I have one of these and regularly shoot wide game at 400m plus. This is the best rifle I have had. Will be keeping it for a long time and no going back to blue barrels as they rust over night in the bush lol
I have owned an A7 in 7mm rem mag for about 9 months now. I have only tried factory loads but I have tried several different brands and grains. No matter what I launch down range the grouping is always Sub Moa. I don't have a lot of experience shooting scoped rifles and I am so excited to be shooting less than a 3 inch group at 325 yards with only a 3-9 X40 scope.
law67yan They are Burris Zee Rings at 1.5 and I have the Burris Fullfield E1. Just as supplied from Cabelas. I Zeroed it on the first Zero at 25 yards so depending on the Ammo I use my second Zero is about 280 yards. I use the reticle rather than turrets for distance and wind correction. I really love the ballistic plex reticle. Using it along with the Strelok + ballistic calculator and I am pretty accurate even out to the end of the local range 500m or 547 yard. At that distance I can hit the 18" gong pretty much ever time even though I can barley see it. Only one day when there was a lot of mirage the target was dancing and I couldn't do anything.
Hi, I am keen to know what factory ammo you are using when testing these rifles. I know tekka say they guarantee MOA 3 shot group at 100 yards and Sako MOA 5 shot group at 100 yards but there ain't no factory ammo I have come cross that will perform like that. I live in New Zealand and have tried Remington ammo in my 7mm Rem mag which shot like crap. I have tried numerous reloads and I can't get better than 2 MOA with my Tikka so would love to know what factory ammo you are using. Cheers Adam
Hey Mate im a t3x varmint owner in .223 A.D.I / buffalo river / OSA ammo for me shoots under an inchon a still day my wife did .25 inch at 100m off bonnet with sand bags I was gob smacked and jealous I grabbed the rifle and did the same. Only thing is Australian defence industries only produce .223 and .308 ammo
I have this rifle in .308 and straight out of the box I got a sub 1 MOA at 100 yds. in a 5 shot group using Hornady SUPERFORMANCE 150gr. GMX. It was the most I ever paid for .308 ammo as it was about $2 dollars a round almost 4 years ago. I purchased it several years ago and bought several boxes of it so I still have a few rounds left. I spent the extra money because I wanted to give Sako a fair chance of producing the sub 1 MOA and the rifle kept the promise. The Sako company guarantees a 5 shot sub 1 MOA at 100 meters which is longer than 100 yds.but they use their own SAKO ammo which is extremely expensive. I was unhappy about the changes Sako had made a few years ago but still purchased their rifle and I must admit that I have no regrets. They just are magnificent shooters. I have heard that it is getting harder and harder to get firearms in New Zealand so it probably is just as difficult to get quality ammo as well. Best of luck and best wishes.
great video. you made reference to the older Forester. do you have a review of the L579 forester, in particular I'm curious about the bolt design compared to now. better then or now? thanks
I own two A7's one in .223 and the other in .308, and they both have spoiled me rotten with how well they shoot. I really did some research before I purchased the first one in .308 and was looking at a couple of other manufacturers. I was convinced the Sako, though it was more expensive than the others, was worth the extra outlay because of the workmanship, accuracy and the super great trigger, and I have not been disappointed with either rifle as they are both real tack drivers at the rifle range.
Mentally Challenged Viking when loading the magazine, can it be done simply pushing the cartridges in from the top or do you have to remove the magazine and toe in the cartridges from an angle?
Hey does anyone here have problems with there Sako a7 ejecting shells into the bottom of the scope?? Id really like to get one of these in 30-06, but from what I have read about some of the Sako 85's in 30-06 its a real problem. I'm just wondering if anyone has had this problem with there Sako a7 in 30-06.
+Mentally Challenged Viking Hi brother. I just bought the Sako A7 in 308 like you. Are you happy with it? Have you used it for hunting yet? I love the feel of the rifle but it took me a while to get over the seemingly downgrades to some plastic parts and Tika comparisons. I went for it and got the Sako but still have a feeling that they may have cut too many costs and perhaps took away some quality. What do you think? Thanks in advance brother. God bless.
Mentally Challenged Viking Thank you so much. I guess you're right, every company is getting cheaper and cheaper. Well congrats on a good hunt. Be safe and God bless.
The a7 has went back to 75 model bolt style the 85 had ejector pin directly at 6oclock forcing case directly up into the scope I found if picatinny rail fitted and round racked fast it ejected OK but I sold it as its to unreliable when really needed. A7 is flawless
This is a confusing rifle. Half way between the Tikka and the 85 model. Here in NZ loads of Tikka owners hate the bolt release button because they are very prone to getting pressed against the body or pack when carrying a rifle bolt open.
I assume 100, if it's not mentioned. A human-stabilized rifle just isn't going to shoot SUB-MOA at anything more than that with a rifle in that price range.
That is crazy talk. He is laying down and using a bipod. After very little time behind my rifle I was shooting sub MOA at over 300 yards and all my past shooting has been with open sights.
Why are they cheapening their product? The direction that Sako is heading in makes me think you are just as well off buying a Tika. How much money can they be saving by installing more Tika type designs and making some things out of plastic instead of metal? This is the beginning of the end unless they reverse course. If Beretta didn't own Sako now these changes wouldn't be happening. Bad idea and you're not dealing with novices when you are talking about Sako shooters. You can only live off of the name for so long and then it becomes the sad story of ......"remember when Sako was"............? I am going to get an 85 instead of this new A7, that or I'm going to purchase a totally different brand of long range rifle altogether. Why? Why? Why? Saving pennies will cost you dollars (a lot of them) in the long run.
I think it's the tendency of the U.S markets towards "consumer product" thinking in every field of manufacture. Sako gave up the Monte Carlo stock profile in model 85 and now everybody with a proper reach or over 6ft. have to buy an aftermarket stock and still pay for the one with the rifle since Sako isn't selling barreled actions. And now they are using household bucket plastic in their rifles.. Whats the point between an A7 and a let's say a Tikka T3 fluted except a 3-lug bolt..? What I'd like them to do (and would cost Sako nothing extra) is that they'd screw an A7 Roughtec Range 26,4" fluted barrel into an 85 action and sell the barreled action as such so that people with preferences on their 2000€ purchases could go and get an aftermarket stock of one's liking like a GRS, KKC etc. I've been considering am A7 Roughtec Range but the plastic components.. I think I'm beginning to lean towards a Howa 1500 24" Varmint Cerakote barreled action and a GRS Hybrid stock..
StPaul76 You are right in what you are saying. I broke down and bought the Sako anyway but I will tell you that I will never bend like that again. The rifle still shoots sub MOA and feels great in your hands but Sako no longer will earn the money from my pocket. Do you realize that there are a lot of really good rifles out there that just don't have their name in the market yet. Talk to a good rifle "man" or a well versed employee at a quality gun shop and these guys will tell you which rifles are worth the money and which ones are fading. Thanks for the post.
notsosilentmajority1 Sakos are extremely well built and finished products and the accuracy is well known for a reason. The triggers are world class and the bolts are like soaked in butter but there's a lot to do better with their brand management. Nowadays nobody is giving up their model 75's.. I came across a model 75 Varmint in 6,5x55SE with a set trigger.. A beautiful walnut, checkered varmint stock with a high Monte Carlo cheek rest.. Hardly ever fired.. The finish was like black glass.. They wanted only 1000€/1150$ for it.. I called for it only to hear that they had sold it in 2 hours after putting up yhe add.. 8/
StPaul76 I know that you are right. Sorry to hear that the rifle was sold before you got it. All I am saying is that they have a fantastic product and I really hope they don'r try to save a few pennies here and there and only end up cheapening the product to the point that they lose a lot of business. Like I said on my post, I ended up getting the Sako anyway but I really wish they hadn't taken out any metal, only to add in plastic substitutions. From reading your post I can tell that you know what I mean. Good luck in the future and God bless.
notsosilentmajority1 We agree 100% brother.. And I already have my eye on a Sako 85 deluxe in 9,3x62 with a set trigger..;) It's almost too pretty to take out on the field.. :D Take care, God bless and happy Christmas time for your family.
Nobody likes a pronunciation nazi lol Mentioning the proper pronunciation is fine, claiming its the only way people should ever say it makes you come off sounding like a douchey snob
You are correct. The English (Britain) seem to use their own thoughts when it comes to other countries and the letter A. We have a similar situation in the US but it has gotten better within the last few generations. I have been told by representatives of the Sako company that is actually pronounced (phonetically) SOCKO, like a sock on your foot followed with O (like in oh no), lol.
"These synthetic stocks last a lifetime". Well that didn't age well. The coating on these stocks deteriorates and turns to treacle. Sako and their UK agents won't give you any help.
I assume with this being British, that there are 14 police officers off camera making sure the firearm is being observed by the proper people in power... no simple civilian could ever use a firearm on their own... just not possible
Would not buy the gun because of the cheap plastic bolt cap on what is supposed to be a quality rifle. The rifle should be used on its designer for that alone.
Ugh, I hate listening to the manufacturer's name mispronounced like this. It is NOT "say-koe", it's "SOCK - oh" (and the second syllable is abrupt, not drawn out, like "coe", but more like "coh"). It sounds as annoying as hearing "Webley & Scott" mispronounced as "WEEB-Lay and Skate."
Juho Lehtinen What the hell are you disagreeing with? Pronouncing it "just Sa-ko" doesn't mean anything. How do you pronounce "Sa" without explanation? Is it "Say", "Sah" or "Saw"? "Ko" is pronounced how, like "coh" or "coe"? It isn't "Saw-Coe" or "Say-cow", is it? It is precisely as I described it _for an English speaker_ . " _Pronounced just like it is written, like all finnish worlds_ [sic]." I don't know how you pronounce a single "finnish world", let alone "all finnish worlds", but for Finnish _words_ , even _that_ is not a good explanation, because Finnish uses stress on syllables to create different meanings (e.g., the difference between the word "uuni" and "uni". If you aren't saying it correctly, you might have an oven when you sleep, or throw your roast into a dream). Even your name isn't going to be "pronounced just as it is written" for an English speaker. The correct pronunciation is "YOO-hoh LEH-tee-nenn", NOT "Jew-hoe LAY-tie-nen" or whatever "pronounced just like it is written" statement that is utterly meaningless when dealing with differences in letters and pronunciation. I hate hearing "SAW-nuh" instead of "SOW -nah" for "sauna", or Christine "Lotty" instead of Christine "LAH-tee" (with the proper expulsion of breath at the "H" sound) for the actress Christine Lahti. I also hate being "corrected" about something that doesn't merit correcting. _Olkaa hyvä_ .
![АЛАУДИНОВ у Скабеевой: эти их ВСУ нас НЕ ДОГОНЯТ 😁 [Пародия]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/an0anqU4WGQ/mqdefault.jpg)
This is one of the best reviews I have seen on this rifle. Good job Byron....
The reviewer does an very good job of explaining the rifle to the viewers Thanks!
I have one of these and regularly shoot wide game at 400m plus. This is the best rifle I have had. Will be keeping it for a long time and no going back to blue barrels as they rust over night in the bush lol
Brian Barnett blue is rust?
Why doesn't anyone doing these reviews just mention what cartridge they're shooting? Jeez.
Yeah and the funny thing is they never reply with the answer to that question which leads one to suspect they are actually using precision hand loads
bought mine in 308 . looks good feels good and shoots even better .. just wish it had a 5 round mag :(
Thanks for this. I was 90% sure I'd buy this rifle but this seals it for me.
It is a very good rifle. I bought it and it performs perfect. Sako has a 5 shoot one inch guarantee Again it delivers...
I have owned an A7 in 7mm rem mag for about 9 months now. I have only tried factory loads but I have tried several different brands and grains. No matter what I launch down range the grouping is always Sub Moa. I don't have a lot of experience shooting scoped rifles and I am so excited to be shooting less than a 3 inch group at 325 yards with only a 3-9 X40 scope.
Marc what scope rings did you go with?
law67yan They are Burris Zee Rings at 1.5 and I have the Burris Fullfield E1. Just as supplied from Cabelas. I Zeroed it on the first Zero at 25 yards so depending on the Ammo I use my second Zero is about 280 yards. I use the reticle rather than turrets for distance and wind correction. I really love the ballistic plex reticle. Using it along with the Strelok + ballistic calculator and I am pretty accurate even out to the end of the local range 500m or 547 yard. At that distance I can hit the 18" gong pretty much ever time even though I can barley see it. Only one day when there was a lot of mirage the target was dancing and I couldn't do anything.
Great review from a well spoken, knowledgeable person. .75 moa at a 100 is beautiful.
Do you know when they discontinued the A7? Thanks for the review, very informative!!
Hi, I am keen to know what factory ammo you are using when testing these rifles. I know tekka say they guarantee MOA 3 shot group at 100 yards and Sako MOA 5 shot group at 100 yards but there ain't no factory ammo I have come cross that will perform like that. I live in New Zealand and have tried Remington ammo in my 7mm Rem mag which shot like crap. I have tried numerous reloads and I can't get better than 2 MOA with my Tikka so would love to know what factory ammo you are using.
Cheers
Adam
Hey Mate im a t3x varmint owner in .223 A.D.I / buffalo river / OSA ammo for me shoots under an inchon a still day my wife did .25 inch at 100m off bonnet with sand bags I was gob smacked and jealous I grabbed the rifle and did the same. Only thing is Australian defence industries only produce .223 and .308 ammo
I have this rifle in .308 and straight out of the box I got a sub 1 MOA at 100 yds. in a 5 shot group using Hornady SUPERFORMANCE 150gr. GMX. It was the most I ever paid for .308 ammo as it was about $2 dollars a round almost 4 years ago. I purchased it several years ago and bought several boxes of it so I still have a few rounds left. I spent the extra money because I wanted to give Sako a fair chance of producing the sub 1 MOA and the rifle kept the promise. The Sako company guarantees a 5 shot sub 1 MOA at 100 meters which is longer than 100 yds.but they use their own SAKO ammo which is extremely expensive. I was unhappy about the changes Sako had made a few years ago but still purchased their rifle and I must admit that I have no regrets. They just are magnificent shooters. I have heard that it is getting harder and harder to get firearms in New Zealand so it probably is just as difficult to get quality ammo as well. Best of luck and best wishes.
great video. you made reference to the older Forester. do you have a review of the L579 forester, in particular I'm curious about the bolt design compared to now. better then or now? thanks
Nice review, but it would help to mention what caliber/round you are using!
Really enjoyed the review! Thank you.
If you were choosing between a Bavarian and an A7 for stalling red deer, which way would you go and why?
I luuuuuve me some Sako
Yes, there will be some degree of movement. Though slop isn't the word I'd use to describe it.
Thanks for shearing. Im buying a new now. I dont know what brand jet. It's going to be in 6,5x55.
I own two A7's one in .223 and the other in .308, and they both have spoiled me rotten with how well they shoot. I really did some research before I purchased the first one in .308 and was looking at a couple of other manufacturers. I was convinced the Sako, though it was more expensive than the others, was worth the extra outlay because of the workmanship, accuracy and the super great trigger, and I have not been disappointed with either rifle as they are both real tack drivers at the rifle range.
They don't do 223 in the A7
Just curious why only a 3 shot group? Is that standard practice in the UK? In the States we mostly due 5 shot groups. Very through run down. Thanks
Mentally Challenged Viking when loading the magazine, can it be done simply pushing the cartridges in from the top or do you have to remove the magazine and toe in the cartridges from an angle?
I've had several Tikkas with the "floating bedding block". Bought and bedded a pair of 270's in McMillan stocks. Didn't improve accuracy.
It’s a wrestling match getting the clip out. Does this improve as the gun is used?
Does anyone know if the bedding block is alloy or steel? Can the shroud be interchanged with the Tikka T3X?
you have to move the rest under the stock more back, contact with the pistol grip are bad for accuracy
Great review
Hey does anyone here have problems with there Sako a7 ejecting shells into the bottom of the scope?? Id really like to get one of these in 30-06, but from what I have read about some of the Sako 85's in 30-06 its a real problem. I'm just wondering if anyone has had this problem with there Sako a7 in 30-06.
+Mentally Challenged Viking
Hi brother. I just bought the Sako A7 in 308 like you. Are you happy with it? Have you used it for hunting yet? I love the feel of the rifle but it took me a while to get over the seemingly downgrades to some plastic parts and Tika comparisons. I went for it and got the Sako but still have a feeling that they may have cut too many costs and perhaps took away some quality. What do you think? Thanks in advance brother. God bless.
Mentally Challenged Viking
Thank you so much. I guess you're right, every company is getting cheaper and cheaper. Well congrats on a good hunt.
Be safe and God bless.
I have never had a problem with ejection after firing over 100 rounds.
The a7 has went back to 75 model bolt style the 85 had ejector pin directly at 6oclock forcing case directly up into the scope I found if picatinny rail fitted and round racked fast it ejected OK but I sold it as its to unreliable when really needed. A7 is flawless
just bought one! nice review!
Nice looking rifle.
Is it normal for the bolt to have slop when open?
This is a confusing rifle. Half way between the Tikka and the 85 model. Here in NZ loads of Tikka owners hate the bolt release button because they are very prone to getting pressed against the body or pack when carrying a rifle bolt open.
.300 WSM is beast.
Buying one for $799 in 30.06 caliber
how many yards was those shots? didnt say
I assume 100, if it's not mentioned. A human-stabilized rifle just isn't going to shoot SUB-MOA at anything more than that with a rifle in that price range.
That is crazy talk. He is laying down and using a bipod. After very little time behind my rifle I was shooting sub MOA at over 300 yards and all my past shooting has been with open sights.
nice
Sako took from Tikka this and Tikka that. So why not just get the Tikka?
SAKO A3!
Really cheapening it up there Sako! But, I guess all rifle companies are doing it🤨
Author: Is the bipod a 6-9 inch (15-22cm) in height?
Why are they cheapening their product? The direction that Sako is heading in makes me think you are just as well off buying a Tika. How much money can they be saving by installing more Tika type designs and making some things out of plastic instead of metal? This is the beginning of the end unless they reverse course. If Beretta didn't own Sako now these changes wouldn't be happening. Bad idea and you're not dealing with novices when you are talking about Sako shooters. You can only live off of the name for so long and then it becomes the sad story of ......"remember when Sako was"............?
I am going to get an 85 instead of this new A7, that or I'm going to purchase a totally different brand of long range rifle altogether. Why? Why? Why? Saving pennies will cost you dollars (a lot of them) in the long run.
I think it's the tendency of the U.S markets towards "consumer product" thinking in every field of manufacture. Sako gave up the Monte Carlo stock profile in model 85 and now everybody with a proper reach or over 6ft. have to buy an aftermarket stock and still pay for the one with the rifle since Sako isn't selling barreled actions. And now they are using household bucket plastic in their rifles.. Whats the point between an A7 and a let's say a Tikka T3 fluted except a 3-lug bolt..? What I'd like them to do (and would cost Sako nothing extra) is that they'd screw an A7 Roughtec Range 26,4" fluted barrel into an 85 action and sell the barreled action as such so that people with preferences on their 2000€ purchases could go and get an aftermarket stock of one's liking like a GRS, KKC etc. I've been considering am A7 Roughtec Range but the plastic components.. I think I'm beginning to lean towards a Howa 1500 24" Varmint Cerakote barreled action and a GRS Hybrid stock..
StPaul76 You are right in what you are saying. I broke down and bought the Sako anyway but I will tell you that I will never bend like that again. The rifle still shoots sub MOA and feels great in your hands but Sako no longer will earn the money from my pocket. Do you realize that there are a lot of really good rifles out there that just don't have their name in the market yet. Talk to a good rifle "man" or a well versed employee at a quality gun shop and these guys will tell you which rifles are worth the money and which ones are fading. Thanks for the post.
notsosilentmajority1
Sakos are extremely well built and finished products and the accuracy is well known for a reason. The triggers are world class and the bolts are like soaked in butter but there's a lot to do better with their brand management. Nowadays nobody is giving up their model 75's.. I came across a model 75 Varmint in 6,5x55SE with a set trigger.. A beautiful walnut, checkered varmint stock with a high Monte Carlo cheek rest.. Hardly ever fired.. The finish was like black glass.. They wanted only 1000€/1150$ for it.. I called for it only to hear that they had sold it in 2 hours after putting up yhe add.. 8/
StPaul76 I know that you are right. Sorry to hear that the rifle was sold before you got it. All I am saying is that they have a fantastic product and I really hope they don'r try to save a few pennies here and there and only end up cheapening the product to the point that they lose a lot of business. Like I said on my post, I ended up getting the Sako anyway but I really wish they hadn't taken out any metal, only to add in plastic substitutions. From reading your post I can tell that you know what I mean.
Good luck in the future and God bless.
notsosilentmajority1
We agree 100% brother.. And I already have my eye on a Sako 85 deluxe in 9,3x62 with a set trigger..;) It's almost too pretty to take out on the field.. :D Take care, God bless and happy Christmas time for your family.
i hate how people pronounce Sako. It's not an actual A sound it's more of a Ah sound. It's a Finnish company, and should be pronounced correctly
I'm not a Finn and don't speak Finnish.
Most people also pronounce Garand wrong, and just about every city name in non-English countries. You going to correct them too?
Nobody likes a pronunciation nazi lol
Mentioning the proper pronunciation is fine, claiming its the only way people should ever say it makes you come off sounding like a douchey snob
Sold in America
i thought it was pronounced sok - O?
SAH-caw is the closest in English
You are correct. The English (Britain) seem to use their own thoughts when it comes to other countries and the letter A. We have a similar situation in the US but it has gotten better within the last few generations. I have been told by representatives of the Sako company that is actually pronounced (phonetically) SOCKO, like a sock on your foot followed with O (like in oh no), lol.
"These synthetic stocks last a lifetime".
Well that didn't age well. The coating on these stocks deteriorates and turns to treacle. Sako and their UK agents won't give you any help.
SAKO GET IT RIGHT
Necroticnarcosis Well typing a pronounciation is really fucking smart.
I assume with this being British, that there are 14 police officers off camera making sure the firearm is being observed by the proper people in power... no simple civilian could ever use a firearm on their own... just not possible
sock oh not say ko
It's a Tikka T3, just heavier.
Just remember to pronounce SAKO correctly 😉
It's pronounced "sucko".
Would not buy the gun because of the cheap plastic bolt cap on what is supposed to be a quality rifle. The rifle should be used on its designer for that alone.
Ugh, I hate listening to the manufacturer's name mispronounced like this. It is NOT "say-koe", it's "SOCK - oh" (and the second syllable is abrupt, not drawn out, like "coe", but more like "coh").
It sounds as annoying as hearing "Webley & Scott" mispronounced as "WEEB-Lay and Skate."
No... It is just Sa-ko, nothing more. Pronounced just like it is written, like all finnish worlds.
Juho Lehtinen What the hell are you disagreeing with? Pronouncing it "just Sa-ko" doesn't mean anything. How do you pronounce "Sa" without explanation? Is it "Say", "Sah" or "Saw"? "Ko" is pronounced how, like "coh" or "coe"? It isn't "Saw-Coe" or "Say-cow", is it? It is precisely as I described it _for an English speaker_ .
" _Pronounced just like it is written, like all finnish worlds_ [sic]."
I don't know how you pronounce a single "finnish world", let alone "all finnish worlds", but for Finnish _words_ , even _that_ is not a good explanation, because Finnish uses stress on syllables to create different meanings (e.g., the difference between the word "uuni" and "uni". If you aren't saying it correctly, you might have an oven when you sleep, or throw your roast into a dream).
Even your name isn't going to be "pronounced just as it is written" for an English speaker.
The correct pronunciation is "YOO-hoh LEH-tee-nenn", NOT "Jew-hoe LAY-tie-nen" or whatever "pronounced just like it is written" statement that is utterly meaningless when dealing with differences in letters and pronunciation.
I hate hearing "SAW-nuh" instead of "SOW -nah" for "sauna", or Christine "Lotty" instead of Christine "LAH-tee" (with the proper expulsion of breath at the "H" sound) for the actress Christine Lahti. I also hate being "corrected" about something that doesn't merit correcting.
_Olkaa hyvä_ .
Well... Thank you :) Melko tyhjentävä vastaus, kiitos :)
Juho Lehtinen "Melko"? Luulin että se oli _täysin_ tyhjentävä LOL ;-)
Terveisiä :-D
Täysin sitten, mikäli se tuntuu paremmalta :D Terveisiä sinnekkin :D