Sako S20

Sako describes their new S20 rifle as a hybrid system, and with two interchangeable stock layouts, the system certainly shows some merits. At the time of writing, I only had the light barrel sporting rifle supplied to me and Sako’s own website isn’t listing other barrel options, but in the current world order, perhaps things have been delayed?

Weak spring

I was supplied the dealer demo package, a huge rolling case with most of the accessories available for the rifle as well as scope mounts and a Stalon sound moderator. The basic rifle shows a three-lug, now push feed bolt face, with sprung ejector on the 60° opening bolt with rapid cycling capability.

The sporter’s magazine is a 5-round, detachable, polymer unit that feeds from the centre. This means it has to be removed before it can be loaded, unlike the previous twin feed steel mags that could have rounds clipped in above (Sako 75/85).

The bolt stroke is scaled at 100mm for the .308 cartridge and the calibre options include 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, .243 Win, .30-06 Spring, .270 Win, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Rem Mag and .300 Win Mag. The bolt handle is 61mm long with a 19mm cylindrical grooved knob for grip. I found it more aesthetic and uncomfortable than worthwhile, but each to their own.

A single backup cartridge dropped into the ejection port will feed directly to the chamber. The sprung plunger ejector with single extractor claw operated fluidly, regardless of bolt operation speed.

I found the mag system was prone to missing feed on some occasions, particularly when cold. The 1-2mm of vertical play in its location and perhaps weaker spring performance, failed to present case heads to the bolt face for stripping from the mag. The 10-round magazines I had on loan avoided this problem, as they were a tighter fit in the mag well and had more spring tension for at least the first 7-rounds. They helped avoid this sole issue on the rifle, which I’m hoping will be cured with a slightly stronger spring by Sako?

A catch on the left side allows bolt removal and a tactile cocked action indicator sits below the bolt shroud. This is a great bolt with good ergonomics and with a stronger mag spring, would be faultless, which is high praise from me.

Scope mounting

Sako advertises a Picatinny ‘rail’ machined into the top of the action, but to me, two separate sections of Picatinny located on the front and rear action bridges is not a rail, but I’m sure someone will disagree. This presents no issue for a standard scope but in the N.V and thermal world, it’s surely a consideration.

The manufacturer supplied their own rings that attach to a secondary bar and mine were marked 0 MOA, but 20 MOA inclination is also available. Multiple screws attach 1”, 30, 34 or 36mm rings, each with six upper screws for a secure layout. A T25 Torx wrench is supplied for the base and all other fittings on the rifle.

Fancy furniture

Using three screws, a ‘V’ bedding system holds the action into an aluminium spine, which runs to the tip of the forend within the injection moulded, grey polymer outer and forms the foundation of the rifle. The interchangeable rear end attaches with a solid locking twin-screw clamp, one above and one below, the former under the scope - which limits accessibility - and the lower behind the trigger guard.

The integral chassis allows for a stiff, fully floating forend that prevents intermittent barrel contact, and in the sporter layout, includes underside leather textured, rubberised inserts for grip. There is a sling stud for bipod mounting and two QR cups on either side for sling mounting, a feature I really like for a biathlon style carry. There are also two matching ones by the recoil pad.

The 6-flute, 20” barrel is cold hammer forged and fully free floats. Like the action, it is Cerakoted dark grey to offer additional corrosion protection. Throughout the rifle, colour matches or contrasting tones offer a modern but tasteful look combining the best of old and new.

The tube is straight tapered from the action to its 16.5mm diameter muzzle, which is invisibly thread capped. The 5/8x24 thread can be used to attach a moderator or brake, the latter of which Sako can supply Cerakoted the same colour.

The sporter stock shows a righthanded thumbhole layout that is acceptably comfortable to shoot left-handed, a factor I liked. The length of pull is adjustable with spacers and the heavier tactical stock has an adjustable butt pad as well as a bag rider and butt hook shape. Both feature a fantastic, slender, vertically adjustable cheekpiece allowing great head position. It might need moving for bolt removal, depending on the exact height and the right side shows a sprung catch for immediate changes. It’s not super slick but when positioned, remains solidly located.

The polymer skins contain similar aluminium architecture and the joint to the action/forend/central chassis is reassuringly solid. Modularity allows for interchangeable thumb rests and grip sections, plus the sporter features a leather-like texture on the face of the grip. Stock ergonomics are first rate and believe me, I have shot quite a few horrors to contrast. The look is a bit ‘plasticky’ but the colour is good with tactile feel as well as noise being kept to a minimum.

Trigger time

Sako offers an optional 2-stage trigger, but the one here is a familiar single-stage unit, adjustable from 2-4lbs. My test unit broke crisply at 2.64lbs. The curved shape and space in the trigger guard allow ideal interaction and the blade can be adjusted back and forth approximately 7mm.

The 2-position safety moves forward for FIRE and rear for SAFE, where it locks the bolt as well as the firing pin. There is also a small secondary catch that allows the bolt to be opened while the rifle is on safe.

Performance on paper

The rifle arrived with a spotlessly clean bore and remained easy to clean throughout the review. I ran ammunition from Federal and Hornady through it, and as with most short barrels, velocities and energy suffered the least loss from ‘box figures’ when using heavier bullets.

The Hornady GMX actually posted higher velocities on a freezing day, but this was alongside hard extraction with slight brass flow into the extractor claw opening. This is a sure sign of high pressures, yet a good indicator the Sako can handle the harder shooting copper bullets, plus the bolt ergonomics and leverage will easily handle hard extraction.

Like all rifles, it showed ammunition preferences. Unlike the manufacturer who guarantees MOA with 5-rounds at 100 yards - probably using Sako ammunition - I restricted myself to 3-round groups for a stalking rifle, which I consider more representative of what real buyers are likely to justify as acceptable volume testing. Call it a hard test but with a cold bore, these are what I rely on at 100m.

The recoil is stable and smooth in transition with no dull echo from the stock. The cheekpiece is a fantastic assistant for head position and recoil control with the 25mm thick recoil pad offering good grip in the shoulder pocket, with minimal muzzle lift. A relaxed rifle to shoot with and I’m a hard customer to please.

Conclusions

I prefer the S20 to the 85, whose semicontrol feed bolt I was never a fan of. I’m told the magazine system is being updated as my issue was not unique to me and I’m sure a stiffer spring will solve it.

Otherwise, the rifle is a great buy in its own right with decent value ‘street price’.

Don’t get too carried away on the stock versatility because the forend is a faff to change, although the two rear stock options are both well designed. There is a wide range of high-quality accessories to complement them, especially the tactical unit, which would be my preference, even with the stalking barrel and forend.