I just acquired my first Sako rifle no to long ago. Not sure what it is, but I love it. Model says AV. Any info appreciated.
You have a Deluxe version of the AV. The solid red recoil pad & the rounded forearm tip puts it's production date in the late 80's/early 90's. IMHO, that era of Sako produced some of the most aesthetically pleasing rifles they made. The AV was Sako's long action & is nothing more than a L61R action with a rear bolt shroud added & a 1/4" longer rear tang. Peruse the forum section an Sako Long Actions for more detail. What caliber??
Very nice rifle. Quality piece that in all likelihood will be very accurate. I loved the rounded fore end much more than the older L61, but didn't care too much for the exaggerated Monte Carlo / Cheek piece of the AV. I much preferred the solid red pad to the ventilated pad of the L-61 as well as the addition of the bolt shroud. To each his own, and either way you get a great rifle. Congrats on your find and let us know how she shoots.
A Sako .25-06 in any configuration is currently in high demand, but the Deluxe version is in the highest demand and will bring a premium over most other calibers. Congratulations on your find!
Almost makes me regret passing on an A-series .25-06 Mannlicher carbine at a show last year. The price was right at around $800, but it had some condition issues and would have required some restoration. I've got too many projects already, so I passed.
Indiana Jones was told to "choose wisely"........but I seem to only be able to buy luckily. So my only long action Sako is a 25-06.......about a twin to the one pictured by the OP. A nice rifle BTW!!
Welcome Rolando! While nowhere as pretty as yours, I've had an AV in .25-06 since the 80s...and a finer Texas whitetail rig you're not likely to find. Best of luck with yours! Mark
