Sako M23

The Sako M23 is a Finnish family of military precision rifles produced by Sako, developed alongside the Finnish Defence Forces and the Swedish Armed Forces. It belongs to the broader Sako ARG rifle family.

Development began in May 2020, when the Finnish Defence Forces signed a letter of intent with Sako to create a new rifle system in two configurations: one for infantry designated marksmen and one as a sniper rifle. Initially called the K22, the system was intended to fully replace the Dragunov sniper rifle and partially replace the TKIV 85 sniper rifle. The Inspector of the Infantry specified that the system should be ready by 2022, chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, and more ergonomic than earlier models. At that time, no other nations were involved, but others could join if they had similar needs and timelines. In April 2021, Finland signed an information exchange agreement with Sweden on small arms, and by October 2021, Sweden was participating in the K22 program.

On 21 December 2021, Finland announced the procurement of the M23 in its two planned configurations, with an initial cost of €10 million and an option for up to €525 million. The purchase includes equipment, spare parts, servicing gear, and training from Sako. The Finnish Minister of Defence also authorized a joint acquisition with Sweden.

The M23 is based on the American AR-10 and AR-15 designs, using a proprietary self-regulating short-stroke gas piston. Features include a telescoping Magpul CTR stock, green ceramic surface treatment, ambidextrous controls, a full-length NATO Accessory Rail (STANAG 4694) on the receiver and handguard, and M-LOK slots on the handguard. The Finnish Defence Forces issue includes 10- and 20-round magazines, a bipod, and an Ase Utra sound suppressor. The TKIV 23 uses a Steiner Optics M7Xi 2.9–20×50 scope with a Finnaccuracy MSR FDF reticle, while the KIV 23 uses a Trijicon VCOG 1–6×24 scope. Finland also signed a letter of intent with Nammo Lapua Oy to develop a domestically produced 7.62 cartridge for the M23, as well as for the MG 3 and FN MAG.

Finland adopted the rifle in two variants: the 7.62 KIV 23 designated marksman rifle and the 7.62 TKIV 23 sniper rifle, entering service in 2023. In March 2023, Sweden announced it would procure 5.56 and 7.62 variants of the Sako ARG to replace its current carbines, rifles, and DMRs.