
Sauer 100 Classic (wood stock) - $629
Barrel cut and thread (conservative estimate) - $200

I definitely agree with the sentiment of what the Sauer embodies. However, the execution of them have left me wanting a better product. I just haven't found the Sauer 6.5 Creed to be anywhere as accurate as my Tikkas. The barrel twist in the 6.5 CM is a buzz kill. To add, the entire trigger including the housing being made of plastic just doesn't appeal me. I do like their 5 round, top-load mags though. The fact that Tikkas have better after-market support is an appeal. The Sakos to me have it all....All metal, top-load mag, accuracy, etc. makes them worth paying more. The question to the consumer is how much more is it worth?

 

[MtnHawker]

If I didn’t want a wooden RokStok on my rifles, then the Tikka vs. Sako decision would be much harder. The extra things the Sako offers that cannot easily be “fixed” on a Tikka are pretty nice - 3-position safety, better magazines, integrated picatinny rail. To me, however, they aren’t nice enough to spend all that extra money on them. But only because I am spending all that additional money on my wooden RokStok. I can’t justify getting a Finnlight at $2100 and then adding a $2300 stock. Not when I can get a T3X lite and bottom metal for $1100.

Tikka T3X lite stainless, .243, 1:8” twist, 20” barrel, threaded 5/8-24 - $850
PR Precision stainless steel bottom metal - $250

Fancy wooden RokStok - $2300

Sako 90 Finnlight (stainless, synthetic stock)- $2100
Sako 90 Hunter (not stainless, wood stock) - $2500

If I was starting over and thinking about it more clearly from the start, I could also get the better magazines and 3-position safety with a Sauer 100. Only things I would give up versus the Tikka is the stainless steel and a proper twist rate in the .243 (the twist rate is a significant difference in my mind). I could get a wooden RokStok made for a Sauer 100 in 6.5 CM

Sauer 100 Classic XT, 6.5 CM - $429
Sauer 100 Classic XT, .243, 1:10” twist - $469
Sauer 100 Classic (wood stock) - $629
Barrel cut and thread (conservative estimate) - $200

I have a Mauser M18 and really like it. Honestly if the Mauser 25 made it stateside I would've bought one by now. I'm not sure what's going on with them. The only thing I don't like with the Sauer/Mauser are the twist rates. 1:10 on 223 and 243. I'm in NY so a threaded barrel doesn't do anything for me (muzzle breaks are ok but the extra noise isn't fun when hunting). The government still thinks suppressors are evil

I've looked at those Sauer deals quite a bit. It's a lot of gun for the money.