Question 1

What is the difference between single stage and two trigger?

Accepted Answer

Single stage trigger is the most used trigger in hunting. There is only one stage in the trigger and once the weight of pull exceeds the limit the trigger breaks and releases the firing pin.

Two stage trigger has two stages like the name states. First there is an "empty" pull until you feel a threshold. This gives you a somewhat better feel to the pull of the trigger and the final pull is that much lighter as part of the weight is consumed in the initial empty pull. Once you pull the trigger over the threshold the firing pin is released and the pin hits the primer of the cartridge.

Question 2

How do I adjust the trigger position?

Accepted Answer

The trigger position is an important factor affecting your shooting ergonomy and your shooting performance. Typically the correct position is when you easily reach the trigger with your finger tip and locate the trigger in the pad of the index finger before the first indent.

The trigger position can be adjusted by loosening the 2 mm Allen screw from the trigger and then repositioning the trigger to achieve a desired shooting ergonomy. Then just re-tighten the screw.

Question 3

How does legislation affect on choosing the right caliber for hunting?

Accepted Answer

Authorities in different countries/states/areas define which calibers and bullet types can be used for which game species. If one game can be shot with one caliber in a certain country, it may not be so in some other country. Always make sure from the local authorities which gun-caliber-bullet combinations are allowed for your target game.

Question 4

How does caliber affect accuracy?

Accepted Answer

Either a caliber is designed for specific purposes or it then can be considered as multi-purpose. In its designed purpose, it does not make a difference accuracy-wise which caliber you choose. They all are accurate, when used in the right context and purpose.

The choice needs to be made according to the target game and type of hunting.

Question 5

How to choose a versatile caliber?

Accepted Answer

When one caliber is used for multiple purposes. The best example of versatile calibers are 308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor or 30-06 Sprg. But if you practice a specific type of hunt such as driven hunting, mountain hunting, bird hunting or large game hunting, it is advised to use a caliber that is dedicated for these particulare contexts.

Question 6

What is the effect of barrel length?

Accepted Answer

Short barrels make the handling of the rifle easier and lighter. However, longer barrel give more time for the powder to burn, thus increasing the speed and kinetic energy of the bullet.

Question 7

What are the differences between different barrels in S20?

Accepted Answer

For the S20, we offer two different barrel profiles, one with a muzzle diameter of 20 mm and the other with an 18 mm muzzle diameter. The thicker barrel is designed for tactical and precision shooting and the thinner barrel is light enough for hunting purpose where you need to carry the rifle. But in general, both profiles are good for versatile usages. The barrel with an 18 mm muzzle diameter is always fluted. Fluting reduces the weight of the barrel and helps in heat dissipation. The barrel with a 20 mm muzzle diameter has a smooth non-fluted surface. Barrel lengths are either 20" or 24", magnums only in 24" barrels, and others in both. For magnum calibers, a longer barrel ensures that the powder has enough time to burn and provides the bullet with optimal kinetic energy.

Question 8

What materials and coatings are used for S20 barreled actions?

Accepted Answer

The Sako S20 rifles are available either with stainless steel or carbon steel (QT) barreled action. With stainless steel, we always use Cerakote Tungsten as coating. Carbon steel barreled actions are blued.

Question 9

What is the muzzle thread on S20? Can I attach a suppressor or muzzle brake on S20?

Accepted Answer

All the Sako S20 rifles have a 5/8"-24 muzzle thread.

You can attach a suppressor or a muzzle brake on all the S20 barrel models. Always be sure that the device you use has high-quality 5/8-24 threading and that you have tightly mounted the device on the barrel. Also, verify that your device matches the caliber of your S20.

Question 10

I have a S20 rifle in caliber x, which magazines can I use?

Accepted Answer

All S20 rifles come with one detachable magazine. The S20 magazines are designed so that 308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 243 Win use the same magazines (S size), 270 Win and 30-06 Springfield use the same (M size), 300 Win and 7 mm Rem Mag use the same (L size) and 6.5 PRC has its own (PRC).

We have two different magazine lengths/capacities available per caliber: S and M short magazines take 5 rounds and the long magazine takes 10 rounds; L and PRC short magazines take 3 rounds and long magazines take 6 rounds.

All the S20 magazines are manufactured from glass-reinforced composite for ultimate lightness and rigidness. The magazines are center feeding and rounds are staggered in 1,5 rows inside the magazine, which makes them very compact.

Question 11

I have purchased S20 in stock configuration x, now I want a new colour or stock design, can I change the stock?

Accepted Answer

The S20 rifle is designed to be modular. It means that the stocks are easily replaceable. The stock consists of 2 parts, rear and forend. The rear stock comes loose by opening (a couple of turns) the screw just behind the receiver from the top of the rifle and another screw behind the trigger guard. The replaceable parts of the forend include the cover, barrel channel, and possible accessories (M-LOK, QD, etc.).

We offer two stock designs : Hunter with narrow and simplistic forend and multi-adjustable thumbhole rear stock; and Precision with wide flat bottomed forend and vertical grip. Both stocks have QD-sockets on each side. The Precision stock has, in addition, an M-LOK attachment points in both parts. You can also mix-match the parts, by fixing the Hunter forend and the Precision rear, and vice versa.

We also have Camo- and Roughtech-coated stocks in Hunter and Precision configurations.

Question 12

Which trigger options are available in S20?

Accepted Answer

For the Sako S20, you have two trigger types to choose from: The single-stage or two-stage trigger.

The single-stage trigger is the most used in hunting. There is only one stage in the trigger and once the weight of the pull exceeds the limit the trigger breaks and releases the firing pin. The weight of pull is adjustable from 2lbs to 4lbs (1 to 2 kg).

The two-stage trigger has two stages the name states. First, there is an "empty" pull until you feel a threshold. This gives you a somewhat better feel for the pull of the trigger and the final pull is that much lighter as part of the weight is consumed in the initial empty pull. Once you pull the trigger over the threshold the firing pin is released and the pin hits the primer of the cartridge.

Question 13

Which calibers are available for S20?

Accepted Answer

The Sako S20 is available in 243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 Win, 270 Win, 30-06 Sprng., 6.5 PRC, 7 mm Rem Mag and 300 Win Mag.

Question 14

What are the twist rates for each caliber in S20?

Accepted Answer

The rates of twist have been chosen to be as compatible as possible for a versatile selection of bullets for each caliber in the market currently. Special attention has been on copper bullets as they are getting more common each day and they typically are longer than traditional lead-core bullets.

The twist rates for each S20 available caliber are the following:

243 Win - 1:8"
6.5 Creedmoor - 1:8"
308 Win - 1:11"
270 Win - 1:10"
30-06 Sprng. - 1:11"
6.5 PRC - 1:8"
7 mm Rem Mag - 1:9.5"
300 Win Mag - 1:10"

Question 15

What is the difference between Sako S20 and Sako 85?

Accepted Answer

Sako S20 action is based on TRG platform. The bedding is done on aluminum chassis on V-parrallel surfaces. Also to broaching shape and bolt head design follows TRG heritage. This means that S20 is center feeding rifle with three-lug bolt. Sako 85 instead feeds from two row and is specifically designed to be bedded directly to stock. In S20 we have only one acion size with bolt movement limited by the bolt retainer and while magazine outer dimensions are the same regardless of the caliber, the magazines' internal dimensions are designed for each caliber size. In the 85 series, we have different action legnths and also magazine sizes according to the caliber. S20 magazines are glass-reinforced composite magazines, center-feeding and staggered 1,5 row. 85 magazines are metal magazines and staggered and feeding from two rows.

In general, S20 is a modern rifle that is fully capable for both versatile hunting purposes and precision/sports shooting purposes. Sako 85 rifle family is fit-for-purpose hunting rifle family that consists of rifle models for different hunting applications and game species.

Question 16

How do I mount my optics / red dot to my S20 rifle?

Accepted Answer

All S20 rifles have Picatinny rails machined directly on the receiver. So Picatinny interface is integrated in the receiver. The Picatinny rails are divided in two parts, one behind and one in front of the ejection port. You can flexibly mount your scope with a wide range of picatinny mounts available, but we recommend using the Sako S20 scope mount which is available in either 0 MOA or 20 MOA tilt and different ring sizes are also available. This mount is suitable for vast majority of scopes and is rigid and reliable for versatile usages. Red dot sights can reliably be mounted on either part of the picatinny rails, which have three slots each.

Question 17

I am a reloader, do my longer cartridges fit to the S20 magazine?

Accepted Answer

The Sako S20 magazines are called "Magazine+", because they have in all calibers some extra space. With this solution we have made the magazines reloader-friendly. Cartridges are also held in place inside the magazine from the shoulder so that they will not hit against the front wall due to recoil, thus managing the extra space securely.

Please also notice that the Sako warranty will cease if a cartridge with load/pressure exceeding CIP/SAAMI specified value is fired with the rifle. Also make sure that the loads and powders you use are safe and within the specified values.

Question 18

Can I have open sights on my S20 rifle

Accepted Answer

The S20 rifles are not available with open sights. However, S20 receivers have integrated picatinny rails on which it is simple to attach red dot sights.

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Instruction Manuals

FAQ

Trigger

What is the difference between single stage and two trigger?

How do I adjust the trigger position?

Which trigger options are available in S20?

Accessories

How does legislation affect on choosing the right caliber for hunting?

General Questions

How does legislation affect on choosing the right caliber for hunting?

How to choose a versatile caliber?

Which calibers are available for S20?

What is the difference between Sako S20 and Sako 85?

Can I have open sights on my S20 rifle

Technical Questions

How does caliber affect accuracy?

What is the effect of barrel length?

What materials and coatings are used for S20 barreled actions?

What are the twist rates for each caliber in S20?

How do I mount my optics / red dot to my S20 rifle?

I am a reloader, do my longer cartridges fit to the S20 magazine?

Barrels

What are the differences between different barrels in S20?

What is the muzzle thread on S20? Can I attach a suppressor or muzzle brake on S20?

Magazine

I have a S20 rifle in caliber x, which magazines can I use?

Stocks

I have purchased S20 in stock configuration x, now I want a new colour or stock design, can I change the stock?

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