Heavy barrel vs. sporter vs. varmint, etc.

[rketcham1073]

At the suggestion of hayseed51, I would like to see a discussion of the terminology of the barrels Sako put on its rifles, specifically "heavy barrel". I have attached a couple of photos of the barrel of my 1958 L46 in .222. About 40 years ago I wrote to Sako in Finland and asked about the manufacture date of the rifle. I received a letter in reply with the pertinent date and stating that the rifle is a model L46 Heavy Barrel.

I'm confident that the barrel that is on the rifle is the original barrel. The receiver bears proof marks JVT (as I read it) and a lion's head. At the receiver the top of the barrel is marked with identical proof marks and "Cal .222". Also at the receiver, the bottom of the barrel is marked with the numeral "1" as is the bottom of the receiver, just behind the forward stock mounting screw hole. The barrel width at the receiver is 27mm (1-1/16" ). It has what has been described as a "quick bell taper" and measures 19mm (3/4") at 2.5" from the receiver. From there the taper is gradual to 15mm (9/16"+) at the muzzle. Barrel length is 22-3/4". This heavy barrel doesn't look the same as what I have seen pictured and described on this site and others as a "heavy barrel".

Has Sako changed their description over the years? Anyone else with an L46 in the 40,000 range have a similar barrel? Just curious.

 

[hayseed51]

Hi Rketcham -

I was thinking you had described the barrel as being about 17mm at the muzzle? 15mm or 9/16" would seem to be more like a standard sporter profile. My sporters all seem to be around .590. Are you able to use a caliper to get you measurements?

For clarity, I believe the 22 3/4" barrel length was measured from receiver to muzzle - correct? FWIW, 'official' barrel length is measured from boltface to muzzle. Imagine your barrel would measure just what it should.

Topic is interesting though. Do I remember some conversation about a mid-weight barrel between a sporter and varmint for a period of time?

Dick

 

[rketcham1073]

At the muzzle using a caliper it is 15mm. Sorry if I misquoted earlier.

 

[stonecreek]

At .590" (15mm) your barrel is a standard sporter barrel. Sako's records are, shall we say, "inconsistent".