Sako 75 Finnlight Rifleman Senior Executive Editor Brian C
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dope bag data & comment Sako 75 Finnlight Rifleman Senior Executive Editor Brian C. Sheetz took this 5x5 elk (l.) with a Sako 75 Finnlight in 7 mm Rem. Designed as a lightweight mountain rifle, the Finnlight’s super-light Mag. while hunting with Big synthetic stock features soft rubber over-molding at the pistol grip and Canyon Outfitters in Utah. fore-end. Further weight saving features include a fluted barrel and four different The Sako’s integral scope- receiver sizes, scaled for specific cartridge families. mounting dovetails and its injection-molded synthetic 1 stock help keep its weight to Weighing a scant 6 ⁄2 try. We found a 7 mm Rem. form of a fine 5x5 bull. But trigger creep and broke 1 lbs., the new Sako Finnlight Mag. version an easygoing form follows function, and if crisply at each setting. 6 ⁄2 lbs. overall. Shown below are the company’s Optilock has all of the right features companion on a strenu- a rifle isn’t accurate, quick On the question of bases and rings holding a one would look for in a rifle ously vertical Utah elk hunt and dependable, light quickness the new Sako Weaver Grand Slam scope. for severely rugged coun- that brought success in the weight and ruggedness 75 Finnlight also received count for nothing. high marks. Both the bolt SHOOTING RESULTS (100 YDS.) In a practical sense, and the bearing surfaces having an accurate rifle inside the receiver are .270 Win. Vel. @ 15’ Energy Group Size In Inches Cartridge (f.p.s.) (ft.-lbs.) Smallest Largest Average doesn’t necessarily mean highly polished, allowing that it can be shot accu- the bolt to slide effortlessly. Hornady No. 8056 2820 Avg. 2,473 1.33 2.19 1.71 140-gr. BTSP 22 Sd rately in the field; for The three-lug bolt head most shooters the trigger requires only a short 70 Federal 2800 Avg. 2,613 1.02 1.94 1.46 makes a big difference. degree lift for disengage- SKG No. P270C 18 Sd 150-gr. Sierra BTSP Fortunately, the Finnlight ment, which, when com- comes with a trigger that bined with the slick action, Winchester No. 2878 Avg. 2,391 1.14 1.69 1.47 SBST270 130-gr. BST 19 Sd is easily adjusted from make for impressively fast 4 lbs. down to a very follow-up shots. 7 Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 20 ⁄8” barrel. light 2 lbs. with an Allen Dependability is marked Range temperature: 81° F. Humidity: 50%. Accuracy for five wrench through the maga- by not only flawless func- consecutive, five-shot groups at 100 yds. from a sandbag rest. zine well. Additionally, tioning, but by design Abbreviations: BST (Ballistic Silvertip), BTSP (boattail spire point), SAKO 75 FINNLIGHT SGK (Sierra Game King), SD (standard deviation). the Finnlight tested (in functions that enhance MANUFACTURER: Sako .270 Win.) showed no dependability. The flush- Ltd., Riihimaki, Finland fit five-round detachable IMPORTER: Beretta U.S.A. magazine makes for quick Corp., 17601 Beretta Drive, Accokeek, MD and dependable loading 20607; (301) 283-2191; and unloading. Scope bases www.berettausa.com machined into the top of the ako rifles have four different action lengths which the manufacturer CALIBER: .270 Win. (test- receiver provide for sure always had a reputa- to specifically accommodate claims is nearly unbreak- ed); 26 others from and solid scope mounting. .22-250 Rem. through S tion for high quality the various families of car- able. Like the Finnlight’s .375 H&H Mag. The two-position safety with of both workmanship and tridges from the Winchester stainless steel action, it ACTION TYPE: bolt-action dual cocking indicators accuracy. Now that Sako Short Magnums up to the has the distinct advantage center-fire rifle at the rear of the bolt is a has joined the Beretta .375 H&H Mag. of being impervious to RECEIvER: 400 series rock-solid system, and after stainless steel family, new variations on With the length-specific all conceivable weather 7 firing over 200 test rounds BARREL: 20 ⁄8” fluted stain- some of its tried and true actions no more steel, and conditions that might be less steel of various makes of ammu- bolt-action hunting rifles therefore weight, is incor- found in any type of hunt- RIFLING: four-groove, nition through the Finnlight, are beginning to appear. porated than necessary. As ing. In place of checker- 1:10” RH twist we experienced no mal- MAGAZINE: five-round One of the newest and a final weight-saving con- ing, the synthetic stock detachable box Three locking lugs (above r.) functions of any kind. most interesting of these is sideration, the Finnlight’s sports soft rubber over- SIGHTS: none, drilled and are used to lock the action The Sako 75 Finnlight the Sako Model 75 Finnlight. stainless steel action is molding on the pistol grip tapped for scope on the Finnlight 75, which is a tough, accurate, go 7 TRIGGER: single-stage, Designed as a mountain fitted with a 20 ⁄8” fluted and fore-end to provide a allows for a short 70 degree anywhere hunting rifle that adjustable 2- to 4-lb. pull rifle, the Model 75 action stainless steel barrel. sure grip. The stock’s pro- 1 lift for disengagement. A is light enough to pack into OvERALL LENGTH: 43 ⁄2” 1 hook extractor is mounted (May 1997, p. 44) was an The biggest weight sav- file is of the Monte Carlo WEIGHT: 6 ⁄2 lbs. the most rugged hunting excellent choice on which to ings, however, comes from style with its familiar con- SUGGESTED RETAIL in the bolt, while the ejector country. However, there is build a lightweight hunting the Finnlight’s injection- tours and ends with a solid PRICE: $1,311 is a blade style mounted in a price to pay. Weighing in the receiver. The five-round, 1 rifle. The Model 75 comes in molded synthetic stock, rubber recoil pad. at only 6 ⁄2 lbs, even in .270 quick-detachable magazine (above) is a flush fit when Win., the Finnlight has a The American Rifleman has used the phrase “Dope Bag” at least since WARNING: Technical data and information contained herein are intended to provide information fully inserted. rather punishing kick when 1921, when Col. Townsend Whelen first titled his column with it. Even then, based on the limited experience of individuals under specific conditions and circumstances. They fired off the bench. On the In front of the two-position safety is a bolt handle release it had been in use for years, referring to a sack used by target shooters do not detail the comprehensive training procedures, techniques and safety precautions absolutely other hand, very few Dall’s to hold ammunition and accessories on the firing line. “Sight dope” also necessary to properly carry on similar activity. Read the notice and disclaimer on the contents page. button (arrow) that allows the bolt to be cycled while the was a traditional marksman’s term for sight adjustment information, while Always consult comprehensive reference manuals and bulletins for details of proper training require- safety lever remains in the safe position. sheep are ever shot at judging wind speed and direction was called “doping the wind.” ments, procedures, techniques and safety precautions before attempting any similar activity. from a bench. 74 A M E R I C A N R I F L E M A N A M E R I C A N R I F L E M A N 75 August 2004 August 2004 dope bag data & comment SHOOTING RESULTS has always suffered in Sights. These low-profile 9 mm Luger Vel. @ 15’ Energy Group Size In Inches Charles comparison to that of the units feature a shallow “V” Cartridge (f.p.s.) (ft.-lbs.) Smallest Largest Average M1911; it’s rough and, for a instead of a typical rear Federal No. P9HS1 1095 Avg. 330 1.88 5.63 3.80 single-action, heavy. Also, notch. That combines with 124-gr. Hydra-Shok JHP 18 Sd the sights were either of a a large front dot to make Hornady No. 9025 1146 Avg. 336 2.75 4.38 3.55 Daly HP crude, fixed variety or the the fastest iron pistol sights 115-gr. XTP JHP 14 Sd overly elaborate “Capitan” we’ve tested. Winchester No. S9 868 Avg. 246 2.00 5.13 3.78 adjustable style calibrated The thumb safety has 147-gr. SXT JHP 12 Sd to a ludicrous 500 meters. a comfortable and rela- Average Extreme Spread 3.71 The thumb safety was too tively generous paddle. 5 Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 4 ⁄8” barrel. small and its operation too It is easy to manipulate Range temperature: 81° F. Humidity 50%. Accuracy for five indistinct for surety. The and adequately distinct in consecutive, five-shot groups at 25 yds. fired from a Ransom highly polished blued mod- operation. It is, however, Rest. Abbreviations: JHP (jacketed hollow-point), SXT (Supreme els were very handsome, not ambidextrous and will Expansion Technology), XTP (Extreme Terminal Performance). but the gleam was a tactical give southpaws trouble. liability. Finally, the con- The all-steel HP’s fin- but could have been much the magazine inserted. ventional hammer found ish is a low lustre matte better. It was gritty and This is a controversial on many Hi Powers had a blue, which is sufficiently heavy with a 7-lb, 11-oz. pull feature that some shoot- tendency to bite the web of handsome while still being weight. While that weight ers like and others do not, the shooting hand.