Thread: Sako 85 Finnlight II

My Finnlight will shoot a 5 shot MOA group after 15 rounds through it fast. A Howa mountain rifle may be similarly light but having both in the safe I know which I prefer to own despite the higher cost

Originally Posted by gimp

My Finnlight will shoot a 5 shot MOA group after 15 rounds through it fast. A Howa mountain rifle may be similarly light but having both in the safe I know which I prefer to own despite the higher cost

I should hope so too at three times the price!

Originally Posted by gimp

My Finnlight will shoot a 5 shot MOA group after 15 rounds through it fast. A Howa mountain rifle may be similarly light but having both in the safe I know which I prefer to own despite the higher cost

An interesting insight. You rate the Sako higher then I take it? Just curious - what is it you like about it over the Howa? I'm not stirring here, I'm genuinely interested to know. I have only once handled a Howa and I thought it wasn't too bad - but I own a Sako.

Originally Posted by planenutz

An interesting insight. You rate the Sako higher then I take it? Just curious - what is it you like about it over the Howa? I'm not stirring here, I'm genuinely interested to know. I have only once handled a Howa and I thought it wasn't too bad - but I own a Sako.

Sako - better mag system, bolt doesn't rattle/isn't as sloppy & action feels better to cycle/doesn't bind up, doesn't rust (stainless Howas rust like mad), better safety, better trigger, just perceptibly "nicer" in every way. Not significantly functionally better for shooting a deer... but nicer.

“stainless Howas rust like mad”

gimp mate, I’ve drowned my Howas that many times in the worst the weather can throw at us. But they aren’t rusty. I look after them! Dry them, oil them... am I doing something wrong?!

No one surely can argue in favour of a Howa being a “nicer” rifle than a Sako. It isn’t. But does the price of a Finnlight II really represent that much inherent manufacturing quality and performance over lesser brands? That’s the question I’d ask, especially at the frankly preposterous prices we’re hearing about in this thread.

My wife will tell you I’m a tight arse bastard who won’t ever pay for what my one eyed view of the world perceives as bling. I think the Sako brand has become bling thanks to the marketing suits. Lovely rifle, but $5 grand kiwi? You’ve gotta be joking.

Originally Posted by Flyblown

No one surely can argue in favour of a Howa being a “nicer” rifle than a Sako. It isn’t. But does the price of a Finnlight II really represent that much inherent manufacturing quality and performance over lesser brands? That’s the question I’d ask, especially at the frankly preposterous prices we’re hearing about in this thread.

Flyblown.
The answer to your questions is , No.
I don't own a Howa but I'll bet with it being Japanese made the Sako will not represent a giant 350% improvement in manufacturing quality over your Howa.
Howa's I believe are very well made and accurate.

I can't speak for anyone else but I'll buy it because I like it, the same as I have a $800. 9.3x62 Husky and a $699. 1990 made Remington BDL 30 06.

Originally Posted by Flyblown

“stainless Howas rust like mad”

gimp mate, I’ve drowned my Howas that many times in the worst the weather can throw at us. But they aren’t rusty. I look after them! Dry them, oil them... am I doing something wrong?!

No one surely can argue in favour of a Howa being a “nicer” rifle than a Sako. It isn’t. But does the price of a Finnlight II really represent that much inherent manufacturing quality and performance over lesser brands? That’s the question I’d ask, especially at the frankly preposterous prices we’re hearing about in this thread.

My wife will tell you I’m a tight arse bastard who won’t ever pay for what my one eyed view of the world perceives as bling. I think the Sako brand has become bling thanks to the marketing suits. Lovely rifle, but $5 grand kiwi? You’ve gotta be joking.

My observations, I'm not going to argue about it. No matter how much you oil etc, rust spots under the stock, in the lug recesses etc. I'm not the only one that has experienced this. Doesn't happen with Sako stainless. I am not going to pay $5000 for a Finnlight II. I didn't even pay $3000 for my Finnlight, new.