Sako 30-06 consignment: worth it?

[sernv99]

I saw a Sako in 30-06 on consignment at a shop today. 24" barrel. Hardly any blue wear, stock had some minor handling marks. Open sights (I prefer open sights). Price was $625.00. I know there are variations of the Sako due to when they were imported (Pre Garcia, Post Garcia, etc.). I was not able to find any import marks on the barrel. All I saw was the Bofor or Bohler brand name (the name of the steel used in the barrel) and the Sako stamp. It has a hard black rubber butt plate. The shop owner says the bore is in excellent condition and the bolt face does not show much wear. I have bought many a gun from this shop owner so I know he isn't b.s.-ing me.

Is that a fair price for a Sako?? I'm looking for a hunting rig in 30-06.

 

[sernv99]

rifle was made in the early 60's

 

[kaferhaus]

IIRC "import marks" were not required until the late 70s or maybe even early 80s. It's likely a Garcia gun, "Finn bear".

The price is only about average, it's certainly no bargain.

They were good shooters, but not near as good as internet legend has them. They're certainly on par with Win, Rem etc.

While I've had many Sako's I prefer the older ones as the workmanship was better and all the new ones are just more plastic and media blasted steel.

If you like the way it looks and feels mounted to your shoulder by all means buy it. But don't do it expecting it to drive tacks like so many people do. it'll likely shoot 1.25 or maybe inch groups with good ammo that it likes.

 

[USSR]

That's a fair price from a dealer. I had one in that condition that I parted ways with this Spring. Hated the way the bolt operated (hard lift and rough), and I never could get it to shoot good. Finally, I put a muzzle gauge in it, and it measured .311" - Yikes! Sold it to a dealer for $550 and bought a nice 1980 manufactured Winchester M70. Much nicer rifle in MHO.

Don

 

[JHansenAK47]

I prefer the older ones as the workmanship was better and all the new ones are just more plastic and media blasted steel.

http://www.berettausa.com/products/sako-85-classic/
I disagree on that point. The Sako line has some very well made rifles. (Not to be confused with the budget tikka line.)
What I don't like is how much the new rifles sell for. For the money I would rather get a T/C Icon or one of the new Winchester Model 70s.
They still make nice rifles IMO, just pricey in comparison to their competition.

 

[Sunray]

$625 isn't too bad. A new Sako's MSRP starts at a grand.