Optilock mounts

Introduction

Optilock mounts are specifically designed for Sako and Tikka rifles and are a part of Sako company (as a trademark). Sako is (for the last two decades) owned by the Italian firearm company Beretta Holding Group, as well Tikka, Burris, Steiner, Benelli, Franchi, Uberti and others.

However, Optilock mounts were in production for decades and before Sako became a member of Beretta Holding Group. Most people think of Sako when Optilock name is being mentioned. This is logical, because Sako Optilock is a trademark under Sako ownership.

Optilock mounts are available only as fixed mounts, but it was not always like that. In contrast, there were quick release mounts in the past, but they were discontinued.

These mounts are known for its reliability, simple installation and are often mounted as a “do it yourself” project by end customers.

On the other hand, these mounts are hard to remove after years of use. In fact, bases get hard pressed on tapered dovetail.

Sadly, there is no original mounting solution available for rifle scopes with rails. Nevertheless, aftermarket solutions that fit on scopes with rails and Optilock bases, do exist.

General Features

Optilock mounts are always two part design type of mounts with mounts and bases separated.

Bases for Sako models have different KR distance available to achieve optimal eye relief on different lengths of actions. 

On the other hand, for Tikka rifles there is only one version of the bases available, commonly known as 16.5 mm dovetail (sometimes given as 17 mm).

There are also Optilocks available for 11 dovetail, e.g. for Sako Quad. They will also work on all other 11 mm dovetails on the market.

In addition, Optilocks for Weaver and Picatinny rails are thankfully also a part of the production and they are the most universal solution. Although, they are rarely used, even though they are high quality scope mounts.

Optilock rings for original bases are offered for different dimensions of scope tubes: 25.4 mm (1 inch), 30 mm and 34 mm. It is important to mention that Optilock rings have polymer inserts inside which provide perfect alignment of the scope and evenly distributed pressure on scope tube. There is also less possibility of over-tightening the rings and usually we can avoid scratches on the scope with these inserts.

Following table represents all heights of the rings available.

Table of All Heights and Names of the Rings

Optilock mounts for Sako rifles work on all models with tapered dovetail, which are: all 85 models, all 75 models, L461/L579, S491/M591, Quad and Finnfire II.

Tikka Models on which Optilock Mounts Work

Also, Optilock mounts are made specifically for all Tikka rifles with 16.5 mm dovetails. These bases would also work on Sako TRG rifles, but it would be somehow unusual to use them on such rifles. Statistically, these mounts are not as popular and common as on Sako rifles. The main reason for this might be that there are many aftermarket solutions for Tikka rifles and Tikka’s are more affordable than Sako’s, which may lead to the fact that Tikka owners look for more affordable mounts instead.

Conclusion

Optilocks are very well known and widely used mounts for both, Sako and Tikka rifles. In addition, they are very reliable and for the design they offer, quite expensive. For those who are looking less expensive solutions, there are also aftermarket parts on the market for less conventional mounting setups. For example: Recknagel mount parts work on Optilock bases.

If you are looking for fixed mounting solution for your Sako / Tikka rifle, you probably will not go wrong with the Optilock.

Renato BRODAR