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{{Short description|Finnish firearm manufacturer}}
:''This article is about the '''SAKO''' firearms manufacturer. For the Polish 1950s programming language, see [[SAKO programming language]] or [[Non-English-based programming languages]]''.
{{About|the Finnish firearm manufacturer||Sako (disambiguation)}}
[[Image:Sako.jpg|right]]
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}}
'''SAKO, Limited''' ([[White Guard (Finland)|Suojeluskuntain]] Ase- ja Konepaja Oy, ''Civil Guard Gun- and Machiningworks Ltd'') is a [[Finland|Finnish]] [[firearm]] manufacturer located in [[Riihimäki]].
{{Infobox company
| name = Sako Limited
| logo = SAKO Limited logo.svg
| native_name = Sako Oy
| native_name_lang = fi
| type = ''[[Osakeyhtiö]]''
| foundation = {{start date and age|1921}}
| location = [[Riihimäki]], Finland
| owner =
| key_people =
| industry = [[Arms industry|Arms]]
| products = [[Firearm]]s
| revenue =
| num_employees =
| parent = [[Beretta Holding]]
| website = {{Official URL}}
}}


'''Sako Limited''' (natively '''{{Langr|fi|Sako Oy}}''')<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.kauppalehti.fi/yritykset/yritys/sako+oy/06435646 |title=Sako Oy |website=[[Kauppalehti]] |language=fi |access-date=14 March 2024}}</ref> is a [[Finland|Finnish]] [[firearm]] and [[ammunition]] manufacturer located in [[Riihimäki]], [[Tavastia Proper]] in [[southern Finland]]. It also has owned the [[Tikkakoski (company)|Tikka]] brand of [[bolt-action rifle]]s since 1983, and is now owned by the Italian firearm [[holding company]] [[Beretta Holding]]. The name Sako comes from the company's former name {{langr|fi|Suojeluskuntain Ase- ja Konepaja Oy}} ({{Literal translation|[[White Guard (Finland)|Civil Guard]] Gun and Machining Works Ltd}}).
It was formed on [[1 June]] [[1927]] from the previous Civil Guard Supreme Staff Gun Works and moved from [[Helsinki]] to Riihimäki. In [[1987]] state owned [[Valmet]] and SAKO fused into a SAKO-VALMET company with [[Nokia]] and Valmet as 50/50 stockholders and later, after several organizational shifts in state ownership, the SAKO name remained for the privately owned gun and cartridge producing company located in the cities of [[Riihimäki]] and [[Jyväskylä]] (former Valmet factory in Tourula, which was later closed). The company is now owned by [[Beretta]] Holdings.


==History==
Sako [[rifle]]s are known for their quality and accuracy, although this quality comes at a quite high price. Sako also manufacture the Tikka brand also known for their high quality attributes. Tikka is usually advertised as a cheaper alternative that still offers a high quality to cost ratio.
In 1919, two years after Finland declared independence from the [[Russian Empire]], the Suojeluskuntain Yliesikunnan Asepaja (Civil Guard Supreme Staff Gun Works) opened in a former [[Helsinki]] brewery to repair private arms and recondition Russian military rifles for Finnish service.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Jim Carmichel |title=SAKO-50 Years of Rifle Accuracy |url=http://www.gunsandammo.com/content/sako50-years-rifle-accuracy |website=Guns & Ammo |publisher=Intermedia Outdoors |access-date=5 June 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125063539/http://www.gunsandammo.com/content/sako50-years-rifle-accuracy#selection-1139.426-1147.340 |archive-date=25 January 2013 |language=en-us |date=May 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The rifle repair shop became financially independent of the civil guard in 1921. The Suojeluskuntain Yliesikunnan Asepaja moved from Helsinki to an ammunition factory in Riihimäki on 1 June 1927, and reorganized as SAKO in the 1930s. Sako started exporting [[pistol]] [[cartridge (firearms)|cartridges]] to Sweden in the 1930s and continued manufacturing [[submachine gun]] cartridges through [[World War II]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Meyer |first1=Scott E. |year=2003 |title=The Sako Saga |journal=[[American Rifleman]] |volume=151 |issue=October |pages=65&66 |publisher=National Rifle Association of America }}</ref>


Another Finnish firearms manufacturer [[Tikkakoski (company)|Tikkakoski]], which owned the Tikka brand, was merged into SAKO in 1983.<ref name="sako-history">{{cite web |title=Sako History |url=https://www.tikka.fi/sako-history |website=Tikka |access-date=5 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821153413/https://www.tikka.fi/sako-history |archive-date=21 August 2019 |language=en |url-status=live}}</ref> In 1986, the arms manufacturing division of the government-owned [[Valmet]] conglomerate (which itself had been derived from the [[Valtion Kivääritehdas]], VKT) was merged with Sako and called ''Sako-Valmet'', with ownership split evenly between [[Nokia]] and Valmet. After further organizational shifts in state ownership, the company was sold to the Italian [[Beretta Holding]] in 2000.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.talouselama.fi/uutiset/suomalainen-asetehdas-loysi-isannan-italiasta-olemme-outo-osakkeenomistaja/b1ea9aa1-643a-355b-b7ba-8a505567512f |title=Suomalainen asetehdas löysi isännän Italiasta – "Olemme outo osakkeenomistaja" |last=Lähteenmäki |first=Pekka |date=28 December 2016 |website=[[Talouselämä]] |access-date=11 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229172408/https://www.talouselama.fi/uutiset/suomalainen-asetehdas-loysi-isannan-italiasta-olemme-outo-osakkeenomistaja/b1ea9aa1-643a-355b-b7ba-8a505567512f |archive-date=29 December 2017 |url-status=live |language=fi}}</ref>
==Post-WW2 Production==
The first civilian rifle bearing the Sako name was the L42 (Lukko [rifle] model 1942) which was prototyped in 1942. However, commercial production didn't start until after WW2, with the L46 rifle chambered for the 7x33 Sako cartridge. Sako developed the 7x33 Sako cartridge based on the [[9 x 19 mm Parabellum|9x19]] pistol cartridge, by making a longer case and "necking" the case down to 7mm calibre (7.21mm bullet diameter). This cartridge was designed for [[capercaille]] and [[black grouse]] hunting, a very popular sport in Finland, Sweden and Norway, and is an excellent cartridge for that purpose. The L46 was later denoted L461 "Vixen". The L461 has been very popular in Finland and Sweden, especially chambered for the .222 Rem cartridge and has an almost mythical status among aficionados.


==Post–World War II production==
In 1957, Sako launched a longer action, the L57, subsequently renamed L579 "Forester". This is a "medium action" intended for the .308 Winchester and similar cartridges.
The first civilian rifle bearing the Sako name was the L42 (Luodikko [rifle] model 1942) chambered for the [[7×33mm Sako]] cartridge, prototyped in 1942, and commercial production started after World War II. Sako developed the 7×33mm cartridge based on the [[9×19mm Parabellum]] pistol cartridge, by making a longer case and "necking" the case down to 7&nbsp;mm calibre (7.21&nbsp;mm bullet diameter). This cartridge was designed for and well suited to [[capercaillie]] and black grouse hunting, a popular sport in Finland, Sweden and Norway. The L46 was later denoted L461 "Vixen". The L461 has been very popular in Finland and Sweden, especially chambered for the [[.222 Remington]] cartridge and has a great reputation among aficionados.{{citation needed|date=October 2015}}


In 1961, Sako introduced the L61R "Finnbear" for the long cartridges like the .30-06, 6.5x55 and similar.
In 1957, Sako launched a longer action, the L57, subsequently renamed L579 "Forester". This is a "medium action" intended for the [[.308 Winchester]] and similar cartridges.


For a short while, Sako produced a [[lever-action]] gun, the Sako Finnwolf, in [[.243 Winchester|.243 Win]] and [[.308 Winchester|.308 Win]]
In 1961, Sako introduced the L61R "Finnbear" for long cartridges like the [[.30-06]] and [[6.5×55mm]].


Between 1959 and 1974, Sako produced a [[lever-action]] gun, the Sako Finnwolf, in [[.243 Winchester]] and [[.308 Winchester]].
Sako has also produced a number of rimfire rifles, among those are the P72 Finnscout, the M78 and the Finnfire. The M78 was also chambered for the [[.22 Hornet]] and the [[.22 WMR]] in addition to the [[.22 Long Rifle|.22 LR]]


Between 1976 and 1988, Sako produced an autoloading match pistol, the ".22-32", then ".22-32 New Model", then "Triace", three versions of the same handgun, slightly modified. It was chambered for .22 Short, .22 Long Rifle and .32 Smith & Wesson Wadcutter, with conversions (barrels, slides and magazines) for each caliber. It is suitable for ISSF (tehn "UIT") sport pistol events (Rapid Fire Pistol, Standard Pistol, 25m Pistol, and Centerfire Pistol events. It can be used for 50m Free pistol).
A modified, larger diameter, version of the short (Vixen) action was produced for the .22 PPC and [[6mm PPC]] cartridges, when Sako introduced these former [[wildcat cartridge]]s as commercial cartridges, denoted ".22 PPC USA" and "6mm PPC USA" to avoid confusion with the specialized bench rest cartridges which required a "tight neck" chamber.

Sako has also produced a number of rimfire rifles, among them are the [[Sako P72 Finnscout|P72 Finnscout]], [[Sako M78|M78]], [[Sako Finnfire|Finnfire]], [[Sako Quad|Quad]] and [[Sako Finnfire II|Finnfire II]]. The M78 was also chambered for the [[.22 Hornet]] and the [[.22 WMR]] in addition to the [[.22 Long Rifle]].

During the 1980s (1987), Sako started using the AI/AII/AV designations (previously used for models imported to the US) for the three action lengths in Europe. The complete rifles were still designated L461/L579/L61. The bolt was given a slight cosmetic makeover, with the hammer covered by a conical shell. This visual design was also used on the later models (M4/5/691, [[Sako 75|M75]], [[Sako 85|M85]]).

The L579 could be delivered with detachable magazine although the default was a hinged floorplate.

From 1987 to 1992, a version of the short (Vixen) action was produced for the [[.22 PPC]] and [[6mm PPC]] cartridges, when Sako introduced these former [[wildcat cartridge]]s as commercial cartridges, denoted ".22 PPC USA" and "6mm PPC USA" to avoid confusion with the specialized bench rest cartridges which required a "tight neck" chamber. These actions are the same external dimensions, and have the same bolt diameter as the 222 Remington, 222 Rem. Magnum, 223 Rem. cartridge actions. Only the bolt face recess was enlarged to suit the PPC case.


In 1992, the first of the "newer" Sakos, the 591, was introduced as a replacement for the L579. Shortly after, the 491 and the 691 were launched. These rifles (491/591/691) are not as highly regarded as the L461/L579/L61R and according to folklore, the quality of the workmanship is slightly inferior for the 491/591/691. They featured a separate recoil lug, also found on the 75, and a Tikka trigger assembly. However, these rifles were available in left-hand configuration both as a medium action (591) and long action (691)
In 1992, the first of the "newer" Sakos, the 591, was introduced as a replacement for the L579. Shortly after, the 491 and the 691 were launched. These rifles (491/591/691) are not as highly regarded as the L461/L579/L61R and according to folklore, the quality of the workmanship is slightly inferior for the 491/591/691. They featured a separate recoil lug, also found on the 75, and a Tikka trigger assembly. However, these rifles were available in left-hand configuration both as a medium action (591) and long action (691)


In 1997, Sako launched the [[Sako 75|75]], named for Sako's 75th anniversary. The 75 was externally similar to previous Sako models, but the construction was radically different featuring three symmetrical locking lugs and a detachable magazine.
Before the 75, Sako hunting rifles (except the L46) did not have detachable magazines, but a hinged floorplate with the lock placed on the front of the trigger guard.


Before the 75, Sako hunting rifles (except the L46 and the L579) did not have detachable magazines, but a hinged floorplate with the lock placed on the front of the trigger guard.
==Current Production==


Sako's latest (and current) model, the [[Sako 85|M85]], was introduced in 2006. In 2020, [[Sako S20|S20]] was released.
At the moment Sako produces a number of different variants of the [[centerfire]] rifles [[Sako 75]] and [[Sako 85]]. These are meant for hunting and are offered in a large number of different calibres ranging from [[.22-250 Remington|22-250 Rem]] to [[.416 Remington Magnum|.416 Rem Mag]], the available calibres varying with the variants.


==Current production==
Also in production is the [[Sako Quad]], a [[rimfire]] rifle with interchangeable barrels of four different calbres, these being the [[.17 Hornady Mach 2 (.17HM2)|.17HM2]], the [[.17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire|.17HMR]], the [[.22 Long Rifle]] and the [[.22 WMR]].
Including the new Sako 90 and 100 series. Updated August 2024.
===''Sako'' brand===
* '''[[Sako S20]]''' — A [[Modularity|modular]] "hybrid" rifle with aluminium [[rifle bedding|bedding]] [[chassis#Firearms|chassis]] and interchangeable furnitures ([[buttstock]]/grip and [[forearm (firearm component)|fore-end]])
* '''[[Sako 85]]''' — Sako's premium-line [[bolt-action]] [[centerfire]] [[hunting rifle]], available in many configurations and calibres from [[.204 Ruger]] through to [[.416 Remington Magnum|.416 RM]]
* '''[[Sako A7]]''' — Sako's mid-price-range hunting rifle, filling the gap between the Sako 85 premium line and the [[Tikka T3]]x value line hunting rifles. The A7 combines different features from the Sako 85 and the Tikka T3, along with a unique in-line detachable magazine design, and is currently (2010) available only with a synthetic [[stock (firearms)|stock]], in combination with either a [[bluing (steel)|blued]] [[41xx steel|chromoly]] or [[stainless steel]] barrelled action.
* '''[[Sako TRG]]''' — A long-range [[sniper rifle]] geared toward law enforcement and military use
* '''[[Sako Quad]]''' — A [[Rimfire (firearms)|rimfire]] rifle, available in a variety of configurations with interchangeable [[gun barrel|barrel]]s in [[.17 HMR]], [[.17 HM2]], [[.22 LR]] and [[.22 WMR]] calibres
* '''[[Sako Finnfire II]]''' — A rimfire rifle available in .17 HMR and .22 LR calibres


===''Tikka'' brand===
The [[Sako TRG]] is the final firearm in production at the moment, this being a long-range [[sniper rifle]] geared at law-enforcement or military use.
* '''[[Tikka T3]]x''' — Sako's budget-range centerfire hunting rifle, available in calibres from .204 Ruger to [[.338 Winchester Magnum|.338 WM]]
* '''[[Tikka T1x MTR]]''' — A "multi-task rimfire" rifle with the same [[receiver (firearms)|receiver]] footprint as the T3x, introduced in 2018, available in .17 HMR and .22 LR calibres


==Sako model history==
==Sako model history (Europe)==


{| border="1"
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|-
|-
|'''Introduced''' ||'''Model''' ||'''Chambered for'''
|'''Introduced''' ||'''Model''' ||'''Chambered for''' ||'''Comments'''
|-
|-
|1942 ||L42 ||7x33 Sako
|1942 ||L42 ||7×33mm Sako
|-
|-
|1946 ||L46 ||5.6x35R, .22 Hornet, .218 Bee, .222 Rem, .222 Rem Mag, .25-20 Win, 7x33 Sako, .32-20 Win
|1946 ||L46 ||5.6×35mmR, .22 Hornet, .218 Bee, .222 Rem, .222 Rem Mag, .25-20 Win, 7×33mm Sako, .32-20 Win ||Detachable magazine
|-
|1954?||P54/P54T || .22 LR
|-
|195? ||M98 ||.270 Win, .30-06, .300 H&H, 8×60mm, 9.3×62mm, .375 H&H || FN M98 action, Sako stock and barrel
|-
|1957 ||L57 ||.243 Win, .244 Rem, .308 Win ||Fixed magazine
|-
|1959 ||L579 Forester ||.22-250, .243 Win, .244 Rem, .308 Win ||Fixed magazine, later in production detachable as option
|-
|1961 ||L461 Vixen ||.17 Rem, .222 Rem, .222 Rem Mag, .223 Rem ||Fixed magazine
|-
|1961 ||L61R Finnbear ||.264 Win, .270 Win, 30-06 ||Three locking lugs: Two in front and one on the rear end of the bolt
|-
|1961 ||L61R Finnbear Magnum ||7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, .300 H&H, .338 Win Mag, .375 H&H ||Three locking lugs: two in front and one on the rear end of the bolt
|-
|1963 ||VL63 Finnwolf ||.243 Win, .244 Rem, .308 Win, .358 Win ||Lever-action
|-
|1972 ||L61R Finnbear ||.25-06 Rem, 6.5×55mm, .270 Win, 7×64mm, .30-06, 9.3×62mm ||Two locking lugs in front
|-
|1972 ||L61R Finnbear Magnum ||7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, .338 Win Mag, .375 H&H ||Two locking lugs in front
|-
|1972 ||P72 Finnscout ||.22 LR, .22 WMR ||
|-
|1974? ||Sako M74 Super ||.222 Rem, .223 Rem, .22-250, .243 Win, .308 Win, .25-06, .270 Win, .30-06, .264 Mag, 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, .300 H&H, .338 Win Mag, .375 H&H ||
|-
|1975 ||P75 || .22 Hornet ||
|-
|1978 ||M78 Finnscout ||.22 LR, .22 WMR, .22 Hornet ||
|-
|1979/80 ||AI/L461 ||.17 Rem, .222 Rem, .223 Rem ||Also available as single-shot action
|-
|1987 ||AI/L461 PPC ||.22 PPC USA, 6mm PPC USA ||Also available as single-shot action
|-
|1979/80 ||AII/L579 ||.22-250 Rem, .243 Win, 7mm-08, .308 Win ||Also available as single-shot action
|-
|1979/80 ||AIII || ||Early version of the AV, short tang
|-
|1979/80 ||AIV || ||
|-
|1979/80 ||AV/L61R ||.25-06 Rem, 6.5×55, .270 Win, 7×64, .30-06, 9.3×62mm ||Long tang
|-
|1979/80 ||AV Mag/L61R Magnum ||7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, .300 Wby, .338 Win Mag, .375 H&H, .416 Rem Mag ||.458 Win Mag has been produced on special order
|-
|1982? ||VL63 Finnwolf Sako Collectors Association ||.243 Win, .308 Win ||Lever-action
|-
|1988 ||M579 SM (Super Match) ||.308 Win ||
|-
|1989 ||[[Sako TRG-21|TRG-21]] ||.308 Win ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
|-
|1989 ||[[Sako TRG-41|TRG-41]] || .338 Lapua Mag ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
|-
|1992 ||M591 Left hand ||.22-250, .243 Win, 7mm-08 Rem, .308 Win ||
|-
|1992
|[[Sako M995|M995 TRG-S]] ||.25-06 Rem, 6.5×55, .270 Win, .280 Rem, 7×64, .308 Win, .30-06 Spr, 9.3×62 ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine, .473" bolt face
|-
|1992 ||[[Sako M995|M995 TRG-S Magnum]] ||.270 Wby, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm Wby, 7mm STW, .300 Win Mag, .300 Wby, .338 Win Mag, .340 Wby, .375 H&H, .416 Rem Mag ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine, .532" bolt face
|-
|1992
|[[Sako M995|M995 TRG-S Super Magnum]]
|7.21 Firebird, 7.82 Warbird, .30-378 Wby, .338 Lapua Magnum
|Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine, .590" bolt face
|-
|1993 ||S491 ||.17 Rem, .222 Rem, .223 Rem, .22 PPC USA, 6mm PPC USA ||
|-
|1993 ||M591 ||.22-250, .243 Win, 7mm-08 Rem, .308 Win ||
|-
|1993 ||L691 ||.25-06, 6.5×55mm, .270 Win, 7×64, .280 Rem, .30-06, 9.3×62mm ||
|-
|1993 ||L691 Mag ||.270 Wby, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm Wby, .300 Win Mag, .300 Wby, .338 Win Mag, .340 Wby, .375 H&H, .416 Rem Mag ||
|-
|1997 ||[[Sako 75|Sako 75 I]] ||.222 Rem, .223 Rem ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
|-
|1997 ||[[Sako 75|Sako 75 III]] ||.22 PPC USA, 6mm PPC USA ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
|-
|1997 ||[[Sako 75|Sako 75 III]] ||.22-250, .243 Win, .260 Rem, 7mm-08 Rem, .308 Win ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
|-
|1997 ||[[Sako 75|Sako 75 SM]] ||.270 WSM, .300WSM ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
|-
|1997 ||[[Sako 75|Sako 75 IV]] ||.25-06, 6.5×55mm, .270 Win, 7×64mm, .30-06, 9.3×62, 9.3×66mm Sako ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
|-
|1997 ||[[Sako 75|Sako 75 V]] ||7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, .375 H&H, .416 Rem Mag ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
|-
|1999 ||[[Sako TRG-22|TRG-22]] ||.260 Rem, .308 Win ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
|-
|1999 ||[[Sako TRG-42|TRG-42]] ||.300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua Mag ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
|-
|2001 ||[[Sako 75]] V Safari anniversary model ||.375 H&H ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
|-
|2001 ||[[Sako Finnfire]] (P94S)||.22 LR ||
|-
|2006? ||[[Sako Quad]] ||.17 Mach 2, .17 HMR, .22 LR, .22 WMR || Interchangeable barrels
|-
|2006 ||[[Sako 85|Sako 85 XS]] ||.204 Ruger, .222 Remington, .223 Remington ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
|-
|2006 ||[[Sako 85|Sako 85 S]] ||.22-250, .243 Win, .260 Rem, 7mm-08 Rem, .308 Win, .338 Federal ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
|-
|2006 ||[[Sako 85|Sako 85 SM]] ||.270 WSM, 7mm WSM, .300 WSM ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
|-
|2006 ||[[Sako 85|Sako 85 M]] ||.25-06, 6.5×55mm, .270 Win, 7×64mm, .30-06, 9.3×62mm, 9.3×66mm Sako ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
|-
|2006 ||[[Sako 85|Sako 85 L]] ||7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, .338 Win Mag, .375 H&H Mag ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
|-
|2011 ||[[Sako TRG M10]] ||.308 Win, .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua Mag ||User configurable multi caliber modular sniper system
|-
|2014 ||[[Sako Finnfire II]]||.17 HMR, .22 LR ||
|-
|2020 ||[[Sako S20]]||.243 Win, 6.5 CM, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, .30-06, .300 Win Mag ||Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
|-
|2023 ||[[Sako 90]]||.243 Win, 6.5 CM, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, .30-06, .300 Win Mag ||Updated Sako 85, Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
|-
|2024
|Sako TRG 62 A1
|9.5×77 mm
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valpolini |first=Paolo |date=2024-06-07 |title=The Sako TRG 62 A1: The evolution of long-range precision in military equipment is being introduced |url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/the-sako-trg-62-a1-the-evolution-of-long-range-precision-in-military-equipment-is-being-introduced |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=EDR Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref>
|}


=== Models ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+ '''Models A-series actions'''
|-
|align="center"| || align="center"| L461/AI || align="center"| L461/AI PPC || align="center"| L579/AII || align="center"| L61R/AV || align="center"| L61R Mag/AV Mag
|-
|Hunter ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X
|-
|Deluxe ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X
|-
|Super Deluxe ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X
|-
|Laminated ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X
|-
|Varmint ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| ||align="center"|
|-
|Target ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| ||align="center"|
|-
|Carbine ||align="center"| ||align="center"| ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X
|-
|Handy ||align="center"| ||align="center"| ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"|
|-
|Handy Fiber ||align="center"| ||align="center"| ||align="center"| ||align="center"| X ||align="center"|
|-
|Battue ||align="center"| ||align="center"| ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X
|-
|Classic ||align="center"| ||align="center"| ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X
|-
|Fiberclass ||align="center"| ||align="center"| ||align="center"| ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X
|-
|Safari ||align="center"| ||align="center"| ||align="center"| ||align="center"| ||align="center"| X
|}
|}


{| class="wikitable"
==Popular Culture References==
|+ '''Models 4/5/691 series actions'''
In the [[System of a Down]] song [[Sugar (System of a Down single)|Sugar]] the band makes a reference to SAKO firearms stating "I bought a gun the other day from SAKO it's cute, it's small fits right in my pocket", which is ironic given SAKO makes rifles.
|-
| Hunter, Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Laminated, Varmint, Carbine, Classic
|}


[[File:Sako Rifle 25-06.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Sako Rifle in .25-06]]
==Trivia==
Sako is also a popular Armenian name.


{| class="wikitable"
==External Links==
|+ '''[[Sako 75|Models M75]] series actions'''
* [http://www.sako.fi/ SAKO corporate website]
|-
* [http://www.pmulcahy.com/bolt-action_sporting_rifles/finnish_ba_spr-sako.htm Finnish Bolt-action SPorting Rifles - Sako]
| ||align="center"| I (Short) ||align="center"| III (Medium) ||align="center"| SM (Short magnum) ||align="center"| IV (Long) ||align="center"| V (Magnum)
* [http://world.guns.ru/sniper/sn22-e.htm Modern Firearms]
|-
* [http://guns.connect.fi/gow/M95.html Gunwriters' M95 Assault Rifle]
|Hunter ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X
|-
|Hunter Stainless ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X
|-
|Hunter left hand ||align="center"| ||align="center"| ||align="center"| ||align="center"| X ||align="center"|
|-
|Laminated stainless ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X
|-
|Deluxe ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X
|-
|Synthetic stainless ||align="center"| ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X
|-
|Finnlight ||align="center"| ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X
|-
|Varmint ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| ||align="center"| X ||align="center"|
|-
|Varmint Laminated Stainless ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| X ||align="center"| ||align="center"| ||align="center"|
|}


[[File:Sako Finnlight Rifle 243.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Sako Finnlight in .243 Winchester]]
[[Category:Companies of Finland]]
[[Category:Beretta]]
[[Category:Firearms manufacturers]]


{| class="wikitable"
|+ '''Models M85 series actions'''
|-
| Hunter, Laminated Stainless, Stainless, Synthetic Stainless, Finnlight, Bavarian, Bavarian Carbine, Varmint, Brown Bear, Black Bear, Kodiak, Grizzly, Long range, Varmint Stainless Synthetic Black, Carbonlight, Classic Deluxe, Deluxe, Safari, Black Wolf, Finnlight ǁ, Carbon Wolf, Safari 90th Anniversary
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* [http://guns.connect.fi/gow/M95.html Gunwriters' M95 Assault Rifle]


{{firearms-stub}}
{{SAKO}}
{{Beretta Holding}}
{{Finland-company-stub}}
{{Authority control}}
{{manufacturing-company-stub}}


[[it:Sako]]
[[Category:SAKO| ]]
[[Category:Beretta Holding]]
[[nl:Sako]]
[[Category:1921 establishments in Finland]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1921]]
[[Category:Riihimäki]]

Latest revision as of 21:18, 12 September 2024

This article is about the Finnish firearm manufacturer. For other uses, see Sako (disambiguation).

Sako Limited
Native name
Sako Oy
Company typeOsakeyhtiö
IndustryArms
Founded1921; 104 years ago (1921)
HeadquartersRiihimäki, Finland
ProductsFirearms
ParentBeretta Holding
Websitewww.sako.global Edit this at Wikidata

Sako Limited (natively Sako Oy)[1] is a Finnish firearm and ammunition manufacturer located in Riihimäki, Tavastia Proper in southern Finland. It also has owned the Tikka brand of bolt-action rifles since 1983, and is now owned by the Italian firearm holding company Beretta Holding. The name Sako comes from the company's former name Suojeluskuntain Ase- ja Konepaja Oy (lit. 'Civil Guard Gun and Machining Works Ltd').

History

[edit]

In 1919, two years after Finland declared independence from the Russian Empire, the Suojeluskuntain Yliesikunnan Asepaja (Civil Guard Supreme Staff Gun Works) opened in a former Helsinki brewery to repair private arms and recondition Russian military rifles for Finnish service.[2] The rifle repair shop became financially independent of the civil guard in 1921. The Suojeluskuntain Yliesikunnan Asepaja moved from Helsinki to an ammunition factory in Riihimäki on 1 June 1927, and reorganized as SAKO in the 1930s. Sako started exporting pistol cartridges to Sweden in the 1930s and continued manufacturing submachine gun cartridges through World War II.[3]

Another Finnish firearms manufacturer Tikkakoski, which owned the Tikka brand, was merged into SAKO in 1983.[4] In 1986, the arms manufacturing division of the government-owned Valmet conglomerate (which itself had been derived from the Valtion Kivääritehdas, VKT) was merged with Sako and called Sako-Valmet, with ownership split evenly between Nokia and Valmet. After further organizational shifts in state ownership, the company was sold to the Italian Beretta Holding in 2000.[5]

Post–World War II production

[edit]

The first civilian rifle bearing the Sako name was the L42 (Luodikko [rifle] model 1942) chambered for the 7×33mm Sako cartridge, prototyped in 1942, and commercial production started after World War II. Sako developed the 7×33mm cartridge based on the 9×19mm Parabellum pistol cartridge, by making a longer case and "necking" the case down to 7 mm calibre (7.21 mm bullet diameter). This cartridge was designed for and well suited to capercaillie and black grouse hunting, a popular sport in Finland, Sweden and Norway. The L46 was later denoted L461 "Vixen". The L461 has been very popular in Finland and Sweden, especially chambered for the .222 Remington cartridge and has a great reputation among aficionados.[citation needed]

In 1957, Sako launched a longer action, the L57, subsequently renamed L579 "Forester". This is a "medium action" intended for the .308 Winchester and similar cartridges.

In 1961, Sako introduced the L61R "Finnbear" for long cartridges like the .30-06 and 6.5×55mm.

Between 1959 and 1974, Sako produced a lever-action gun, the Sako Finnwolf, in .243 Winchester and .308 Winchester.

Between 1976 and 1988, Sako produced an autoloading match pistol, the ".22-32", then ".22-32 New Model", then "Triace", three versions of the same handgun, slightly modified. It was chambered for .22 Short, .22 Long Rifle and .32 Smith & Wesson Wadcutter, with conversions (barrels, slides and magazines) for each caliber. It is suitable for ISSF (tehn "UIT") sport pistol events (Rapid Fire Pistol, Standard Pistol, 25m Pistol, and Centerfire Pistol events. It can be used for 50m Free pistol).

Sako has also produced a number of rimfire rifles, among them are the P72 Finnscout, M78, Finnfire, Quad and Finnfire II. The M78 was also chambered for the .22 Hornet and the .22 WMR in addition to the .22 Long Rifle.

During the 1980s (1987), Sako started using the AI/AII/AV designations (previously used for models imported to the US) for the three action lengths in Europe. The complete rifles were still designated L461/L579/L61. The bolt was given a slight cosmetic makeover, with the hammer covered by a conical shell. This visual design was also used on the later models (M4/5/691, M75, M85).

The L579 could be delivered with detachable magazine although the default was a hinged floorplate.

From 1987 to 1992, a version of the short (Vixen) action was produced for the .22 PPC and 6mm PPC cartridges, when Sako introduced these former wildcat cartridges as commercial cartridges, denoted ".22 PPC USA" and "6mm PPC USA" to avoid confusion with the specialized bench rest cartridges which required a "tight neck" chamber. These actions are the same external dimensions, and have the same bolt diameter as the 222 Remington, 222 Rem. Magnum, 223 Rem. cartridge actions. Only the bolt face recess was enlarged to suit the PPC case.

In 1992, the first of the "newer" Sakos, the 591, was introduced as a replacement for the L579. Shortly after, the 491 and the 691 were launched. These rifles (491/591/691) are not as highly regarded as the L461/L579/L61R and according to folklore, the quality of the workmanship is slightly inferior for the 491/591/691. They featured a separate recoil lug, also found on the 75, and a Tikka trigger assembly. However, these rifles were available in left-hand configuration both as a medium action (591) and long action (691)

In 1997, Sako launched the 75, named for Sako's 75th anniversary. The 75 was externally similar to previous Sako models, but the construction was radically different featuring three symmetrical locking lugs and a detachable magazine.

Before the 75, Sako hunting rifles (except the L46 and the L579) did not have detachable magazines, but a hinged floorplate with the lock placed on the front of the trigger guard.

Sako's latest (and current) model, the M85, was introduced in 2006. In 2020, S20 was released.

Current production

[edit]

Including the new Sako 90 and 100 series. Updated August 2024.

Sako brand

[edit]

Tikka brand

[edit]
  • Tikka T3x — Sako's budget-range centerfire hunting rifle, available in calibres from .204 Ruger to .338 WM
  • Tikka T1x MTR — A "multi-task rimfire" rifle with the same receiver footprint as the T3x, introduced in 2018, available in .17 HMR and .22 LR calibres

Sako model history (Europe)

[edit]
Introduced Model Chambered for Comments
1942 L42 7×33mm Sako
1946 L46 5.6×35mmR, .22 Hornet, .218 Bee, .222 Rem, .222 Rem Mag, .25-20 Win, 7×33mm Sako, .32-20 Win Detachable magazine
1954? P54/P54T .22 LR
195? M98 .270 Win, .30-06, .300 H&H, 8×60mm, 9.3×62mm, .375 H&H FN M98 action, Sako stock and barrel
1957 L57 .243 Win, .244 Rem, .308 Win Fixed magazine
1959 L579 Forester .22-250, .243 Win, .244 Rem, .308 Win Fixed magazine, later in production detachable as option
1961 L461 Vixen .17 Rem, .222 Rem, .222 Rem Mag, .223 Rem Fixed magazine
1961 L61R Finnbear .264 Win, .270 Win, 30-06 Three locking lugs: Two in front and one on the rear end of the bolt
1961 L61R Finnbear Magnum 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, .300 H&H, .338 Win Mag, .375 H&H Three locking lugs: two in front and one on the rear end of the bolt
1963 VL63 Finnwolf .243 Win, .244 Rem, .308 Win, .358 Win Lever-action
1972 L61R Finnbear .25-06 Rem, 6.5×55mm, .270 Win, 7×64mm, .30-06, 9.3×62mm Two locking lugs in front
1972 L61R Finnbear Magnum 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, .338 Win Mag, .375 H&H Two locking lugs in front
1972 P72 Finnscout .22 LR, .22 WMR
1974? Sako M74 Super .222 Rem, .223 Rem, .22-250, .243 Win, .308 Win, .25-06, .270 Win, .30-06, .264 Mag, 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, .300 H&H, .338 Win Mag, .375 H&H
1975 P75 .22 Hornet
1978 M78 Finnscout .22 LR, .22 WMR, .22 Hornet
1979/80 AI/L461 .17 Rem, .222 Rem, .223 Rem Also available as single-shot action
1987 AI/L461 PPC .22 PPC USA, 6mm PPC USA Also available as single-shot action
1979/80 AII/L579 .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, 7mm-08, .308 Win Also available as single-shot action
1979/80 AIII Early version of the AV, short tang
1979/80 AIV
1979/80 AV/L61R .25-06 Rem, 6.5×55, .270 Win, 7×64, .30-06, 9.3×62mm Long tang
1979/80 AV Mag/L61R Magnum 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, .300 Wby, .338 Win Mag, .375 H&H, .416 Rem Mag .458 Win Mag has been produced on special order
1982? VL63 Finnwolf Sako Collectors Association .243 Win, .308 Win Lever-action
1988 M579 SM (Super Match) .308 Win
1989 TRG-21 .308 Win Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
1989 TRG-41 .338 Lapua Mag Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
1992 M591 Left hand .22-250, .243 Win, 7mm-08 Rem, .308 Win
1992 M995 TRG-S .25-06 Rem, 6.5×55, .270 Win, .280 Rem, 7×64, .308 Win, .30-06 Spr, 9.3×62 Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine, .473" bolt face
1992 M995 TRG-S Magnum .270 Wby, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm Wby, 7mm STW, .300 Win Mag, .300 Wby, .338 Win Mag, .340 Wby, .375 H&H, .416 Rem Mag Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine, .532" bolt face
1992 M995 TRG-S Super Magnum 7.21 Firebird, 7.82 Warbird, .30-378 Wby, .338 Lapua Magnum Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine, .590" bolt face
1993 S491 .17 Rem, .222 Rem, .223 Rem, .22 PPC USA, 6mm PPC USA
1993 M591 .22-250, .243 Win, 7mm-08 Rem, .308 Win
1993 L691 .25-06, 6.5×55mm, .270 Win, 7×64, .280 Rem, .30-06, 9.3×62mm
1993 L691 Mag .270 Wby, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm Wby, .300 Win Mag, .300 Wby, .338 Win Mag, .340 Wby, .375 H&H, .416 Rem Mag
1997 Sako 75 I .222 Rem, .223 Rem Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
1997 Sako 75 III .22 PPC USA, 6mm PPC USA Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
1997 Sako 75 III .22-250, .243 Win, .260 Rem, 7mm-08 Rem, .308 Win Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
1997 Sako 75 SM .270 WSM, .300WSM Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
1997 Sako 75 IV .25-06, 6.5×55mm, .270 Win, 7×64mm, .30-06, 9.3×62, 9.3×66mm Sako Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
1997 Sako 75 V 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, .375 H&H, .416 Rem Mag Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
1999 TRG-22 .260 Rem, .308 Win Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
1999 TRG-42 .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua Mag Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
2001 Sako 75 V Safari anniversary model .375 H&H Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
2001 Sako Finnfire (P94S) .22 LR
2006? Sako Quad .17 Mach 2, .17 HMR, .22 LR, .22 WMR Interchangeable barrels
2006 Sako 85 XS .204 Ruger, .222 Remington, .223 Remington Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
2006 Sako 85 S .22-250, .243 Win, .260 Rem, 7mm-08 Rem, .308 Win, .338 Federal Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
2006 Sako 85 SM .270 WSM, 7mm WSM, .300 WSM Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
2006 Sako 85 M .25-06, 6.5×55mm, .270 Win, 7×64mm, .30-06, 9.3×62mm, 9.3×66mm Sako Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
2006 Sako 85 L 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, .338 Win Mag, .375 H&H Mag Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
2011 Sako TRG M10 .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua Mag User configurable multi caliber modular sniper system
2014 Sako Finnfire II .17 HMR, .22 LR
2020 Sako S20 .243 Win, 6.5 CM, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, .30-06, .300 Win Mag Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
2023 Sako 90 .243 Win, 6.5 CM, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, .30-06, .300 Win Mag Updated Sako 85, Three locking lugs in front, detachable magazine
2024 Sako TRG 62 A1 9.5×77 mm [6]

Models

[edit]
Models A-series actions
L461/AI L461/AI PPC L579/AII L61R/AV L61R Mag/AV Mag
Hunter X X X X X
Deluxe X X X X
Super Deluxe X X X X
Laminated X X X X
Varmint X X X
Target X X X
Carbine X X X
Handy X X
Handy Fiber X
Battue X X X
Classic X X X
Fiberclass X X
Safari X
Models 4/5/691 series actions
Hunter, Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Laminated, Varmint, Carbine, Classic
Sako Rifle in .25-06
Models M75 series actions
I (Short) III (Medium) SM (Short magnum) IV (Long) V (Magnum)
Hunter X X X X X
Hunter Stainless X X X X
Hunter left hand X
Laminated stainless X X X X X
Deluxe X X X X X
Synthetic stainless X X X X
Finnlight X X X X
Varmint X X X
Varmint Laminated Stainless X X
Sako Finnlight in .243 Winchester
Models M85 series actions
Hunter, Laminated Stainless, Stainless, Synthetic Stainless, Finnlight, Bavarian, Bavarian Carbine, Varmint, Brown Bear, Black Bear, Kodiak, Grizzly, Long range, Varmint Stainless Synthetic Black, Carbonlight, Classic Deluxe, Deluxe, Safari, Black Wolf, Finnlight ǁ, Carbon Wolf, Safari 90th Anniversary

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Sako Oy". Kauppalehti (in Finnish). Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  2. ^ Jim Carmichel (May 2010). "SAKO-50 Years of Rifle Accuracy". Guns & Ammo. Intermedia Outdoors. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  3. ^ Meyer, Scott E. (2003). "The Sako Saga". American Rifleman. 151 (October). National Rifle Association of America: 65&66.
  4. ^ "Sako History". Tikka. Archived from the original on 21 August 2019. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  5. ^ Lähteenmäki, Pekka (28 December 2016). "Suomalainen asetehdas löysi isännän Italiasta – "Olemme outo osakkeenomistaja"". Talouselämä (in Finnish). Archived from the original on 29 December 2017. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  6. ^ Valpolini, Paolo (7 June 2024). "The Sako TRG 62 A1: The evolution of long-range precision in military equipment is being introduced". EDR Magazine. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
[edit]
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