Sako 85 Design

I have been looking at the new Sako A7 that has intigral picatinny rails.  Nice have no idea what the recoil lug looks like though and dont find info on it on the SAKO site.

Originally posted by RifleDude The A7 is nothing more than the old M75 receiver with the same recoil lug as the M75 used (the top action in the above photo).  The difference between the A7 and M75 receivers is the M75 has the integral tapered scope mount grooves and serrations on top of the receiver, while the A7 has traditional screw-on (not integral) bases like Rem 700, Savage, Browning, etc.  It comes with picatinny bases already installed, which is why it looks like they are integral.   The other differences between the A7 and M75 is the A7 comes only with a synthetic stock (at least at present), A7's magazine is mostly plastic, A7 has the "Total Control" magazine latch of the M85, A7's bolt shroud is less "stylized" than M75 and M85, A7 has larger diameter bolt than 75/85, A7 has spring plunger ejector vs. standing blade ejector of 75/85.

Have you handled one yet?  Maybe they'll do a wood version with a metal magazine and call it the 'new' 85?  I'd like one if only for the new scope bases.  Can you tell us more about the larger bolt?

Thanks for the Cabelas information.  It verifies what I've seen with other sellers.  I knew something was up when I saw fewer available calibers availble for the 85 on a couple of Internet sellers.  Not only are some shooters not liking the 85's design it could also be a function of price in this economy.  BassPro tells me price is influencing sales to a larger degree than usual which makes sense. 

My BassPro doesn't have any A7's so all I can say is what I've read.  Field and Stream or Outdoor Life did a big review of the new rifleas and the A7 came in around the middle.  I'm not saying they're the ultimate arbitor on these things but they did say it had allot of plastic and the action was a little stiff in cocking.  I experienced this with my 85 and got used to 'hitting' the bolt handle to cock it after firing.  To be fair it has gotten a little easier after much shooting and the rest of the bolt movement is ultra smooth. 

Are you listening Beretta?  From this one shooter's opinion I like allot of the 85 but I wish the dovetail receiver would disappear!  Change it to a Weaver style like the Icon or just tap holes in it like everybody else!

Originally posted by timber Thanks for the Cabelas information.  It verifies what I've seen with other sellers.  I knew something was up when I saw fewer available calibers availble for the 85 on a couple of Internet sellers.  Not only are some shooters not liking the 85's design it could also be a function of price in this economy.  BassPro tells me price is influencing sales to a larger degree than usual which makes sense.  My BassPro doesn't have any A7's so all I can say is what I've read.  Field and Stream or Outdoor Life did a big review of the new rifleas and the A7 came in around the middle.  I'm not saying they're the ultimate arbitor on these things but they did say it had allot of plastic and the action was a little stiff in cocking.  I experienced this with my 85 and got used to 'hitting' the bolt handle to cock it after firing.  To be fair it has gotten a little easier after much shooting and the rest of the bolt movement is ultra smooth.  Are you listening Beretta?  From this one shooter's opinion I like allot of the 85 but I wish the dovetail receiver would disappear!  Change it to a Weaver style like the Icon or just tap holes in it like everybody else!

The stock design on the 85 seems to be the major complaint from what I've heard and read on various forms.  I prefer the 75 style myself, not necessarily because of its monte carlo shape but mainly because the butt end is larger and less narrow than the 85.  The 75 just seemed to shoulder better for me. 

Muzzle brake for everything may be next!