SAKO S20 – First Look

SAKO’s new S20 is a modular rifle that allows the shooter to tailor a rifle to ever-changing shooting needs. Whether it be a day at the range dinging steel, a two-day PRS match, or a tromp through the hunting fields, the S20 is up to the task.

The S20 is available in 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, .243 Win, .30-’06 Spring, .270 Win, 7mm Rem. Mag., and .300 Win. Mag. While that is a wide range of cartridges, the S20 comes in one action length that accommodates them all. The traditionally short-action cartridges have shorter bolt travel than the long-action cartridges because SAKO uses the bolt stop to control travel. It’s a similar arrangement to what we’ve seen on the Tikka rifles.

The S20 has an integral Picatinny-rail scope base, so mounting an optic has never been easier. There are 20- and 24-inch barrel lengths available, with all barrels coming threaded from the manufacturer.

The barreled action attaches via three action screws into the aluminum chassis and allows for the use of interchangeable stocks and forends. One forend is wide and flat on the bottom and has M-Lok slots near the forend tip. The other forend is slender and intended for carry in the field. The buttstock options include a thumbhole stock and a vertical grip/flat toe stock that rides rear bags well. Five- and 10-round magazines are available and leave plenty of room internally to seat bullets long to accommodate throat wear or individual handloading practices.

No other rifle comes from the factory with so many options. Better yet, a shooter can buy the S20 for what they envision is its primary role and then pick up any additional accessories as needed. Price on the street for the SAKO S20 starts at $1,600.

For more information, visit sako.fi.

SAKO S20 Specifications

• Type: Bolt action
• Cartridge: 6.5 Creedmoor (tested)
• Capacity: 5 rds.
• Barrel: 24 in., cold hammer forged (CHF)
• Overall Length: 45 in. to 45.5 in.
• Weight: 8 lbs., 7 oz.
• Stock: Composite-clad aluminum chassis
• Length of Pull: 13.75 in. to 14.25 in.
• Finish: Gray Cerakote (stainless steel)
• Sights: None
• Trigger: 2 lbs. (tested); adjustable
• Safety: Two position lever
• MSRP: $1,700 (S20 Hunter); $1,800 (S20 Precision)
• Manufacturer: SAKO, sako.fi