I am a Sako user since 1972. My first was a Sako Forrester in .243 that I no longer have. I felt a little under gunned with it, but oddly enough made the longest shot on a deer I have ever taken by more than a hundred yards. Distance was close to 300, but I was younger then. I wouldn't take the same shot today. (in Penn. downhill and across a pipeline) I noticed that there are quite a few Sako folks and have seen several comment on the accuracy of them. A few reasons why: Sako buys all their steel from Bofers in sweden. This steel is made to their specs and each bar is tested at the Sako factory before use. They don't test some blanks, or most blanks, but each blank has an inch removed and is tested. After drilling, but before a mandrill is inserted prior to hammer forging, each blank is lapped until all drill imperfections are removed. It is then polished prior to inserting the mandril, then hammer forged. The mandrils are only used for a limited number of barrels and then discarded. Over the years many folks have tried to purchase the barrels that don't make the grade, but Sako will not sell them. They are scrapped.
Its also interesting to note that since Sako bought Tikka, all the barrels for both rifles come from the Sako factory. Tikka rifles have Sako barrels.
They don't put quite the detail into other parts, (as Sako) but, the barrels are essentially the same. Add a great trigger system and proper stock/action and you have "factory" gun that can shoot knots if you are willing to play with loads a bit.
By the way, the above mentioned Forrester has been the only gun I have ever owned, then sold, that I wished I hadn't. I sold an old friend. ha
Tom
I totally agree. I have been thinning down my collection of rifles. Setting aside some to pass down, and selling a few to finance other purchases. I have a Sako M995 in 300 Wby Mag that may go on the auction block next. But I LOVE the 3 forward locking lugs, the 60 degree bolt travel, and the detached magazine !!
__________________ I keep tellin ya Doc, I'm in pretty good shape considerin the shape I'm in !!
My boss ordered a SAKO in 338 last April from Cabelas and they cant seem to get one in stock from Berreta. They are supposedly in contact with Berreta and they wont nail down a delivery date! In December my boss was told to call back in late February. Anybody else have a problem getting ahold of a SAKO?
I bought 2 Sakos on the last 2 years. The 1st is a Sako 75 in 243 that looks just about new. The 2nd is a 1966 Forester in 243 that I bought from the original owner. From the looks of it also a very low round count, mint condition. He gave me boxes of some original ammo & other accessories. It was seldom used & has no bluing wear. I gave each a good off the stock going over & in the safe they sit.
I went & check the SN of that 1966 Sako Forester & it's a 567xx. I don't think a new one would be in much better shape. I didn't even try to bargain the seller down much & he threw in a hard & soft case, mounted scope,80 rounds of 60/70s ammo,sling etc. I paid $740.
Last edited by sourdough44; 01-20-2009 at 03:28 PM.
I went & check the SN of that 1966 Sako Forester & it's a 567xx. I don't think a new one would be in much better shape. I didn't even try to bargain the seller down much & he threw in a hard & soft case, mounted scope,80 rounds of 60/70s ammo,sling etc. I paid $740.
You can now take off your mask.....rocky rackoon.
Nuthin but net..........
My first "new" rifle that I bought me..was a 1972 .243 Sako Forrester. Had pretty nice wood. Dark wood. very deep bluing and was a shooter. As I have posted before, it is the only gun that I have ever owned and gotten rid of that I wish I had kept. A .243 is enough for deer and particularly pleasant at the range. Post a pic (please) and make my regret even greater. Ha
I really do plan to figure out the picture posting soon. We have a Sony cybershot that takes pictures well.
The scope on that Forester I bought is a Redfield of that period. I wouldn't mind hunting with it sometime but I have so many others & plenty of ammo. We have 2 sons who I would pass things down to, hopefully not for many years though. I do tell them that in many cases I'd take that older firearm over a NIB modern one. Nothing gets passed down until I can tell they will appreciate it. If that day never happens I'll flip it.
Jake, Have you thought about obtaining some sights to replace the iron which was removed? Won't interfere with anything and would restore the rifle to original look. If not, I would take it to the village smithy. They can fix you up so it looks the best. Wouldn't cost much either.
Jake - welcome to the forums....you will find a lot of good people here as well as a wealth of knowledge. Even a few opinion....ha.
Don't be worried about jumping in anyplace...kinda like a whorehouse here......bring a little money and come on in.
I have thought about trying to locate new sight but with all the trouble I am having just locating plug screws it does not seem promising.
I have contacted the local gunsmiths and even a few out of town. They all are directing me to 6-48 screws when the manual clearly indicates M4x0.5. Then I hit a wall. It appears that the older Sako's used a metric "fine thread"; I can find M3x0.5 or M4x0.7.
The Sako and/or Benelli sites have been no help. I was hoping that someone else had the same issue and figured out a way to solve. I am alway open to learning from others.
