Sako Base/Rings Setup

 

I just purchased a new Sako 85 Grey Wolf Rifle (long action) today and would like to set it up for a scope. This will be my first rifle with a scope and I’m not sure what will fit it the best. I am looking at the purchasing the Sako Optilock base and rings in the SS finish to match the rifle’s barrel.

I know that I would need to purchase the long bases for this rifle action, but I am unsure of the ring height or what would be a good shooting height.

The scope I was interested in purchasing is a Leupold VX-3 / 40mm or 50mm.

 

Any suggestions on what would be a good setup?

 

I have several Sako rifles and have tried the Sako Optilok bases rings on 2 different Sakos.  Currently, I only have them on one rifle.  Personally, I would avoid the Optiloks and get the Talley rings/bases for Sako.  I have the Talleys on both a Sako 75 and 85, and I have been very pleased both with how solid they are and their appearance.  The only thing I like about the Optiloks are that they have the self-aligning ring inserts.  Otherwise, I think they are poorly designed. 

 

First, they are unusually high.  In fact, even the "low" rings will accommodate a 50mm objective scope.  I know this because the one set of Optiloks I have are the "lows" and I have a 50mm scope on that rifle.  There is plenty of clearance between the objective bell and barrel.  The bases are way thicker than they have to be.  I don't like the way the rings attach to the bases, with just a single screw from the underside of the base, which also contributes to the base being so thick to accommodate the screw head.  It's probably strong enough, but it seems like a weak design to me.

 

Second, for whatever reason, the screws seem too soft and the heads strip too easily.

 

Third, Sako designed an elegant looking integral ringmount that attached directly to the receiver and eliminated the need for the base.  This is a much cleaner stronger design.  They show it on the Sako website, or at least they did, but for whatever reason, they aren't available for sale in the US.  At least that's what Beretta told me.  I don't understand why the base is needed at all.  It just adds to the cost and complexity of the mounts.  The only reason Talley rings have a base for this rifle is because they needed something to adapt their ring clamping design to the Sako tapered dovetail, and they evidently didn't think it was cost effective to make a special ring that would adapt directly to the Sako receiver.

 

Leupold makes a ring mount for Sako rifles, and they appear to be good rings as well.  I just happen to like the Talleys better.

 

Here is a pic of the Talleys on a Sako 75:

 

 

Informed, articulate and poignant commentary, Mr. Winkle. You summed up my impressions of the Opti-Locs to a tee.