icebear
Sako-addicted
Just picked up this Mannlicher-stocked carbine, cut down from a Browning Safari on an L579 action. Barrel is the original Browning; caliber is .308. This is the gun that I've always said Sako should have made - a Mannlicher-style carbine with a classic-style stock rather than a Monte Carlo. Seller claimed it was built by Ed Shoemaker. I have heard the name but don't know anything about him except that he was a reputable custom builder back in the day. The workmanship on the gun is excellent; the checkering is very fine and fit and finish are top-quality. The Conetrol scope bases are a plus. (Some may disagree.) Bore is absolutely immaculate. The gun weighs 7 pounds 5 ounces, compared to 7 pounds 2 for my H&R-Sako carbine with the scope removed.
Not sure yet what I'm going to do for a scope. I tried a Redfield Widefield 2-3/4x, but the TV-screen ocular wouldn't clear the bolt handle. I've got a European scope on the way, and if that doesn't work I have a couple of compact Leupolds I could try. A 1.75-6x VX-IIIe would be ideal, or an old Leupold M8-3x, but I don't have either of those without stripping another gun.
It was a bit pricey, but I couldn't resist the wood, plus the fact that I've always wanted a classic-style Sako Mannlicher. Now to see how it shoots!
Not sure yet what I'm going to do for a scope. I tried a Redfield Widefield 2-3/4x, but the TV-screen ocular wouldn't clear the bolt handle. I've got a European scope on the way, and if that doesn't work I have a couple of compact Leupolds I could try. A 1.75-6x VX-IIIe would be ideal, or an old Leupold M8-3x, but I don't have either of those without stripping another gun.
It was a bit pricey, but I couldn't resist the wood, plus the fact that I've always wanted a classic-style Sako Mannlicher. Now to see how it shoots!
