Sunday GunDay: SAKO S20 Hybrid Hunter and Precision Rifles

Finnish gun manufacturer SAKO Ltd. crafted the impressive S20 series of “hybrid” rifles. These are offered in a Hunter model and a Precision model. Both feature an internal aluminum chassis, adjustable trigger, and integral Picatinny rail on top. Users can change fore-ends and rear sections to suit different disciplines. Use the rifle for a PRS match one weekend and hunt with it the next.

SAKO states: “The user will be able to switch between the stocks and fore-ends quickly and easily and can change the rifle from a tactical to a hunting rifle or vice versa in a matter of minutes with no need to re-zero optics after assembly. The stocks can be taken down easily by loosening up two screws between the rear stock and fore-end.” Both 20″ and 24″ barrel versions have been offered, with a wide variety of chamberings/calibers: .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Win Mag.

The SAKO S20’s stainless steel action features a 3-lug, push-feed bolt with plunger ejection. The Cerakoted receiver of the S20 features a machined Picatinny rail for easy scope mounting. The trigger of the S20 is adjustable for pull weight and for position within the trigger guard (± 7mm) to ensure good length of pull for the shooter. The muzzle of the rifle is 5/8×24 threaded, allowing for the addition of muzzle devices such as suppressors or brakes (some models come with factory brakes installed).

The Picatinny rail is machined directly on the receiver. The S20 action features a 3-lug bolt with 60° bolt throw. SAKO says the “high locking-lug surface area increases both safety and performance.” The full length of the action mates with a matching V-bed in the aluminum chassis. S20 factory accessories include monopod, muzzle brake, barricade stop and a thumb rest add-on.

SAKO sells the S20 in a variety of configurations. You can buy a single stock system or with both stocks. The Hunter model is offered with a variety of camouflage finishes. The SAKO website lists six different camo options for the S20 Hunter model: First Lite Fusion, Roughtech Green, Roughtech Desert, Hunter Camo, Polyfade Gray, and Polyfade Gray/Green.

PHOTO: SAKO Hunter Model S20s are available with Camouflage stocks in multiple colors and patterns.

The SAKO S20 Precision model has a more vertical grip, wider fore-end (with rail mount), and a flat section in the buttstock that enhances bag riding. This can be used for tactical-style competition as well as varminting and hunting. M-Lok system allows mounting of bipods and other accessories.

SAKO S20 Review in GunsAmerica Digest

A few years ago GunsAmerica Digest published a very thorough SAKO S20 Hybrid field test and review. That article explained how to swap stocks and fore-ends and how to adjust the trigger. The reviewer, Jeff Cramblit, noted the smooth function of the action and gave high praise to the modular stock system:

“Sako was right all along, the S20 is a ‘Hybrid’ rifle. My favorite configuration after all the testing … is the Hunter buttstock and the Precision forearm. This gives me the ability to use all my rail mounted accessories and I like how the thumbhole stock feels even better than the Precision grip. It [was] 11 pounds 5.5 ounces when outfitted with the Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x and the Hatch bipod[.]

The Sako S20 is an impressive rifle. It carries and balances well, shoots fantastic, has a great trigger, smooth action, reliable magazines, and the fact that you can have it your way is an added bonus.”

SAKO S20 Proves Very Effective for Hunting

The SAKO S20 is definitely a good hunting rifle. SAKO has offered the S20 with many popular hunting chamberings including: .243 Win, 6.5 CM, 6.5 PRC, .270 Win, 7mm Rem Magnum, .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Win Magnum. The photo above was taken by a hunter in Europe who purchased the S20. He used it successfully to nail a wild hog.

SAKO S20 Specifications

Calibers/Chamberings: .243 Win, 6.5 CM, 6.5 PRC, .270 Win, 7mm Rem Magnum, .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Win Magnum.
Receiver: Grey Cerakoted Stainless Steel with integral scope bases
Barrel: 20″ or 24″, Grey Cerakote, Cold Hammer-Forged (some models fluted); muzzle 5/8×24 threaded
Trigger: Adjustable 2 to 4 pounds
Stock: Chassis mounted Hunter or Precision model, adjustable cheek piece, adjustable length of pull
Magazine Capacity: 5- or 10-rounds for standard cartridges, 3- or 7-rounds for magnum cartridges

Take-Down Stock with Modular Front and Rear Sections

The takedown stock of the SAKO S20 allows for great modularity, so that S20 rifles can be configured according to owner preferences with different rear stocks and fore-ends. The S20’s aluminum chassis is covered by a strong but comfortable outer shell material that SAKO calls H.I.R. – High Impact Resistant. The same H.I.R. material is used on car dashboards. The outer shell is currently offered in two styles — a thumbhole hunter and a more tactical style with straight toe and conventional grip.

Full Adjustability — Even Trigger Position
Adjustable ergonomics are a big part of the S20 design. The multi-adjustable trigger (available in both single-stage and two-stage variants) can be moved backwards or forwards to better fit different hand sizes. An adjustable cheek piece and LOP spacers help provide a proper fit.

M-Lok System Allows Easy Mounting of Accessories
The new SAKO S20 can accept a wide range of accessories, attached via aluminum M-LOK placements. SAKO-made accessories include Rear Mono-Pod, Barricade Stop, and Thumbrest. And yes SAKO threads the muzzles 5/8×24 for use with brakes and suppressors. This video shows how accessories mount:

Field Sports Unboxing Video of SAKO S20 with Hunter Stock

This S20 “first look” video was created by the UK Fieldsports channel. The reviewer was impressed with the S20’s interchangeable stock system: “The modularity allows the rifle to be configured to the shooter’s preferences with different rear stocks and fore-ends. At launch, SAKO introduced both the tactical precision stock and the ergonomic hunting stock, the latter being an improved version of a traditional thumbhole stock more like a pistol grip. Switching between rear stocks is fast and easy, virtually changing the rifle from a target rifle to a hunting rifle, or vice versa, with the correct grip, in a matter of minutes.”

The Fieldsports review added: “Overall, the adjustable ergonomics are a big part of the S20 design. The multi-adjustable trigger can be moved backwards or forwards to better fit different hand sizes and to achieve the optimal trigger position, and its weight and length of pull can be adjusted. The quick-adjustable cheek piece and spacer adjustable length of pull help to achieve the best possible shooting posture. Combined with a wide selection of M-LOK and QD compatible accessory options, S20 adapts to all body sizes and shooting situations.”

Field Test of SAKO S20 — Sub-MOA Accuracy with .300 Win Mag

In this test, using factory ammunition, the shooter achieved sub-MOA accuracy with a SAKO S20 Precision chambered in .300 Win Mag. The very first three shots out of the gun went into about 3/4″ with two shots touching (SEE 04:25 – 4:50 time-marks). The tester offered this rifle description: “Boasting a cold hammer-forged, fluted stainless steel barrel with a recessed crown and a durable Cerakote® finish, this precision rifle ensures impeccable accuracy in virtually any environment. The sculpted stock features an adjustable cheek pad and recoil pad for a customizable fit[.] An M-Lok monopod is easily fitted for added stability in the rear, while the adjustable trigger ensures a consistent, user-specific pull[.] The receiver is mounted to a full-length bedding for improved strength and durability. Plus, the oversized bolt handle ensures intuitive, snag-free manipulation, while a low throw profile easily clears your scope.”