Sako 85 wood you be happy ?

[BG17]

Just picked up a new sako 85 varmint stainless walnut in 22 250 ( first 85 walnut purchase ) have never had a problem with anything sako before and I have bought two L461s and an A1 in the past !!
Love the metal work and the three locking lug action of the 85
BUT the wood to metal fit is not what I was expecting from a high end rifle took it back to to the shop and asked if this was the norm for a new sako and we looked at other new 85s in stock and they were all the same
I know the shop owner very well and I could get my money back but I think I'm going to put up with it
What do you guys think does my gun shop have a bad batch of rifles or have others had the same thoughts /problems ?

[Tilleyman]

I think in these days of high precision CNC milled stocks and laser checkering that is just not acceptable... let alone on a high-end rifle like a Sako 85

[218bee]

BG17,

I think this is going to be the norm unfortunately. At least the tang isn't hitting at the back where it could split the wood. You could open it up and at least make it even all the way around.

[BG17]

Originally Posted by Tilleyman

I think in these days of high precision CNC milled stocks and laser checkering that is just not acceptable... let alone on a high-end rifle like a Sako 85

That's what I was thinking how much have you got to pay to get a perfect rifle

[BG17]

Originally Posted by 218bee

BG17,

I think this is going to be the norm unfortunately. At least the tang isn't hitting at the back where it could split the wood. You could open it up and at least make it even all the way around.

That's not a bad idea was going to get the rifle bedded and I could get the even gap filled with wood coloured epoxy maybe

[22 HORNET]

that is what you call a fit-all

[LT17]

I have just taken a look at my Sako 75 varmint (laminated) and the fit is marginally better. I must admit, having worked in a dealers and sold Sako rifles. I can't recall seeing many with such an obvious gap, but the majority of rifles sold were synthetic stocked.

The walnut stocks are less popular these days. If you are having it bedded that might be a solution using a dyed epoxy. Disappointing nonetheless on a premium product.

I didn't realise the 85 Varmint was available in walnut with stainless. Must be a North American model only?

[Daryl]

BG17- I would take it back - That is horrific MACHINE inletting for 'High End' rifle. Even my $350.00 Savage was better than that.

[montdoug]

The real issue is resale IMO. While it probably shoots great and even if you could learn to overlook it's flaws and live with it trying to sell it in the future would once again be ugly . I'm thinking I'd pass, personally I know that's all I'd see every time I picked it up. Some would come to not notice but I fear I ain't one of em I think I got a little "Felix Unger" in me .

[pmg]

Replacing one of those $145 plus magazines is a scary thought also.