Sako S20 - Quick Review

ktm450

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 17, 2020
Messages
156
This is the time of year when a lot of us are looking at new rifles for next season. This year is particularly difficult as it is a matrix of what ammo/components may be available. I made the decision to go with a rifle in a caliber for which I had components or could source them easily. This led me to a .300 Winchester Magnum. After months of studious research, trying different guns, You Tube reviews, other makes/models I had or could shoot with friends, I determined there are a ton of great rifles out there.

My shooting background: I shoot a lot of different rifle brands. I hunt every "normal" big game species out west and primarily use Tikka's and Brownings as my "main" hunting guns. I generally use "normal" calibers .308, 6.5CM, 7mmRM, .338WM, and only shoot reloads. I shoot out to 1000 on a semi-regular basis (for fun not hunting).

The S20 is the first Sako I have held and knew nothing about it until I walked into the local Sporting Goods store. On a whim, I ended up walking out the door with a Sako S20 Hunter model. To me it is funky looking and its not something I would ever have been interested in until I picked it up. I spent another week or so doing "research". The rifle is so new, there is not much out there and I found the end of the internet even doing translate on a number of european reviews. It is very out of character for me to buy gear that is not throughly tested and the S20 just doesn't have many hands-on reviews. So maybe this will help someone here:

Pros:
  • Modular: adjustable trigger pull #, trigger reach, stock length, different forearm and stock options, and swivel points
  • Adjustable riser
  • Very comfortable as a result
  • Built-in (common) Picatinny Rail
  • Threaded barrel
  • Magazines 3 and 7 rounders
  • Grey cerakote that seems more durable than Brownings
  • 60-Degree Bolt Throw
  • Aluminum Chasis
  • Cushioned (in a different way) recoil pad
  • Very easy to shoot/stable in a number of different positions
Questions/Cons:
  • 1-11 Twist (I only shoot 180's-208's in .300WM, so for me its not a big deal)
  • No experience with a thumbhole stock and curious what it will be like in a full season in "woods" conditions
  • Not an intuitive safety on/off with hand layout
  • Funky Looking (Ugly to some)
  • A bit over 8 pounds (without scope and not a big deal to me. Nobody wants to shoot a 7lb .300WM)
  • The grip area is "plasticky" outside of the textured hand area
  • Mine was $1447.00 OTD
Shooting:
  • The way the rifle lays out it mitigates recoil well
  • "Fit" was great do to all the modular options
  • Trigger is amazing (the adjustable reach + the adjustable weight make for an incredible combo)
  • First time out I loaded up 180's, 200's, and 208's with max loads of H4831 and H1000. Went through about 15 total rounds with ample cooling between strings.
  • Without question, the most accurate out of the box gun I have ever shot. Last group of 208 A-Max and H100 was under a 1/2-inch (it was the only group I tested/evaluated).
I am impressed with the shoot-ability and amazing accuracy of this rifle. I am really excited for more load testing/development; it should be a great shooting rig.
 

pyrotechnic

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Nov 7, 2019
Messages
246
Thanks, keep us updated as things go along. I liked the precision version better than the hunter setup when I handled them in the store. This rifle has me very much intrigued. Seems like a TRG but a couple pounds lighter.
 
Joined
Apr 5, 2015
Messages
5,824
I was intrigued by this one. Haven’t seen one in the wild yet. I am still playing with the idea of a Sako finnlight in my local Gun shop for $1500. sako isnt big on changing up their guns and the current line up is fairly “classic”. Not that that is a bad thing. The S20 seems like a very nice evolution Of their designs. I was hoping the spec weight might be a little lighter. Agree that a super light win mag would suck but I would rather have a slightly lighter gun with weight in the rings and glass.
 
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ktm450

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 17, 2020
Messages
156
I went through some quick calculations in the same realm and figured I could swap out the precision grip piece if I wanted. The precision grip/forend set up added more than a pound to the rifle over the hunter model. I went in thinking I would go with a .300WSM in a Finnlight, but components are impossible to find and the Finnlight is the same(ish) as high-end Tikka’s and Brownings.

The integrated scope rails are a nice change. For whatever reason the ergonomics on the hunter model are just fantastic for me. I do think it’s kind of ugly or so ugly it’s attractive, but the way it shoulders mitigates that part for me; the accuracy was icing on the cake. We will see in honest field conditions as Spring Bear is coming up in a couple months.
 

Axlrod

WKR
Joined
Jan 8, 2017
Messages
1,122
Location
SW Montana
I like the looks of both, i haven't seen one in the wild yet though. The 11 twist and 24" barrel in 300WM are deal breakers for me, but they should sell very well at that price point.
 

slowelk

WKR
Joined
Aug 17, 2017
Messages
1,670
Location
MT
I really like the S20 hunter, and have wanted one since I first picked it up at Scheel's. What's kept me from pulling the trigger is the 0 MOA built in rail, uncertainty about barrel replacement, and the slower twist rates. Beating a dead-horse here, but 11 twist for a big 30 and 9.5 for a 7mag are just behind the times.

I could live with the 0 MOA rail, but I want to be confident about a barrel swap down the line, and I want to shoot a heavy 7mm bullet, and the 9.5 won't do it. I don't need a third 6.5 creed either.
 
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ktm450

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 17, 2020
Messages
156
I checked into a couple of these things as well. I actually prefer the 24” barrel as I have some 26”+ and find them a bit long for true woods stuff in my area. It’s strange, but with my semi customs I prefer a 25” as the ideal length. It just seems like my 26”+’s catch more stuff (branches, limbs, deadfall).

My .338WM fills any need for 210+ bullets and was looking for the perfect twist for 180-208. A lot of gunsmiths I talked with recommended 1-11 for .300WM in that range, but I recognize it’s different for everyone. I have had issues in a 7mmRM with twists and stay in the 162 range as a result.

Sako does promote and sell a +MOA rail that attaches and looks pretty slick and is advertised in the accessories section (or was at some point). I am not sure if it’s for US distribution though.
 
Joined
Apr 5, 2015
Messages
5,824
What are people seeing as street prices on these? Seems like $1600 at europtic and cabelas
 

Stefan

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 27, 2016
Messages
181
If the zero MOA rail is an issue you can always get a Spuhr mount to account if you want more MOA.
 

ChromeKype

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jul 30, 2017
Messages
112
If you utilize their website rifle builder the 30 cals say they are 1 in 10.

Maybe the future??


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Stefan

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 27, 2016
Messages
181
1/10, heavy barrel or TRG equivalent with TRG thread for my can and I would be good to go. The extra barrel weight would make shooting it a bit more comfortable.
 

rickco

FNG
Joined
Dec 26, 2018
Messages
18
Location
Grand Junction
I have a model 85 "finnlight" and I agree the most accurate out of the box I have ever owned. My 85 is a 30-06 with a 22.5 inch barrel, and weight fully loaded (scope and full mag) 7.8 lbs. A pure joy to hunt with!
 
Joined
Apr 5, 2015
Messages
5,824
Was at the cabelas in Hamburg PA yesterday and they had 4 of these in various calibers. $1599. I really liked the feel of the stock.
 

Nomosendero

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Apr 21, 2021
Messages
206
I handled one today, along with a CA Ridgeline. The CA is about 400.00 more (there at least). The SAKO appeared to be a better rifle to me. It is heavier but I think the side flush cups make up for that in the way you carry. I am considering one of these.
 

Nomosendero

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Apr 21, 2021
Messages
206
If I find a 6.5 PRC for 1450.00 I will go with it. A LGS has one for 1,699.00 + .095 % sales tax, makes it pretty steep. The PRC I understand is 1-8.
The Precision model fits me better, I would likely go with that.
I am very impressed with this plant tour video!
 

Wapiti151

WKR
Joined
Nov 14, 2020
Messages
855
Just got a new Sako S20 and can confirm that the 300 win mag IS a 1-10”. I was concerned about it when ordering because the website says 1-11, the configure your rifle says 1-10 and I’ve seen rifle owners say both. Anyone out there concerned about the 1-11” rate can rest easy, as it’s stamped right in the barrel 10”. Just an FYI for anyone on the fence. Love the rifle by the way, waiting on my scope rings to hit the range.
 
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