View source for SAKO

{{Short description|Finnish firearm manufacturer}}
{{About|the Finnish firearm manufacturer||Sako (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{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]], [[Kanta-Häme]] 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}}).

==History==
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–World War II production==
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 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 [[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 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 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 [[Sako 85|M85]], was introduced in 2006. In 2020, [[Sako S20|S20]] was released.

==Current production==
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===
* '''[[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 (Europe)==

{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|-
|'''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, rotating bolt with three locking lugs
|-
|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"
|+ '''Models 4/5/691 series actions'''
|-
| Hunter, Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Laminated, Varmint, Carbine, Classic
|}

[[File:Sako Rifle 25-06.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Sako Rifle in .25-06]]

{| class="wikitable"
|+ '''[[Sako 75|Models M75]] series actions'''
|-
| ||align="center"| I (Short) ||align="center"| III (Medium) ||align="center"| SM (Short magnum) ||align="center"| IV (Long) ||align="center"| V (Magnum)
|-
|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]]

{| 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]

{{SAKO}}
{{Beretta Holding}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:SAKO| ]]
[[Category:Beretta Holding]]
[[Category:1921 establishments in Finland]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1921]]
[[Category:Riihimäki]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Kanta-Häme]]