I'm looking to get another rifle. I've been Jonsing for a Sako for a long time. I will be buying used and likely pre 75/85. I like the older rifles, but they have so many different actions, I'm not sure which to get. I will likely be getting a long action so probably an L61R, AIII or AIV, but not sure what exactly all the differences are or what benefit one has over the other. I was thinking of joining the Sako collectors forum to ask questions and do research over there, but thought I'd ask my fellow Highroaders first.
School me on SAKO rifles
- Thread starter Makoman
- Start date
- Status
Offfhand
Member.
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2009
- Messages
- 2,442
Joining the Sako Collectors group is a good idea. There are some very knowledgeable and dedicated collectors there who are happy to get you started.on what to look for and what to expect to pay. The photo gallery is especially interesting and I'm sure you'll see specimens you will want to own. As with most firearms, the older and rarer models are the most desirable and most expensive, especially models in the rare calibers. Favorites among collectors are the cute little Sako Vixens and Foresters from the 1950's and '60's. A sampling of what to look for shown here: from top: a Forester .243 varmint model, Vixen .222 Mannlicher style and Vixen .22 Hornet. .
375supermag
Member
Hi...
I have a couple of Sako rifles and am willing to say they are excellent rifles.
I have an L579 Forester in .243 and custom .308 built on a Sako action.
I had another L579 Forester in .243 a few decades ago that I had to sell due to a divorce. Still the most accurate rifle I have ever owned.
The metal to wood fit on every Sako I have ever handled has been excellent. I find them to be fine rifles.
I have a couple of Sako rifles and am willing to say they are excellent rifles.
I have an L579 Forester in .243 and custom .308 built on a Sako action.
I had another L579 Forester in .243 a few decades ago that I had to sell due to a divorce. Still the most accurate rifle I have ever owned.
The metal to wood fit on every Sako I have ever handled has been excellent. I find them to be fine rifles.
Those are some gorgeous rifles and are definitely along the lines of what I'm looking for.
Poper
Member
I bought a Sako M85 in 6.5x55 a few years ago. Beautiful rifle, very slick action and fine trigger. Excellent shooter. Wanted to use it for Hunter Rifle High Power Metallic Silhouette but she weighed in almost a full pond too heavy! Still, one of my favorites to take to the range. Might consider taking her hunting this fall; just because she hasn't been there yet.
I don't have any collector Sakos, but I have had a deep, long lasting lust for a Sako 1960's Vixen in .222 Remington, though!
I don't have any collector Sakos, but I have had a deep, long lasting lust for a Sako 1960's Vixen in .222 Remington, though!
Oldschool shooter
Member
My uncle had a Sako Finnbear in 7mm Magnum. I had tho opportunity to shoot it at the range once, hands down the smoothest action I've ever come across. He is gone now, and so is that rifle. If I could find one in a lighter recoil caliber, I would probably buy it in a heartbeat.
Hokkmike
Member
I could not speak more highly of any rifle I have owned than the SAKO in 6.5x55. (Finnlight) Think recoil of a .243 and power of a .270.
Very flat with great sectional density.
Very flat with great sectional density.
entropy
Member
No matter which one you get, you won't be disappointed. I regret no picking up my Dad's Finnbear .300 Win. Mag. when he sold it. Made my Ruger 77 .300 Win. Mag. feel like junk, which defifnitely was not.
This moron sold his and regrets it to this day.........
caribou
Member
My Finnish 7.62x54r M-39 mosin was made by SAKO, one of the straightest shooting, reliable rifles I have ever owned.
Simo Hayha chalked up most of his kills ( highest confirmed kills, yet) with his SAKO made M-28/30.
Make mine a SAKO
SAKO started as a rifle maker for the Finnish Civil Guard
Simo Hayha chalked up most of his kills ( highest confirmed kills, yet) with his SAKO made M-28/30.
Make mine a SAKO
SAKO started as a rifle maker for the Finnish Civil Guard
I spent quite a bit of time on the Sako Collectors site and learned a lot following the purchase of my mid ‘80’s produced AV. You’re likely to be able get whatever info you want from folks there. BTW, my rifle is a delight. Initially I had to check if it was picking up a round from the magazine because it feeds so smooth. It’s lacking the classic wood Sako’s are cherished for but I found it for a song following somebody’s fully Bubba’d attempt to shorten the stock. I don’t envision, in spite of stock, that it’s a rifle I will part with.
- Status
