Trust the Finns to come up with something radically different yet infinitely familiar. Ever on the forefront of development where accurate, solid-performing rifles are concerned, Sako has introduced a bolt action that is very different from either the Model 85 or the Tikka yet incorporates excellent features from both.

The A7 is a responsive, well-balanced hunting rifle with classic lines formed from very modern material. The stock is injection-molded from a high-tech composite and features clean contours and handsomely scalloped checkering. A comfy but not-too-squishy recoil pad graces the butt, and a metallic silver grip cap has "Sako A7" emblazoned on it.

A cocking indicator sporting a red dot peeks from beneath a sleekly contoured polymer bolt shroud. The machined, forged-steel bolt itself is a three-lug design, providing a short 70-degree bolt throw.

Interestingly, I found the bolt quite stiff to open when dry-firing the rifle, but when live-firing I didn't notice it being stiff at all. A slim-shafted bolt knob is well shaped and easy to grasp and manipulate in a hurry. The extractor is pure Sako and works marvelously.

When I pulled the action from the stock, I was surprised to find an unusual recoil lug system: The lug itself floats in a mortise in the stock and fits into a slot milled into the underside of the action. I will admit it didn't seem to provide a great deal of purchase to the action, but apparently it's sufficient.

The A7 uses a detachable box magazine of unique design. A molded-polymer housing holds a single-stack column of cartridges, which feed smoothly off of steel feed lips into the chamber. The follower is polymer.

Most unique is the magazine catch located at the front of the mag well. It's attached to the bottom of the action, not the magazine housing--which is a removable "bottom metal" type of unit made of polymer.

The Sako A7’s Total Control detachable box magazine connects to the rifle’s action rather than the mag well and is extremely secure.

Sako calls the latch system, which is also found on the Model 85, the Total Control system, and you must depress the front of the magazine slightly before pressing the catch. Otherwise the magazine will not release.

It works by virtue of a flat, spring-loaded surface--part of the trigger housing "cassette"--that supports the rear of the magazine. It makes for a secure system.

Speaking of the trigger, it's a single-stage unit adjustable from 2.2 to five pounds. The rifle I tested came from the factory with a pull of three pounds six ounces. It was crisp, with just a hint of overtravel.

Mounted on the trigger assembly is a two-position safety, with a special dedicated lever/button to unlock the bolt while the safety remains engaged.