Sako 75 vs 85 vs 90 vs 100 vs S20: Which Sako should a UK stalker buy?

Type “Sako” into a search bar and you quickly meet a wall of numbers: 75, 85, 90, 100, S20. Each has fans, each turns up on the second-hand market, and the names alone tell you very little about which one suits your stalking. This guide sorts the range into plain English so you can decide which Sako belongs in your gun cabinet, and what to look for before you commit.

A quick note on how to read it. We are comparing families, not single rifles. Calibre, barrel length, stock and finish vary from one listing to the next, so treat this as a map and always check the individual advert for the details that matter to you.

Why Sako earns the attention

Sako has been building bolt-action rifles in Finland for a very long time, and its reputation with UK stalkers rests on a few consistent things: smooth actions, accuracy that tends to reward decent ammunition, and a build quality that holds its value. That is why “Sako” is a search in its own right, and why used examples rarely sit around for long.

It also explains the confusion. Sako has refreshed its line-up several times, and older models stay in circulation for decades. You will often see a 75 advertised beside a 100, both described as “Sako stalking rifle”, and the two are not the same rifle at all.

Browse: All Sako rifles · Sako 75 · Sako 85 · Sako 90 · Sako 100

Sako 75: The older favourite

The 75 is the classic many stalkers grew up around. It is an older generation, so you will find it mostly on the used market, often in the stainless synthetic guise that suits a wet Scottish hillside. Buyers who like it usually say the same thing: it is solid, familiar and priced sensibly against newer designs.

Because these rifles have had a working life, condition is the main variable. Look closely at the bore, the crown, the bedding and the finish, and ask about round count and how it has been stored. A well-kept 75 can be a very rewarding purchase; a tired one is rarely a bargain.

Browse: Sako 75 · All Sako rifles · Sauer rifles · Tikka rifles · Moderators

Sako 85: The long-running all-rounder

The 85 followed the 75 and became the everyday Sako for a generation of UK stalkers. It comes in a wide spread of stock styles and finishes, from lightweight hill rifles to more traditional walnut, so you can tailor the rifle to how you actually stalk rather than buying a compromise.

Its appeal is breadth. There are plenty around, in many calibres, which helps when you are hunting for a specific combination. Our review of the Sako 85 Finnfire II covers the rimfire side of the family if that is where you are headed.

Browse: Sako 85 · All Sako rifles · Mauser M18 · Thermal and optics · Gun parts and accessories

Sako 90: The refined step up

The 90 sits as a more refined option in the line-up, with a reputation for a slick action and careful finishing. If the 85 is the dependable workhorse, the 90 is the one buyers choose when they want something a little more special without stepping into the very top price bracket. We go into more detail in our Sako 90 hunting rifle guide and the Finnlight 2 write-up, which is worth reading if weight on the hill matters to you.

When comparing a 90 with a 100, ask what you are actually paying for. Sometimes it is a genuinely different rifle; sometimes it is age, stock and finish. Put two adverts side by side and be honest about which features you would use.

Browse: Sako 90 · Sako 100 · All Sako rifles · Blaser rifles · Safes and cabinets

Sako 100: The newer generation

The 100 is the newer design, and it is the one attracting the most searches, including the Explorer versions. It suits stalkers who want a current rifle with a modern feel and are comfortable paying for it, or buying used at a saving from someone who has upgraded. Our Sako 100 buyer’s guide walks through the variants in more detail.

As with any newer model, the used market is still developing, so it pays to compare a few listings before you decide what fair looks like. Being patient here generally pays off.

Browse: Sako 100 · All Sako rifles · Tikka T3x · Sauer rifles · Thermal and optics

Sako S20: The modern hunter

The S20 is the newest line here, and the S20 Hunter is the version stalkers ask about most. It is aimed at the buyer who wants a contemporary rifle built for the field, and it tends to appeal to people who like the idea of a rifle designed from a fresh sheet rather than evolved from an older one.

Because it is comparatively recent, supply on the used market is smaller than for the 75 or 85. If you see one that fits your calibre and budget, it is worth acting on rather than assuming another will appear next week.

Browse: Sako S20 · All Sako rifles · Sako 100 · Tikka T3x · Moderators

What to check on any used Sako

Whatever the model, the same checklist applies. Start with the bore and crown, since accuracy lives there. Open and close the bolt several times and feel for anything gritty. Check the stock for cracks, the bedding for movement, and the metalwork for rust or dents, especially around the muzzle and the floorplate.

Then talk to the seller. Ask how the rifle was used, how it was stored, and whether it has been re-barrelled or re-stocked. Honest sellers welcome these questions, and the answers tell you as much as the photographs do. Finally, think about the rest of the kit: a suitable scope, a moderator and a secure cabinet all add to the true cost, and it is far better to plan for them at the outset than to be surprised afterwards.

Browse: Sako rifles · Thermal and optics · Moderators · Safes and cabinets · Gun parts and accessories

Which Sako is right for you?

Match the rifle to how you stalk. If you want the best value and are happy with a used, well-loved rifle, a 75 or 85 makes sense. If you want a step up in refinement, look at the 90. If you want the latest design, the 100 and S20 are where to shop. Whichever you choose, check the bore, the action, the stock and the paperwork, and consider how you will fit optics and a moderator, because those choices affect the feel of the whole rifle.

Still undecided between a Sako and something else? Our comparison of the Mauser M18 and Tikka T3x and our guide to the best hunting rifles for UK stalkers will help you weigh up the alternatives.

Browse: All Sako rifles · Rifles for sale · Tikka rifles · Mauser rifles · Thermal and optics

FAQ

What is the difference between the Sako 85 and the Sako 90? They are different generations, with the 90 positioned as the more refined option. Details vary by variant, so compare the specific listings rather than assuming a fixed difference.

Is the Sako 100 better than the Sako 90? It is newer, but “better” depends on what you value. Some buyers prefer the more established 90; others want the current design. Compare condition, calibre, and price on the day.

Are Sako rifles worth buying second-hand? Sako rifles have a strong reputation for holding value, which is a good sign for used buyers. Check the bore and crown, the bedding, the finish, and the service history.

What should I check before buying a used Sako? Ask about round count, storage, and any previous work; inspect the bore and action, and make sure the calibre suits the quarry you plan to stalk.

Ready to find your Sako?

Browse Sako rifles from sellers across the UK on Rightgun.uk, compare the 75, 85, 90, 100 and S20 side by side, and message sellers directly. If you have a Sako to sell, listing it puts it in front of buyers who are searching for exactly that.

Further reading: Sako 100 buyer’s guide, Sako 90 hunting rifle, Sako Finnlight 2, Mauser M18 vs Tikka T3x, and Choosing a scope for deer stalking.