Bought a Sako Kodiak!!!!!

[MLindsay]

I don't know if you read Toby458’s report on his extraction issue in his Kalahari hunt? His issue was the 375 case hit the horizontal turret on his scope falling back into the action and blocking it. Exciting during a close encounter with a wounded buffalo! He corrected it by simply rotating the scope counterclockwise so the horizontal turret was changed to the vertical position and the vertical turret was on the left and was used for horizontal adjustment.
Refer to Toby above for part of the info.

I read that report, all I can say is on 3 different occasions I have fired 3 shots absolutely as fast as I could work the bolt and had no problem. I have had a Leupold VarX3 3.5x10 since 98 and never had that problem.

 

[MarkTX]

Awesome! Thank you. Actually, that's what I took away from my conversation with Sako. If you're not putting 56mm objectives / uber high powered scopes on, then their likely won't be an issue. Indication was that 3.5x10 size scope should work just fine. I don't see a need for anything bigger for that type of hunting. I save my high powered swarovskis and vortex scopes for the 7mm, 300 win mag and 338s I have.

 

[TOBY458]

I read that report, all I can say is on 3 different occasions I have fired 3 shots absolutely as fast as I could work the bolt and had no problem. I have had a Leupold VarX3 3.5x10 since 98 and never had that problem.

Have they made the Sako 85 since 1998?

 

[TOBY458]

Awesome! Thank you. Actually, that's what I took away from my conversation with Sako. If you're not putting 56mm objectives / uber high powered scopes on, then their likely won't be an issue. Indication was that 3.5x10 size scope should work just fine. I don't see a need for anything bigger for that type of hunting. I save my high powered swarovskis and vortex scopes for the 7mm, 300 win mag and 338s I have.

Objective size has nothing to do with it. Actually, the lower you mount the scope, the more likely it is to happen. As stated above, I've had it happen to me on two separate occasions, while hunting buffalo. Once in Australia and once in Africa. I turned the scope counterclockwise to solve the issue. But if you have a scope that won't allow this, you could have problems. This is a real shame, because otherwise, I love the rifle.

 

[MarkTX]

Have they made the Sako 85 since 1998?

I have a custom model 85 in 375 H&G coming my way, brand new from Sako directly.

 

[MLindsay]

Have they made the Sako 85 since 1998?

Toby, my statement was concerning my Model 995. I am not sure of the difference between the 2 models but I am glad the problem you mentioned has not happened to me.

 

[Sarg]

As a guide & PH on DG, I have had my clients have trouble with the Sako 85 in .375 H&H many many times when using them in action, some of them didn't even remember that they did in fact have a problem at the time but I could see them struggling out the corner of my eye as I'm watching the Buffalo, when ask what the problem was he said he had none but the video showed him having problems with the follow up shot !

I really like them, the look, feel & have 4 Sako 75's & 2 85's in small calibers & I have not had any problems yet, well maybe once a shell bounced back in the action while I was sighting in so wasn't a deal breaker !

 

[wesheltonj]

I have a 2016 SAKO 85 Classic in 375 H&H. I have not had any extraction problems. I use a Leica ER scope with SAKO LOW mounts.

My theory is the folks having the problem are using either aftermarket mounts or SAKO mounts in EXTRA LOW.

 

[bruce moulds]

the basic tenet of scope mounting is to mount scopes as low as possible.
if the scope itself allows for extra low mounts then that is the best choice.
should a rifle manufacturer fail to recognize this, their product is lacking.
bruce.

 

[TOBY458]

I have a 2016 SAKO 85 Classic in 375 H&H. I have not had any extraction problems. I use a Leica ER scope with SAKO LOW mounts.

My theory is the folks having the problem are using either aftermarket mounts or SAKO mounts in EXTRA LOW.

Mine wears Sako Optilock low rings. Scope is a Leupold 2-7x33. Turrets are very small, meaning they don't stick out very far, especially compared to a lot of other scopes. My rifle ejects up into the turret at least one round out of every magazine full. Not a problem to cant the rifle and let the cartridge fall out, but when dealing with a tense situation, all that goes out the window. When I turned my scope 90° the problem completely went away. The rifle functions perfectly now. But I wish it worked without having to do this....

 

[TOBY458]

Toby, my statement was concerning my Model 995. I am not sure of the difference between the 2 models but I am glad the problem you mentioned has not happened to me.

Totally different action. Yours is push feed with a button ejector if I'm not mistaken. From what I've read, these actions are much like a Tikka T3.

 

[TOBY458]

I have a custom model 85 in 375 H&G coming my way, brand new from Sako directly.

Yes I know they still make the 85. I was asking had they been around since 1998, which I don't believe they have. Then he came back and said he was referring to a M995.

 

[Dr Ray]

I have a number of Sakos and operate in the heat and humidity.
Only issue :
Synthetic stock on my 270 started to disintegrate - should have new walnut stock this coming week.
Obviously the soft synthetic stock is not suitable for the tropics.
No extraction issues at all but I only use up to the 338 Winchester in Sako.
Sako dies not have a true control feed system and gunsmith advised that with bigger caliber cartridges, the empty cases when extracted are likely to hit the low mounted scope resulting in dented case mouth and the case is likely to drop back into the action area causing problems.

 

[MarkTX]

Objective size has nothing to do with it. Actually, the lower you mount the scope, the more likely it is to happen. As stated above, I've had it happen to me on two separate occasions, while hunting buffalo. Once in Australia and once in Africa. I turned the scope counterclockwise to solve the issue. But if you have a scope that won't allow this, you could have problems. This is a real shame, because otherwise, I love the rifle.

all I can tell you is what Sako told me. You may want to discuss directly with them. They told me scope magnification/size has everything to do with it.

 

[MarkTX]

Yes I know they still make the 85. I was asking had they been around since 1998, which I don't believe they have. Then he came back and said he was referring to a M995.

ahhh...sorry. Misunderstood...I'm not certain.

 

[bruce moulds]

all I can tell you is what Sako told me. You may want to discuss directly with them. They told me scope magnification/size has everything to do with it.

yet more evidence of sako's ineptness.
how they remain keeping people convinced they are rolls royce, when in fact they are back yard buggy is beyond belief.
there are many far better choices out there.
some denigrate the rem 700, but overall it exhibits better design and function if you want a push feed.
bruce.

 

[TOBY458]

all I can tell you is what Sako told me. You may want to discuss directly with them. They told me scope magnification/size has everything to do with it.

I've read in the past where they've told people to use higher rings to help mitigate the issue, but I'd hate to have to put high rings on a rifle meant for DG and or fast shooting. I've also read that the extractor fit is crucial, in that if it has a bit of play in it, it can cause the spent cartridge to eject vertically, rather than horizontally as designed. I sincerely hope your rifle works as designed, and look forward to hearing back from you. If you're able to get proper ejection every time with a low mounted scope, there's hope that mine could be fixed.

 

[MarkTX]

all I can tell you is what Sako told me. You may want to discuss directly with them. They told me scope magnification/size has everything to do with it.

I should have been more specific...scope height, magnification/size and configuration all play in it is what I took away. But the point I was trying to make is apparently they're aware of the issue and can advise on scope that will abate the issue. Your points make sense.

 

[MarkTX]

I should have been more specific...scope height, magnification/size and configuration all play in it is what I took away. But the point I was trying to make is apparently they're aware of the issue and can advise on scope that will abate the issue. Your points make sense.

Maybe you should just roll on and buy something other than Sako...I'm a Sako fan as well as a Tikka fan and not getting emotional about it. We can agree to disagree and the net outcome is zero...I'll buy Sako and you won't.

 

[CBH Australia]

Well the Dr is a Sako man but puts his faith in the Winchester for the big bore stuff.
I used a Sako in 7mmRm in Africa and liked it but my Tikkas work well at home here and fit my budget.
My only big bore is my CZ550 in .375H&H, now they are out of production I will. Hang onto it being a CRF .
Just need to get out and Hunt more but the Kodiak would also be nice to have.