Sako S20 Hybrid Rifle: Precision and Hunting Modularity
Sako announced the new Sako S20 bolt-action rifle that they are calling the first true hybrid rifle. The new Sako S20 features a takedown stock interface and adjustable ergonomics with specialty accessories to match.Â
Sako defines a hybrid rifle as a rifle that combines features from both hunting and precision rifles. They allow for great versatility as you can easily switch from precision shooting to hunting – or vice versa.
The S20 is clearly designed to appeal to both the American and European markets with features that both group value.Â
Sako S20 Stock Configurations
The core of the Sako S20 is the takedown stock. The design of the chassis system that Sako has employed allows for multiple combinations of rear stocks and forends depending on your preference. Currently, there are two offerings for the stock a “tactical precision” and “ergonomic hunting” stocks. We will take a look at each in turn.
Sako S20 Tactical Precision Stock
The S20 tactical precision rear stock was created especially for long-distance and precision shooting. The forend has integrated M-LOK placements on both sides of the stock and on the bottom, so attaching multiple accessories is possible.
The quick-adjustable cheek piece enables perfect alignment with the rifle scope, and the recoil pad’s height and angle can be adjusted to reduce felt recoil and to enable the most comfort in different shooting postures. The length of pull can also be adjusted with spacers for maximized control, accuracy and comfort. The pistol grip has a rough surface, helping you secure your grip.
Sako S20 Ergonomic Hunting Stock
The Sako S20 ergonomic hunting stock has clear European influences. While thumbhole-style stocks are not as popular in the states as Europe they are growing in popularity as hunters are exposed to them. A thumbhole-style stock design allows the shooter to grab their rifle in a more ergonomic and comfortable way – much like a pistol grip. This ensures a more comfortable shooting position and a solid hold of the rifle, leading to better rifle control and stability.
The thumbhole-style pistol grip is made from a unique, soft, high-quality synthetic material with leather-like texture, giving the optimal grip in any weather conditions. You can perfectly align with the rifle scope with the quick-adjustable cheekpiece, and the length of pull can also be adjusted with spacers. The Quick Detachable (QD) sling placements on both sides of the stock enable fast and easy attachment of the sling, improving rifle handling.
Sako S20 Full Aluminum Chassis
The Sako S20’s rifle chassis is manufactured from aircraft-grade aluminum, and it provides maximum stiffness, robustness, and accuracy. The weight has been optimized without compromising the rifle’s rigidity. Moreover, the aluminum chassis is not affected by tough weather conditions, keeping accuracy consistent even in varying situations. All S20 accessories are attached to this frameÂ
The receiver is fixed to the angled surfaces of the chassis with a V-bedding system, increasing repeatable accuracy.
Black anodized surfaces of the chassis give it a non-reflective surface and a robust cover against all elements.
Sako S20 Adjustability
Sako designed both stocks for the S20 to be adjustable to the end-user. Both stocks are ergonomically designed and can be adjusted in a number of ways.Â
On the tactical stock, the quick-adjustable cheek piece is easy to adjust with only one hand and one click of a button.
The adjustable length of pull helps you to find the best possible shooting position. The length of pull can be modified with spacers (5 mm per piece). S20 comes with two spacers, and more are available as an accessory.
Combined with a wide selection of M-LOK and QD compatible accessory options, S20 is designed to adapt to all body sizes and shooting situations.
The QD sling placements enable fast and easy sling attachment. You can choose whether to carry your rifle on your back or in front, tactical or hunter style. You can find the QD sling placements on both sides. For example, you can use a tactical strap (available as an accessory) to attach your S20 on top of your rucksack.
Sako S20 Accessories
With the top rail and M-LOK placements, the Sako S20 was designed with several accessories in mind.Â
The S20’s high-duty performance scope mount is made from extremely strong aircraft-grade aluminum and steel. It provides a stronghold for a rigid scope, supported by the sturdy aluminum base. A variety of different heights and ring sizes ensures that there’s a perfect option for every shooter. The scope rings can also be installed to different spots in the base, ensuring that both long and short optical tubes are compatible with this mount.
The barricade stop was designed to be attached in front of the magazine, allowing the shooter to support the rifle on barricades or obstacles without damaging the magazine and achieving a steadier position for maximum precision. The barricade stop can be attached to any M-LOK compatible forend or hand guard.
Sako’s S20 monopod provides further stability and support, you can quickly engage the desired height with one push of a button. The mount also has a threaded micro-adjustment so that you can finetune your rifle’s elevation by rotating the pod. The monopod can be locked to a vertical, 45-degree or horizontal 90-degree position.
Sako S20 thumb rest allows you to place your thumb on either the left or the right side of the precision stock. It enables a more secure and fixed hand position to get a more accurate index finger trigger control. The thumb rest is easy to install by just removing the screw and replacing the stock insert with the thumb rest.
Additionally, you can change out the front grip for your palm for more adjustability.
The magazine is made of highly robust glass-reinforced composite, a durable material that’s not affected by changes in temperature. A composite magazine doesn’t change its structure when dropped.
The magazine is double stacked but center feeding for reliability. The magazines are longer than the maximum cartridge length for reloaders. This extra length allows for more load configurations for hand loaders.Â
The Sako S20 comes ready with a 5 round (3 Magnum) magazine, and 10 round (7 Magnum) magazines are available as an accessory.
Sako S20 Precision
All Sako rifles feature a match-grade cold hammer-forged barrel. Sako inspects every barrel for accuracy and guarantees sub MOA performance. Sako measures accuracy with a five-shot group instead of a three-shot group, these means it maintains accuracy as the barrel heats up. The barrels of the S20 are threaded 5/8×28 for muzzle brakes or silencers.Â
The trigger on the Sako S20 is user-adjustable. It’s possible to move the trigger either backward (by 3 mm) or forwards (by 4 mm) with an Allen key. The weight of pull can also be adjusted (1–2 kg / 2–4 lbs). S20 triggers are available in single-stage or two-stage variants.Â
The Sako S20 is available in 6.5 PRC, 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 Win, .30-06 Sprg, 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, .308 Winchester, and .270 Win. All of the barrels are 24″ except for the .308 which is also offered in a 20″ barrel as well as a 24″.Â
Key Features: Sako S20
Calibers: 6.5 PRC, 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 Win, .30-06 Sprg, 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, .308 Winchester, .270 Win
Weight: 7.2Â – 8.6 lbs.
Rifle Overall Length: 47″
Trigger: Two-stage, Adjustable from 2 lbs. to 4 lbs.
Adjustable for Position Safety: Two-Position Safety with Separate Bolt-Release Button
Rifle Barrel Length: 24″
Rifle Barrel Twist: 1:9.5″
Barrel Thread Pitch: 5/8×24
Rifle Stock: Polymer Thumbhole over Aluminum Chassis, Polymer over Aluminum Chassis
Scope Mount: Integrated Picatinny Rail
Magazines: (1) 5 Round Magazine Included
Jeremy Mallette is co-founder of International Sportsman. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, he has spent more than a decade in the outdoor industry, from hiking and camping to silencers and hunting. His father taught him to shoot at age six, and he received his first firearm at age eight — a 1942 Colt Commando .38 special revolver. He enjoys yearly trips to Kansas for pheasant hunting, spending time with his children at the deer lease, and collecting unique firearms.