Sako A7
Sako has launched a new 1 MOA guaranteed bolt action rifle, the A7.
It will come in two models. The A7 and A7 stainless. Both models are chambered for .243, .22-250, 7mm-8, .270 WSM, .300 WSM, .25-06, .270, 7mm Rem Mag and .300 Win Mag.
Prices:
UPDATE:
The press release:
ACCOKEEK, MD (January 28, 2008) — When it comes to buying a new hunting rifle, nothing is more important to a rifle shooter than accuracy and reliability. But equally important in today’s economy is value. The new Sako A7 meets all of these criteria straight out of the box. Available in 2008 as the new benchmark for the perfect American hunting rifle, mixing the world’s finest out-of-the-box accuracy rating with superior value, the new Sako A7 offers the rare combination of unprecedented accuracy and ultimate reliability at an affordable price.
The Sako A7 improves upon the world famous Sako 75 design, featuring a machined forged-steel bolt, match-grade hammer-forged barrel, adjustable single-stage trigger (adjustable between 2.2 and 4.9 pounds), detachable magazine and synthetic stock. The A7 also integrates the new “Total Control” Magazine Latch introduced on the Sako 85, eliminating any chance that the box magazine can come loose during operation. This new rifle is available in two finishes: blued and Sako’s no-glare Stainless Steel. The A7′s bolt offers a silky-smooth movement with a 70-degree throw. Together with Sako’s super-crisp trigger, the A7 provides an incredibly fast total lock time of less than 1.3 milliseconds.
Since 1921, Sako has led the industry in accuracy by setting the standard by which all other rifles are compared. Each rifle must place five shots within one inch at 100 yards or they don’t ship. Serious shooters know that in order to obtain consistent sub-inch groups one must start with a high-quality firearm and move forward from there. The new A7 not only holds the same level of accuracy as its brother the Sako 85, but it offers a price that makes the A7 the hands down best value in the American market.
The new Sako A7 rifle series is a superbly executed medley of tradition, technology, out-of-the-box accuracy and unprecedented value.
Established in 1921, Sako was originally created to build and service firearms for the Civil Guard in Finland. Since that time, the company has been dedicated to providing innovative solutions to shooters’ emerging needs for precision firearms. For decades now, Sako has developed world-class military, target and hunting rifles. The Sako brand offers the shooter uncompromising accuracy and reliability in a variety of calibers. Along side Beretta and its unique firearms traditions that reach all the way to the year 1526, Sako proudly carries on the precision rifle craftsmanship that has led to the success of the Sako products. Today, Sako manufactures, distributes and markets a complete line of rifles. Beretta USA is the exclusive distributor in North America for Sako products. For additional information visit: www.berettausa.com.
|
ACTION |
ORDER Stain. |
ORDER Blued |
CALIBER |
Twist (Inches) |
Overall (Inches) |
Barrel (Inches) |
Weight (pounds) |
Length of (Inches) |
MAG (+1 in |
|
S |
JRSZ115 |
JRSY115 |
243 |
10 |
42 5/16 |
22 7/16 |
6 |
14 |
3 |
|
JRSZ114 |
JRSY114 |
22-250 |
14 |
42 5/16 |
22 7/16 |
6 |
|||
|
JRSZ152 |
JRSY152 |
7mm-08 |
9.5 |
42 5/16 |
22 7/16 |
6 |
|||
|
JRSZ116 |
JRSY116 |
308 |
11 |
42 5/16 |
22 7/16 |
6 |
|||
|
JRSZ143 |
JRSY143 |
338 |
10 |
42 5/16 |
22 7/16 |
6 |
|||
|
JRSZ140 |
JRSY140 |
270 |
10 |
42 5/16 |
22 7/16 |
6 |
|||
|
JRSZ141 |
JRSY141 |
300 |
11 |
44 5/16 |
24 |
6 |
|||
|
M |
JRSY117 |
JRSY117 |
25-06 |
10 |
42 |
22 7/16 |
6 |
||
|
JRSZ118 |
JRSY118 |
270 |
10 |
42 |
22 7/16 |
6 |
|||
|
JRSZ120 |
JRSY120 |
30-06 |
11 |
42 |
22 7/16 |
6 |
|||
|
JRSZ170 |
JRSY170 |
7mm REM |
9.5 |
44 |
24 |
6 |
|||
|
JRSZ131 |
JRSY131 |
300 WIN |
11 |
44 |
24 |
6 |
Hat Tip: AccurateShooter.com
I was at the range yesterday and fired three different Sako rifles. The Sako A7 300 win mag has a real problem with their cheap plastic magazine. I fired 30 rounds. Over 50% of the second rounds hung up in the magazine. There is limited clearance at the front of the clip. The recoil from the first round moves the shells forward and they then touch the front of the clip and hang up. I have reported this problem to Sako and it is a known defect. They sent me a new improved clip to “fix” the problem. The factory clip that came with the rifle had a problem with the shells “flying out” of the magazine. The new clip is the one I used yesterday. The ammo was loaded to factory specs – 3.34″ and every round was exact length. The other rifles fired yesterday were a Sako A7 – 300 WSM – no problems, and a Sako 85 Finnlight – 300 WM and no problems. We fired 30 – 40 rounds from each rifle and the Sako A7 fires well, has good groupings at 200 meters, but the clip was a real drag!
Sorry you are having problems. I have had an Sako A-7 now for about 2-2 1/2 yr. I purchased it on-line for $660.00. I installed Talley one peice lightweight mounts and a Leupold 4.5-14 scope on the gun. The caliber is 300WSM. Recoil was a bit more than I like and I put a Limbsaver recoil pad on the gun. I had to cut the stock off a small amount to get the LOP right for me. I read reports about the front sling swivel stud breaking out, so I mixed up some stock bedding compound and poured some of the compound around the stud boss on the inside of the stock.
I consider the recoil pad and the bedding compound very, very minor.
The rifle shoots like a laser beam.
I have had Rems, Rugers, Wins and Brownings. (liked the Browning best till I got the A-7) Since I got the A-7 in 300WSM the only other rifle I am lookin for is another A-7 in 7mm-08.
I realize everyone likes something different,but for me, give me the A-7 everytime
I bought an A7 in .300 WM for a Elk hunt two and a half years ago. Mounted a new Leupold VX3 4.5-14×50 on it with Leupold QRW rings. Shooting off a bench with a Caldwell Lead Sled loaded w/50lb of shot, the best I was able to get this rifle to shoot was one 1.625″ group using handloads, but even that was a one off. I tried five different factory loads, four of them “Premium” loads, and they all shot between 2.5″ to 3.5″ groups at best. Like Brian, I installed another Leupold scope that I own with the same results. I re-installed the bases and switched to Warne Maxima rings – same results. I asked two good shooters to have a go to see if they could do better – same results. I finally called Beretta, and after two calls and much time on the phone, I spoke with a technician named Tony and explained what I described above. He seemed on the ball, and asked me to send the rifle to their Accokeek, MD facility. I received my rifle back in about a month. It came back with paper work saying they inspected, cleaned, and mounted a 36X Weaver scope, laser bore sighted it, then shot a 5 shot group off a lead sled at 308 ft using Federal 300WBS ammo. A second page had range conditions, chronograph readings and a depiction of a vertical shot string on a .5″ graph target they said measured .89″. I have since tried to duplicate their test (minus the 36x scope) using Federal 300WBS (Blue Box 180 gr Speer Hot-Cor SP), and I still can’t break under 2.5 ” with this rifle. So I’ve spent a lot of time and money trying to get this rifle to shoot that promised 5 shot 1″ group. I’m so disgusted with the money I wasted, I’ve pulled the scope, and packed it back in the shipping box where it’s been for the last year and half unseen, but not out of mind . I ended up borrowing a rifle for my elk hunt. In hind sight I could have brought a Savage or a Vanguard for half the price and probably done better.
I have a Sako A7 in .300 Win Mag. The groups at 100 yards are so close the holes usually touch with plain old 150 grain Remington EXPRESS CORE-LOKT rounds. I’ve had similar results with cheap Winchester ammo.
Anyone know of a dealer for a wood stock for the A7?
I too just had my bipod break off the other day on my A7 300 WSM. Very disappointing to read that others are having a similar experience with such a ‘Quality’ rifle. Hopefully they will stand behind the product, but others don’t see to be having that experience. Could result in another disappointment!
Funny thing about this gun is that it won’t group the expensive ammo, but groups the cheap stuff fine. At least it will save me some money on that end! Maybe I can find a better stalk!
I bought the A7 300 win mag sts and took it out to sight it in I used a stand up bipod and the sling broke right of the stock I contacted beretta and got the responce the rifle stock is not made for a bipod. who hunts long range with out one. I will only coast the same amount as if i went a bought a new rifle. ( get it right Bretta and fix your bad product stock whay have a 1/2 in shoting if it is only good at the range )?????
I had the same problem as Scott, it took the Gun back to Shop where it was purchase, 8 -10 tries to get a clip that would hold the shells in the A-7 300 mag. Tried the new gun before Moose hunting by just using a single shell at a time, This is a new gun out of the Box, lucky that I had my old Remington with me moose hunting as this one almost went swimming.
Beware.
Have a Sako A7 in 300 Winmag. Great groups but the mag kicks out the ammo all the time. Got a new mag and still does it.Any one have any tips?
I have this same problem as Scott on my A7 .300 WM. It can be upon either when locking the magazine in place, when chambering the first round or ejecting an empty, 1 or more of the cartridges in the mag prematurely pop. I contacted Sako/Beretta Support and described the issue. It seems the metal lip on the mag don’t grip the .300 cartridges well enough to consistently hold them until the bolt grabs. I have an A7 .270 that operated just fine. So, don’t know why .300 WM has the problem. Either I get it looked and fixed by Sako or gunsmith or I’ll trade it. Tikka’s with synthetic mag in any cal. never give me any trouble like this.
John K
I fixed mine myself took the mag apart and pinched the metal together and have had no problems at all
I just received the following message from Beretta Support after just submitting the question/ticket with them online this past Sat.
“A replacement magazine will be sent out, order# xxxxx … the magazines have been fixed.
Thank you for contacting Beretta Customer Support…”
I take from this that Beretta/Sako acknowledge from prior customer contacts they’ve taken positive actions to resolve the problem with some A7 mags.
I think this speaks well of their companies both quick response and taking steps to fix issues. I’m hopeful this will permanently resolve my Sako A7 mag issue.
This is the worst gun I have ever owned i have savage, ruger, browning, howa, winchester, and remington, I own 31 rifles in 18 different calibers and this shoots worse than any. When I bought it I put a Leupold vx3 on it and was shooting federal premium. It shot a 4.5 inch group out of a lead sled and a bench. I also shot remington, winchester, and hornady out of the gun with same results. Tried another scope and other people shooting it with same results. I guess my main problem with it was when I called beretta and they told me they could not do much for me they would take the gun back and shoot but it would take up to 8 weeks for me to get it back and deer season just started and they acted like it was something I did. Before you buy one just try to call Beretta and see how long it takes to actully talk to someone on the phone it took me 34 minutes of pushing buttons just to talk to a person whom didn’t seem to care about my problem I also went through 200 dollars of ammunition trying to find a bullet it liked now I got 6 boxes of half full ammo that are all different.
Does anyone know if there is an after market stock that you can drop the A7 into? I have a 7-08 and would love to use it for long range shooting. I think the stock it comes with is ok, just would prefer a slightly heavier more adjustable stock (I’m a rightie that shoots backwards). I was considering having a longer barrel placed too. Just for giggles I guess. Thanks for any help.
Need answer on the bolt cocking action. My A7 has a VERY stiff cocking action. After bolt is cocked the action if very smooth. However, pulling the trigger the recocking effort is VERY stiff again. This is every time I recock. Why???
I am use to a smooth. easy, little to no stiffness action. I never owned a bolt action rifle with this much hard stiff cocking action.
Are A7 bolts matched to the rifle????
Still needing adult supervision to unload a rifle without a safety on I see Hogan.
You must get very confused with 70s and 700s and any Sako older than an 85.
Look, I think there must be a course you can do to defeat your fear of unloading rifles.
You can remove a loaded round from the barrel without putting the safety in the fire position.
Not so on a Tika. Duh Bill
With me its all about performance and I love a stainless steel action and composite stock.
I love the A7
Ron
If you are still around, I feel maybe I short changed you a little bit.
The big disadvantage with detachable magazine rifles is the very standard maximum cartridge lengths that can be accommodated.
You don’t get much improvement on this unfortunate manufacturing dogma even with floorplate rifles that could give lots more seat out ability but they generally don’t.
Alas, most of your bullet tips will be battered by recoil before they are fired and the overall length as quoted in the reloading manuals is what you get.
An old Kimber was an exception.
Longer chamber throats with adequate magazine well clearances are not hard…..but hardly any manufacturer thinks this vital variable is important.
Straying from the standard gets the liability lawyers frothing at the mouth.
Does anybody know if this would be offered With a wood or laminate stock anytime soon?
We can’t get the bolt to fit in the chamber. What’s the problem? Are we doing something wrong? Sako A7 M 20/6 rifle.
Thanks Kel
I have aSako A7 270 Win. dosent shoot good at all i may have to send it back. very discouraged with it, shot 4 or 5 different rounds
and several scopes. heart broken
I also have the Sako A7 .270 Win. I put Leupold rings on a picatinny rail and Nikon Monarch scope. I have had very excellent groups within the advertised MOA. I hand load with best results as follows:
• Powders IMR 4831 (best groups 1/2″) and RL19 (1″ groups) per Nosler reloading book recommendations for powder charges
• Nosler Accubond 140 gr bullets
• C.O.L. 3.339” (distance from the lands can have significant impact on accuracy)
Otherwise, if you’re not set up for reloading, I recommend one of the premium ammunitions with Accubond bullets (e.g. Winchester Supreme Accubond).
It’s very important that the rail and rings are torque evenly per specs with torque tool. If you’ve put a lot of ammo through your rifle, clean with a solvent made to remove excessive copper from inside the barrel.
I think you’ll have success, if you persevere.
The 270 WSM Barrel Length is 24 3/8″. The Sako A7 site advertises it correctly but Berretta has is wrong. I called Berretta and told them about it. They admitted the error but have not fixed it yet. HHmmm? A little bit of useless humerous info for the 270 WSM shooters.
Ron
I own 3 Tikka T3s synthetic ss .270 7mm Rem Mag .300WM….all shoot 3 shot 1″ or less or I wouldn’t own them. I handload and you should expect to do that to get most out of any rifle you own.
Remember what you really want is a first shot out of cold barrel right on the money…..the next 4 shots never happen.
Don’t be afraid to buy and sell the same rifle and calibre second hand a few times, costs more but you’ll find a gem. Most clowns throw away great shooters because they just use factiory ammo.
It’s usual that the plinkers like .222 .223 .243 shoot best groups in any brand out there, that’s not hard….proper game calibres usually need tuning.
Nothing wrong with the A7, but the advantages are minimal for non dangerous game.
I bought a TikkaT3 25-06 it would not shoot under a 3″ group
they are cheap and shoot cheap, Sako A-7 shoots 1/2″ groups
all day, Tikka is agood boat anchor. You get what you pay for.
someone out there has a Tikka T3 & aSako A7 I am about
to purchase one of the two rifles above.
What would you suggest and why?
I Love my A7, except for the stock
Where can I get a wood stock for this model?
Do ya’ll think the A7 is a good gun for begginers to long range shooting?
“the feature that lets you unload the rifle with the safety on”
That is funny.
Nice sarcasm otherwise you’re in desperate need of adult supervision to unload a rifle.
Not so fast there my little mentally challenged buddy, one large reason to up grade to an A7 would be the feature that lets you unload the rifle with the safety on
Unfortunately the Weaver base only option is rubbish compared to the standard Sako dovetail on 85s and T3s.
World’s most rigid mount is a Warne 8 screw dovetail.
The world’s worse mount is anything with a silly windage screw or Weaver flex metal rings.
The only advantage over a T3 is the wider opening ejection port that looks like you can finger feed single cartridges easily if the need arises.
Otherwise why bother.
I’m curious if anyone thinks it would be worth upgrading to an A7 from a Tikka T3 stainless (300wsm). Beretta was supposed to replace my barrel due to faulty metallurgy. However, they decided to send me a brand new T3 free of charge instead. I’m thinking of asking them for a stainless A7 and i’ll pay the difference. I’m just leery to stay with the Tikka that has caused me more problems than any Browning I’ve ever owned.
Brought my new A7 (30-06) out to the range today. Ran both Federal Vital Shok 165 Barnes TSX and Hornday Accubond 150 through it. Although the wind was blowing around 30-35 mph, the accuracy was excellent at 100 yards. Had the federal shooting hole in hole and 5 shots within 1 inch and the hornady was almost as good. Very impressed.
These guns are mint, you guys spend to much time talking about things that are not important. Get out there and shoot something other than paper….
I lover animals
They are delishious
its fixed.
haha, sorry, you are right. I would have felt bad if I gave you a heart attack
1″ gaurantee, NOT 1/2…..Ialmost needed CPR.
Sounds great like to see one soon.
An Sam it does come in the 30-06
Sounds like a great rifle, “All American” is used and it may very well be. But for one small issue of it NOT being chambered in the All American Caliber of 30-06. Any ideas why Sako saw fit to leave this caliber out of its lineup?