L579 date?

[Guest]

Well, ran into a L579 in .308 at a friend's shop that's in great condition. Been trying to find out more about these rifles as I've never owned a Sako and am leaning toward buying this one. I checked out the date of manufacture file, but can't seem to make sense of it vs. the serial no. on the rifle. What is on the rifle is "No. 1 24XX". There is more space between the 1 and the remaining four numbers, similar to how I spaced it. Can anyone help me identify the date on this?

Thanks and appreciate the info on the site.

 

[Guest]

It is probably SN 124XX, which would make it a very early L579. Early serial number stamps were set by hand and sometimes were imperfect.

If it is an early one, it should have a floorplate release that is a serrated half-moon inside the trigger guard, or it a little later, an S-shaped lever in the front of the trigger guard. Late model L579s used a round plunger as the floorplate release. It should also have fixed sling swivels (unless replaced with quick-tach studs), and "Bofors Steel" on the right hand side of the barrel a couple of inches forward of the receiver. If it has the serrated half-moon magazine release, then it will also likely have a magazine floorplate that has a square end on the forward floorplate hinge extension, and the bolt handle will curve outward a bit more than later models.

 

[Guest]

Thanks. I'll have to check on the details tomorrow. By "very early", what time period would you mean? The bluing and wood are impressive on this rifle, though it has clearly been shot. I know I'll kick myself later if I don't buy it.

Are there any disadvantages to the older L579s vs. the later ones?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Guest]

I think that the first L579's were shipped in 1960. I own both earlier and later versions (in which there is very little practical difference). The only slight disadvantage to the early models with the sharper curve in the bolt handle is that the bolt handle doesn't provide quite as much scope clearance. You might have to use a mount that is very slightly higher than otherwise if your scope has a larger ocular lens housing. However, with even the very lowest mount, the Leupold Compact models still clear the bolt handle.

If the gun is in nice shape, by all means buy it. The .308 chambering seems to be somewhat less common than the .243, which is another reason it is desirable.

 

[Guest]

Hey Creek....go look at my 308 on page 5 or so of the pictures. It's a L57/L579 cross with many L57 parts including the bolt, trigger guard and floorplate. I have no idea when it was shipped but probably made in late 59. The 9 in L579 has also been added by a separate stamp as it's size and alignment are off. Regards, Rick.