On this week's #SundayGunday, we check out the Sako Model 90 Hunter, an elegant bolt-action crafted in the finest traditions of Finland. The gun’s most eye-catching feature is its finely grained walnut stock. A slightly elevated comb and cheek piece perfectly aligns the eye with a magnified optic, while its clay red recoil pad helps lend the rifle the traditional aesthetics of yesteryear. Both the grip and fore-end are textured for purchase, and sling swivel studs reside on the underside for the addition of a sling or bipod.
Though our test model had all stainless components, the gun is also available with a matte-blue finish on everything but the bolt and trigger. Its receiver is bult with a large ejection port, which allows top loading in the field when seconds count. Generally, however, its push-feed action feeds from a detachable box magazine holding either four or five rounds, depending on chambering. The heart of the rifle is its three-lug bolt. When the bolt is cycled, one of the lugs points straight down, to reliably pluck the next round off the top of the magazine. Its 60-degree throw, meanwhile, encourages lightning fast follow-up shots while still leaving tons of space between bolt handle and optic.
Shots are released via an adjustable Sako trigger. This trigger allows for five different pull weights without even disassembling the rifle, adjusted very simply via a Torx screw inside the trigger guard. It generally comes from the factory set to around 3.5 pounds, and trigger blade position is also adjustable. Atop the receiver, an Optilock mounting system not only makes it easy to affix a scope, but also allows a clear view of open sights, which are available from the factory on the blued-barrel model. All barrels are cold-hammer-forged, stretching either 20, 22 or 24 inches, depending on chambering.
The Sako model 90 Hunter is available in .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 Winchester, .300 Win. Mag., 7mm Rem. Mag., .270 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield, and sports a manufacturers suggested retail price of $2,299. For more information, visit sako.global or berettagalleryusa.com. And for more #SundayGunday any day of the week, check back with us here at americanhunter.org.
