L579 243 Forestor

[BaconRind]

Howdy All,

I purchased an estate and this rifle was part of it. Beautiful gun, L579 chambered in 243. Just trying to add a few notes to the gun before I place it away in a vault and wanted to see what, if any, additional information y'all could add.

I appreciate y'all
TMC

 

[stonecreek]

It looks like a custom rifle by Flaig's of Pennsylvania. This shop turned out a pretty large number of custom or semi-custom rifles, many of them on Sako actions. They were generally well-regarded.

As with any custom rifle, it's worth what someone will pay for it. I'm not aware of a "collector" market for Flaigs rifles, but there will certainly be some people who are fans of them and might pay a premium for something they like.

 

[bloorooster]

It appears that you have a custom build on a L579 action…and a very beautiful piece of furniture!

 

[paulsonconstruction]

I would take the Weaver bases off & check the action dovetails for damage or corrosion. They will drive off to the rear if struck with a rubber mallet or wood dowel struck with a hammer. Loosen any set screws first. Once you get them off, leave them off. There are much better ways to attach a scope. I agree with the others. It's a full custom. Even the barrel is not Sako. Why put it in a vault????? It's a nice looking rifle, but definitely not a collectable piece. Why not enjoy using it??

 

[bigcountry4me]

Agree with all stated above. Only to add, Flaigs was known as a pretty high quality shop in their day. They were known to employ German trained gunsmiths who were big on QC. They used mostly Douglas barrels and lots of Sako and FN actions, as well as a few other Mauser brands. And, some nice wood was used in their builds. Apparently they competed with Jaeger during the heyday.

Not sure or your investment but there’s still a good following for the Flaigs built name. Looks like a nice one. Bet it will be a shooter.

 

[icebear]

Beautiful rifle with outstanding wood. I will join the consensus here. Lose the Weaver bases, fit an appropriate scope in vintage Sako rings, and enjoy. I bet it shoots sub-MOA without much fuss.

 

[clovis]

Flaig's always had great wood and this is a fine example of his builds. Take it to a range to add some class while you print better targets than many new builds.

 

[BaconRind]

It looks like a custom rifle by Flaig's of Pennsylvania. This shop turned out a pretty large number of custom or semi-custom rifles, many of them on Sako actions. They were generally well-regarded.

As with any custom rifle, it's worth what someone will pay for it. I'm not aware of a "collector" market for Flaigs rifles, but there will certainly be some people who are fans of them and might pay a premium for something they like.

I have a handful of the O'Brien/Ackley rifles but this is the first L579 I've owned.

Thank you so much for the reply and the Flaig's information. I now have a starting point.

 

[BaconRind]

I would take the Weaver bases off & check the action dovetails for damage or corrosion. They will drive off to the rear if struck with a rubber mallet or wood dowel struck with a hammer. Loosen any set screws first. Once you get them off, leave them off. There are much better ways to attach a scope. I agree with the others. It's a full custom. Even the barrel is not Sako. Why put it in a vault????? It's a nice looking rifle, but definitely not a collectable piece. Why not enjoy using it??

I will remove the bases this week if I can find the time and post pictures of what I find underneath them.

I'm just in a season where I am unable to find the time to take my toys out and enjoy them. So she will be cleaned and properly stored until I do have the time.

I always joke that my kids will have the greatest estate sale one day.

 

[BaconRind]

Beautiful rifle with outstanding wood. I will join the consensus here. Lose the Weaver bases, fit an appropriate scope in vintage Sako rings, and enjoy. I bet it shoots sub-MOA without much fuss.

The search for some vintage Sako rings begins tonight.

When I finally get her to the ranch for some range time, I will post the results.

Thank you!

 

[icebear]

If the Weaver set screws have marred the checkering on the dovetails, the damage can be mitigated. You will need a machinist's scraper, possibly a very fine knife-edge file, and a small burnisher (I made one out of a small screwdriver with a broken tip). Working slowly and carefully, you can work the metal so the circular mark is much less visible. Finish it off with a couple applications of cold blue and the mark will be much less visible, maybe even not visible at all.

 

[stonecreek]

If the Weaver set screws have marred the checkering on the dovetails, the damage can be mitigated.

I rarely worry about that since I'm almost always going to cover up any marks with scope mounts, anyway.

 

[BCPE]

Let me know if you get tired of storing it in the vault & decide to sell! In BCS.