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Review - Sako Finnfire Hunter

Calibre: .22LR	Action: Bolt
Barrel length: 22"	Weight: 2.6 kg
Barrel type: Standard with sights

Introduction

Everyone says that their rifle is best and they love it and wouldn't part with it for the world. This is my review of the Sako Finnfire that I have had since December 2001 for both target and, more recently, sporting use.

Rifle

There is a choice of stocks and barrels for the Finnfire ranging from the Finnfire Hunter with a standard or heavy barrel (Varmint) and open sights to the Range with a heavy barrel and adjustable stock. The Finnfire Hunter reviewed has the standard Sako 75 style walnut, matt lacquered (standard) stock, standard barrel and open sights with an integral 11mm integral dovetail for scope mounting.

The stock is a well-balanced walnut stock with a well-positioned cheek rest. It has a solid rubber recoil pad and QD sling studs. The trigger is a single-stage trigger, adjustable from 2-4 lbs. There is a sliding safety catch that is located at the rear from the bolt handle and is easily accessible using the firing hand thumb. This locks the trigger and bolt.

The action is a bolt-action design with two locking lugs, ejection is carried out with a special spring. I have found that there is a definite knack to inserting the bolt, it either goes in first time, or it takes a while. Patience is a virtue.

The rifle comes with a standard 5 round plastic magazine. I found it very awkward to remove this magazine, as the base is flush with the magazine housing. Because of this I quickly purchased the 9 round metal magazine, which, unfortunately cost me around £30. What this does mean is that I can have sub-sonic HP ammunition in one magazine, and high velocity HP in the other, depending on the ground and distance that is going to be shot. One recommendation is that the magazine release catch is kept well oiled; otherwise the 9 round magazine is slightly stubborn.

Ammunition

The ammunition that I have found the rifle works best with, if unable to purchase hollow-point, is the Winchester T22. With the ability to purchase hollow-point, I have found that Eley .22 LR Subsonic Hollow Xtra Plus works the best, being able to do a group of around 2" at 100 metres. I am hoping that the Eley High Velocity HP ammunition will do a bit better at 100 metres; this is yet to be tested.

Scope

At the moment I am using a Simmons Pro Air 6-18x40 scope with target turrets. Because it is a 1/8" MOA scope, I will be changing it in the near future for a ¼" MOA, as it is long way to turn the turret for 100 metres!

Bipod

The bipod currently on the Finnfire is a Harris Model L: (Light) The world's largest selling bipod, compact and light. Adjustable height from 9" to 13 " Weight 11 oz. Series "S". It rotates to either side for instant leveling on uneven ground. Hinged base has tension adjustment and buffer springs to eliminate tremor or looseness.

Conclusion

At the time of purchase, I was new to the sport and didn't really know what I was going to be using the rifle for, except for target shooting. Vermin control wasn't really on the agenda. Had it been, I would probably have gone for the heavy barrel for the extra £20. Although, I don't think the heavy barrel was mentioned at the time of purchase. If the rifle were to be used with a scope, I would strongly recommend removing the open sights. These are awkward to remove, especially the rear ones, but well worth it.

Care needs to be taken when cleaning this rifle. I found that when using the standard cleaning rod, the rod coating rubbed against the ejector spring, causing the spring to become deformed and not eject properly. The cleaning kit that I now use with this rifle is the Tactical Cleaning System from Southern Gun Company, as this comes with the memory-flex cleaning rods, which apart from anything else, are a lot easier to carry on the range or when out in the field.

What can I say, I wouldn't swap it for anything, and as I get to understand shooting more, my confidence grows and accuracy improves - watch out the targets (whatever they are!).