19-Aug-2026
Ask any stalker or target shooter to name a handful of truly premium factory rifles, and Sako will come up within seconds. The Finnish maker has spent more than a century building a reputation for clean machining, superb barrels and actions that feel like they were finished by hand. The Sako 100 sits right at the top of that tree, the brand’s modern flagship, and one of the most talked-about centrefire rifles among UK shooters searching for a genuine “buy once, keep for life” rifle. This guide explains what the Sako 100 is, how it differs from the Sako 85 and 90 it sits above, and what to weigh up before you buy.
What is the Sako 100?
The Sako 100 is Sako’s premium switch-calibre bolt-action rifle. Its headline feature is a user-changeable barrel and bolt-head system: rather than owning three rifles, an owner can configure one Sako 100 for different calibre families by swapping the barrel, bolt head and magazine. For UK shooters who stalk deer in the season, shoot foxes over winter and fancy the odd trip to the range, that flexibility is the whole appeal: one certificate slot’s worth of action doing several jobs (subject, of course, to how your certificate is conditioned; always speak to your local firearms licensing team about calibre changes).
Beyond the modularity, the 100 carries all the usual Sako hallmarks: a smooth three-lug style action, a crisp adjustable trigger, excellent factory barrels and fit-and-finish that comfortably justifies the “premium” label. Stock options run from classic oiled walnut through to more technical adjustable designs, so it suits both traditionalists and shooters who want a modern, ergonomic fit.
Sako 100 vs Sako 85 and Sako 90
Plenty of buyers weighing up a Sako 100 are really deciding between three generations of the marque. The discontinued Sako 85 remains hugely popular on the second-hand market in the UK; it’s the rifle many stalkers grew up wanting, and used examples hold their value well. The Sako 90 family updated the 85 with refinements across the range, while the 100 sits above both as the flagship with the switch-barrel capability.
A rough way to think about it: if you want one calibre for life and love traditional lines, a clean used Sako 85 is superb value. If you want a current-production rifle with modern touches, look at the 90 series or the more tactical-styled S20. If you want maximum flexibility and the best Sako makes, the 100 is the one, you pay for that privilege, but you only pay once.
Calibres and configurations for UK use
Because of the switch-barrel design, the Sako 100 is offered across the popular calibre families UK shooters actually use. For deer stalking, the perennial choices, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win and .30-06, cover everything from roe to reds, and all are well supported by UK ammunition dealers. For longer-range target work, the 6.5 Creedmoor configuration has become the default for good reason: mild recoil, excellent factory ammunition and proven accuracy.
Stock choice matters as much as calibre. The walnut-stocked versions are the ones that stop people in their tracks at the gun shop, but if you shoot in all weather, a laminate or synthetic-stocked configuration will shrug off the British climate far better. Whichever you choose, budget properly for glass; a rifle of this quality deserves a serious scope, and many UK buyers pair theirs with premium European optics.
What does a Sako 100 cost in the UK?
The Sako 100 is unashamedly a premium rifle, priced well above the 90 series and several times the cost of a workhorse stalking rifle such as a Howa 1500 or Tikka T3x (Tikka being Sako’s sister brand, sharing the same Finnish factory). Additional barrels in further calibres are a significant investment in their own right, so it’s worth being honest about how many configurations you’ll genuinely use. Exact pricing moves with specifications and exchange rates, so treat listed prices as your guide and compare a few sellers before committing.
Because the rifle is still relatively new to the market, second-hand examples are scarcer than used 85s, but they do appear, often barely run in. A lightly used Sako 100 with one or two barrels can represent excellent value against list price, provided it checks out on inspection.
Buying a used Sako 100: What to check
The good news is that Sakos are rarely abused; these are rifles bought by enthusiasts who look after them. Even so, apply the same checks you would to any used centrefire. Examine the bore condition and crown, confirm the barrel swap components (barrel nut interface, bolt heads, magazines) are all present and unmarred, and check the stock for cracks around the action screws. Ask about round count and whether the barrel was run in; a well-documented rifle from a careful owner is always worth a premium. Our general guidance in the best .308 rifles UK guide and wider buying articles applies here too: buy the rifle in front of you, not the brochure.
Provenance matters more on a modular rifle than a fixed-barrel one; a Sako 100 “system” with matching paperwork, case, and accessories is a far better buy than a bare rifle of uncertain history.
Is the Sako 100 right for you?
If you’re a one-rifle deer stalker on a sensible budget, the honest answer is that a Sako 90, used 85 or even a Tikka will do the job beautifully for less. The Sako 100 makes sense for the shooter who wants a genuine lifetime rifle, values the flexibility of multiple calibres on one action, and appreciates engineering for its own sake. Nobody needs one; plenty of people, having handled one, decide they want one, and few of them regret it.
FAQs
Is the Sako 100 available in the UK? Yes. Sako has an established UK distribution network, and the 100 is sold through registered firearms dealers nationwide, with popular calibres generally easiest to find. You’ll need the appropriate firearm certificate conditions before purchase.
What’s the difference between the Sako 100 and the Sako 90? The 90 series is Sako’s mainstream premium range; the 100 sits above it as the flagship, with its switch-barrel, multi-calibre capability being the defining difference, alongside upgraded furniture and finish options.
Does the Sako 100 hold its value? Sako rifles generally hold value well in the UK, and the 100’s flagship status helps. As with all premium rifles, condition, calibre choice and included extras (spare barrels, magazines, paperwork) drive the resale price.
What calibre Sako 100 is best for deer stalking in the UK? It depends on the species and ground you shoot, but .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win are the most popular UK stalking choices, and all are legal for larger deer species in England and Wales where they meet the energy requirements. Check the specific deer legislation for Scotland if you shoot north of the border.
Find Sako rifles on Rightgun.uk
Whether you’re after the flagship 100, a used 85, an S20 or a TRG, you’ll find new and used Sako rifles for sale on Rightgun.uk from dealers and private sellers across the UK. Browse the current rifle listings, compare configurations and prices, and if you’re upgrading, remember you can list your current rifle for sale in minutes and reach thousands of active UK shooters.
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