Sako S20: Modern Hunting Without Compromise

The Sako S20 with polymer thumbhole stock under a Leica riflescope

The Sako S20 is a bolt-action rifle that doesn’t try to be retro. It is functional, rugged, and uncompromisingly modern—and that’s exactly why it’s gaining a loyal following among mountain hunters, spot-and-stalk purists, and demanding all-around hunters. One man who has already put the Sako S20 to work in the field is Styrian gunsmith Gottfried Wurm, who advises hunters every day in his workshop, the Bixnarei in Schladming—hunters who aren’t looking for safe queens, but real working rifles.

“The S20 just fits your hands naturally,” says Wurm. At its core is a modern polymer thumbhole stock with grippy inlays and a steep pistol grip. Especially when shooting off sticks or taking unsupported shots, the benefits are obvious: control, stability, and repeatable accuracy. The adjustable cheekpiece allows precise alignment with optics and shooting position—an undeniable comfort upgrade in real hunting conditions.

The factory trigger (often configured as a single-stage in practice) breaks clean and crisp, and even finer aftermarket Atzl triggers can be installed without hassle. The fluted barrel with threaded muzzle (5/8–24) reduces weight and allows easy use of a suppressor. A factory-installed Picatinny rail makes mounting modern optics straightforward and rock solid.

Compact, balanced, and mountain-ready

Gunsmith Gottfried Wurm—an avid hunter himself—is impressed by the performance of the modern Sako S20, which is also well suited to smaller hands.

In the configuration shown here, the Sako S20 is chambered in .308 Winchester with a 50-cm (19.7-inch) barrel. The result is a short, well-balanced rifle that remains surprisingly compact even with a suppressor installed. “That’s exactly what you want when stalking in steep terrain,” Wurm explains. And robustness isn’t just a buzzword here: a polymer stock instead of wood means far less sensitivity to moisture and temperature changes. And the inevitable contact with rock, backpack, or tree in the rough realities of mountain hunting doesn’t faze the S20 in the slightest.

The S20 is also a strong option for smaller hands—and therefore for many female hunters. Grip circumference and angle are kept slim without sacrificing control.

Optics trend: slimmer instead of bigger

Mounted on Wurm’s Sako S20 is a compact Leica hunting scope with ballistic turret (3–18x44). It’s further proof that the trend is clearly moving toward shorter, lighter scopes with smaller objective lenses. Why? Reduced weight, better balance—and compatibility with clip-on optics where legally permitted. “Hardly anyone really needs a big 56-millimeter scope anymore,” says Wurm.

Who is the Sako S20 for?

For mountain hunters who cover ground on foot. For practical hunters looking for a handy, do-it-all rifle. For anyone who values function over folklore. In terms of chamberings, the Sako S20 covers a wide range of applications with options such as .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, and other popular calibers. Price-wise, depending on configuration, it comes in around €2,500—deliberately positioned in a solid, attainable class.

Located in the heart of Schladming, Styria, Gottfried Wurm equips hunters with everything a hunter’s heart could desire.

The Bixnarei - honest advice

At the Bixnarei in Schladming, it’s not about trends—it’s about fit, purpose, and common sense. Passionate hunter and gunsmith Gottfried Wurm takes his time with every customer, listens carefully, and puts together what truly works—from rifle and optics to mounting solutions. Lead times? Usually short. Popular calibers readily available. Special requests assessed realistically.

The Sako S20 is not a rifle for nostalgics. It’s a modern hunting tool from Finland—ergonomic, rugged, and easy to handle. If you spend your time in the mountains and are looking for a reliable partner that still performs when conditions turn rough, you should shoulder one. Because that’s where the real decision is made.