Sako 90 Finnlight review

The Finnlight returns

The Sako 90 Finnlight is back. One of the most popular models in the Sako 75 and 85 series, it has returned in the 90 line-up.

At £1,899, the Finnlight offers excellent value for a rifle that combines out-of-the-box accuracy, durability, and true hunting practicality. It’s available in both right and left-handed models, continuing Sako’s reputation for catering to all shooters.

Lightweight yet rugged

Built with stainless steel action, bolt and barrel, the Finnlight is designed for tough conditions. Barrel options include 20in and 22.4in fluted barrels, with a free-floating design for consistent accuracy.

The stock is composite – slightly heavier than carbon fibre, but just as durable and far more affordable.

The new Sako 90 action

The Sako 90 action replaces the 75 and 85, but retains smooth cycling. New features include:

• Action sizes matched to cartridge length for optimal balance.

• Flat-bottom receiver for stronger bedding and consistent accuracy.

• Oversized ejection port, making reloads quicker under a scope.

• Integral Picatinny rail for easy scope, night vision or thermal mounting.

The stainless steel bolt now features twin plunger ejectors (borrowed from the TRG series) for flawless cartridge expulsion.

Trigger and safety

The trigger is wide, smooth and adjustable. Its new five-position indexed adjuster ranges from 1lb 14oz to 3lb 10oz.

The safety lever has an additional forward push button, allowing bolt operation while on safe. Practical and simple, without unnecessary complexity.

Accuracy and barrel performance

Sako barrels are cold hammer forged, ensuring concentricity, longevity, and accuracy. The Finnlight in .308 Win offers a fast 1:10in twist, ideal for stabilising modern lead-free ammunition.

During testing, factory ammunition produced outstanding results:

• Norma Tip Strike 170gr – 0.63in groups at 2,575fps, ideal for red deer and boar.

• Hornady International ECX (lead-free) – 0.37in groups, exceptional for factory ammo.

• Geco 136gr lead-free – 0.69in groups, fast and accurate.

This rifle clearly prefers lighter bullets, but proved versatile with both lead and lead-free loads.

Stock and handling

The composite stock is finished in hunter green with black grip inserts for improved handling. Synthetic leather panels on the pistol grip and forend enhance control in wet conditions.

Other stock features include:

• Adjustable cheekpiece, stable and comfortable.

• Quick-detach sling sockets.

• Soft recoil pad for secure mounting.

At around 7lb, the Finnlight balances durability with portability, making it perfect for long days in the field.

Field test in Scotland

In the Scottish hills, the Finnlight handled beautifully. Its lightweight build made it easy to carry through woodland and fast to mount onto sticks.

During testing, Bruce Potts had one of his most memorable stalking encounters: a roe buck approached within 12 feet, totally unaware, captured through the Hikmicro Habrok Pro HQ35L thermal/digital binoculars.

Though no shot was fired, the rifle’s handling proved it is an ideal stalking companion.

Conclusion

The Sako 90 Finnlight is everything a stalking rifle should be: lightweight, rugged and accurate. Priced competitively, it offers superb performance for British stalkers looking for a dependable all-round rifle.

As Bruce Potts concludes: “It’s all you need. I would have one.”