unfired 308 Mannlicher

[bigbear]

I have one of these. I am not a collector but an accumulator and shooter. I have rings for it and recently uncovered a leupold VXIII 1.5-6 scope. I am tempted to scope it and work up some loads for it. Won't hunt it ( Iike hunting with my old Win71).Will I be doing a BADDD thing in the eyes of SAKO lovers? or should I just leave it in the back of the safe?

 

[enotstehw]

Do not shoot it . . . if you think that you might want to sell it.
Picky collectors will pay much higher prices for a virgin gun.
Rick

 

[hayseed51]

Bigbear -

There is some truth to what Rick says. There is also an equally reasonable view that would suggest you make use of the rifle as intended. I think only you can judge what's right for you.

Personally, I view unfired rifles as lost opportunities. You certainly wouldn't be required to take it out in the woods and gouge the crap out of it or anything. Nicer or rarer rifles I have are shot "reverently". While you don't give specifics of your rifle, I can't imagine it being so rare that firing would be a real big deal for value. I've seen rifles that were supposedly unfired that showed more dings and scrapes than others that were fired and carefully handled.

Your choice - best luck. Dick

 

[stonecreek]

There is no such thing as an unfired gun. Collectors value a gun based on its condition. Of course, mounting a scope and firing the gun will unavoidably, if only slightly, impact its condition by leaving very slight marks on the bolt face and perhaps a very slight mark on the mount dovetails, etc. Just taking it to the range entails some risk of scrapes or dings, but only marginally more risk that getting it in and out of a safe.

Bottom line: It's your gun and you should do with it what pleases you. I doubt that the difference in value, whatever it might be, between an " unfired" gun and one that is in the same condition as "unfired", would be enough to plunge you into poverty in your Golden Years, anyway.

 

[bigbear]

I think I like that last answer, I appreciate all the replies. Next spare time I get, the scope goes on.

 

[robersonarmory]

If this is a Bofors Stamped barrel mannlicher I would be interested in purchasing it if you want to sell

 

[counselor]

Shoot me an e-mail at [email protected] if interested to sell before firing it. Thanks, Bob

 

[bigbear]

Does the rear sight on these come off just by loosening the single screw on top?I'd like to be able to use the Sako peep sight I have.

 

[gewehr]

Feel free to put a few rounds through it. Then let me know if you might like to sell it.

 

[deadeyemark]

I'd hunt it. Guns are made to shoot. Pictures are made to look at.

 

[bigbear]

Dec31/10. As soon as I can get frost off windshield, I'm off to shoot my 308. Put a LeupoldVXIII 2.5-8x B&C scope on it. Range report to follow. My first 308 Mannlicher got sold for tuition before I ever shot it. Not this time`!!!

 

[Anonymous]

bigbear,
Good luck and do show us the holes in the paper (as well as the rifle):bigsmile3:
Happy New Year
S-A

 

[northernlights]

BigBear...sent you a PM

 

[bigbear]

Whooeee! Or as my sons would say SWEEEEET!Just got back from the range 4 shots into 1 1/2 " at 100meters, some hasty 165gr reloads. Front sight hood slid back halfways(how do you stop that? or do you just take it off and put it away?), I was happy, cleaned rifle and packed it up. Now to do some serious reloading for it and get a bore guide that works better than the one I have (poor fit)Where to find one specifially for Sako's? When it is not so dang cold and overcast I'll take some pics for you guys.

 

[scottbitterman]

Big Bear
possum hollow products will make the proper bore guide for your sako or you can get it from www.midwayusa.com

 

[sakoman]

Congratulations on shooting that fine rifle of yours. You should be able to easily shoot 1/2 in MOA with that .308. I have 5 SAKO Mannlichers and they all shoot superb. Mine seem to like Federal factory loads.

 

[paulsonconstruction]

bigbear:
Haven't tried it but others on the forum suggest using some J-B weld to secure the hood against recoil.