After discontinuing the Sako 85 rifle last year, Sako has unveiled the Sako 90, a brand new family of bolt-action rifles.
Key features of this new rifle include:
- New optic mounting system,
- Double plunger extraction,
- Bolt assist plunger,
- Adjustable trigger position,
- Easily adjustable trigger weight,
- Twist rates designed to assist with lead free ammunition.
Sako 90 Models
The Sako 90 family is made up of the following 7 distinctly designed models:
Sako 90 Quest Ultra – The cheek riser and length-of-pull are easily adjustable and the carbon fibre stock has a new coating to aid with concealment at higher elevations. The stainless steel barrel is carbon fibre wrapped to provide good balance and durability without compromising accuracy or performance.
Sako 90 Quest – This model replaces the previous Carbon Wolf model. It has a carbon fibre stock on with the cheek riser and the length-of pull are adjustable. The stainless steel barrelled action has been Cerakoted to give it maximum protection.
Sako 90 Peak – One of the lightest bolt actioned rifles on the market. This model replaces the Carbon Light and features a carbon fiber stock with texturized surface, a right-hand palm swell and a cheek support.
Sako 90 Adventure – Replacing the Fanlight II, this model has a tough and light synthetic stock with a traditional blued barrel. This model takes practicality and usability to a whole new level. It has a fibreglass stock with an adjustable cheek riser and a Tungsten Cerakote-coated stainless steel action.
Sako 90 Bavarian – The Sako 90 Bavarian has been designed with shooting from a high-seat in Central Europe in mind. The stock has a hog’s back design which offers superior ergonomics for when shooting angels can quickly change from level to downwards. The Bavarian has a set trigger and has the option of open sights.
Sako 90 Hunter – This classic wooden stocked model has a walnut stock and either blued or stainless metal parts. On the blued model you can opt to have open sights fitted.
Sako 90 Varmint – This is the rifle for long-range shooting. The free-floating heavy stainless steel barrel has been fluted to allow heat to easily dissipate, and the birch-laminate stock is not only rigid but also features a wide-bottomed forend with a raised Monte Carlo comb to give the ideal posture when using high-magnifying optics.
Sako 90 Key Features and Technology Highlights
The Receiver
The Sako 90 receiver is designed for ultimate accuracy and the smoothest operation.
The receiver on all Sako 90 models is smooth to operate due to the design that minimises contact between the receiver and the bolt. The receivers are manufactured using broaching operation – this is a method where steel is carved to the desired shape by pushing multiple bit shaped cutting tools through the receiver. This method creates smooth and straight interior surfaces for the bolt to move inside the receiver. When compared to conventional round receiver designs, the flat receiver bedding produces better repeatable accuracy. This is further enhanced due to the the bedding and its steel recoil lug working together with the fine-tuned surfaces to ensure that all components return to the same state after each shot.
Different calibre groups are matched with appropriately sized receivers throughout the Sako 90 range to ensure that the bolt throw distance is shorter and therefore faster to operate. By optimising receiver sizes the rifle’s overall weight will be more appropriate to its calibres.
Torsional bending and twisting have been minimised thanks to the design of critical areas such as the top of the ejection port.
Optics Mounting
Sako 90 family models feature flexible optics mounting solutions.
The following Sako 90 models come with a machined Picatinny receiver: Quest Ultra, Quest, Peak, Adventure, and the Varmint.
The Bavarian and Hunter models come with Optilock mounts. These allow for a clear view through open sights while also ensuring a scope or red dot sight can be mounted.
The Bolt
The Sako bolt ensure maximum safety and robust push-feed operation.
All of the bolts in the Sako 90 range have a 3-locking-lug design. In conjunction with the different action sizes, the locking lug has been optimised so that all caliber groups have maximum lug surface area. The locking lugs are manufactured to always ensure full contact with counterpart surfaces are made. On top of this, every single rifle is tested (CIP-test) in the Sako factory prior shipping with two high pressure shots to ensure maximum safety.
A double plunger arrangement, famous from the acclaimed TRG family of military and law enforcement rifles, is also featured on the Sako 90 range. This ensures the robust ejection of empty cases, a feature that is especially important when hunting dangerous game. This bolt operation has been verified by over 5 million cycles without malfunction.
The Trigger
Increased accuracy through clean, crisp and easily adjustable trigger operation.
All models feature a multi-adjustable trigger mechanism which allows you to choose from five different weight-of-pull settings (all clearly marked) without disassembling the rifle. The option to quickly change trigger weight settings allows you to easily use the same rifle for different disciplines.
The trigger blade position can also be adjusted for the best shooting ergonomics no matter what your hand size.
Carbon Fibre Stock Features
Extremely robust, solid and light 3D meshed carbon with low noise signature manages recoil forces and enhances the rifle’s repeatable accuracy.
The Quest Ultra, Quest, and Peak models come with a lightweight carbon fibre stock that utilises resin transfer moulding (RTM) which creates parts that are both extremely stiff and light. Using precisely machined moulds and vacuum techniques, Sako RTM technology creates a multi-layered 3D mesh structure that goes in every direction around the stock, thereby creating a solid foundation to handle all recoil forces.
Sako RTM technology provides a construction that is fully enclosed and supported internally forming a very rigid structure with a stiff outer shell but without the hollowness and the sound signature of older carbon technologies.
Carbon Fibre Barrels
Balance, lightness and weather-resistance.
Carbon fibre barrels can be found on the Ultra models. These barrels are manufactured with a unique layering technology which allows the carbon fibre and steel to work in perfect harmony, guaranteeing the accuracy that Sako barrels are known for.
A homogeneous structure is achieved throughout the multiple layers of carbon fibre by placing dry fibres in the mould before putting it in a vacuum. The result is an extremely stiff structure which also reduces the barrel vibration.
By removing much of the steel traditionally found in a barrel and replacing it with carbon fibre the weight of the barrel is greatly reduced. The balancing point of the rifle can also be optimised by reducing the weight throughout the length of the barrel. By having the centre of gravity in the middle of the rifle the aiming and handling is also improved.
Cold Hammer Forged Barrels
Cold hammer forged barrels – out of the box Sako-accuracy that lasts longer.
All Sako 90 rifles feature match-grade cold hammer forged (CHF) barrels. CHF barrels do not have to be broken in, instead they have superb out-of-the-box accuracy.
Hammer forging creates a smoother surface compared to other rifling methods. Because the steel cannot escape when hitting the barrel against the mandrill it creates a smooth, straight and uniform surface enabling high accuracy.
Every Sako barrel’s muzzle is precisely crowned to enable the pressure to escape the muzzle evenly, improving the accuracy. Absolute geometrical uniformity of the crown is mandatory for the accuracy of the rifle.
