Anyone familiar with Sako AV rings?

[Woolley Bugger]

I recently purchased a Sako AV that came with 1 inch rings pictured here. I’m wondering if there is a way to remove the ring from the mount on the front assembly. The rear assembly is self-explanatory. The ring is held onto the mount with a screw.

If this is possible, does anyone know if 30 mm replacement rings can be found and mounted on the existing dovetail mounts? I’ve done quite a bit of online searching, and I can’t find rings and bases exactly like these.

 

[Northview902]

Remove the old 1" rings and bases and purchase a new set of Sako Optilock Bases (for round receiver AV) and a set of Sako Optilock Rings in 30mm in your desired height.

 

[Field28]

When I had the scope mounted on my AV it was hard to get the Sako rings for some reason. Talley had some that worked just fine.

 

[Woolley Bugger]

Remove the old 1" rings and bases and purchase a new set of Sako Optilock Bases (for round receiver AV) and a set of Sako Optilock Rings in 30mm in your desired height.

I was just wondering if there was any way to salvage the bases and install new 30mm rings. The front assembly doesn't seem to come apart, so I'm guessing no.

I already ordered the Leupold RM mount for Sako. I'll see how that works out and if I'm unhappy, I'll try the Optilock system.

 

[Tim Blackwell]

If you want to remove that front ring, turn it 90 degrees in the base. You'll probably need a padded vise. You can use any Leopold or Burris Jr "turn in" style rings with the windage adjustable rear on those bases, including 30mm.

On my AV 375H&H I just run Leopold ringmounts that clamp directly to the dovetails. They work fine. But optilocks are probably the gold standard for these rifles.

 

[Sarg]

As Tim has pointed out, front ring turns out,
Might be best to slide on the rifle action dovetail & turn off, I use a screw driver handle.
Those look to be Redfield bases & rings, one of the few with the cap screws fitted from the underside but any ring set will fit them.

I have Leupold rings on one of my sets, but a set of Leupold rings that fit straight to the action grooves is a good Choice, just don’t go too low as the bolt will hit the rear scope optical bell.

Or you can fit standard Sako rings two prior generations before the Optilocks ?

Gen 1

Gen 2

 

[Tim Blackwell]

Ahh yes @Sarg you are correct, that design is Redfield Jr rings, not Burris as per my previous post! But yes many brands make rings to fit that style of base.

My AV from Matt had the old school Sako ringmounts on them like your picture. The Leopold rings I replaced them with look a lot prettier

 

[Woolley Bugger]

Thank you for the detailed replies. @Sarg, your photography skills are much better than mine .
I'll try the Leupold rings, since I've already ordered them. If I'm not happy with them, I'll spring for the Optilocks. My existing front ring/base is pretty well socked in, but for curiosity, I'll put it on a padded vise and see if I can separate them.

 

[ftrovato]

I've used Sako & Leupold mono ring/bases on many Sako rifles.

The Leupold give you increased flexibility in scope tube length since they do not fit/lock into the rear ring base grove on the rifle receiver.

I've found they all work well and hold point of impact from 243 win through 338 win mag.

 

[Sarg]

My AV from Matt had the old school Sako ringmounts on them like your picture. The Leopold rings I replaced them with look a lot prettier

Do you have our old work rifle from Hunts Australia, Tim ?
Originally Bob bought that back in the day with a ZKK 602 .375 H&H, quite the weight deviation there, from the light weight Sako.

Miss old Matty & Bob a fair bit !