SAKO 90 Finnlight - Ozzie reviews

[Billo]

Sako 90 review by Ozzie Review, watch the video and then make judgement, Spoiler alert .....the results is not unexpected

https://youtu.be/vggrlchxO_o?si=2VaRE2DhGZGH9lXf

[deye243]

Sako lost its way and started building rubbish with the 85

[womble]

About as silky smooth as a ruger American, for three times the price and half the accuracy.

Love the trigger though.

[Fester]

I heard reports of a superlight Howa model with a carbon-wrapped barrel having not great accuracy.

The first carbon-stocked, conventional steel barrels could be good or bad, depending if you were lucky with the cheap stock or not

I haven't even seen lots of these new models, and no chance of just putting money down and dealing with a dud that takes 4-6 months to even get my hands on.

[Billo]

I heard reports of a superlight Howa model with a carbon-wrapped barrel having not great accuracy.

The first carbon-stocked, conventional steel barrels could be good or bad, depending if you were lucky with the cheap stock or not

I haven't even seen lots of these new models, and no chance of just putting money down and dealing with a dud that takes 4-6 months to even get my hands on.

I have had both the HSL 6.5CM and still have my 308 and can confirm both are tack drivers. Single stack mags that feed like butter and extraction is 100% reliable.

I suspect someone lost there job at Beretta when that video went viral. Fancy selling a rifle for $3.5K and not making sure that it extract and feeds before it leaves the factory

[womble]

Update https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2wQ-TrGp4K0

[bigrich]

Sako lost its way and started building rubbish with the 85

absolutely agree . i bought two long action 85's, 270 win and 9.3x62 . great quality, very accurate. but both of them ejected at a high angle , hitting the scope turret and having the case fall back into the action . having to turn my leupold scopes 90 degrees to the left solved the problem , after that very reliable . i know someone will say their 308/223 sako ejects just fine , but this is a known issue with many gunsmiths . sako went to a three lug bolt, moved the ejector to a much lower position in the receiver resulting in a higher ejection angle . basic physics.

why they just didn't tweak the early L461, L61 series, making stainless versions, removable mag, and the lovely ergonomics of the 85 stock, and leave it as a two lug baffles me. if it ain't broke don't fix it . i pass by sako's and get tikkas now

[Gun-nut]

Very disappointing from such a reputable brand and for the price you pay! Have heard of Sako having issues with the 85s for years, so maybe poor qc isn't uncommon. Seems you're better off going with a tikka nowadays.

[bigrich]

Very disappointing from such a reputable brand and for the price you pay! Have heard of Sako having issues with the 85s for years, so maybe poor qc isn't uncommon. Seems you're better off going with a tikka nowadays.

it's not QC in my opinion , but the revamped design itself . they changed to a three lug bolt , so they moved the extractor and ejector to different positions to clear the extra lug resulting in a higher ejection angle, as well as a one size fits all clearance for the extractor to bolt face. after reading about this on the net i measured case rim thicknesses and tried different cases in my 85's ,and sure enough cases with thicker rims eject better . 308win had the thickest rim and ejected best . i really researched this subject and talked to a few smiths about it as i'd spent a lot of money on a rifle that didn't function correctly . turning my leupold scopes 90 degrees to the left so there's no scope turret over the area of ejection fixed the problem on the 270 and 9.3x62 i had . but i viewed this as unacceptable for a expensive rifle that was quality in every other way . now i own tikka's

they changed to the two ejector buttons in the 90 series bolt face to try to correct the ejection issues of the 85's , looking at ozzie reviews there's still issues . sako should go back to L series two lug bolts with the modern features of the 85 with it's excellent stock design and fixed or removable mag . i mean really, there's a lot of extremely accurate two lug rifles out there. what were they thinking with the wanky three lug design

[Fester]

I heard reports of a superlight Howa model with a carbon-wrapped barrel having not great accuracy.

The first carbon-stocked, conventional steel barrels could be good or bad, depending if you were lucky with the cheap stock or not

I haven't even seen lots of these new models, and no chance of just putting money down and dealing with a dud that takes 4-6 months to even get my hands on.

I have had both the HSL 6.5CM and still have my 308 and can confirm both are tack drivers. Single stack mags that feed like butter and extraction is 100% reliable.

I suspect someone lost there job at Beretta when that video went viral. Fancy selling a rifle for $3.5K and not making sure that it extract and feeds before it leaves the factory

Yeah, can't go past the Howa actions and the accuracy of the barrels. The Japs were always great with their machining and tolerances; look at Jap bike reliability.

Mine had a crap trigger, but the jap Weatherby is one of my best triggers and never touched it for over 10 years now.
I don't yet fully trust the carbon wrap barrels as the carbon wrapping job would have to be done right, or it may not support or stiffen the ultra-light barrel.
It's not like rifle makers are going back to top quality workmanship, more the other way for price competitiveness.

Do you have a carbon-wrapped barrel Howa, or a normal steel?

I reckon after those early released Howa super-lights, where some of the cheap stocks were bad, they prob have that better sorted by now. Some were fine, but others would change and rock as the action screws where tightened so there was a problem.

If I wanted a light .308, I would put the Howa Superlight on the short list for sure.
Would just go a conventional steel barrel and inspect the rifle carefully before buying.
I also avoid first batches now as that's asking for lemon possibilities in these QC lucky-dip times.

[zbenga]

looks like Beretta finally got their way with SAKO

had a play with one in the store ... I don't really understand how can anyone say the Sako action is smoother than the LA102, having them on the table side by side apart from the weight one would have to be silly to buy the Sako or Tika over the LA102.

Yes the closing of the bolt on the LA102 is a little harder than Sako but the LA102 trigger once adjusted breaks cleaner than Sako, could be just me thou but if Lithgow would make a light weight stock and spend some money on advertising most will wake up and take them seriously.

Howa is a pile of crap man ... please don't go there, the action is like 80grit sandpaper, if you use machining die on the bolt lugs and close it you'll realise half don't even touch the action, the trigger is horrible and you can jam it very easily by trying to close the bolt very fast, specially on long actions, don't even go there mate.

For the money of a Sako would just add another thousand and get the ANSCHUTZ 1782D in 308 and be done, life time rifle and better in every conceivable way than a Sako

[bigrich]

looks like Beretta finally got their way with SAKO

had a play with one in the store ... I don't really understand how can anyone say the Sako action is smoother than the LA102, having them on the table side by side apart from the weight one would have to be silly to buy the Sako or Tika over the LA102.

Yes the closing of the bolt on the LA102 is a little harder than Sako but the LA102 trigger once adjusted breaks cleaner than Sako, could be just me thou but if Lithgow would make a light weight stock and spend some money on advertising most will wake up and take them seriously.

Howa is a pile of crap man ... please don't go there, the action is like 80grit sandpaper, if you use machining die on the bolt lugs and close it you'll realise half don't even touch the action, the trigger is horrible and you can jam it very easily by trying to close the bolt very fast, specially on long actions, don't even go there mate.

For the money of a Sako would just add another thousand and get the ANSCHUTZ 1782D in 308 and be done, life time rifle and better in every conceivable way than a Sako

Horses for coarses . Sako and tikka are lighter and point better for a hunting rifle. Lugging a heavy Lithgow around isn’t my idea of fun

[zbenga]

yeah thats why I said if only the LA102 would come in with a lighter stock ... what's the use of carrying a light rifle if you can't feed it when you need to

[Billo]

looks like Beretta finally got their way with SAKO

had a play with one in the store ... I don't really understand how can anyone say the Sako action is smoother than the LA102, having them on the table side by side apart from the weight one would have to be silly to buy the Sako or Tika over the LA102.

Yes the closing of the bolt on the LA102 is a little harder than Sako but the LA102 trigger once adjusted breaks cleaner than Sako, could be just me thou but if Lithgow would make a light weight stock and spend some money on advertising most will wake up and take them seriously.

Howa is a pile of crap man ... please don't go there, the action is like 80grit sandpaper, if you use machining die on the bolt lugs and close it you'll realise half don't even touch the action, the trigger is horrible and you can jam it very easily by trying to close the bolt very fast, specially on long actions, don't even go there mate.

For the money of a Sako would just add another thousand and get the ANSCHUTZ 1782D in 308 and be done, life time rifle and better in every conceivable way than a Sako

No idea what Howa you've played with but sure they arent as finished as some but describing them as 80gr is hilarious

Tell me what you think of Rugers

I dont know anyone with an Anschutz centrefire, infact I dont think apart from the crappy rimfire action 222's Anschutz I've seen any, a massive sales success

[bigrich]

looks like Beretta finally got their way with SAKO

had a play with one in the store ... I don't really understand how can anyone say the Sako action is smoother than the LA102, having them on the table side by side apart from the weight one would have to be silly to buy the Sako or Tika over the LA102.

Yes the closing of the bolt on the LA102 is a little harder than Sako but the LA102 trigger once adjusted breaks cleaner than Sako, could be just me thou but if Lithgow would make a light weight stock and spend some money on advertising most will wake up and take them seriously.

Howa is a pile of crap man ... please don't go there, the action is like 80grit sandpaper, if you use machining die on the bolt lugs and close it you'll realise half don't even touch the action, the trigger is horrible and you can jam it very easily by trying to close the bolt very fast, specially on long actions, don't even go there mate.

For the money of a Sako would just add another thousand and get the ANSCHUTZ 1782D in 308 and be done, life time rifle and better in every conceivable way than a Sako

No idea what Howa you've played with but sure they arent as finished as some but describing them as 80gr is hilarious

Tell me what you think of Rugers

I dont know anyone with an Anschutz centrefire, infact I dont think apart from the crappy rimfire action 222's Anschutz I've seen any, a massive sales success

who the hell can afford a anschutz these days ? i had a ruger gunsite scout years ago, roughest action i've ever encountered

[zbenga]

looks like Beretta finally got their way with SAKO

had a play with one in the store ... I don't really understand how can anyone say the Sako action is smoother than the LA102, having them on the table side by side apart from the weight one would have to be silly to buy the Sako or Tika over the LA102.

Yes the closing of the bolt on the LA102 is a little harder than Sako but the LA102 trigger once adjusted breaks cleaner than Sako, could be just me thou but if Lithgow would make a light weight stock and spend some money on advertising most will wake up and take them seriously.

Howa is a pile of crap man ... please don't go there, the action is like 80grit sandpaper, if you use machining die on the bolt lugs and close it you'll realise half don't even touch the action, the trigger is horrible and you can jam it very easily by trying to close the bolt very fast, specially on long actions, don't even go there mate.

For the money of a Sako would just add another thousand and get the ANSCHUTZ 1782D in 308 and be done, life time rifle and better in every conceivable way than a Sako

No idea what Howa you've played with but sure they arent as finished as some but describing them as 80gr is hilarious

Tell me what you think of Rugers

I dont know anyone with an Anschutz centrefire, infact I dont think apart from the crappy rimfire action 222's Anschutz I've seen any, a massive sales success

Geee never seen a crappy Anschutz .... they did use savage actions up to probably the 80's until they made their own centerfires and they are a fine example of an action.

Ruger is probably better than Howa these days, many because they don't bind if you push the bolt forward really fast. Saying this I have a Marlin by Ruger rifle and the action (lever) and machining is a work of art, not sure how they can screw up their American line so bad tho, makes you wonder if they put a dollar figure on a machining pass or polishing pass and thought ... nah too expensive, need to bring it down to a price point (typical American business here)

I think the Anschutz rim fire stuff is world class, you will have to pay a lot more to get something better

this weekend went to get some primers and cycled the action on a Howa to remind min self what it felt like ... yeah maybe not 80grit but still rough as guts. I think Lithgow with hint of G96 spoiled me

[Billo]

For those who didnt follow all 3 x SAKO reviews, this is how it finished with all the SAKO 90's being returned back to Beretta's armorer for issues.

https://youtu.be/2wQ-TrGp4K0?si=DJg3H2BFjNdCnYq_

zbenga only ever onwned 3 Anschutz's, the rimfires were OK but small capacity 22 magnum magazine was a negative and the plastic on the bottom split very quickly.

The crappiest 1 was a M54 222 that was unsafe, its firing pin was too sharp and unsafe, multiple pierced primers with different factory ammo meant I copped an eyeball full of high pressure gasses. A dangerous rifle and a reminder why its probably best to wear safety glasses when shooting

[Wapiti]

Any rifle maker can have an example that won't shoot to the 1/4 MOA expectations of the crowd today.

Coincidentally, a neighbour on a cattle property down the road sent me some pics yesterday and called me up about a Lithgow LA101 he's just bought, a laminated stock version.
It's blowing the bases off the Aussie made Win Powerpoints, Bushman and some Phillipines ammo. He's a little annoyed, especially as his old 40 year old Lithgow 22 doesn't, and never does that. He just tried them side by side.
I'm going to go up there and help him with some welding he's trying to do and will take up my 452 and a 77/22 and see if it does it in my pea rifles.

Speaking about Sakos and Peaks in particular, we have the earlier 85 versions they called Carbonlites, as well as the 90 Peak, and they are stupidly tackdriving. And that's with lightweight VX3HD 10x scopes. Scopes suitable in keeping with the light rifle concept.
If I could have one in every calibre that was suitable for our feral animals here, I'd have half a dozen. I find it funny one bloke has two different 90's and both have faults.
But hey, everyone is different in both mind, body and how they shoot, eh?

[Billo]

I reckon Ozzie reviews has done a pretty decent job over the years with hundreds of rifle reviews

His range is in a deep gully that seems to be mostly unaffected by wind and he certainly know his way around a rifle.

I going to giving him a pat on the back for not shying away from treating a $1000 Ruger american any differently to a $3500 Sako 90.

[Wapiti]

Is that all they are? Tell me where I can get one for that mate. Educate your own self and maybe your actual real experience, not follow the social media lines that suit your personal biases.
The bloke can't even work out when a magazines feed lips aren't quite right. I won't be licking his shoes any time soon.

[Billo]

Is that all they are? Tell me where I can get one for that mate. Educate your own self and maybe your actual real experience, not follow the social media lines that suit your personal biases.
The bloke can't even work out when a magazines feed lips aren't quite right. I won't be licking his shoes any time soon.

Finnlights and Varmints start at around $3400, Peaks are double that, even more shocking at $6,200

https://www.wildoutdoorsaustralia.com.a ... n-20-5-rnd

Are you suggesting the Ozzie should have modified the feed lips on the rifle and voided the warranty not real smart advice sunshine

Next you'll be suggesting he should have rolled his own loads to get the Sako Accuray guarantee

[Wapiti]

So now you've looked it up online mate, the price?
No mate, I'm suggesting he could've swapped magazines, not modified them. Did i say that? He has an axe to grind. You twist it how you want.
I could drop any maker's steel mags on the ground upside down and they could misfeed.

And the only reason im showing handload results is because I've never bought factory 300WM ammo.
We all know how every firearm likes or dislikes any ammo (at least most of us do) and to throw a few samples in and scream foul does not condemn a whole brand, model or line is juvenile.

Anyone can have a dud. I've said it before, I have a stainless Howa 243 I bought new here that's short chambered and any factory ammo or new cases chambered in it virtually needs a hammer to close the bolt, and the bolt face almost shaves the headstamp off. I'm waiting for a 243 reamer in the mail and a hand attachment to lengthen the chamber - the shop I bought it off isn't playing ball so I'll do it myself. Plus I'm 6 hours away from the shop. It's only a $1K rifle after all.
The kind you reckon is just as great as an upmarket Sako.

Sorry Billo, we aren't going to agree or win a pitiful internet argument. However I'll continue to prove what I'm saying, no matter what it is, with my own real proof.

[Billo]

So now you've looked it up online mate, the price?
No mate, I'm suggesting he could've swapped magazines, not modified them. Did i say that? He has an axe to grind. You twist it how you want.
I could drop any maker's steel mags on the ground upside down and they could misfeed.

And the only reason im showing handload results is because I've never bought factory 300WM ammo.
We all know how every firearm likes or dislikes any ammo (at least most of us do) and to throw a few samples in and scream foul does not condemn a whole brand, model or line is juvenile.

Anyone can have a dud. I've said it before, I have a stainless Howa 243 I bought new here that's short chambered and any factory ammo or new cases chambered in it virtually needs a hammer to close the bolt, and the bolt face almost shaves the headstamp off. I'm waiting for a 243 reamer in the mail and a hand attachment to lengthen the chamber - the shop I bought it off isn't playing ball so I'll do it myself. Plus I'm 6 hours away from the shop. It's only a $1K rifle after all.
The kind you reckon is just as great as an upmarket Sako.

Sorry Billo, we aren't going to agree or win a pitiful internet argument. However I'll continue to prove what I'm saying, no matter what it is, with my own real proof.

Not here to win argument esp with morons on the interweb with rather large chips on their shoulders. I'm passionate about firearms and their use. What I dont like to see is the pile a reviewer receives when someone's overpriced favourite brand has a poor review, sadly Beretta sell some average Sako products and they still cant get it right with the QC.