Page 18 - GUNS Issue n.01

News From Italy & the World

Radar 1957 acquired by safariland

The Tuscan company Radar1957, known in Italy and in the rest of the world for the
production of leather and hi-tech polymer holsters for military, civil and police use, has
been acquired by one of the most important Us companies in the sector: Safariland,
present on the holster market for professional use since 1964 and owner of iconic brands
such as Bianchi and Break free.
Info: safariland.com

Ar10 made in sako for Finland

The new Sako M23 sniper rifle, built on Ar10 platform and chambered in 7.62×51 Nato caliber, will replace the current sniper
rifles issued in Finland, which are Dragunov Svd semi-auto and Valmet Tkiv 85 bolt-action rifles, both in 7,62x54R: most
of the Finnish small arms in fact, derive from russian guns. This adoption, therefore, could imply the transition to a Nato
standardization for Finnish calibers.
Finland will start receiving Sako M23s as early as this year, while
operator training will begin in 2023. The contract also includes spare
parts, maintenance, training and accessories that will be supplied by the
manufacturer, such as optics and sound moderators. The new rifle will have
two configurations: for sharpshooters (DMRs) with the ability to successfully
engage targets at a distance of 600 meters and a “sniper” version capable of
extending the operational range to 800 meters.
For the development of this weapon there has been a bilateral agreement
with Sweden: therefore the Sako M23 could also replace the Swedish
Ak4D (licensed copy of the H&K G3 in 7.62×51, used by the DMRs). The
statement from the Finnish Ministry of Defense also talks about figures: an
initial order amounting to 10 million euros with a further option of additional
procurement of over 525 million euros.
From the few images released by the Ministry, the Sako M23 appears
The new semi-auto rifle for sniper tasks adopted by equipped with Magpul furnitures (collapsible stock and grip), Steiner optics
Finland is the M23 Sako, based on the Ar10 platform. and Ase Utra Dual 762 sound moderator. (C.B.)

sako 100, the ultra-modular bolt-action

Sako debuts with a completely new bolt-action rifle, named Sako 100 Explorer, in homage to the century of experience gained from its
foundation up to now (the anniversary was in fact celebrated in 2021). The feature that distinguishes the new Sako 100 at first glance
is the light alloy action-chassis, which incorporates the bolt channel, the ejection port and the magazine. At the front end, the barrel
is fitted via a quick release mount, within which the breech extension closes the bolt. The breech of the barrel provides a specific
attachment for Cantilever type optic mounts, which extends backwards over the frame, in this way each single barrel can have its own
permanently calibrated optic. The choice of calibers goes from .243 Winchester to .375 H&H, therefore with the possibility of hunting
from small roe deer to African pachyderms, the precision of assembly is ensured by the special V-bedding interface.
The bolt closes with a 3 front lug system, Sako 75-85 type, the rear part is completely new and now integrates a slider for manual
engagement of the firing pin spring (handspannung). The magazine is removable, double stack, made entirely of metal.
The trigger system is also characterized by maximum modularity: the trigger itself can be slid on its support with a 7 mm excursion
of the trigger reach, the release weight is selectable on 6 preset levels, between 750 and 1,750 grams.
There are two models of stock, the Wood version is made of precious walnut, the Carbon has a stock and fore-end in carbon fiber,
with overmolded gripping inserts. Height-adjustable cheek piece, pressing the button on the right side. State-of-the-art surface
finish, which include anodizing of the light alloy parts, Cerakote Elite (even more resistant evolution of the Cerakote, with self-
lubricating properties) for the barrel and Dlc (Diamond-like carbon) for the bolt.
Info: Beretta, tel. 030.83.411, beretta.it

Sako100: The new Sako 100 Explorer in Wood and Carbon version.

16 News_From Italy & the World