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Newer model Sako 75 30-06 (Stainless)

31 Dec 2024
@ 11:02 am (GMT)

Michael Roach

Hey everybody, have come across a Sako 75 composite stock in 30-06 (second hand) in what appears to be stellar condition for $1300 NZD, I am a bit gob smacked as I cant remember seeing Sako anything being that cheap let alone a hunting and fishing store in Dargaville.
So though I dont need it! would it be worth getting for perhaps the action alone? I am in the conception stage of building my bigger game hack rifle which will probably be custom everything, Nathan will be happy to know it will be a 308 Win with a 20 inch Barrel ( I just seem to shoot shorter rifles better in every position).
I have a friend who has just got their FAl and is itching to go hunting so I could perhaps let them have the 30-06 to start with, is a more modern Sako 75 action still as good as the older models or has it been altered to its detriment in some way? If the rifle was a short action I would probably purchased it on the spot..
There is also a Win mod 70 338 Win mag there without a scratch on it for a similar price.

Replies

01 Jan 2025
@ 08:12 am (GMT)

Quote this

Nathan Foster

Re: Newer model Sako 75 30-06 (Stainless)

Hi Michael, you have no doubt read about this model in the book series. There is not much I can add to this. This was the second iteration of cost cutting at Sako. In the first round (M591 / M691), the lug was removed entirely for a time. The next iteration was the 75 which had the lug bolted to the action. The assembly formed a crucifix type arrangement. Though not the same as an integral lug, this rifle was not as cheaply made as the model before it or the rifles that came after it as a result of Beretta's corporate ownership.

This was the only Sako model available in weather resistant stainless steel with some form of recoil lug.

The plastic stock material is OK, but do watch for cracking at the front swivel stud mount (mostly as a result of bipod tension). The butt has some drop, it is not ideally shaped, but is adequate.

The barrels are generally very good, though I cannot speak for second hand rifles. Twist for the 75 was as is typical for Sako / Tikka - 1:11.

Bedding can help to enhance accuracy, but care needs to be taken to avoid pinching the crucifix assembly.

If the rifle is cheap, make sure you look it over closely. Check the stock carefully. Ideally, you should remove the action from the stock in the gun store to see if anybody has been playing with the bedding. If its an NZ rifle, it probably had a suppressor mounted. Check the barrel length (factory 22.875") - did some idiot cut it down to 'bush length'. Check for corrosion / delamination (from suppressor use) at or near the muzzle, even within a stainless bore. You have no idea what kind of cowboy played with it before you came along. It might be a problem rifle that has been doing the rounds for some time.

If you are interested in the .30-06, this might be a very nice rifle to own. But do not go into this with rose tinted glasses. Take a magnifying glass and / or bore scope and take your time. $1300 isn't much now, but by the time you have purchased dies, ammo, powder and projectiles etc, it soon adds up.

OK, hope that helps a bit.