After a quick tour of the Sako facility, we headed to the shooting range. We shot a number of Sako and Tikka rifles, but first, we sighted in for our upcoming brown bear and moose hunt.
I would be hunting with a Sako model 85 Hunter. This beautiful wood-stocked hunting rifle is a dream to shoot. Chambered in 9.3 with a controlled action bolt, cycling rounds are a breeze and allowed me to pass a timed test easily.
You must first pass a hunting and shooting test on hunting bears in Finland. The timed live-fire event tests you at putting five rounds in the kill zone of a brown bear at 100 meters. Of course, the ever-courteous Fins generously offered, “Ladies first”, so I felt more than a bit of pressure, and I know I shot a bit faster than necessary. Regardless, I cycled rounds with that super smooth bolt and passed the exam easily.
Get outside. Explore, learn, hunt, fish, shoot, connect with nature. ~Mia
Next, we headed to a different bay at the shooting range where we experienced the hunting test from days of old. In this test, we shot from standing position at a moose target. First, we shot three rounds in the kill zone, from 100 meters, and then three rounds at the moose target as in raced by, from right-to-left and left-to-right, at 20 kilometers per hour.
While this test is no longer required, it was a pleasure to try our hands at it. Again, “Ladies first.” This may be a good courtesy because I surprised myself, with the Sako Hunter, by placing all rounds on target.
Once we had the mandatory shooting and the sentiment of completing a former test under our belts, we headed back to the main bay. We sent shots downrange with a variety of Tikka and Sako rifles. If you don’t have one or haven’t shot one, you definitely need to seize any opportunity you’re afforded to get behind that trigger because these rifles are built with pride and precision. They’re a dream to shoot.
For my southpaw friends, you’ll also like to know that many of the Sako and Tikka guns are made in the backward version you require. (You do know I’m saying this in jest, since half of my family is left-handed.
Connect with Mia – ►Twitter ►Facebook ►Pinterest ►YouTube ►Instagram
I’m also available on other social outlets — Look up Mia Anstine.
Mia Anstine is an outdoor writer, licensed outfitter, hunting guide, life coach, keynote speaker, and range safety officer, firearms instructor, and archery instructor. She is the founder of MAC Outdoors and Host of the MAC Outdoors Podcast.
Mia Anstine strives to encourage others to get outside, hunt, fish, shoot, and survive life with others in a positive way.
This website contains affiliate links. For information on what this means, click here.
Want to write to me?
Mia Anstine
MAC Outdoors LLC
PO Box 31
Ignacio, CO 81137-0031
