RIFLE TEST

Sako S20 Hunter

in .308 Win £1,955
This innovative rifle can be reconfigured quickly to meet the needs
of hunters and precision shooters alike. Bruce Potts is impressed

The quick-
detachable stock
and instant exchange of
parts allows the S20 to switch from
a Hunter version (thumbhole)
to a Precision
(tactical)
version

“The S20 gives all you need from a centrefire

OUR VERDICT rifle, with Sako’s unparalleled build quality”

E
very now and then a rifle Described by Sako as ‘the first With just two screws loosened, the
is developed that really is true hybrid rifle’, the S20 combines rear stock slides off and the S20 can
something different. Judging excellent accuracy straight from the be stored or transported in a small
by the huge demand for its box — less than 1in at 10 yards (minute package but, most importantly, with
new S20 rifle, manufacturer Sako has of angle) — with strong and durable the scope still attached so there is
an absolute winner on its hands. construction and operation for real- absolutely no loss of zero.
We have all seen guns with world hunting environments. But
interchangeable barrels, two-piece best of all is the innovative, quick- Quality
stocks, adjustable parts and so on, detachable stock and instant exchange Combine this with a new integral scope
but Sako has taxed its little grey of parts to reconfigure the rifle from mount and excellent choice of one-
cells and come up with a truly a Hunter version (thumbhole) to piece mounts, detachable magazine,
game-changing rifle. a Precision (target shooting) version. Cerakote Tungsten weather-beating

34 • SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRY MAGAZINE

 Tested and reviewed by Shooting Times
Shotgun test

By loosening two screws the rear stock can be

removed, allowing for compact storage

The 20in fluted barrel allows great handling

without compromising ballistics

The magazine has an

increased internal size
to protect bullets and
help reloaders

The S20 comes

with a detachable
five-shot magazine (three
for Magnum), with a 10-shot
magazine (seven for
Magnum) available
as an optional
extra

NEED TO KNOW

Manufacturer Sako
Model S20 Hunter
Type Bolt action
Overall length 39.85in
Barrel length 20in, 5/8th 24 UNEF muzzle thread
Length of pull 14.25in (adjustable)
Weight 3.26kg (rifle only)
Finish Cerakote Tungsten
Calibre .308 Win
Stock Black synthetic, thumbhole,
Durable and accurate, the quick-detachable take-down facility
S20 is a great stalking rifle and exchangeable options
Magazine Detachable, five shot (10 optional)
Scope mounts Integral Picatinny rail and Sako
finish, fluted barrel, M-Lok attachment quality — and you have all you truly one-piece scope mount and changeable scope
rings available
points for slings and bipods, and an need from a centrefire rifle. Trigger Single stage, adjustable
adjustable rear stock for length, cheek Price RRP £1,955 Hunter (Precision £2,185)
height and recoil pad angle — and top Importer GMK, 01489 579999
it off with Sako’s unparalleled build

SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRY MAGAZINE • 35

 RIFLE TEST

T
IN DEPTH
FIELD TEST
he calibres available for the
S20 are .243, .270, .308 and Off the bench, the S20 lived up to its a must. The compact nature of the S20
6.5 Creedmoor (Magnum minute of angle claims. Best accuracy was appreciated, as were the synthetic
to follow), so all species in went to the Winchester 150-gr with stock and Cerakote finish that meant
Britain are catered for. I tested a .308 2,689fps/2,409ft/lb with three-shot the wet foliage and damp soil weren’t
Win version with a 20in fluted barrel, groups at 100 yards of 0.75in. The fastest a problem. I used a Buttolo call to
18mm in diameter, which allows great were the 123-gr Sako Gameheads at encourage a response from any roebucks
handling and overall length without 2,944fps/2,368ft/lb and groupings hiding in the crop as I hid in some
compromising ballistics. A 24in, fluted of less than an inch. convenient bracken. Sure enough, after
or non-fluted, barrel is also available. The Hornady 150-gr SST loads gave a few attempts a head popped up from
I had the Hunter thumbhole, but 2,898fps with 2,798ft/lb energy and the barley, as well as that of a doe who
a Precision version with a greater range- 0.95in groupings, while the Browning BXC was not keen on another ‘doe’ coming
style stock and a fore-end can be fitted 168-gr loads shot 2,524fps/2,377ft/lb after her chap.
as an optional extra. This is easily done and grouped bang on 1in. The buck stood his ground, however,
with the S20’s primary asset being I fitted a Zeiss Duralyt scope and so a slow stalk along the tractor track in
a stock that can be removed quickly by Stalon sound moderator that only the crop allowed a neck shot only, but
loosening two screws that join the stock increased the overall length to 44.85in. the Sako 123-gr ammunition at 110 yards
to the fore-end via a top and bottom With the crops well grown and the dropped him instantly. It took 20 minutes
screw and wedge system. An Allen cover dense, stealthy stalking was for the doe to move off though.
key and tool holder are provided, and
with a few turns the rear stock slides
off. The fore-end is loosened from the accuracy. The 20in barrel has a 5/8-24 longer. The release lever is on the
aluminium bedding block via three muzzle thread for a sound moderator, magazine itself and drops out easily
Allen screws and the quick-detachable and its weight is reduced by six barrel but has a slight rattle in its housing.
sling swivel stud. This allows compact flutes. It is finished, like the action, with The trigger can be ordered as a single
storage with no loss of zero. a tough Cerakote Tungsten coating. or two stage, with an adjustment from
The thumbhole stock gives an 2lb to 4lb and a trigger-blade that can
Sturdy excellent grip. With a click of a button be repositioned for correct pressure
The S20 has an aluminium chassis at the elevating cheekpiece achieves release. A typical Sako lever safety, and
its core that provides a sturdy frame for correct scope-to-eye alignment, and the additional push button to allow the bolt
the rifle. The action fits to this frame via fully adjustable length-of-pull butt pad to open with the safety on to unload,
three screws for perfect bedding and tilts and angles to your body shape. works silently.
has a superb integral Picatinny scope The fore-end has M-Lok fitments for
mount, so no screws to work loose. bipods and also has quick-detachable
The bolt is manufactured from sling attachments and integral soft
stainless steel and the bolt handle is leather-like surfaces for extra grip.
interchangeable, with the locking lug A staggered-column, five-shot,
surfaces being large to maintain safety. polymer magazine is fitted (10-shot
Bolt operation is precise and smooth. available; three- or seven-shot for
The match-grade barrel is cold Magnum calibres) that has space in
hammer forged for longevity, front of the bullet tip to avoid damage
concentricity and out-of-the-box and allow reloaders to seat bullets

CONCLUSION

Incredible. A truly pivotal rifle that is priced correctly, is intrinsically accurate straight from The S20 Hunter with Sako 123-gr ammunition
the box, handles totally naturally, is reliable and fully adjustable. I have ordered one. made short work of this curious roebuck

19 /20
19 /20
19 /20
19 /20
20 /20
96 /100

Accuracy Handling Trigger Stock Value Overall Score

Extremely accurate Excellent balance Good adjustable Superb ergonomics Excellent value for Sako has a winner on
straight out of and smooth factory trigger with and take-down, money, a bargain its hands with this
the box. bolt operation. a predictable and exchange and at the price. innovative centrefire.
safe operation. storage features.

36 • SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRY MAGAZINE