Sako 90 Finnlight .308

The latest addition to the Sako 90 family offers significant mechanical improvement, sound ergonomics and unfussy accuracy at a surprisingly attractive price, says Michael Yardley

- Michael Yardley

THIS MONTH'S test spotlights the latest Sako Finnlight model 90 rifle, imported by GMK of Fareham. Both Sako – once, and rather remarkably, owned by the Finnish Red Cross – and GMK are now part of the expanding Beretta empire. We have tested a Sako 90 before but this gun, a stainless .308, has a new integral Picatinny rail (a welcome feature seen in other recent 90s), a synthetic stock with a clever button-adjustable comb and a 20in hammer-forged, fluted barrel threaded for a moderator.

First impressions are of a practical, modern hunting rifle of mid-weight (7lb) with good proportions and intriguing, quite trendy, specification. The integral Picatinny rail between the front and rear bridge of the action is probably the standout feature. This will be popular as it accommodates so many sighting options, including ubiquitous Weaver-type scope mounts that are more easily obtainable and typically less expensive than Sako’s own Optilocks.