Sako Optilock Extended Action Scope Base Review

Reviewing the Sako Optilock Extended Action Scope Base: Beyond Marketing

For anyone deeply involved with firearms, particularly those utilizing the Sako integral dovetail mounting system, the Sako Optilock Extended Action Scope Base presents a compelling, albeit niche, solution. My own journey to this particular set of bases was driven by a persistent need for absolute rock-solid scope mounting on a rifle where standard rings just wouldn’t offer the precise eye relief or forward scope positioning I required. The allure of a proprietary system designed by Sako, known for its precision engineering, was too strong to ignore. Upon receiving the bases, my initial impression was one of quiet confidence; the blued steel felt substantial, the machining was visibly precise, and there was a distinct absence of any rough edges or cosmetic flaws. While I briefly considered custom machining a solution, the thought of an off-the-shelf option that promised Sako’s renowned reliability was far more appealing. My immediate reaction was one of pragmatic satisfaction, a sense that a complex problem might finally have a straightforward, elegantly engineered answer.

Real-World Testing: Putting Sako Optilock Extended Action Scope Base to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds for these Sako bases were primarily the shooting range and my personal firearms workbench. I mounted them onto a Sako 85 action, specifically chosen for its integral dovetail rail, ensuring a perfect compatibility. The conditions were varied, from controlled indoor range environments to exposure to the elements during field testing, including a light morning dew and dusty conditions.

Installation was, frankly, a revelation. The Optilock system’s inherent design means there’s no need for lapping; the bases themselves are engineered to mate perfectly with the Sako dovetail and the proprietary Optilock rings. This eliminated a significant amount of potential frustration and guesswork. The extended nature of these bases offered a crucial advantage in achieving optimal scope positioning. I experienced no issues, no surprises, and no quirks – just a clean, precise fit that inspired immediate confidence.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, including multiple range trips and a significant amount of scope adjustment, the Sako Optilock Extended Action Scope Base have proven their mettle. They continue to hold zero with unwavering steadfastness, a testament to their robust design and the precise fit they achieve. There have been no discernible signs of wear and tear, no loosening, no shifting, and the blued finish remains remarkably intact despite the occasional handling and minor bumps.

Maintenance has been virtually nonexistent, requiring little more than a quick wipe-down to remove dust or moisture. Unlike some other mounting systems that might require periodic re-tightening of set screws or bedding compounds, these Sako bases rely on their inherent design for stability. In comparison to budget-friendly scope mounts I’ve used in the past, which often showed wear after only a few hundred rounds, these Sako bases represent a significant leap in durability and long-term reliability. They perform precisely as intended, providing a stable and repeatable platform for optics.

Breaking Down the Features of Sako Optilock Extended Action Scope Base

Specifications

The Sako Optilock Extended Action Scope Base are constructed from high-quality steel, a critical factor for any component tasked with holding a rifle scope securely. They are finished in a classic blued hue, which not only complements Sako firearms but also offers a degree of corrosion resistance. These bases are designed specifically for Sako rifles featuring the integral dovetail rail, accommodating models such as the 85 and 75 actions in both standard (SA) and long (LA) action lengths.

The extended nature of these bases is their defining characteristic. This design allows for greater flexibility in scope placement, particularly beneficial for shooters who need to adjust eye relief significantly forward or backward to achieve a proper sight picture. Unlike standard bases which might offer limited forward or rearward adjustment, these extended versions provide a longer mounting platform. This extended reach is crucial for maximizing the usable range of adjustment on many modern riflescopes, especially those with longer bodies or specific reticle designs.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of any scope base is to provide a stable, level, and precisely aligned platform for scope rings, and these Sako bases excel at this fundamental task. Their performance is characterized by an almost absolute lack of movement or flex, even under the considerable recoil of larger calibers. The integration with the Sako Optilock ring system means there’s a near-perfect interface, minimizing any potential for point-of-impact shift when the scope is mounted or adjusted.

The key strength of these bases lies in their ability to facilitate optimal scope positioning due to their extended design. This is particularly useful for shooters who might have a shorter stock or prefer a more forward scope mounting position. The main functional benefit is the increased range of adjustment available for eye relief, ensuring a comfortable and consistent shooting experience regardless of the scope’s specific dimensions. A potential, though minor, limitation for some might be that they are exclusively designed for the Sako integral dovetail system, meaning they are not a universal solution for all rifle actions.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Sako Optilock Extended Action Scope Base is a masterclass in functional elegance. The Sako manufacturer’s commitment to precision is evident in the flawless blued steel construction, which feels robust and substantial in hand. The machining is exceptionally clean, with no sharp edges or imperfections that could mar the firearm or the scope.

Ergonomically, the bases themselves are designed to be unobtrusive, sitting flush with the rifle’s action. Their primary ergonomic contribution is indirect, by enabling the optimal positioning of the scope, which in turn leads to a more comfortable and stable shooting posture. The extended length provides a generous surface area for the scope rings to grip, distributing the load effectively.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is a hallmark of Sako products, and these scope bases are no exception. Constructed from solid steel and finished with a durable blued coating, they are engineered to last a lifetime of normal use on a rifle. Barring extreme abuse, which would likely damage the rifle itself before these bases, they are unlikely to fail.

Maintenance is blessedly simple. A quick wipe-down with a clean cloth to remove dust, dirt, or moisture is all that is typically required. There are no complex mechanisms or small parts that can be easily damaged or lost. The steel construction means they are resistant to corrosion, provided the blued finish is not significantly compromised. Any potential concerns would revolve around the longevity of the blued finish if subjected to harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods, but this is a minor consideration for most users.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Sako Optilock Extended Action Scope Base are, by design, intended to be used as part of the larger Sako Optilock mounting system. They are not standalone components in the way that a Picatinny rail might be. Therefore, the primary “accessory” they work with are the corresponding Sako Optilock Scope Rings.

These rings feature a unique polymer insert that grips the scope tube, offering excellent protection against marring and providing a consistent clamping force. The extended bases, when paired with the appropriate Optilock rings, allow for a broader range of scope positioning than might be possible with other mounting solutions. There are no further customization options for the bases themselves, as their design is specific to the Sako dovetail system. Their functionality is derived from their precision fit and the extended reach they provide.

Pros and Cons of Sako Optilock Extended Action Scope Base

Who Should Buy Sako Optilock Extended Action Scope Base?

This product is unequivocally for owners of Sako rifles that feature the integral dovetail mounting system. Specifically, it is ideal for shooters who have encountered limitations with standard scope mounting solutions and require more flexibility in positioning their optics. If you own a Sako 85 or 75 action and find yourself struggling to achieve optimal eye relief, or if you simply demand the highest level of mounting security and precision, then this extended base system is an excellent consideration.

Individuals who should steer clear are those without a Sako rifle featuring the dovetail rail, as these bases will not be compatible with any other action type. Furthermore, if you are on a very tight budget or prefer to use aftermarket rings from various manufacturers, this specialized system might not be the best fit. For optimal use, pairing these bases with the Sako Optilock Scope Rings is essential; they are not designed for use with third-party ring systems.

Conclusion on Sako Optilock Extended Action Scope Base

The Sako Optilock Extended Action Scope Base is a premium solution designed for a specific, discerning audience. For those who own a Sako rifle equipped with the integral dovetail, these bases deliver unparalleled performance and a rock-solid mounting platform, amplified by the extended reach they offer. Their precision engineering, robust steel construction, and the inherent stability of the Optilock system make them a worthwhile investment for shooters who demand the absolute best for their rifle and optics.

While the price is undoubtedly a consideration, the value proposition lies in the unwavering reliability and the extended versatility for scope placement that these bases provide. They eliminate guesswork and potential issues associated with less precise mounting methods. I can wholeheartedly recommend the Sako Optilock Extended Action Scope Base to any Sako owner who values precision, durability, and the ability to perfectly position their optic for consistent accuracy. If your Sako rifle has the dovetail, and you need that extra bit of scope positioning flexibility, this is the system to get.