Sako Bavarian

[c-monkey]

Has any member held one of these yet? If so, initial thoughts if you could. I like the lines, but not necessarily the price, although with the nicer wood and fore end, I suppose it's to be expected. Really looks as though it will be available in a wide variety of calibers too. One up on Gunbroker so far....

 

[c-monkey]

Due to the overwhelming responses I have garnered on this subject, I figured I might as well just buy one to find out. I bought my Bavarian chambered in 30.06 for an upcoming moose hunt to Newfoundland.

I do like the rifle. Fit and finish is good, although the very low luster oil finish and bluing on the barrel take a little getting used to. Other Sakos with oil finishes that I own have a much more soft quality to them...this one seems like they weren't quite done yet.

The trigger is great. Factory set at 3 lbs., and the set trigger that comes standard is truly remarkable. I've only dry fired with a snap cap so far, but with the set trigger it is just mere ounces, not pounds.

I like the fit of the gun and its lines. The safety feature of the magazine clip is neat too. It takes a bit of getting used to to remove the magazine, but this feature almost guarantees against accidental loss of the clip while out hunting. I like this feature as well.

Would I buy another? Well, the jury still remains out as to the accuracy potential, but otherwise yes.

After the moose trip I may look to a caliber in a Bavarian with a bit less clobber for the whitetails in this neck of woods.

 

[Anonymous]

c-monkey,
Congratulations! You've just become our "go-to" guy on the Bavarian. I saw your post when it came up, but have never had any experience with that model. I did see where SAKO went to a more "satin" (if I'm thinking of the same finish) - like finish on that which seems to go against SAKO tradition. A former profession would allow me to see the merit in that. I have seen them, and I think are tastefully done and wantonness overcomes price. Quality all the way. I have an old Finnbear Deluxe L61R in .30-06 and I am going to try the Lapua LR Naturalis (170 gr) for my next moose outing. I've shot a few rounds and I think I'm going to like it. I also shoot Lapua ammo in my .338 mag.
Sorry no one jumped in, but some folks were still hunting or recovering from hunting and maybe something will get going out there in cyberspace. Personally, I love the looks of your rifle. I'm locked in now to what I have for a bit.The CFO in the house is getting a little tight with me :angel2:.
Good luck, and let us know what you've experimented with in rounds and the feel of the rifle.
Best Regards,
S-A

 

[iblack75]

Hi, Just read your post and thought I might as well put in my 10 cents worth. I have just ordered a Bavarian in 338 Federal as I already have a 85 Hunter in 30-06 and a Tikka in 308 Win I thought I would give the 338 Fed a go. It has had great write ups and seems to fill the gap between the two if there is one. It is also a cartridge that has the blessing of Sako and the Federal Cartridge Company so hopefully it will be supported and if not it is easy to make your own shellcases from 308 win cases. I hope your hunt went well.
Ian

 

[deersako]

This has been on the market for a while here in Australia. Never seen this stock configuration before until the 85's were released. The ad cliams it is a Euro model (L691).
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Calibre[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]300 Win Mag[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Make[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Sako[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Model[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]L691 Euro[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Action[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Bolt repeater[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Scope[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Bare rifle[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Condition[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Very good to exc[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Serial No.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]864631[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Price[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]$1850[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Advertised [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]24 Mar 10[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Licence No[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]406-719-21F[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Comments[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Rare find, Sako L691 Euro in 300 Win Mag. This is a factory Bavarian style all original stock with Rosewood tip. This model was never brought into Australia to the best of my knowledge. The rifle is in great condition besides a little discoloration on the floor plate from where it has been carried[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Contact[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1] [email protected] or phone 03 9338 1115[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Transfer by[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica][SIZE=-1]Kemen Australia, Tullamarine Vic View other ads by this dealer[/SIZE][/FONT]

 

[Anonymous]

deersako,
There's nothing unusual about the rifle that seems remarkable to me. We see rifles show up here the US without an importer mark - those being ones that were purchased by individuals in Europe. This seems a plausible scenario as to how it got there. Someone's special order gone afoul, maybe? I don't think I would go so far as to it being a "Rare find" (maybe over there) and don't know the exchange rate or what the market may bring. I am told by a Sako Sr. Product Design Manager that there is a new Bavarian now coming into the market. Don't know what world-wide distribution Baretta has in mind.
It's a great caliber, and a great looking rifle. Let your conscience be your guide. You never know if the seller knows what he's talking about or not.
Good Luck. Let us know how things turn out.
S-A

 

[deersako]

S-A

While I wouldn't go as far as calling it remarkable, it is certainly unusual in the fact that it is an L 691 in the Bavarian stock configuration. As far as being "rare", well maybe not as rare as an L42 or a white elephant but I can't say I've seen one anywhere else, anybody ?

It ain't on my list but I'm sure this it will catch someones attention.

 

[Anonymous]

Misako has at least one or two:bigsmile3:. I was basically referring to it's condition and price.
S-A

 

[Anonymous]

Deersako,
I know what you mean, but you never know how many rifles were sent to other countries. By 1971, according to the book;"Sako 1921-1971" they were importing to over 40 countries at that writing. Is this the book you have? I can send you a synopsis (15 page pdf.). PM me if you like.
S-A

 

[Anonymous]

Deersako,
From the book mentioned above:
"The Sako L 42 did not even please its r[d]esigners: it was continually
imroved, ur[w]henever the war allowed, and the tooling was
renewed. Not until 1946 did Sako have the courage to send the
fourth generation of the rifle - L 46 - on to the market' The
reception was not flattering, the Americans pitied the rifle -
back to Finland; strange caliber, clumsy trigger guard, the safety
on the lef[l]i side and above all, the stock of birchwood But there
was nothing wrong with the accuracy. As a result the safety was
moved to the right -hand side, the trigger guard streamlined, the
lands and grooves fitted to meet Western calibers, walnut purchased
from France and a new L 46 was ready Pity changed
into admiration: "ln addition to its good Iooks the rifle'is astonishingly
accurate."
No mention of "white elephants", and seems the early L46 was no gem, either.
S-A

 

[c-monkey]

Hate to change the subject, but thought perhaps someone here could chime in with some suggestions.

I finally took my 06 Bavarian in to sight in. Being as I'm heading to Newfoundland for a moose hunt come October, I opted for the heavier side of the bullet range and selected Hornady 220 gr. round noses as the bullet of choice in front of 50 gr. of IMR4350.

I tinkered with five guns, so as not to ever shoot a warm barrel; and never shot more than three shots from any rifle in sequence. Had a L691 in 7 Mag that quickly was printing a tad high at 100 yards, a 75 in .308 that did likewise, and two muzzleloaders that really allowed the other barrels to cool down in between loading the front stuffers.

Sad part is, I can't get my Bavarian to print sub-basketball at 100 yards! Yep, checked, all mounts are tight. I'd land one right where I'd like it now and then, but never gathered any consistency from this rifle. I'm tending to think it just might hate 220's, and I left the 180's home. I'll try those next.

Pleasant shooting gun with an absolutley wonderful trigger, whether or not I used the set option. I'm frazzled and confused as I've never had a Sako treat me this way before!

Any advice please don't hesistate!

 

[stonecreek]

C-monkey. I would definately suspect that the gun and bullets are not very compatable. Also, I think that the Hornady 220 RN is not a great choice as a game bullet due to its rainbow trajectory and somewhat rapid velocity/energy loss -- that is if your possible shooting range is more than 100 yards or so. A good 180 grain bullet has plenty of weight, but if you feel more confident with a heavier bullet you might try a Nosler 200 grain Partition or Accubond.

 

[c-monkey]

Yes, I agree with the rainbow trajectory, yet I have had nothing more than splendid results with Hornady round noses if kept within their close limits. I was hoping to keep the distance under 100 yards, and use the 7 Mag for anything beyond that.

These grouped so horribly however, that yes, I'm going to head in a Partition direction...most likely 165's (because I have a lot of them) or break down and get some 180's.

Will keep all posted with results.

 

[c-monkey]

I actually started doubting the reliability of my reloaded ammunition...which I've loaded for every other caliber I own for years and have had spectacular results. But before this latest sight in with the 06, I went out and bought a box of Federal Premium 180 Partition ammo.

So, the verdict? The gun hated them too! Did not come even near going MOA with the 180s. That sure was money well spent.

Next, and dejectedly, I tried my 165 Partition reloads. All conditions the same as I just let her cool down after the 180's. Not three strikes this time! The 165's printed darned near a cloverleaf, with two of the holes actually touching! That was it! Then it was just a simple matter to put them a tad high at 100 yards and I do believe there is going to be a Swamp Donkey with my name on it!

Sure had me frustrated for a while though....

Karl

 

[c-monkey]

The Bavarian proved adequate for both my and my buddy's moose. We both did not encounter particularly challenging shots (40 yards or so), and both bulls in all likelihood would have went down with the first shot, although we both sent a second just to help the beasts decide which side of the Great Divide they actually were on. Was a fun time. Next year I will use the gun after some whitetails here in Michigan.

 

[Anonymous]

c-monkey,
Wow, that's a lot of bull right there. Congratulations. Nice going. Like you would tell them to wander off another hundred yards for a challenge:bigsmile3:. I'm hoping to get on a big bore revolver hunt for Moose someday. Hope I have as good an extraction system as you guys.
Looks like a great time and good weather at that. these are some posts we like to see. Thanks for sharing.
S-A

 

[Anonymous]

c-monkey,
Were you in the U-P? My daughter lives in Michigan now (Ann Arbor) so I have a good reason to come hunt there if MI is kind on out of state dudes.
Thanks,
S-A

 

[5280sakonut]

c-monkey: What was the final load you settled on for the hunt and where exactly did your hunt take place. Nice Moose by the way and looks like you have some kind of a Moose-Dozer vehicle you are loading the Moose onto the trailor with.

 

[c-monkey]

The hunt took place in Newfoundland...one heck of a long drive from Michigan! All nine hunters in our party ended up tagging, with only one cow taken. From what I have been led to understand, success on Moose in the area we were in is 90-100% (and I believe it), whereas I could have travelled a lot less and hunted Northern Ontario, but success there hovers around 60%.

It was a beautiful time to be on the island, and since both Mike and I tagged out the first day of the hunt, we spent much of the time just poking around. Rugged place to live but quite scenic.

I ended up settling on this load:

57 grains IMR 4350
165 Nosler Partitions
Rem 9 1/2 primers
Winchester cases

As noted earlier, I wasn't having much luck with this gun with any of the heavier bullets. If I were to go again (and I might) I'd probably opt for even a smaller caliber, as most shots were close when these bulls came to call. I have a 6.5x55 Finnlight that would be just splendid. Funny that's the premier Moose caliber overseas, but on this side of the puddle is considered barely adequate. I'd like to give it a try.

Here are a few more pictures I took there:

 

[Anonymous]

c-monkey,
Great pictures. Trips like that are worth it. I agree with you on the bigger is better philosophy here in the US (in particular). A hundred years ago, my Grandfather used to shoot white tails in Northern Minnesota on his farm with a .22LR. The secret is knowing where to hit them. It wasn't sport, it was survival.
Thanks for sharing.
S-A