Sako 85 Black Bear

[Prairiewolf]

I plan on shaking up the gun safe sometime in the future to make room for one of these chambered in 30-06 (have not purchased yet).

I love the look and feel of this gun, and have wanted a Sako that I could use in many Alberta hunting situations (deer and elk primarily for me). I currently use a 7mm RM, and will still use it, but I could see this becoming my default.

I'd appreciate some feedback/opinions on this approach, both pro and con. Here's some things I've thought about:

• The short barrel (20") will reduce muzzle velocity and impact bullet drop somewhat, but not sure how much. I'm considering using Federal Vital Shok w/ 165 gr Nosler Partitions). If anyone has any data on this it would be appreciated.

• Since the rifle is equipped with iron sights, I thought this would be a good dual purpose shooter and bush gun. I've done little to no research on potential detachable scope mounts, but this could be a good option for this gun - yes/no? Or should I just get optilocks and forget it?

[kayaker]

I almost bought one in 9.3x62 but wanted a wood stock.
They are very nice rifles. I personally wouldnt worry about the 20" barrel but I like shorter barrels and am happy with a bit of veclocity drop.

I am not sure how much you lose with a 20" .30-06 but a .308 with a 20" tube wont lose much and the action will be more compact (if this really matters to you). That said, the 20" .30-06 might still outrun the .308 (if that slight difference is even worth worrying about!).

I guess if you want to shoot longer ranges then this might not be the best choice but for most common and sane hunting ranges out to 300ish it should be a fantastic rifle.

[fish_e_o]

Originally Posted by Prairiewolf

I plan on shaking up the gun safe sometime in the future to make room for one of these chambered in 30-06 (have not purchased yet).

I love the look and feel of this gun, and have wanted a Sako that I could use in many Alberta hunting situations (deer and elk primarily for me). I currently use a 7mm RM, and will still use it, but I could see this becoming my default.

I'd appreciate some feedback/opinions on this approach, both pro and con. Here's some things I've thought about:

• The short barrel (20") will reduce muzzle velocity and impact bullet drop somewhat, but not sure how much. I'm considering using Federal Vital Shok w/ 165 gr Nosler Partitions). If anyone has any data on this it would be appreciated.

• Since the rifle is equipped with iron sights, I thought this would be a good dual purpose shooter and bush gun. I've done little to no research on potential detachable scope mounts, but this could be a good option for this gun - yes/no? Or should I just get optilocks and forget it?

you wont lose that much velocity that it's a huge issue.

if you like open sights i'd say leave it open sights. if you like a scope grab a scope. when it really counts protected open sights don't easily get knocked off zero.

you could try the quick detach rings and bases from leupold. guys here who have tried them say good things. i wouldn't expect it to keep a good zero every time to take it off and put it on.