Sako Carbines - Users vs Collectible

[Jaywalker]

I'm looking for my next rifle, and I think a Sako full-stock .243 will do it for me. Unfortunately, I know nothng about the collectibility issues involved. I want a "user," not a "collectible," so can someone tell me which ones to look at?

I've seen lots of references to "Bofors," "pre-Garcia," and "A-II." How do I know which one I want to carry into the brush without having people accuse me of desecrating their particular shrine?

Jaywalker

 

[Wildalaska]

Get an AV, if something breaks parts are easier to find.

WildihaveamodifiedAVcarbineAlaska

 

[Jaywalker]

The "AV" sent me on a long search, since I'd never heard of it, until I finally realized it wasprobably an "A" <Roman Numeral Five>, which is presumably the same generation as the "A" <roman Numeral 2> I was asking about, with the "A-V" a longer action.

These are what were made between "Garcia" and the "Stoeger" importers, I think I learned. At least in 2003, the importer is Beretta, I think.

So, what are 99% versions of these models worth?

Jaywalker

 

[TooTech]

Paid $1195 for a left-handed full-stock Sako in .308 about 4 years ago.

Great rifle, very classy looking. More money than I wanted to spend but.....

 

[rick_reno]

Sako carbines

The Sako AI action was for 17 rem to 6mm PPC, the AII was for 22-250 to 308 and the AV (long action) was for 26-06 to 416 Rem. The Sako Carbine fullstock (as they refer to them in some old brochures I have) states that their two piece stock prevents the normal bedding problems associated with full stocked rifles. I have two (7mm mag and 375H&H - both are excellent shooters with the right load). I liked them because they came with sights, and when you put that little peep sight Sako used to sell on them you have a very handy little rifle.

 

[Mannlicher]

Jaywalker,

Guns mean different things to different folks. I own, and shoot regularly, a Colt 1851 Navy, a Sharpes Carbine, and an 1873 Springfield. I have, er, well, 'several' Mannlicher-Schoenauer rifles, some fairly rare, and they are all shooters too.

I would not spend money on a gun to just put it away. Others might see merit in this, I do not.

 

[Jaywalker]

rick_reno, I know what you mean. I have a full-page color picture of a Sako carbine with the peep sight in my 1971 "Gun Digest" that is the reason for this search for a Sako Fullstock carbine. I wonder if those peep sights are available...

Mannlicher, I admire that approach, but I doubt if I could emulate it. I'd think, every time I shot a collector's piece, "There goes another $50." I'd end up not shooting it at all, so in order to prevent that, I start off not buying one in the first place.

TooTech, yeah, prices on Sakos confuse me. GunsAmerica has them all over the map, from $550 to $1500, so I was wondering where, in that range, did a good A-II fit.???

Jaywalker