Need Help with Identification

[rugerbob]

Is this a FN or Sako action?

 

[sserlachius]

Rugerbob,

It looks like a FN action and the rifle is either a Sako or a FN?

SS

 

[rugerbob]

sserlachius:

It is listed as a 7mm Browning FN High Power.

 

[rugerbob]

Just not sure it is a Sako action.

 

[bloorooster]

Bottom metal looks to be Sako , the action looks FN.....is this the "put together" Browning that has been mentioned on this forum, I think its listed on GB? Be Wary ! I wasn't, and if not for some of the members here, would had suffered a Major loss on a trade on a put together Sako. Much to learn in this world....Much to learn.-Bloo

 

[misako50]

It is what it is listed as. Good rifle. Looks possibly refinished.-Misako

 

[Anonymous]

Based on the condition (although good) of the floor plate, I would say it was refinished, too. The stock is exceptionally nice.
S-A

 

[naphcon]

This is a Browning Safari Grade, could have had salt wood, that is a common reason why the wood is replaced

 

[misako50]

Rugerbob- What cartridge is the High Power listed for? The magnums had the recoil pad and the standard had a butt plate. The reason I asked is because the stock looks like it may have been cut. Naphcon is correct that they were also called safari rifles. They were made from about 1959 thru the mid 70s. Salt wood was a problem with some of the rifles then. They would rust due to salt being added to the curing process of the stock wood in its fresh condition. Not all of the rifles did it but enough to cause concern and replacement programs from the factory. If I wanted one- the facts wouldn't stop me with a return policy from the seller.-Misako

 

[rugerbob]

Misako:

It is listed as a 7mm for 750.00

Bob

 

[misako50]

Very well worth that. -Misako

 

[mcgrif2243]

Hey all,
The metal is original Browning Safari Grade, FN action. The stock is a very nice what I believe to maybe be a custom copy of the original, or a refinished replacement. When compared to both my original Browning Safari Grades, 7mm Mag. and .300 Win. Mag, the differences are that both mine have two recoil bolts, and the checkering on the pistol grip is three-prong not two. The tell would be to remove the stock and look and see if the factory markings are on the wood. Also, what's the prefix/suffix next to the SN? That is the date code.
Will

 

[sserlachius]

Misako,

First year Sako mentions the Sako Mauser (Hi Power) is 1952. - 624 were made that year.
In 1953 they inform making 488 in calibers .270, 30-06, 8x60, .300WM, .375H&H
( 8x57JS was also later made).
In a summary Sako reports that until 31.12.1960 7948 Sako Mausers had been made.
(Same summary btw mentions 66 shotguns!! cal 12).
1958 was the last year Sako made more than 1000 Sako Mausers. From then on a regular
decrease year by year. 1962 169 pcs and 1963 only 88. Hereafter I have no records.

SS

 

[misako50]

sserlachius- It does say it is a Browning on the metal. I can't make out if it says St. Louis, but I think so.-Misako

 

[Anonymous]

Misako,
I blew the picture up and it definitely says St. Louis. Gets pretty fuzzy after that but it is xxx & xxxx Co. Can make out a few of the letters but wouldn't venture a guess. Pixels get grainy. I've only owned one BAR in my life thus far so can't speak to it.
S-A

 

[misako50]

A good friend of mine has one just like this one. He let his mother use it on opening day of deer season and she fell out of a tree stand. Banged herself up and broke the stock. He's had me looking for a replacement since. She is older than I am but a tough old boot. She was "back on the horse" hunting the next weekend. She didn't want to hunt with a different rifle so we patched the stock up and she still borrows it. -Misako

 

[sserlachius]

Misako,

Better to put your mother in law in a tree. The heavier the caliber, the better......

The stock of that Browning has very nice wood...... shapewise it is an exact copy of my Sako Mauser 8x57JS.

SS

PS: After " S:t Louis" there is some??? and then "Montreal"?

VERY NICE RIFLE!!

 

[rugerbob]

Misako:

Seller believes it is the original stock that was professionally refinished, LOP is 13 3/4".

Bob

 

[blackjack]

Hello Sako Friends,
Why is it that our gun & rifle makers make stocks that are far to short? very very annoying. I am an average 60 year old Limey of 6ft-2inchs in height. Every gun and rifle I own has had about a 1inch extension to the length of the stock. I have recently added a 1inch piece of black horn [between the wood and the rubber butt pad] to the length of my Sako L579 H.B. .308 Win rifle, now the rifle is very comfortable to shoot. When are gun & rifle makers going to realize that the world is not full of short men & women with short arms!
Regards Blackjack AKA Mike {The Limey}

 

[Anonymous]

Mike,
You are blessed with stature. I believe there is a computed "norm" for the sake of mass manufacturing. I will note that on tactical rifles, like the TRG-42, for instance, there are many options to customize the butt pad length and angle. Of course, not all rifles have this luxury. There was an incident on the forum here a bit ago where a stock had been cut down to shorten the LOP, so that is the other end of the spectrum.
I personally believe that, by special order, SAKO might entertain the idea of a custom LOP stock for consumers like yourself. Unfortunately, this won't happen any more for the older models and one has to get into what you have been doing despite the negativity associated with alterations of this kind by some. I guess if I were faced with this problem, I would try the special order, or for an older rifle, have a custom stock made and save the original. I'd really have t like a rifle to do that.
Regards,
S-A