SAKO launches new A7 Hunting Rifle with Bells and Whistles Web Site
Beretta, which now owns both SAKO and Tikka, has just introduced the new SAKO A7, based on the SAKO 75, but designed to sell at a lower price point. It retains many of the better features of the SAKO 75, including adjustable trigger (2.2 lb. minimum pull), three-lug bolt with 70° throw, and ergonomic stock. The A7 offers a new 3-round detachable magazine, with an improved latching mechanism drawn from the SAKO 85.
To learn more about the A7, visit www.SakoA7.net, a whiz-bang Flash-enabled website with photos and specs. Caution–the site has obnoxious sound effects and navigation like a video game, but we guess Beretta’s marketing gurus decided “bells and whistles” would sell more rifles.
Unlike most SAKOs, the A7 lacks a dovetail on the top of the receiver that would allow you to mount rings directly to the action without the need for a separate scope rail. In deference to American shooters, who seem to prefer separate mounting rails, The A7 ships with Weaver-style scope mounting blocks front and rear. In our view, the dovetail is actually a cleaner, lower-profile, and more rigid set-up for a hunting rifle, but this is one more example of building a product the consumer thinks he wants, whether it makes sense or not.
Notably, Beretta is marketing the new SAKO A7 with an accuracy guarantee — One MOA for five shots. While that’s not spectacular, few other major gun companies (Cooper being the notable exception) provide accuracy guarantees for their hunting rifles. SAKO claims that “Each rifle must place five shots within one inch at 100 yards or it doesn’t ship.” Sako A7 gun weight (without scope) averages 6.5 pounds, while length of pull is 14 inches. Calibers and twist rates are shown below. Unfortunately, no fast-twist 6mm barrels are offered with the .243 Win chambering.
Maybe they should have spent some marketing dollars on spell-check. The opening page says “wolrd-class accuracy”
I’m becoming rather upset with what Beretta has done to Sakos. I don’t care for the genetic experiment that is the 85. When someone wants a Sako they want a European styled gun, Monte Carlo, Palm Swell, simple, elegant lines.
I will keep my 75 in 300 Wby (a round hard to get). I tried for years to get a 75 Finnlite in 6.5×55, why ya reckon, if you can find one at all, they go for twice the original price? Duh, Beretta, get a clue.
So I will also hold onto what is the next best thing, my Tikka T3Lite in 6.5×55. I’d consider one of these T7s if they didn’t come with what annoys me about the T3-the three round chintzy clip.
But when it comes down to the wire my T3 puts ‘em all in a quarter at one hundred, wicked sub MOA.
And the scope I got on it cost more than the $500 I paid for the rifle.
You blew it again Beretta.
Sakos have never been for the Eric, Tim and Bubba set anyway.
Wow that looks a lot like my new Savage Hunting Rifle.
Now days “new”, “improved” etc. are just euphemisms for cost cutting. Cheaper materials, less features (“lacks a dovetail on the top of the receiver”)and overall degradation in quality.
Guaranteed one MOA. “With better out of the box accuracy that any other rifle on the planet”……… Sheeesh!!!
When all that matters is the bottom line………what else would you expect.
Sakos have always been for shooters that appreciate quality and are happy to pay that bit extra that goes into it.
I agree with cwebefree..Eric, Tim and Bubba have got plenty of plastic rifles to buy that are quite adequate.
Berreta should be ashamed. It can take decades to build a good reputation but only a couple of years to ruin it.
“beginning of a new era” all right…….unfortunately.
I bought a stainless in .308, like it, A LOT. I have a Tikka, best gun for the $ period. For $200 more, the A7 is obviously better.
I believe Beretta is well on its way to ruining Sako. Even the 85 Deluxe is obviously not a deluxe grade weapon. Tikkas by the way have PLASTIC bolt shrouds & trigger guards..PLASTIC!!! I’m afraid the last quality production bolt rifles will be the CZ 550 and the T/C Icon..maybe the new Win. M70, but I haven’t seen one yet. By the quality rifles while they’re still available.
All but # 5 sounds a bunch of whiners. I resemble that Tim and Bubba remark!
The A7 is a great rifle. I am going to send a crying towel to the other 5
ps I forgot my spell check
sako A7 is at the top of list hope to own one soon
just cut deal on A7 SAKO in 7-08 i will let you all know how it shoots
i have a new sako bavarian in 243,shoots fantastic,also a finnbear in 270,and with that rifle i never ever miss.as i live in nz red deer are plentiful and the hunting is free and year round.i found the bubba remarks amusing.
I am buying an A7 .308 Win. I am very excited and think its a great gun for the money. Handles great and fit and finish impressed me.
Hope to see it in a Camo Stainless model soon. Till then I will hold onto my $$$.
I totally agree with Beretta wrecking things in general – I used to love the company but my opinion of them has dropped to an all-time low over the past couple of years. I know of two friends with their products (one with a Storm carbine another their top-end auto-loading trap shotgun) that had issues and received the biggest run-around with respect to warranty I’ve ever heard. They are a tight-wad frugal company that cares about money first and customers somewhere further down their priority list. Not the greatest way to do business. I plan on getting a Sako A7, but I sure hope it’s perfect and don’t have to use the warranty process.
As far as the mag on Tikka T3’s or the new A7 being cheap or chintzy – just because it’s plastic doesn’t make it bad. Glock has worldwide success and a reputation for reliability and they’re about as plastic a firearm as you can get…including their mags. There are quality plastic products and cheap plastic products, but Sako/Tikka doesn’t make the latter. You may not like plastic, and you have the right to your opinion, but keep in mind that’s your opinion. There’s nothing factual about plastic mags being sub-standard. They’re just different. The SIG 550/551/552 rifles use plastic mags and they’re one of the gold standards in military rifles. Plastic never rusts – remember that. As far as plastic bolt shrouds – you can bet someone will release a metal version on the aftermarket if they haven’t already (if it makes you feel better). Plastic trigger guards – see my comments about mags. Doesn’t matter people.
As far as bubbas and wanting max bang for the buck – get a Weatherby Vanguard series rifle. They’re $399 at Cabelas and they’re darn good. Savage makes a fine lower-priced good-shooting rifle, too. Remember, Vanguards are Howas, so you could get a Howa and be fine with one, too.
Poster #4 (Neil) made a comment about lacking dovetails on the A7. That’s the best thing Sako has ever done. I know Sako-style ringmounts are supposedly good for precise scope alignment, but if they were superior to everything else on the market, then you would see the custom rifle builders using them…and you don’t! Custom builders can do what they want, they’re not confined to factory standards – they create their own. It’s hard to argue the finest bolt-action rifle builder in the nation and possibly the world, TacOps (www.tacticaloperations.com), uses Weaver/picatinny style bases and rings. It’s almost impossible to find someone more picky than TacOps about their builds, and if they’re not using dovetail ring-mounts, then you know that technology is not worth a sh*t. Period! Sure, their rifles start at around $3000 or more, but none leave the house that shoot worse than 1/4 MOA @ 100 and he exclusively uses Leupold MkIV rings/bases. So, short story long, all Tikka/Sako products would be best served using the picatinny/weaver STANDARD.
Can’t wait to get my A7…
C
I own a sako 75 deluxe in 30-06. I totally love the gun. One thing that browning has gotten WRONG is the detachable mag. Why in hell would anyone want this, I reload and the number one thing in regards to accuracy is the depth of seating a bullet. I want to seat a bullet to my particular chamber not to a magazine. with a detachable magazine you might never realize the full accuracy of that rifle, Thats just the hard core facts. I wish that they offered the floorplate for all rifles in their line. Needless to say I wont be buying a model 85 or 75 in a finnlight or hunter in the future just because of the magazine.
i own a 300 win mag tikka t3 with a heavy barrel
its by far the best rifle i ever had and i wouldint trade it
againts any thing else i would trade my woman way before lol !!!
every body is talking about the new a7 i cant wait to try it
if its that good i might think about buying one but im septic!!!
can t wait to get them in canada !!!!
They have been available in Canada for some time now (spring) depending on who your source is. I just picked one up myself. I bought it for what it is not for what it isn’t lol. Prices are going up up up…
I have the Sako A7 S in 300WSM.
Very, very accurate.I believe this rifle is the way of the future, technology over craftmanship. Steel and plastic, computer controlled machining,tight tolerances,durability and light weight all show us the less expensive but funcitonally superior practicality of the modern age, doesn’t it? Change comes hard and I miss the
art of the old ways even if the mechanical superiority of today is here to stay. We can’t complain how this thing shoots and handles.
hi guys,enjoyed reading some of the comments on the 75,i own a 75 varmint in .243….fantastic rifle!!..ill be pushing up the daisys before i change it!
anyone know where or who in canada carries the sako A7 already?
How is the recoil on that A-7 300WSM ?
handled the A7 at a hunting show, these are really nice, until you try to get one, no one has them, nobody can tell you when they will be available, prices ?? good luck, you will pay whatever they ask and be lucky if you can even get your hand on one, way to go Sako !! keep up the lousy customer service up and be ready to suffer the price when some other gun manufacturer will actually come up with a quality product and have them available to all interested.
This is not a complaint about the product, but here in BC trying to buy what you want from the few pathetic stores that exist in the lower mainland is a nightmare all by itself, if you can stand being snobbed, taken for a fool, or downright ignored by mostly incompetent salesmen ( exception to the friendly and knowledgeable staff of Wholesale sports in Kamloops) .
I purchased the A7 last year in .270 WSM. Shot it last Sunday with 130 grain Berger VLD with 61 grains of IMR 4350. 4 shot group was covered by a quarter. I am saying I was all around a 1/2 moa. I paid 800 for mine and wouldn’t take anything for it so far. Recoil is very managable despite the weight. And the gun feels good. Mounted a Leupold VX-III 4.5-14x40LR with Boone and Crockett reticle. Awesome set up with Leupold rings for 1500.00.
I don’t understand why people think you have to spend 3k on a set up for it to shoot. I see folks complaining above about the stock, magazine and trigger guard of the A7… it’s meant to be shot, not used as a bush ax.
Why can’t they make this rifles in any of the fast .30’s or .338’s?
Hi.
Do you have a new Sako A7,300 WSM for left hand?
Itaru
I agree…the Sako dovetail as seen on the 85 and T3 is by far the world’s best mounting system with something like Warne dovetail rings.
Not a crappy rear windage screw to be seen with that rig.
The A7 has few real advantages over the T3.
My T3 triggers break like low strength glass….all shoot 3 shot MOA , including a .270 W which I’ve always found the hardest calibre to tune at power loads.
You get a metal lipped mag…ok.
And the A7s biggest plus, a receiver opening that allows easy finger loading unlike the T3.
But you want this over a T3, why?
Hi Joe
I want to buy a sako A7 in 7.08. Give me advice : good rifle ? accurate etc…
regards
jm truvan
I just bought an A-7 SS in 243W, reloaded using IMR4831, Fed210 & Sierra 100 SP and all my 5 (3) shot groups of varying charges landed in a 1/2″ triangle. The POI did not even move with a difference of 2 grains of powder for the 5 groups. This must be the “Chocolate Ice Cream Load” for this rifle.I have NEVER owned a Sako but am definitely hooked. I can’t wait to see how it shoots with fire formed cases and closer to lands bullet seating. The action/trigger/barrel are first class, but I would advise Sako to use Dura touch instead of the polypro they use for their stocks (Like Browning X Bolt). I have many friends in awe seeing how this out of the box rilfe shoots.
I met Alex [post #26] at the range on Saturday. Very nice fellow. His A7 in .243 and his A7 in .270 both shot very well [sub MOA and better] with Sierra bullets, but not as good with Nosler Partitions. The right load makes a difference, just like any rifle. I can’t really see how the A7 rifle is far superior to my Tikka T3. Mine is a T3Hunter in 6.5×55. I’ve had Norma factory loads do 3 shots touching. Amazing considering they were factory loads. I just worked up some home loads with 125gr Nosler Partitions doing 3000 fps that are .75 MOA. Great deer load. Maybe the A7 is superior because you can load/unload with the safety on using the special button. My x-bolt can do that, but I never use it, so it’s not really that much of a big deal to me. It can also shoot my home loads 3 shots touching. My Remington 700 SPS in 30-06 can load/unload with the safety on, and I don’t even need to puch any button. Mine is the model with the new trigger. The home loads [165 gr going 2990 fps] for that one shot a 5 shot group where 4 shots touched and the 5th spread the group to .6 inches. My point is that there are all sorts of great rifles out there. The A7 is not the best of the best, but it will shoot very accurately with the right load, stable rest and a good operator. So will a lot of other rifles. You don’t need to spend several thousands of dollars on a gun to get great groups. My Rem700 sps cost $540 new, and has a $200 scope [nikkon buckmaster]. I found a load that works well. Not all loads do. Anyway, if you don’t mind plastic on a gun [I don’t mind it] then the A7 with the right load will do awsome. If you don’t like plastic, get a Remington or other gun. With the right load it will likely do awsome. The only gun I couldn’t make shoot [I’ve owned 7, and played with 20 or so] was a Ruger m77 in 7mag. But I’ve seen other Rugers do well. Don’t get worked up over the A7. It’s a shooter. If it’s not your cup of tea, then buy something else. I’m sure you can make it [whatever it is] a shooter too.
I am about to purchase a T3 or A7 wich would you buy and why?
For everyone that is complaining about these rifles,why don’t you try making rifles and see how well you can make them and sell then for high dollar amount?
I just purchased a A7 300wsm im from prince george bc i would like to know what the best ammo to use if anybody knows let me know thaks. ps i sure like it. it fits nice
I understand the new A7 has only a 3 shot clip magazine with it compared to the usual 5 shot Sako magazines that I’v seen in the past. Well, 3 shot clips are at least 1 shell too few for me, even with another round up the spout so that eliminates the A7 from my wishlist for sure.
In the last couple months I’ve inspected and handled the Finnlight Stainless in 25-06, which appears to have a 24 3/8″ barrel on it. That’s a nice rifle in a great calibre, and it comes with the usual Sako 5 shot clip mag on it too. A full 25″ barrel for this fine rifle in 25-06 would have been more appreciated, but I won’t let the slightly shorter barrel length deter me from purchasing one. Mounted with a high quality 4 X 15 power scope and custom handloads in 115 grain Nosler Partitions, I’ll be using it for everything from whitetails, thru sheep, black bear, moose and elk. As a former army sniper and international competition shooter, finely built rifles and optics of uncompromising quality are a must, and I anticipate this newest addition in my gun cabinet will be a ‘smokepole’ that I’ll be reaching for most often. Semper Fidelis…
Jess, that’s a nice calibre that you have there, and it’s suitable for all North American large game. Presuming that you’re going after game as large as moose and elk, and being in that part of B.C. that has a healthy population of Ursus Arctos Horribilis, commonly known as the Grizzly Bear, I’d personally seriously consider a well constructed bullet that’ll hold together if it hits heavy bone and/or muscle mass. A 180 grain Nosler Partition from ammo companies like Federal, or Remington and/or a number of the other firms that load Nosler bullets is a good round that’ll hold together well on serious big boned, muscular game and provide deep penetration as well. Whatever you do, look for top quality ammo and don’t compromise on the cost of shells when shopping for hunting ammo. Then practise handling the rifle properly so that when the oppurtunity comes up for a shot at your choosen game, it’ll be familiar to you on bringing the rifle up, aiming it with comfort and confidence and squeezing off a well aimed shot. Remember your sight picture as the rifle fires so that before you’ve even recovered from the shot, you should know near precisely where the shot entered the game animal in a vital area, and be prepared instantly for a follow-up shot if it’s required. Be absolutely sure of your target and safety concerns at all times no matter how fast paced the situation may become. OK. Good luck to you!
I am trying to find an A7 in 300 WSM. I own a 75 Finnlight in 270 WSM and it is by far the most accurate hunting rifle I have owned. Shoots a 1/4 inch 5 shot group at 100 yards. This is even better than the 3 Coopers I own. Has anyone seen or shot an A7 in 300 WSM?
Bwaaaa….Nick….don’t drink and post.
A 4×15 scope, 115 grn Partitions, on moose and black bear and elk?
You’re picked as a poseur.
A lot of B/S as to metal or plastic or 3 vs 5 shot mag… I have shot a pair of sakos for over a decade, #1 big game choice is finbear 7MM mag. the way this works is that before you can work your bolt for the 2nd shot something is dead. I have found that a 160 gr Nosler partition seated to just not touch the lands will keep 5 shots on a quarter at 100 or a tea cup at 300, sight in 3″ high at 100 yards and go hunting.
thanks for the info nick. i have tried a couple of diffrent brands it took a bit of shopping around and the brand of ammo my a7 liked. was federale premium 165 barnes triple shock i got a 3 shot group at a 100 yards the size of a quarter.it dosent like fusion or win ammo i couldnt get the grouping i wanted.this A7 300wsm from sako is very nice im glad i got the only one in prince george BC. my next buy is the A7 270 short mag cant wait
Have a A7 in 30-06 and shoots factory Rem 180’s into 3/4″ groups at 100 yards all day.Being from the old school I prefer metal and wood.Still would prefer to know where my bullets are going than say “I missed , but wasn’t I shooting a pretty Rifle.”
Amen, Kel.
People, man.
Just got an A7-300WSM A WEEK AGO. Put 3×10-40SA bushnell [3200 elite] in Burris Weaverstyle rings. Broke in barrel with 10 shots, thats the least amount of shots I have ever used to break in a barrel. That means the barrel was very smooth already. Good thing. Fed cases, RL-19 powder, Hornady 150 gr. SST bullets, CCI250 Primers.
The first 3 shots fired for a group…. 1/2 in. at 100 yd
There’s nothing about the rifle that I don’t like. It is a keeper.
Every Rem., every Winchester, every Ruger that I have ever had needed something done to it to make it. Trigger job, bedding job, freefloat the barrel, something.
The A7 needs nothing but using!
After 30 years I’ve finally started reloading again and hunting. My six millimeter rifle always treated me well. Now, I’m back. After buying over 7,000 primers, 800 casings, 27 lbs of 4 different powders and all the concentricity equipment that money can buy I was able to shoot over 600 rounds at a target range. Some days I was close but not right on. The next day I would be shooting 7 inches right and 4 inches low. After resighting the gun would shoot somewhat on. The next day it would be shooting right and 8 inches high. This is off of a rifle rest and with ear protectors. Sometimes I would adjust the scope 8 clicks right and the bullet would not even move half an inch. The scope is a new 2×7 scope and cost over $200. Most of you are correct. The scope was defective. I can tell from this experience that nothing is more fustrating than a rifle that will not shoot half way decent. Nothing matters when hunting or target shooting more than accuracy. All the pretty wood and and fancy gun cases and glass lacquer finishes means nothing when your gun doesn’t perform well. I picked up a A7 sako and handled it in the store. It feels good. It looks good. It shoots an extremely tight pattern. It also is affordable to the majority of the public and gives them a chance to have an excellent shooting rifle. Someday I will own one. Besides, many of those who buy and A7 or a Tika, buy them to use and not just to look at.
where is the new a7 tacamate rifle green stock ?
Hey all.
I was hoping to here from Jess about the 270 round. I just purchased an A7 in a 270. It will be available for pick up in a few weeks hopefully. was wondering what you thought worked best? I’ll more than likely going with a 130 or 140 grain.
Thanks…
Would like to know where I can buy a sako rifle in Nova Scotia ?
hi,
i just bought o Sako A7 M stainless .270 from dante sports montreal pay for it 1.130 + tx i will like to know because is my first time i will shoot a gun and i’m new in this game where i can try this gun in montreal or around montreal.
Another thing guys what ammo you thing is good for it.
Thank you
I very much like how Sako A7 rifles shoot (i.e. accuracy) and most features. However, I’ve had continued problem with the magazines on the .300 WM I own. The design of relatively thin steel inside thin synthetic outside allow the side of the mag to flex outward from the pressure of the spring pushing the cartridges up. The result, cartridges pop spontaneously out of the mag both when the mag is just sitting untouch, while pushing the loaded mag into the mag well and when cycling the bolt. Once already Beretta/Sako Support has sent me a replacement, new mag in attempt to fix this. However, the problem persists. I don’t have this problem with the .270 W A7 or with Tikka T3 .300WM and .30-06 all synthetic mags.
I wish Sako would just make either an all synthetic mag, like Tikka T3 or all metal heavier gauge steel to prevent this.
ive got an a7 in 300 wsm, does anyone know of a good bullet type for it. i cant seem to get it to group well at 200 yds.
I own a Sako A7 Tecomate 300 wsm and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else except maybe for a custom gun like a Christian Arms. I shoot HSM Berger VLD in 168 grain and they are deadly accurate. 4 shots, 1/2″ moa. Everything I shot last year, whitetail, mulie, pigs, javalina, all dropped. For amyone looking, that’s your bullet, inexpensive too, Cabelas has them.