Sako L579
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Scooter22
Member
Excellent rifles. I have a pre Garcia Sako L579 .243 that was put in a Fajen stock and glass bedded. If I do my part it will keep it's shots under a nickle at 100 yds with 80gr loads.
Art Eatman
Moderator In Memoriam
I had teething troubles with my pre-Garcia Forester carbine, but after those were cured? Three behind a dime, regularly. 3/4-MOA or better with most handloads, five-shot groups.
Jim Watson
Member
That is the plainest stock I have ever seen on a Sako.
Won't affect the shooting, of course.
Won't affect the shooting, of course.
OP
OP
1948CJ2A
Member
You're right. It was restocked around 1979 according to PO info I found. I'm thinking about breaking out my checkering kit, putting a rosewood tip on the fore end and putting on a new butt plate.
First things first though... I gotta see how it shoots before I decide what to do with it.
OP
OP
1948CJ2A
Member
Ok - your post is the 2nd that says "pre-Garcia". Can you elaborate? I'm intrigued.
Also, I tried using this to date the rifle: https://www.sako.fi/pdf/datatables/SakoOldmodelsNumbering.pdf but my SN doesn't fall within the ranges for the L579 fields.
RainDodger
Member
I've got a heavy barrel 579 Forester in .243. Great rifle once I figured out what bullet it likes the best. I bought it unfired about 20 years ago. Mine was manufactured sometime around 1973 I think.
Scooter22
Member
Garcia became the importer sometime in the 70's IIRC. The quality for some reason wasn't suppose to be as good as the earlier imported ones. I never looked around for any to compare but thats the story. Heres some more info. I see Art has a little more info. He's every where.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63598
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63598
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I have several Sako rifles and the L-series (L461, L579, L61R) are some of the finest factory rifles ever produced IMO. I have an L579 243 that's a great shooter. Also, some Vixens (L461/AI in 222 and 222 mag) and a L61R 30-06. All great rifles.
Here's some info about Sako rifle lineage that I've learned over the years. I posted this on another site not too long ago.
Sako serial numbers are a disaster after 1968 and jump around pretty indiscriminately due to the different importers (Firearms International, Garcia, Stoeger).
In late 1968, Firearms International (FI) began importing Sako's until the end of 1971. Those barrels had "Firearms International, Wash. D.C." etched on the underside. All Garcia and Stoeger imports bore import marks as well.
All Sako rifles in the U.S. that came after 1968 will either have an importer's mark or will not have an importer’s mark. Those without an importers mark were usually brought into the U.S. by an individual (most frequently, a U.S. serviceman serving in Europe.)
In 1972, Garcia took over importation of Sako rifles.
In 1978, Stoeger began importing Sakos until Beretta bought controlling interest in Sako and began doing its own distribution in the U.S.
Sako rifles are distinguished as Pre-72(Pre-Garcia) or Post-72 because a major change to the Sako lineage was made in 1972.
Some of the differences from pre--72 models were:
1. No 3rd locking lug at the rear of the bolt
2. The metal was not as highly polished before bluing so the bluing was not as nice.
3. Scope base dove tails were smooth not checkered.
4. Heavier barrel contour and no Bofors stamp.
5. Heavier and less svelte stock without pistol grip cap or fixed sling mount.
Most of this matters more to collectors than shooters/hunters. You have a fine rifle that should be a very good shooter. The stock has definitely been refinished or possibly an aftermarket stock.
Here's some info about Sako rifle lineage that I've learned over the years. I posted this on another site not too long ago.
Sako serial numbers are a disaster after 1968 and jump around pretty indiscriminately due to the different importers (Firearms International, Garcia, Stoeger).
In late 1968, Firearms International (FI) began importing Sako's until the end of 1971. Those barrels had "Firearms International, Wash. D.C." etched on the underside. All Garcia and Stoeger imports bore import marks as well.
All Sako rifles in the U.S. that came after 1968 will either have an importer's mark or will not have an importer’s mark. Those without an importers mark were usually brought into the U.S. by an individual (most frequently, a U.S. serviceman serving in Europe.)
In 1972, Garcia took over importation of Sako rifles.
In 1978, Stoeger began importing Sakos until Beretta bought controlling interest in Sako and began doing its own distribution in the U.S.
Sako rifles are distinguished as Pre-72(Pre-Garcia) or Post-72 because a major change to the Sako lineage was made in 1972.
Some of the differences from pre--72 models were:
1. No 3rd locking lug at the rear of the bolt
2. The metal was not as highly polished before bluing so the bluing was not as nice.
3. Scope base dove tails were smooth not checkered.
4. Heavier barrel contour and no Bofors stamp.
5. Heavier and less svelte stock without pistol grip cap or fixed sling mount.
Most of this matters more to collectors than shooters/hunters. You have a fine rifle that should be a very good shooter. The stock has definitely been refinished or possibly an aftermarket stock.
OP
OP
1948CJ2A
Member
Great information. Thanks for that 6.5swede & scooter22.
I know the rifle has been re-barreled. I checked the twist on it last night and its 1-14", which according to my Nosler and Hornady books is standard for the 22-250 and will work up to 55 or 60 grs. Past that a fast twist would be needed to stabilize the heavier and thus longer bullets.
With that said, I don't see a "3rd lug" at the rear of the bolt; however, I do see checkering under the weaver scope bases, at least on the front one.
The stock would appear to be an after-market stock and is not OEM. It's not a bad piece of wood though. If it shoots well I think I'll put a rosewood tip and cap on it and try some hand-checkering.
I did look and there appears to be a couple of marks next to the SN. I'm guessing one of these would be an importers mark. Can you see from this picture?
I know the rifle has been re-barreled. I checked the twist on it last night and its 1-14", which according to my Nosler and Hornady books is standard for the 22-250 and will work up to 55 or 60 grs. Past that a fast twist would be needed to stabilize the heavier and thus longer bullets.
With that said, I don't see a "3rd lug" at the rear of the bolt; however, I do see checkering under the weaver scope bases, at least on the front one.
The stock would appear to be an after-market stock and is not OEM. It's not a bad piece of wood though. If it shoots well I think I'll put a rosewood tip and cap on it and try some hand-checkering.
I did look and there appears to be a couple of marks next to the SN. I'm guessing one of these would be an importers mark. Can you see from this picture?
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Carne Frio
Member
I have one in .308. It's been my primary hunting
rifle for the last 25 years. It is bedded into a MPI
fiberglas stock.
rifle for the last 25 years. It is bedded into a MPI
fiberglas stock.
OP
OP
1948CJ2A
Member
So would this indicate the receiver is pre-Garcia (1972)?
The inspector's mark by itself does not identify the action as Pre or Post 72. Other rifle characteristics like a 3rd locking lug or Bofors stamped barrel are more indicative of a Pre-72 L-series Sako rifle.
Sako rifles produced from 1969 - 1971 are known as "Transition guns". The rifles of this time period have shown more anomalies/variations than any other era of Sako rifle production. A barrel may be stamped with an import stamp but have some of the traits of earlier rifles due to depletion of parts in inventory.
Since your rifle has been restocked and rebarreld it will be difficult to determine unless you can confirm your serial # with a list of Sako Serial #'s Pre 1968. Nevertheless, the L579 action is an excellent one. Let us know how it shoots.
Sako rifles produced from 1969 - 1971 are known as "Transition guns". The rifles of this time period have shown more anomalies/variations than any other era of Sako rifle production. A barrel may be stamped with an import stamp but have some of the traits of earlier rifles due to depletion of parts in inventory.
Since your rifle has been restocked and rebarreld it will be difficult to determine unless you can confirm your serial # with a list of Sako Serial #'s Pre 1968. Nevertheless, the L579 action is an excellent one. Let us know how it shoots.
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OP
OP
1948CJ2A
Member
I checked that PDF last weekend but it didn't include a 5-digit SN range, which is what my receiver has.
I guess it will remain a mystery seeing as the barrel and stock are not OEM. Thanks for all the info.
Kp321
Member
Sako sold bare actions for a number of years so yours might have been a custom rifle rather than rebarreled and restocked.
OP
OP
1948CJ2A
Member
I would consider this a likely possibility
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