SAKO Unveils New Rifle Series Adapted for the Arctic

Having a series of rifles and carbines adapted for the arduous environment of the Arctic north should come as no surprise from Finnish company Sako. Sako’s new ARG – Arctic Rifle Generation is purpose-built for Arctic warfare and tested to NATO D14 standards. The new family of rifles includes three different models: ARG 40 GP (short stroke gas piston) and DI (Direct impingement) in 5.56x45mm and ARG 50 GP, a semi-auto designated marksman rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm. Sako’s Juuso Austin, Vice President – Defence & Law Enforcement Business Unit, noted in the company’s announcement that the ARG rifles are “built for those who operate where others hesitate.”

Below are some excerpts from Sako’s announcement about the new ARG rifles:

“Purpose-built for the modern war fighter

The ARG is fully ambidextrous, with safety selectors, magazine releases, and bolt catch mechanisms, ensuring intuitive operation for both left- and right-handed users. This design supports fast, instinctive handling in high-pressure scenarios.

Each rifle is equipped with a SAKO match-grade trigger unit, delivering a clean, consistent break for enhanced accuracy and control. The cold-hammer forged barrel, crafted from high-grade materials and hard-chrome lined, provides long-term durability and maintaining accuracy over thousands of rounds.

The ARG’s modular architecture includes a configurable rear stock and forend, with standardized mounting systems such as Picatinny, M-LOK, and AR-compatible components. Operators can easily attach optics, thermals, lasers, and other tactical accessories, tailoring the rifle to mission-specific profiles. Key components are interoperable with standard AR-15 systems, simplifying maintenance and logistics, even in crisis scenarios.

“We designed the ARG to give clients the freedom to choose the right configuration for their needs,” said Sami Vaajamo, Senior Product Group Manager at SAKO. “Whether you're in a frozen tundra or a dense urban environment, the ARG adapts without compromise.”"

"Tested. Trusted. Tactical.

The ARG rifles have undergone rigorous testing in the arctic as well as muddy and sandy conditions, ensuring operational readiness in the harshest environments. Designed as a complete system replacement, the ARG integrates seamlessly with client’s weapon systems and supports full lifecycle management, including training, maintenance, and future modernization.

“The development of the SAKO ARG platform began over a decade ago with a clear mission: to create a modern, modular rifle system capable of replacing legacy assault rifles across military and law enforcement forces,” said Miikka Tamminen, Vice President – Research & Development at SAKO. “From day one, we prioritized real-world performance. That meant working hand-in-hand with professional users from defense organizations, incorporating their feedback into every design iteration—from ergonomics and modularity to reliability and maintainability.”

“The ARG has been tested far beyond standard requirements. In addition to rigorous NATO D14 environmental and durability testing, we push our rifles to failure in-house to understand their true limits. These insights are not just data—they’re design tools that help us build a stronger, more resilient system.”

Beyond the rifle, SAKO offers a full ecosystem of compatible accessories, including optics, thermal and night vision systems, laser designators, and tactical cases, delivered through a trusted global partner network.

Each ARG system is supported by a full lifecycle management program, including operator and armorer training, spare parts provisioning, and modernization services, ensuring seamless integration and long-term operational readiness.”"