Nubie in need of help.

[horsecollar]

I am 45yrs old and a 26yr Army Warrant Officer and I guess I have been a Sako fan most of my life. The first rife I received from my father at 10 years of age was a L61R 7mm Rem Mag sporter s/n: 243xx with "bofors steel barrel" markings. To this day it is still my favorite rife.

Recently I ran across a Sako with mannlicher stock in 30-06 s/n: 280xx; however, the stock didn't look right. There is no barrel band the stock end-cap doesn' t have a band that goes around the mussel and it has a metal inset butt plate. I looked through the forum's archive and found a question from 2004 where a guest (ebay4570) found the exact same stock type in a different style Sako. The question link was "I have no idea what I bought". The photo (ebay4570's strange Sako) of the rifle also appears the same even the same color except for mine has an inset metal butt-plate with no markings aside from checkering. I do find it strange that to different style Sako would have the exact same type of stock if it were not factory. Can someone please provide me some information on this stock style? Sorry to join and start asking for help but you guys have all the experts.

Thank you

Mike

 

[L61R]

Mike!
Welcome! And donxB4t be sorry!
We all love Sako mysteries and I am sure some of the boys will chip in on this one!
Could you post a link to the page where you found the similar rifle, please? I tried to do a quick search but couldxB4t find it!
Enjoy the forum!!
Jim

 

[mcgrif2243]

Hello Mike,
As an Army CWO, Do you by chance, "Do what has to be done"? If you do, I did. Most of my career both active duty and GS. Of course you'll know what I mean if you do. Anyway, I collect and specialize in attempting to know everything about the Sako Mannlicher's. The one you ran across is NOT factory Sako. Aside from the stock description, Sako did not make the Mannlicher configuaration in long action calibers until 1971. The SN puts the date of Manufacture late 1968 early 1969 time frame. During this time frame, there was only one (I am pretty sure) production manufacturer who offered a Mannlicher stocked rifle with a Sako action, that being Harrington & Richardson with their model 301. I used to have a model 301 in .270 so I am very familiar with it. Provide some photo's if you can. If not, list all markings/words etc. on the action and barrel and their locations.
Regards, Will

 

[horsecollar]

Thanks Jim,

This is the link from the Old Collectors Club Site. I am looking for the fourm link.
https://sakocc.multiply.com/photos/album/35/Ebay4570s_Strange_Sako

 

[L61R]

Mike!
Thanks for that! DoesnxB4t quite look like a Sako stock but IxB4ll leave this to Will and the other Mannlicher gurus!
Jim

 

[horsecollar]

Thanks Will,

No, my "hat" is maroon. Thanks for your sevrice.
I sent the link to Jim from an old photo with the exact same stock. The barrel has the same markings as my 7mm L61R. Bofors steel with the brackets on the right side the two proof marks on the left. The first looks like the head of something and the second a "mv" looking mark.. Sako and the Caliber on the top 30-06. L61R s/n and same two proofs on the side. No sights. The metal stock end cap doesn't have a band that goes over the barrel.

Link to old photo:
https://sakocc.multiply.com/photos/album/35/Ebay4570s_Strange_Sako

This is the link:
https://sakocc.multiply.com/journal/item/904/I_have_no_idea_what_I_just_bought_
Thanks Mike

 

[horsecollar]

This is the link to the guy who had the exact same stock on a different model from 4 years ago.
https://sakocc.multiply.com/journal/item/904/I_have_no_idea_what_I_just_bought_


Thanks Mike

 

[mcgrif2243]

Hey Mike,
Thanks for your service as well! My son is a Navy PO2 Seabee, currently Weapons Chief and MRAP vehicle commander with a Seabee Convoy Security Element in Afghanistan. I was with an Army unit whose motto is "Do what has to be done", three letters, Starts with a C and ends with a D. :wink2: Anyway, based on the description you provided and the photo, the rifle as a whole is not factory. Sako sold barrels, actions and barreled actions which were very popular with higher end custom builders. The stock has the classic lines of the Mannlicher-Schoenauer MCA Carbine, a popular configuration for custom builders in the 1960's. The full-stock taper, forend cap, pistol grip cap and even the checkering "scream" Mannlicher Schoenaue Model 1961 MCA, (minus the Pachmayr white line recoil pad). I'll bet that is one pretty rifle!
Regards, Will

 

[horsecollar]

Will,

I have some close friend warrants that get to "carry" all the time. I wish I could tote my 229 everywhere and a badge.

Should I look to change this Sako back to factory? How whould I know if it should be a Stanard or deluxe? Is the stock the only difference?

Thanks

Mike

 

[horsecollar]

Sorry, this is the link to the guy who had a Forrester with a stock like mine 4 years ago in the same s/n range.
https://sakocollectors.lefora.com/2004/06/19/i-have-no-idea-what-i-bought/


Thanks

Mike