Sako 85 SM Grey Wolf .270 WSM 24″ Bolt Action Hunting Rifle & Scope Rings
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: LSB260708JR012
Make: Sako; Finland / Imported by Beretta USA
Model: 85 SM Grey Wolf
Serial Number: 475521
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .270 WSM
Action Type: Bolt Action, fed by Detachable Magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “CAL> 270 Win. Short Mag. MADE IN FINLAND”, with a proof mark. The right side of the barrel is marked with Beretta’s 2-line warning & address. The left side of the receiver is marked “SAKO SM”, along with the serial number and a couple of proof marks.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is mounted wit ha two-piece scope base and 1″ rings for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered laminate wood stock, with a capped semi-pistol grip, monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, black rubber buttpad, a checkered forend, and sling studs front and rear. The stock shows light handling wear, with only a few minor dings and minor scratches scattered throughout. He stock’s finish is intact, the checkering is well defined, and the stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Fine condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 3rd factory magazine, in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued (NOTE – The Sako 85 Grey Wolf is usually stainless. Having discussed this with another team member who is well-versed in Sako/Tikka rifles, it has been determined that this rifle is likely a distributor exclusive of some sort, likely a Cabela’s or TALO distributor exclusive. Though, there is no documentation of this).
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows no notable wear. The bluing is deep, dark, and intact throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the scope rings and the magazine as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Sako 85 Grey Wolf combines the Finnish-made Model 85 action with a substantial laminate stock designed to provide excellent stability in changing environmental conditions. This rifle is built on Sako’s SM, or Short Magnum, action and chambered in .270 Winchester Short Magnum, pairing a 24″ barrel with a detachable three-round magazine and Sako’s controlled-round-feed style action. The .270 WSM provides flat trajectory and substantial downrange performance in a short-action cartridge, making this an excellent configuration for deer, antelope, elk, and other medium to large game.
Of particular interest is this rifle’s blued metalwork. The Sako 85 Grey Wolf is much more commonly encountered and cataloged with stainless metalwork, while this example has a deep, even blue finish that appears original. Without factory paperwork, we cannot definitively identify it as a special-order or distributor-exclusive variation, but the unusual configuration makes it worthy of additional interest from the Sako collector. The rifle is in Fine to Excellent condition overall, retaining about 99% of its original metal finish, while the checkered laminate stock remains in Fine condition with only minor handling marks and no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10, and the action and safety function correctly. It includes an Excellent-condition factory three-round magazine and scope rings. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.