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I'm thinking of buying a new Sako Finnlight which I've been offered with some good German second hand glass, mounts, moderator etc.

It would mostly be used for punching paper and dinging steel out to 100m and for long walks looking for deer a few times a year (I might even shoot one some day!).

Does anyone have experience with the Finnlight? What's good, what's not. Should I be looking at something else? Total budget ~2K

-daman

does it fit you? does it group? other than that it is a tool just like all the others, it will do the job , as will a £100 BSA built on a K98 action
more important is the glass, if its German and in good condition then go for it! I have always used a SB 6x42 for stalking although I have a couple of SB8x52 they are noticeably heavier, bulkier and give less field of view, keep it light and close to the barrel and enjoy the walk.

U do know with a lighter sporting barrell its ment for about 2 shots from cold, u go to the range and put more than that down it and it will heat up and your point of aim will drift, and you will get mad! (im sure you know that)

Saying that I use a tikka varmint barrelled 30-06,i dont mind carrying a heavy rifle about a feild.

A mate uses a finnlight, excellent gun.

Yes, I know them well. perfect for a single shot plus a follow up shot if necessary. As above, your barrel is going to heat up incredibly quickly.

Buy one, keep it for stalking and find yourself a second hand 700 or similar for paper.

Remington Model 7s have an action around 3/4" shorter than the 700, in classic dear calibers and for not much money... get one for stalking and keep it for stalking.

Sim G wrote:Remington Model 7s have an action around 3/4" shorter than the 700, in classic dear calibers and for not much money... get one for stalking and keep it for stalking.

I had one in .223 it had a thinner barrel than my .22 air rifle! beautiful handling rifle, but turned into a shotgun after the 2nd shot !

I built a bull barrel 223 Remington model 7 a while ago, they can be very capable. Also, from memory, the bolt is both shorter as well as being a larger diameter (O.728") than the Model 700.

Back in the early 70's I hefted (but sadly didn't get to fire) a really lovely little South African hunting rifle which fired .223 Remington.

Thanks all for the replies. I'm hearing the Finnfire is a nice rifle to take for a walk and maybe fire an accurate shot or two, but not a rangeday paper puncher. Good info - now I just need to decide if it's worth it for me for those all too few stalking days each year.

Have you thought about a 20" heavy barrel? All the rage on "Tactical Guns"....

Short enough and light enough for the field, but will still rock on the ranges.