Help Identifying Sako

[wildwood]

Hi All! I need information on this Sako. What model, year and what it is worth. It belongs to my neighbor and he wants to sell it. I know nothing about these rifles and hope someone can help me with this. The engraving on the bottom was done in the late '60s after he bought this rifle.(he said a guy charged him $2.50 to do it). On one side of the barrel it says Made in Finland and the other side has a couple of proof(?) marks and serial no. 108xxx and Sako. On the top it says .375 magnum. There is some rust on the barrel which you can see in one of the 4 pictures below.

 

[bloorooster]

Looks like a Sako Hi-Power( I think they were called), Built on FN actions, much like the Browning High Power or Safari's....the engraving looks sweet. I have no clue of its value, less than $500 would be inviting!:evil2:

 

[misako50]

I really love the engraving pattern. May have been the advent of the Finnbear. That rifle would be worth a titch more than 500-

-Misako

 

[bloorooster]

Wildwood-There is a verse or inscription under the bear, on the floorplate...wonder what it says?

 

[wildwood]

The owner told me he had all the engraving done. The insciption below the grizzly bear reads - Have no fear of any man Regardless of his size Keep me always at your side And I will equalize

 

[bloorooster]

Awesome!.....personal defense bolt action rifles are rare amongst rareties! JK:evil2: Very Cool stuff! Thanks Wildwood!

 

[bloorooster]

Wildwood...all jokes aside...this is a nice rifle...with lots of potential and tons of character ,the wood looks to have some nice figuring too!...even with the pitting, it is a fine shooter provided the bore is good (and usually they are)...a nice find any time. Are you thinking of buying it?

 

[wildwood]

bloorooster...Thanks for the information on this sako. So you think it is a High Power Mauser Sporting Rifle with F.N. action. I saw something, that these were imported into the U.S. after WWII which began in the early 1950s and ended around 1957. Also that this rifle is nearly identical to the Browning/F.N. safari grade. And the Sako has a 24" barrel which this one has and the Browning a 22" barrel. Now is not the time for me to buy any guns.

Hope to hear from other members about this rifle.

Thanks again...wildwood

 

[bloorooster]

Somewhere in the archives of this forum I saw an image of an old ad for the Sako Hi-Power (I think they are also marked as a M 98), you might search the Sako Mauser section here and find more info.Also its a good idea to have a look at the pictures section here for Hi-Powers that others have posted. I am new to the Sako world, and this forum has been the valuable source of information, and I have made some friends here along the way. Others will chime in, never fear- Bloo

 

[wildwood]

Hi Will,

I read that a distinguishing feature of the Supreme was its back-swept bolt handle, with the action polished and completely in the white. The underside of the bolt Knob was milled flat and Knurled. Also that the magnum was simply the Standard action, opened up.

I'm thinking of putting this on a Gun website. And start the bidding at $550.00

Thanks.......wildwood

 

[wildwood]

Will
I would put this on a 7 Day auction, starting bid at $550.00 Is the side sliding thumb safety on the right or left side? This safety is on the right. (Are the pictures okay) And this rifle is in excellent cond. except for the rust on the barrel. Does it say anything about the serial numbers?
wildwood

 

[misako50]

Wildwood- Go back to the beginning and read the rules for selling on this website. Be sure to enter your location in right spot. and place the rifle along with the pictures in the For Sale Catagory- Thanks, Misako

 

[wildwood]

Hey Misako,

I understand, but please understand what I said in my original post >>> Hi All! I need information on this Sako. What model, year and what it is worth. It belongs to my neighbor and he wants to sell it. I know nothing about these rifles and hope someone can help me with this.

I didn't post this Sako for sale because I didn't know anything about it. I am very grateful to all of you who have been so helpful. Once I know more about this rifle, I'll talk to the owner and see what he wants to do. He is elderly, alone and has bad health. I'm just trying to help him out.

Thanks guys, Don p.s. I'll be posting more pics that some have requested this evening.

 

[misako50]

wildwood- I wasn't being cranky. Just wanted you to know where to go from here so you can have a successful sale.

-Misako

 

[wildwood]

Here are closeups that might help narrow this i.d. down:

 

[wildwood]

Hey Guys......On the butt it says SAKO RllHIMAKI SUOMI FINLAND and the rear sight is a folding two blade. There is a scope mount, it's a kuharsky bros. inc Erie, PA Let me know if you need anything else.

Thanks Again!!

 

[wildwood]

I thank all the members who helped me identify this Sako. It is a Sako Magnum Mauser, chambered for the .375 H&H magnum. The action is a (FN) Supreme Mauser, manufactured in 1951-1961. The serial # dates it 1955 and it has French walnut stock and weighs 7 1/2 lbs. Firearms International was the importer of this rifle. I also read that Sako Mausers are seldom found and rare in this caliber. Even in Finland they are next to impossible to find!



I stopped at Cabela's for a free appraisal and they said that even with the rust on the barrel and the custom engraving on the floor plate (mirror bore), they would buy it from me for $775. This Sako is going up for sale.

 

[bloorooster]

You May , Wildwood , want to post it on this forum in the FS section, seems like it raised a few eyebrows! Good luck - Bloo

 

[wildwood]

Do not hesitate to make an offer on this "Seldom Found" Sako Magnum Mauser Supreme. In the For Sale section. The owner said he bought this in 1955 or 56 and never fired it. He just likes guns and has a Bunch of them. I wish he would have taken better care of them.
Send me a PM

Thanks--wildwood