25-20 on Gunbroker

[sakoverein]

https://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=134042878

Original clips for 25-20, 218 Bee and Hornet going up for auction on gun broker tomorrow. L46 stock, peeps and rings on Ebay.

Thanks for looking.

 

[hayseed51]

Dang - I love that little rifle! Sadly, it's value puts it well out of my league. Maybe someday...

Out of curiosity, what is the range marked on the rear sight? Can't hardly imagine that they would use the 0-300 that appears on some of these other little guys - would seem pretty optomistic. I have a P-46 that uses a 0-100 rear - maybe this uses the same.

 

[sakoverein]

I believe that all the centerfire rifles came with the 0-300. The rifles that I have seen all have had this range marked; only rimfires have had the 0-100. You are right in stating that this is optimistic. Especially given the fact that the vast majority of these rifles were used to make shots under 100 yards at capercaillie in the forests. This includes 7X33, 25-20 and even Hornet.

I have shot a lot with all three rounds and can't believe that at close range that bird wouldn't be somewhat pulverized by the high velocity 7X33 - even with FMJ bullets.

 

[hayseed51]

Even though I can't afford a 25-20, it hasn't stopped me from entering the justification process of why I NEED one... I figure when the opportunity and ability get lined up, I'll have that part out of the way. Best I can come up with is that it might make a nice turkey rifle... I know, it's kinda weak, but hey, it works for me.

Curious what your experience has been with the accuracy, particularly with 25-20 and Bee, out of the L-46s? Both have taken sort of a bum rap over the years. Can't imagine that either wouldn't be a fine shooter within it's range limitations, in a nice tight bolt rifle with a good barrel.

 

[sakoverein]

I have not worked much with the 25-20. There is no doubt that someone with more time than me will ring it out - it has the potential. There have been several test loads that show great promise. It would make the perfect turkey gun and I have shot two cast bullets through it that would make great 50yd turkey loads.

I have not shot the collectable Hornet; just hate to bring it out of the safe. The older hornet on the otherhand is a shooter. From a bench when I do my job it will shoot little cloverleaves. The same goes for the Brno I have listed. These two are great guns and you don't fret about taking them on all day fox hunts in the snow. The other gun that is a dead ringer is my 7X33. It is the one that has the older style peep attached. For a mannlicher is can hold it's own and more!

 

[stonecreek]

Hayseed: I have a Model 25 Remington in .25-20. I didn't need the excuse of using it for a turkey gun because it was underpriced and a surefire financial winner when I bought it. That's a good thing, because I've already used the turkey gun excuse on about four other small caliber rifles

Since Texas has an annual bag limit of four turkeys, I've just about worn that lame excuse out.

However, the little Remington is a real shooter with some 87 grain cast lead bullets I've had laying around for about 40 years. I really like AA1680 in it. I would think that in a Sako L46 you could wring some outstanding accuracy out of this little cartridge.

I know where there is a Kimber of Oregon .218 Bee floating around and available. If Texas would only raise the turkey bag limit to five, I would snag it

 

[sakocoffs]

As a new member I am just starting to have a look around the forum. Most of my interest is/will be in the small action category.
Reading the above blogs on the 25/20 L46, there seems to be an indication that these attract a premium price?? I purchased mine literally out of a farmer's shed so needed a bit of a clean up but is in otherwise reasonable condition (certainly not museum grade though!!). The rear sight had also been removed so i will be looking for same in the near future.
So, what value would this item attract? I paid $400 AussieD for mine 6 months ago???????

 

[stonecreek]

Even in "chickenhouse" condition, an L46 .25-20 is worth quite a bit more than 400 of any currency, USD, Euros, or even Pounds Sterling. You got a great buy.

It seems as if the .25-20 is much more common in AU than in the U.S. I wonder if a large shipment was imported there during the 1950's?

 

[misako50]

Stonecreek- I have read that there were none or at best very few 25-20s recorded as sent to the US back in the 50s and early 60s. On the other hand there were quite a few recorded as shipped to Australia. I don't recall anything said about the other countries for sure so I will leave it with what I think I remember.- Mike

 

[hayseed51]

My understanding of the 25-20 is the same. That most went to Australia and also Sweden, for whatever reason. Sako factory is quoted as saying that about twice as many 25-20s were built as were Bees. Also I think production ran from 49-57 on the 25-20.

Coffs - doubt if 25-20s are thick anywhere, but you do probably live in the best country to aquire one in. So maybe you could find one for me... I'd love to have even a 'shooter' like yours. Now getting them across borders may be a big project too.

Anyway, nice going on the new Sako and please let us know how it shoots, will you?

 

[sakocoffs]

Certainly will start on my search for you hayseed. I am sure there will be difficulties with the rules re cross border but nothing that persistence etc cannot overcome!!!
Recently I have noted the loc of 7X33; 222 F'wood; 22Hornet all in L46.

 

[model70hunter]

Could the location drive what caliber is more useful and therefore more plentiful?

Smaller caliber centerfires may work fine in some countries such as Australia due to lesser need for the power of a 270 or 30-06. I was very gun conscious growing up and noticed what guns my Grandfathers and uncles kept for farm use. There was not any deer in North western Iowa, lots of phesants, rabbits, ducks and quail. My Iowa relatives kept 22 LR rifles and pump shotguns, mostly model 12's and 42's for small game.

My Missouri Grand father had a single shot shotgun and two 22 rifles. One was an old Winchester single shot 22 LR L S no one was allowed to touch, he slaughtered hogs and cattle with it and did not want it lost or broken. His shotgun was used for foxes, potting rabbits and squirrels. There were no deer in this area until the 1950's. When the deer herd grew my Dad and uncles started with 94's and progressed to Centerfire bolts in 270 or 30-06.

In farming country without big game there was not much need for larger Centerfire rifles. Farmers did not require the extra power and kept what they needed at hand. I think Sakocoffs find in a shed might point to vermin control use. Many old time Missouri farmers kept an old cheap shot gun inside the barn or chicken house with an old sock slid down over the barrel to keep dirt dobbers out and ready for immediate use on vermin.

 

[deersako]

My understanding of the 25-20 is the same. That most went to Australia and also Sweden, for whatever reason.

Wish I could understand why they are so scarce here in Australia. The most common L46 chambering over here would have to be .222 Rem including both standard and mannlicher stocked rifles, followed by the .22 Hornet. They are still by no means common but some good examples turn up from time to time.

I would consider the 7x33,.218 bee and .25-20 to be very very hard to find with the .25-20 being the rarest of the group.

Sakocoffs, it looks as though you have found a " hens tooth " well done !

P.S While searching for Hayseed's .25-.20, I would love a leed on that 7x33 or any 7x33 for that matter. Have plenty of new Sako cartridges but nothing to put them in.