• Frank's Lesson's Contest

    We want to see your skills! Post a video between now and November 1st showing what you've learned from Frank's lessons and 3 people will be selected to win a free shirt. Good luck everyone!

    Create a channel Learn more
  • Having trouble using the site?

    Contact support

Two "new to me" Sako Finnfires FTW

Kisssofdeath

House of Yates
Full Member
Minuteman
  • May 9, 2018
    2,058
    1,513
    Virginia
    I'm a sucker for a good deal. I bought a Finnfire Range for $258 cheaper than my first one; and I didn't think I overpaid for the first one. And picked up a Finnfire Hunter for $480, "yeah, I know, I stole it". Between yesterday and today, I finally got to shoot these two.

    Both were shot off a bipod and rabbit ear rear bag. The Range model was business as usual at shooting and while the Hunter model was too, I did have two FTE where the case was flipped around but didn't clear. This was out of 350 rounds. I have three 10 round mags, all are factory mags but two give me trouble when loaded with 10 rounds with some types of ammo. 5 rounds feeds flawless in all three mags. I normally have bench photos of the rifles but this time I just didn't think about it. Accuracy wise I am extremely happy with both new additions. The Hunter model still needs to prove itself but for now it's one if not the most accurate sporter model I have; that would include a Kimber "KoO" 82, three CZ 452's, two Tikka T1x, two Sako M78, Win 52B repo and the King Anschutz 1712 Silhouette. One thing that is extremely different about the Hunter is its chamber. It is so tight that I have to literally jerk the bolt back to extract the empty case. Feeding from the mag is fine. I did start with a clean barrel and chamber with no carbon ring, verified with my borescope. Anyway, here they are and how they shot.

    0815192348b.jpg


    Although I did have two bad shots that could have been me this overall target is one of the best I have shot. I didn't get a 10 for 10 (ten 5-shot groups at 1/2" or less) but all groups were very tight. I did adjust the scope too.

    Sako Hunter Lapua Pistol King 8-17-19.jpg


    I got lucky on a few cases of this lot number of CCI SV. At only $2 a box it shoots like $12 in most guns I have.

    Sako Hunter CCI SV 8-17-19.jpg


    Sako Hunter RWS R50 sc 8-17-19.jpg


    The Fed GM Match was a little disappointing for me. So bad that I stopped after 25 shot and Aguila SV on the last 5 bullseyes. This was also my last target for the day and fatigue may have been setting in.

    Sako Hunter Fed GM Match 8-17-19.jpg


    Finnfire Range #2

    0813191918.jpg


    You can believe me if you want too and if not that's fine too. But there are 5 shot in the center of that last bullseye. I have only done that one other time.

    Sako Range #2 Lapua Pistol King 8-16-19.jpg


    This is Federal Gold Medal Ultra Match.

    Sako Range #2 FED GM Ultra Match 8-16-19.jpg


    CCI SV same Lot Number as shot in the Hunter above.

    Sako Range #2 CCI SV 8-16-19.jpg


    Eley Edge, this stuff gave my problems feeding. It also has a flat tip, not round.

    Sako Range #2 Eley Edge 8-16-19.jpg


    To be continued.
     
    I have an early Finnfire Range and also an early Finnfire Varmint. I've owned them both for more years than I care to remember. The Varmint version, with a shortened 17" barrel, outshoots the Range any day of the week. Usually around sub half minute of angle five shot groups. It really likes Eley Force with the 42 grain bullet. The Range likes Lapua Centre-X and Eley 10X. I only load my 'long' mags with 9 rounds ... I think that it is the manufacturers recommendation.
     
    Tried some of the eley in my range and it was shocking to see how bad they shot. Typically sk+ or cci standard velocity shoots the best from the rifle.

    Have been able to shoot flys at 50 yards multiple times. Really fun to see a little splat of blood and some wings on the target backer.