The launch of the new Sako 90 was confusing to most, but Sako enthusiasts were excited when it was finally introduced to the public in May of 2023. The 90 replaced the 85, which was quietly phased out of production in early 2022, leaving Sako with only the 20 and 100 in their lineup for over a year, and the 100 wasn’t readily available in North America. Many Sako fans feared that the futuristic-looking S20 was the 85’s replacement, and Sako did nothing to quell these rumors. I’d heard some rumblings in the late summer of 2022 about a new rifle coming from Sako, and when I was invited to the Sako plant in Finland in October to test a new rifle, I knew the rumors had to be true. I joined a contingent of writers from the USA, New Zealand, and Australia in Helsinki, but before we could see the new rifle, we were all required to sign a $1,000,000 non-disclosure agreement. Sako was serious about keeping this rifle secret until the launch.
Video Review of the Sako 90 Finnlight
We got our first look at the new Sako 90 at a formal press event, and the first thing that struck me was how similar it looked to the 85. I’ve long been a fan of the 85 and was concerned that this new rifle would be a big deviation from it, but it wasn’t. In fact, at first glance, several of the models looked identical. But as we were to learn, looks can be deceiving. This new model had several refinements over its predecessor that were designed to make it function better and increase accuracy. As one of the engineers put it, “They took a great rifle, the 85, and made it even better.”
We were introduced to eight models of the Sako 90, but one was glaringly absent. There was no replacement for the most popular and affordable 85 Finnlight. Many of us believed that the Finnlight had simply been phased out. The 85 Finnlight II was introduced in 2019, and the 90 Adventure replaced it. While the original 85 Finnlight remained in production alongside the Finnlight II until the 85 series was phased out in 2022, it appeared Sako chose not to replace the original Finnlight in the 90 series.
It was in October 2024, however, that I heard rumblings that the Finnlight was coming back, and I managed to get my hands on a prototype in late December, with the understanding that I couldn’t breathe a word about it until January 9th, the official launch date. It was a hard secret to keep, as I was excited that this iconic model was back. I wasted no time mounting a scope on it and heading to the range. While most of our hunting seasons were over, I desperately wanted to try the rifle out on a hunt before the launch.
So, what’s new about the 90s? The most noticeable change is that Sako stiffened the action by leaving more metal on top of the ejection port. I was worried this may impede top loading, but it isn’t an issue. This was done to increase accuracy, and while all 85s boasted an MOA accuracy guarantee and easily achieved that, the 90s took accuracy to new levels. My new Finnlight chambered in 300 WM and printed a group at .65 MOA with Hornady Outfitter Ammunition on the first trip to the range.
The Sako 90 is a push feed with a three-locking-lug bolt. Unlike the 85, a control feed with claw extraction, the 90 utilizes the same double plunger ejection found on Sako’s TRG line of rifles. The Sako 85 received criticism for occasional ejection issues, which was addressed in the 90. The 90 has the same smooth bolt found on all Sakos. To ensure this, a special machining process limits contact between the bolt and receiver. Some criticism has been leveled at the two-piece bolt handle vs the one-piece found on the 85, but it certainly plays no role in function. The addition of an integral picatinny rail for scope mounting is certainly a welcome change. Previous Sako models required specialized mounts, with their own line of Optilock rings being most commonly used. The picatinny rail allows for the use of a wider array of rings from other manufacturers.
While the 85 had an adjustable trigger, Sako simplified adjustment even more on the 90. The supplied tool fits through a hole in the bottom of the trigger guard and into a Torx screw head. Rather than being infinitely adjustable, there are five positive click settings to ensure repeatability. It can be adjusted from about 2.4 to 4 pounds. The trigger may also be moved forward or rearward in the trigger guard to accommodate users with different-sized hands. Both right and left-hand models are available.
After shooting the new 90 in Finland, my first impression was that it felt like an old friend, the 85 and that the few changes were welcome. But what about the new Finnlight? Of all the 90 models, it saw the most significant changes. When I pulled it out of the box, the first thing that struck me was while it bore some resemblance to the old Finnlight, it was indeed a new version. The first thing you’ll notice is the stock. It’s more rigid to improve accuracy, and it has a textured finish now, with synthetic leather grips on the pistol grip, cheek piece, and forend. The stock is impervious to most chemicals as well. An added bonus is the spring-loaded adjustable cheekpiece. This allows for one-handed operation when the rifle is in the shooting position and is a feature typically only found on much higher-end models.
The Finnlight has a threaded muzzle and cap, so you can easily use a muzzle brake or suppressor. The other thing unique to the Finnlight in the 90 series, are quick-detach sling swivel sockets in the rear stock and forend. This keeps clean lines on the stock, and the sling can be quickly removed and attached. It does present an issue for those wanting to use a bipod on the rifle that attaches to standard sling swivel studs. Extended sling swivel studs are available, however, to accommodate this. It also features a unique three-position safety that locks the bolt in the safe position, but the bolt may also be opened in the safe position by simply depressing a small release in front of the safety.
The first trip to the range with the Finnlight didn’t disappoint. I also have a 90 Adventure in 300WM, and it shot the Hornady Outfitter ammo with the 180 CX bullet incredibly well, and the Finnlight was no different. Muzzle velocity was about 80fps slower than advertised, but this is fairly common with new barrels, and I suspect it will level out around 2,950 once the barrel has a hundred or so rounds through it. After I go it zeroed on the bench, I moved to the shooting sticks and was impressed at how well it shouldered and felt. At around 7.5 pounds for the long action, this rifle isn’t lightweight but seems perfect for shooting from sticks. After banging the metal gong a half dozen times at 200 yards, Vanessa took her turn and shot three rounds all into the three-inch circle; not too bad standing off shooting sticks. She smiled and couldn’t help but comment on the smooth action. I had to agree.
Kelly Readman at Redman Trophy Big Game Hunts had offered to open up his operation for us for a bison hunt right after the New Year. It was while Vanessa was clearing the chamber after her third round that she reminded me that she’d never hunted bison and that since she was shooting the new Finnlight so well, it was only fair that she got to hunt. I couldn’t disagree, so we headed to Saskatchewan only days before the Finnlight launch to run the rifle through its paces.
Kelly’s family have been stewards of the land he hunts for over a century, and he offers hunts for bison, elk, wild boar and exotic sheep. This is a high-fenced property, but between the rugged topography, thick cover, and sprawling acreage, it offers a challenging hunt, and at a time of year when there weren’t many other opportunities, it was perfect. Kelly had an ancient cow bison that he figured was around 23 years old and decided she would offer a great hunt for the new Finnlight. We didn’t disagree, and on a frigid morning in January, we headed out to see if we could locate her.
We met Kelly at his lodge, and he suggested we head out on foot from there. The snow was deep and crusted, so it was tough going and definitely not quiet. After walking for an hour or so, we spotted two herds of bison in the valley bottom, feeding in a slough. We slowly worked our way down a heavily timbered slope, but with three of us walking in the crunchy snow, the bison spooked when we were about 500 yards away. As they ran to the west, the snow kicking up clouds behind them, it became obvious that it would be tough to get within range. The other issue was that there were about 60 bison in the herd, and picking out the one cow wouldn’t be easy. Thankfully, she had a crooked left horn that made it easier for her to identify, but getting her in the open for a clear shot was going to be difficult. Heck, getting in range was going to be a challenge.
We caught up with the herd about an hour later. They were bedded in a large aspen stand on a steep hillside about a half mile away. Kelly figured if we took our time and slowly made our way in, we might have a chance. So, for the next two hours, we’d take a step and pause for several minutes before taking the next step. The thermometer was dipping below -20, and we all felt cold. Somehow, we managed to get within 80 yards of the herd. Kelly called Vanessa up beside him and pointed out the old cow in the herd. She was toward the front of the group but several other bison were in front of her. Vanessa trained the rifle on the old cow and waited for the other animals to clear.
The cow at the front of the herd was staring intently at us, and you could feel the nervous energy in the entire herd. Vanessa’s hands were getting cold in the sub-zero temperatures. Then, finally, one of the calves in front of the old cow moved. As Vanessa prepared herself for the shot, the entire herd bolted. We had come so close. Vanessa winched in pain as she slid her hands back into her mittens. They were extremely cold. Kelly looked at his watch, and it was 1:30pm. He suggested we head back to the lodge, where a hot lunch awaited, and we could warm up.
It was around 3:30pm when we headed back out. We walked to where we’d last seen the bison, but they were gone, and their tracks told the story. They’d headed north into some big hills, and Kelly wasn’t hopeful we’d get on them before dark. He suggested Vanessa, and I head back toward the slough where we’d seen them feeding in the morning in case they returned, and he’d head up into the hills to try and spot them and make a plan for the following day.
Vanessa and I trudged through the deep snow, got to the edge of the slough, and found a place behind some trees to set up. We’d wait there until dark and then meet up with Kelly back at the lodge. About 30 minutes later, we spotted some bison in the hills to the north. They were heading to the west, and it didn’t appear they were going to come in our direction. I suggested to Vanessa that we make a move and try to intercept them. We gathered our gear and headed west along the slough’s edge. I had a destination in mind, but before we could get there, we saw the first bison in the herd coming into view. I ranged them at 294 yards. It was much further than Vanessa wanted to shoot, but there was no way we would get closer.
She slipped the Finnlight up onto the shooting sticks, adjusted the cheekpiece slightly, and settled in behind the rifle. She looked at me and nodded, and it felt steady. The remainder of the herd was slowly coming into view, and the old cow walked out. She was 286 yards. Vanessa dialed the turret on the Zeiss V4 to 275 yards and turned the magnification to eight power. The old cow had an uncanny ability to always be behind other bison, and this time was no different. She walked across the opening, never offering a shot, and then paused behind several large aspens.
We waited for what seemed like an eternity for her to move. Vanessa’s hands were beginning to freeze in the extreme temperatures. I handed he one of my mittens to slip over her right hand. Then, finally, the herd began to move, and the cow doubled back to the north and walked into an opening. Before I could tell Vanessa to get ready, I watched as the old cow jumped forward at the report of the 300WM. The entire herd ran out of sight. The shot sounded solid, but bison are notoriously tough, so we weren’t celebrating yet. I suggested we move up the bank to our right and try to relocate the herd.
They were tucked into a small drawer about 300 yards away, and we frantically scanned for the cow but couldn’t find her. Some bison were lower in the draw, and we couldn’t get a good look at them. She had to be there. About five minutes later, the herd began to move to the south again, and Vanessa got set up on the shooting sticks while I scanned with the binoculars. I noticed Kelly up on the hill about a half mile away, watching intently. The herd moved swiftly across in front of us, but the cow was nowhere to be seen. We waited for Kelly to join us and see if he had a better look from above. He hadn’t seen her either.
We slowly made our way toward the last place we’d seen her, and about halfway there, we saw her lying in the snow. She had gone less than 60 yards, and the bright red trail in the snow told the tale. Vanessa had made a perfect shot. “I love this rifle,” she said to no one in particular.
After just pausing for a while to just take in all the events of the day, Kelly suggested we walk back to the lodge get his tractor, and haul the huge beast back to his skinning pole. It was close to 9:00pm when we had the bison all skinned out and loaded in the truck. We thanked Kelly for sharing this hunt with us and accommodating us on this last-minute request to put the Finnlight through its paces. This was our first time hunting with Kelly, and by the end of the day, we felt like old friends. If you know anything about the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, you know just how amazing these hardy prairie people are, and we vowed to return one day soon, perhaps when the temperatures weren’t quite so frigid and the snow not so deep.
The new Sako 90 Finnlight passed its first test with flying colors. These were some pretty extreme conditions for any rifle. We can’t wait to get it out for black bears at home this spring.
For more information on hunting with Redman Trophy Big Game Hunts,
