Need Help with this Sako/Beretta

[dunkinboy]

Hello. I am hoping someone can provide some insight into a sako/beretta I acquired a few years back. It is not a model 501S. In fact, there is no model designation anywhere on the gun that I can find. It is a 270 and has a 24" relatively heavy sporter barrel with open sights and a highly polished rich blueing. The only writing on the barrel is "Made in Finland" on the left side and "P.Beretta Cal .270" in cursive on the top of the barrel. The right side of the receiver says "BERBEN CORP. NY, NY" and below that "C1096". I am assuming that Berben Corp was the importer but I have no idea about the C1096. It is not the serial # because that is located on the left side of the receiver and is different. The left side of the receiver has the serial # and P.Beretta AV. The action is typical sako including mounting setup, safety, etc. The bolt handle is stainless. The stock is unlike any sako I have seen and I'm guessing that Beretta provided it. It features a rosewood forend and pistol grip cap. It has wonderfully executed hand cut fleur-de-lis checkering with a right hand palm swell. The stock has a slight hog back shape with cheek piece. There is a gold initial oval and a brown hard rubber recoil pad with no name on it. The gun is relatively heavy at 81/4 pounds and a 141/4" lop. Does anyone know the approx. age, whether it was production or special order, value or original price, etc. Any info would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[misako50]

Dunkinboy- That sounds like the model 502 DL which was Beretta's long action version of the euro- stocked Sako action rifles made around 1986. Other than that, I can tell you some were deluxe ( the DL?) , standard and engraved. A picture would be good- Misako

 

[misako50]

OOPSIE- I meant 502-Misako

 

[quagaarx6x]

Beretta's only importers were Berben Corporation NY NY and later Garcia which soon became BUSA established in 1978
if you have the serial # post

 

[dunkinboy]

Misako, thank you very much. I believe you are correct. I did a search and found other 502 deluxe models listed that are very similar if not exactly the same. Do you know if there is much demand for these rifles? I am considering selling or trading as it is a little heavy for my taste though it is well balanced and I love the lop. Thanks again.

 

[misako50]

Dunkinboy- They should be more in demand than they are. Some of my old GunTrader guide catalogs have them listed as high as 1200 in mint condition. This is over 10 yrs ago. Sako has a euro-stocked sporter that may or may not be imported to the US in their arsenal now. I have no idea what Beretta will do to market that one. It is a stuning looking rifle. Hope someone else will weigh in. And please post a couple pictures if you can-Misako

 

[dunkinboy]

Misako, here is a quick pic I just took but the lightning didn't turn out great.

 

[misako50]

I lightened it up for you-Misako

 

[oneshotbandit]

Interesting this 502DL has the Sako Optilock grooves......the 1985/86 Beretta catalog shows these rifles with round top receivers. In fact my Beretta Sako 501S in 308 is such. It is setup with German EAW pivot mounts and a Swarovski 1.7-10x42 Z6i. Solid setup and a lightweight package. No open sights on mine.

Will be working on a hunting load this weekend....trying solid 130gn Impala LS bullets.

 

[misako50]

Oneshotbandit- While you are at it. Could you tell us what the hole spacing is for the front mount base and the rear, if it differs. I would be much obliged.-Misako

 

[oneshotbandit]

Front hole spacing at 23mm

Rear hole spacing at 13mm

I could only measure them roughly with a ruler. The mounts are all nicely locked and set in place.

Just in case anybody needs mounts for the 501S a german company called Recknagel still markets mounts and bases for it.

 

[oneshotbandit]

Zeroed my 501S in 308 win and enjoyed the rifle shooting 130 grain Impala Bullets. Achieved good groups....20mm best at 200 metres, but it can constantly group three shots IN a 2 inch circle.

I will be playing with some Barnes TTSX in 168 grain next time......it seems to have a liking to 168's.....keep you posted.

 

[oneshotbandit]

Here is what the Beretta is capable of....and I have yet to try other bullets!

Included a pic of my mobile setup too!

Enjoy!

 

[misako50]

That is my favorite shooting platform. Reclining position with the barrel resting between my toes. Just have to make sure the barrel is outside of the car window or it really messes up the hearing for a few weeks.

-Misako PS great shooting, oneshot.