I’ve never owned or tested a Sako rifle that I could not get to shoot well, some having such surgical precision they left me in awe. That includes my earliest Sako rifles, which predated the era of synthetic stocks and the popularization of MOA accuracy as the standard for centrefire hunting rifles. But accuracy is just part of the Sako legend. The ultra-smooth actions are renowned for cycling as if on ball bearings, while the company’s dedication to quality, finish and detail are second to none. Throughout the years, Sako has not only maintained that high level of quality, it has also added improvements to each model as it comes on stream. And its latest offering, the Model 90, carries on the tradition.
The Model 90 is offered in seven versions, three dedicated to mountain and backcountry hunting, and four designed for more traditional small- and big-game adventures. The Adventure, which I tested, falls into the latter grouping. It is offered in 14 calibres, from .22-250 Rem. to .300 Win. Mag. (I opted for .308 Win. for my test model). Along with the various chamberings, the entire design and function of the Adventure is aimed at providing an all-purpose, take anywhere rifle.
It features an adjustable, low-noise fibreglass stock, which is reinforced with carbon fibre. Also notable is the Sako match-grade, cold-hammer forged barrel, multi-adjustable Sako trigger, and carbon-fibre reinforcements around the receiver and recoil lug. It also has a tungsten Cerakote-coated stainless steel action that features a machined-in Picatinny interface.
The Sako 90 Adventure is compact and lightSako claims its bolt “is the most reliable, field-tested and proven bolt on the market.” As verification, it has been cycled more than five million times without a failure. Considering the three-locking lug design, it would be difficult to argue with that assessment. And when combined with the Model 90’s reinforced and improved receiver, the action is smoother, faster and more reliable than ever.
As for the trigger, it offers a world-leading lock time of under 1.3 milliseconds. It also has five clearly marked pull-weight adjustability settings (without disassembly) that collectively make for an outstanding, user-friendly and accuracy-generating trigger. The trigger blade position is also adjustable for optimum shooting ergonomics and hand sizes.
Adding to its performance, the Model 90 utilizes a flat receiver bedding that generates improved repeatable accuracy over traditional, more common round receivers. By allowing gases to escape evenly, the precisely crowned barrel muzzle also contributes to the rifle’s accuracy.
TEST RESULTS
I was immediately impressed with the Adventure’s compactness, manoeuvrability in tight spaces and light weight. Even after adding a Steiner Predator scope with its 2.6-ounce sleek and rugged H-series rings, the rifle weighed in at just eight pounds even.
Also impressive was the trigger, and the user-friendly access to the trigger-pull weight adjustment. The trigger itself was perfection. It broke consistently with no creep or over-travel between three pounds and three pounds one ounce. Notable as well were the ultra-smooth cycling of the bolt, and the perfect eye-to-scope sight alignment provided by the adjustable comb.
As for the scope, it certainly provided a multi-purpose match for the Adventure. While the lower magnifications are ideal for the woods, the ballistic turret and 16x magnification unquestionably extends the potential beyond that of a short-range woods rifle. (Also see “Steiner Predator,” below)
On the range, the rifle did not disappoint. Nor did it alter my claim that I’ve yet to find a Sako rifle I could not get to shoot well. It did have some likes and dislikes in terms of ammo, however. Every one of my five handloads bettered MOA accuracy, which collectively averaged 0.737 inches. The best of the lot was Hornady’s 165-grain CX bullet, which delivered a 0.570-inch group with BL-C 2 powder. As a whole, the 11 factory loads did not fare as well, offering a 1.108-inch average.
The star of the show, however, was Sako Super Hammerhead’s 180-grain Bonded Soft Point ammo, with an outstanding 0.280-inch group. Actually, all three Sako loads shot well, with an average of 0.579 inches. I did note, though, that the Super Hammerhead 150s showed incipient pressure signs, with a sticky bolt lift. This may have been rifle-specific, but I suggest caution is warranted in very hot weather.
For deer- and black bear-sized game, I would not look beyond either a Hornady 165-grain CX handload or any of the Sako offerings I tested. For moose and elk at reasonable ranges, I would even include Sako’s Super Hammerhead 180-grain Bonded Soft Point ammo.
For the complete range test results, go to www.outdoorcanada.ca/sako90test.
THE RIFLE SPECS
- Calibre: .308 Winchester
- Weight: 6.4 lb
- Total length: 40.1″
- Barrel length: 20.1″
- Rate of twist: 1-11″
- Magazine capacity: 5 rounds
- Drop at comb: Adjustable
- Length of pull: Adjustable
STEINER PREDATOR
My test rifle arrived with a Predator 8 scope from Steiner’s new series comprising 2-16×42, 3-24×50 and 4-32×56 models. The company says it’s the “most versatile and precise line of hunting optics ever made by Steiner featuring the powerful 8x system.” With its broad application magnification range and objective lens size, my 2-16×42 test scope was as an ideal match for the Adventure.
The lightest and most compact scope in the line-up, it features an integrated, customizable ballistic turret giving hunters the ability to accurately compensate for bullet drop. And when the need for speed-dialing arises, there are three numbered movable rings that can be set to preferred distances. The turret’s audible and tactile mechanics provide sure and intuitive operation, while the Zero Mode lets you quickly return to zero without losing the sight picture.
Additional features include high-contrast glass, best-in-class clarity, an extra-wide field of view and industry-leading light transmission. Plus, the high-contrast lens coatings ensure brilliant, crisp images with edge-to-edge sharpness and optimum detail recognition.
If you’re hunting at twilight or extended ranges, or in the wind, the Predator offers an illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings, a rear focal plane E3 Ballistic reticle with cascading subtensions, and windage dots for blustery days. As well, the scope is nitrogen-filled for fog-proofing and water-proofing to three feet. It comes with the transferable Steiner Heritage Warranty, which includes full replacement at no cost for the life of the product (the electronic components are covered for three years).
THE SCOPE SPECS
- Magnification: 2-16x
- Objective lens diameter: 42mm
- Tube size: 30mm
- Length: 13.5″
- Weight: 23.4 oz
- Field of view at 100 yards (low/high): 7.7’/62.7′
- Eye Relief: 3.7″
- Parallax: 20 yards to infinity
