Sako’s new 100, what do I think of it, and is it any good. We take a look at Sako’s new flagship rifle.
So, what do I really think of the Sako 100.
Well, when I reviewed the Sako 90 soon after its launch, I was a little critical of the lack of innovation, conversely, with the Sako 100 there is heaps of innovation, it’s just Sako seem a little insecure with what they’ve arrived at.
Why do I say this. We’ll first of all, they announced this rifle a couple of years ago and then decided to hold it back, this always strikes me as an odd thing to do. Announce something and then reveal to the excited consumer that you can’t have it.
Then there is the new cocking system.
Perhaps I am wrong, but looking at the competition in this space, and specifically at rifles from Blaser and Sauer, who were the first to introduce mainstream cocking and safety systems of this type, it seems as though the engineers at Sako have grown a little unsure of themselves, questioned their identity and wondered if they shouldn’t be doing the same thing.
Personally, I really like the safety on the Sako 85 and 90 I thought it was one of the strengths. But hey, maybe this type of system is just the future, and there is no doubt it does make things a little safer.
Indeed, the cocking system is good. I was initially unsure if I’d like it, but it does genuinely seem to work well and is easy to push on and off. I also like the third stage that it features. Does the rifle need a tool kit in the stock, probably not, but I do like the fact that it’s a take down and that you can switch calibres due to the scope being mounted to the barrel. I also like the adjustable comb which will ensure a good sight picture for all face types and the high quality adjustable trigger.
The Sako 100 is undoubtedly, a great rifle, and Sako have clearly put a lot of time and research into it, and in no small part, that is what you’ll be paying for. Put simply, would I like one, yes, would I spend between 5 and 6 grand on one? Well, that’s another matter.
Of course I spent £10k on a K95 for God’s sake, so why do I bulk at the 6k price tag for a Sako? Well, it’s a Sako and we are just not used to seeing Sako in this upper end price category. Added to which (good as it is) I’m just not sure that I want the new cocking system, I am further unsure that I would spend the extra cash, in truth maybe I’d rather a 90 Quest Ultra, which I have to say looks great. Or maybe, if its innovation that I am after, a new Mauser 25.
And so perhaps that is the best way to sum up the Sako 100. Like Sako themselves, I am left in a bit of a quandary, I am just a bit unsure about this one, and that in itself, speaks volumes.
So does it get our stamp of approval, well Jonty who usually caries out our equipment reviews on YouTube is a detail man, I am not. So, I am just going to cut to it. For durability, performance, practicality yadda, yadda, yadda, let’s give it an 8 out of 10, For value for money I am giving it a 6. I just can’t help but feel that the UK consumer is getting a bit ripped off at the moment. I don’t say that just about Sako but also about other rifles. I looked at the Tikka T3 at the show and it is now a whopping £1500 quid! The Blaser R8 is eyewatering!
That is why we’ll soon be devoting a whole film on YouTube to the best affordable rifles of 2025. So please check out our YouTube channel, subscribe and hit the notification bell and you’ll be notified as soon as that film comes out. County Deer Stalking - YouTube
As for the Sako 100 well despite my ramblings and indecision it scores a healthy 38 out of 50 and gets our deer gear stamp of approval. Thanks for watching.
To watch the full review of the Sako 100 including our discussion with the Sako representative at the British Shooting Show, just follow this link: Sako 100 Review | Deer Gear Reviews | County Deer Stalking
For more reviews of other popular rifles, follow this link: Rifle Reviews
If you'd like to get into deer stalking, a great place to start is by taking the Proficient Deer Stalking certificate Level 1 (PDS1). To find out more about the course follow this link: Proficient Deer Stalking Course - PDS1
