Sako history: A Century of Precision and Innovation in Rifle Manufacturing For serious hunters and shooting enthusiasts, the name Sako resonates with quality, accuracy, and a legacy built over a century. From its humble beginnings in post-WWI Finland to its current status as a global leader in rifle manufacturing, Sako's story is one of resilience, adaptation, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Humble Beginnings: From White Guard to Independent Company (1919-1921) The Sako story begins in 1919, amidst the turmoil of post-WWI Finland. The White Guard's general staff established a weapons factory to bolster national defense. This factory laid the groundwork for what would become a legendary firearms manufacturer. On April 1st, 1921, a pivotal moment arrived: a separate company was officially established in Helsinki. This date marks Sako's true birthday, signifying its transition from a military workshop to a dedicated enterprise. Relocation and Expansion (1927-1938) The burgeoning company relocated to Riihimäki in December 1927, setting the stage for further expansion. This move proved crucial, allowing Sako to broaden its capabilities. By 1929, ammunition production began alongside the first assembly of the iconic "Pystykorva" rifle. The following decade saw Sako steadily develop its manufacturing prowess, adding rifle barrel production in 1932 and rifle stock production in 1938. Wartime Production and Post-War Transition (1939-1967) The years 1939-1944 were dominated by material production for the Finnish Defence Forces, including a staggering 275 million machine gun rounds. After the war, a major shift occurred in 1945 when the Finnish Red Cross became the new owner, focusing on the production of essential emergency goods. The company then went through a series of ownership changes, first to Suomen Kaapelitehdas Oy in 1962 and then to Oy Nokia Ab in 1967. Mergers, Acquisitions, and Reorganization (1983-1999) The 1980s and 90s were a period of significant restructuring for Sako. In 1983, Oy Sako-Tikka Ab was formed, with Nokia Oy acquiring Tikkakoski Oy's plant. The subsequent years saw further name changes and mergers, culminating in the creation of Sako-Valmet Oy in 1987, jointly owned by Valmet Oy and Nokia Oy. Crucially, 1989 marked the end of production at the Tikkakoski plant, with Tikka production moving to Riihimäki. Sako Defencetec Oy was also established, and Sako acquired Hackman Oy's cartridge factory. By 1995, Sako sold its entire ammunition production line to Vammas Oy, choosing to concentrate its efforts on hunting and sporting gun production in Riihimäki, even including assault rifles for a time. The end of the 90s also saw Sako scale down its assault rifle production and thanks to the popularity of the Sako 75 Rifle offering, older Sako rifle offerings were withdrawn from production. The Beretta Era: Innovation and Global Expansion (2000-Present) In 2000, a new chapter began as Metso Oyj sold 100% of its shares to the Italian Beretta Holding B.V. This marked a significant turning point, providing Sako with the resources and global reach to further expand its operations. Beretta Holding invested heavily in the Riihimäki factory, leading to the construction of a major factory expansion in 2001. The early 2000s also saw the establishment of a branch company in Stockholm, Sweden, and a joint venture with Italian MdS, transferring walnut stock manufacturing to Italy. Sako continued to innovate, launching the Sako 85 hunting rifle family in 2006, coinciding with the company's 85th anniversary. Further investments in production machinery followed, and in 2011, the Sako TRG M10 sniper rifle was introduced. In 2013, Sako reached a new production record of 100,000 rifles produced and in 2015 The Tikka T3x was launched. Sako's record breaking streak continued in 2019 when 110,140 rifles were produced. Sako Today: A Legacy of Excellence Continues As Sako entered its second century in 2021, the company remains a global leader in rifle and cartridge manufacturing. The Sako S20 hybrid rifle, launched in 2020, demonstrated the company's commitment to innovation, catering to both hunters and precision shooters. Sako's success is built on a foundation of precision engineering, quality materials, and a deep understanding of the needs of hunters and shooters worldwide. Sako is truly the only company that manufactures both rifles and rifle cartridges at the same location. From the rugged landscapes of Finland to hunting fields across the globe, Sako rifles continue to be the trusted choice for those who demand the best.