Special Edition Stock or Reproduction????

[Guest]

Hi all,

A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to acquire a L579 Sako Forester in .243 caliber that I have fallen in love with. I have researched a little, but I have a few questions that I was hoping someone could answer. Based on stamping on the barrel and serial # 59xxx, I believe that this is a pre-Garcia (1966), bofors steel Forester. My question regards the stock. The right side of the stock on this rifle has a very nice carving of three oak leaves and three acorns. I have looked through different reference books and never seen this pattern on one of the stocks listed as a deluxe or a special edition. The forend and palm swell (pistol grip) of this rifle have very nice checkering, but there is no engraving on any of the metal parts. In my mostly uneducated opinion, the oak leaf carving and checkering appear to be very well-done. I always assumed this was a factory stock, but the cap at the bottom of the grip (which appears to be rosewood) has a brass-colored screw that does not seem like it would be a factory screw. Is this some sort of special edition stock, or is this reproduction stock make by someone with a lot of talent? I think I have seen reference to some 75th anniverasry FinnBears (?) having a different oak leaf pattern on the stock, but I cannot find where I saw this now. I have included some photos below.

Thanks for any help

 

[Guest]

Hi Hacksaw -

My vote is that you have a very nicely done custom stock. The recoil pad, sling studs and placement, checkering execution, shape, and placement, grip shape and swell, all make me think so. Also, seems likely that Sako would have matched up some engraving on metalwork to compliment the fancy woodwork.

All in all though, they did keep the Sako lines unlike many of the swoopy Winslow - type customs of the period. Also, the oak leafs and acorns have a Sako theme. I like it a lot, and can see why you're proud of it. Very tastefully done, IMO. AFAIK, all the special editions and anniversary models came later.

You ever shoot that thing, or is it a "Queen"?

Dick

 

[Guest]

Yes, custom, and very nice.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for helping. I always assumed this was a custom job, but I wanted to confirm this. I should have added that this rifle also came with a leather sling with a matching oak and acorn pattern stamped into the leather. Growing up, my best friend's dad had this gun in a gun cabinet and I always admired it. A few years ago, I helped the old man out by fixing his automatic irrigation system (more like a complete overhaul as the original contractor was a crook). I refused to let him pay me for the work, but he showed up one day and insisted that I take this rifle as payment. His sons were long detached from the shooting sports and he was in poor health. He knew that I was an avid hunter and recreational shooter and that I would appreciate this gun. This is why he insisted that I take it.

As for shooting the rifle, our familiy actually has our own shooting range (out to 500yds) and I have shot many rifles, both factory and custom, over the years. This rifle is as accurate as any I have ever shot and I have done nothing to it other than add rings and a scope. This is the only rifle that I have ever owned that will consistently should sub 1/2 moa groups at 100 yds. With the right load, this rifle will truly shoot one hole groups well under 1/2 moa. Other friends who shoot at our range are amazed when I show them what this rifle will do. In fact, I was shocked when my first three shot group ever with this rifle all went into one hole. I hadn't even worked up a load yet. I had just borrowed some loads from a buddy (70 grain v-max/ Varget) Needless to say, I instantly became a Sako admirer. Now that I know this rifle has most likely been customized, I plan to visit with the elederly gentlemn who gave it to me to see if I can get some more history behind it.

Thanks again for the help.

 

[Guest]

Cool story - one good turn deserves another.

 

[Guest]

You've definately got a keeper there.