Description
Picture this: you’ve saved for a serious hunting rifle, one that can handle the long shots across a Missouri bean field or the steep ridges out West. You want precision, but you also need practicality—a rifle that travels well and doesn’t demand a custom gunsmith’s touch. For just over fifteen hundred bucks, the Sako S20 Hunter 7mm Rem Mag, 24″ Barrel, Takedown Stock, Pistol Grip, Black, 3rd/7rd presents a compelling answer. It’s a modular, high-performance hunting rifle built on a cold-hammer-forged barrel and a three-lug bolt, offering out-of-the-box accuracy in a package designed for the real-world hunter who balances performance with budget.
So, what exactly are you getting? The Sako S20 Hunter is a centerfire bolt-action rifle chambered in the potent 7mm Remington Magnum. Its core appeal lies in its modular “takedown” stock system, which allows you to separate the barreled action from the stock for compact transport or easy cleaning. The 24-inch barrel provides the full powder burn and velocity the 7mm Rem Mag is famous for, ideal for reaching out to elk or mule deer at distance. The included pistol grip module offers a modern, ergonomic hold compared to a traditional straight grip. This configuration ships with two magazines: a 3-round for hunting and a 7-round for extended range sessions. At $1527.49, it sits in a sweet spot between custom rigs and basic factory offerings.
The value proposition here is clear. You’re getting Sako’s renowned barrel and action—the heart of any accurate rifle—without the cost of a fully bedded, one-piece stock. The polymer stock chassis is the budget-conscious trade-off, but it’s a smart one. It’s rigid, lightweight, and the takedown feature is genuinely useful. No gunsmithing required to break it down or swap grip modules. The system uses a bedding block system that provides consistent, stable contact for the action. Look, if you’re comparing it to a fixed-stock Tikka T3x (its corporate cousin) or a Bergara B-14 HMR, you’re paying a bit more for that modular flexibility and a step-up in fit and finish.
Key Features & Performance
The cold-hammer-forged, stainless-steel barrel is the star. Sako’s process creates an incredibly consistent bore, which is a primary driver of accuracy. The 24-inch length is optimal for the 7mm Rem Mag, ensuring you get all the velocity you paid for with that magnum cartridge. The three-lug bolt has a 70-degree throw, making for a fast, smooth cycle that clears a scope easily. The two-stage trigger is user-adjustable from 2 to 4 pounds, a feature often found on more expensive guns. The stock system, while polymer, isn’t flimsy. The aluminum spine and bedding block give it solidity, and the ability to change the length of pull and comb height with spacers means it can fit a wider range of shooters right from the box.
The rifle’s total weight sits around 7.3 pounds, making it very manageable for a magnum-caliber gun, especially when you’re covering ground. The 7mm Rem Mag cartridge itself is a classic for a reason—it flattens trajectory, carries energy well at long range, and has a reputation for being more shootable than the .300 Win Mag for many people. With the included 7-round magazine, you have plenty of capacity for a full day at the bench working up loads. That said, the polymer magazines, while functional, are an area where costs were kept down compared to all-metal options.
| Caliber | 7mm Remington Magnum |
| Barrel Length | 24 Inches |
| Action | Bolt Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 3-Round & 7-Round Included |
| Stock | Modular Takedown Polymer Chassis |
| Overall Weight | Approx. 7.3 lbs |
Pros & Cons
Pros: Excellent Sako barrel and action for the price. The takedown feature adds real utility for travel or storage. The adjustable trigger and modular fit are premium touches. The 7mm Rem Mag in a 24-inch barrel is a proven long-range hunting combination. Comes with two magazines. It’s drop-in ready for optics, needing only a set of compatible bases—like those from Talley or Warne—to mount your scope.
Cons: The polymer stock chassis feels utilitarian compared to a fine walnut or fiberglass stock. The magazine release can be stiff initially. As a magnum, ammunition cost is higher than standard calibers. The pistol grip angle is fixed within its module.
Who This Rifle Is For
This rifle is for the hunter who needs one versatile, accurate tool for big game. It’s perfect for the Missouri hunter who also takes trips out West for elk or antelope, as the takedown feature makes airline travel with a hard case simpler. It’s for the shooter who appreciates Sako’s quality but has a firm budget around $1500. It’s also a great choice for someone who values the ability to easily clean the rifle from the breech or who has limited storage space. If you demand classic wood and blued steel, look elsewhere. But if you want modern functionality and proven accuracy that ships to Missouri and compliant US states, the S20 Hunter delivers serious bang-for-the-buck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the barrel threaded for a muzzle brake or suppressor?
A: No, the S20 Hunter model comes with a standard, crowned muzzle. It is not threaded from the factory.
Q: Can I change the pistol grip to a more traditional style?
A: Yes, that’s the point of the modular system. Sako offers different grip modules for purchase separately, allowing you to change the grip angle and feel to suit your preference.
Q: What scope bases does it use?
A: The S20 uses a proprietary 17mm dovetail rail machined into the receiver. You will need specific Sako S20 optic mounts. Several brands like Talley, Warne, and Mountain Tactical make compatible rings and bases that attach directly to this rail.
If the blend of Sako’s precision engineering, practical modularity, and a hard-hitting 7mm Rem Mag cartridge fits your hunting needs, this rifle is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
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