What model is this 338 Wm

[orchemo]

Bought this stainless Sako a few years ago. Shoots well.
The only 338 WM that I have kept, as I am a 35 Whelen person.

Anyways, what model is this?

Seems to have a fiberglass stock?

Thanks in advance

 

[bigcountry4me]

Bought this stainless Sako a few years ago. Shoots well.
The only 338 WM that I have kept, as I am a 35 Whelen person.

Anyways, what model is this?

Seems to have a fiberglass stock?

Thanks in advance

It appears to be an AV Fiberclass but they weren’t listed in a stainless configuration, however, Sako lore mentions the possibility of special order rifles with a stainless barrel but a blued action.

Can you please photograph the left side of the barrel in front of the lug?

There are a few possibilities.

It’s been re-barreled with a stainless barrel and the action was hard chromed.

Or, the factory barreled action has been hard chromed.

Or, it is a stainless Sako factory barrel, and the action has been hard chromed.

FYI - hard chrome is an expensive process which looks a lot like stainless. You don’t see it much these days but it was popular a decade or more ago. Other finishes have taken over the market which are less expensive

 

[orchemo]

doesn't look to be chrome plated. Looks stainless

 

[bigcountry4me]

doesn't look to be chrome plated. Looks stainless

Thanks, So it’s a obviously a Sako factory barrel. Therefore it could very well be a factory stainless barrel, but I simply cannot be 100% sure from the photo. Again there’s talk of special order rifles with a factory stainless barrel. The action was supposedly blue only.

The shroud and bolt handle are blue, which makes me believe at least the action has been hard chromed.

To be clear, hard chrome is NOT traditional chrome platting. Chrome plate is a cheap process and would not hold up to the elements in a fine hunting rifle. Hard chrome is a very durable finish and mimics stainless steel, not only in looks but also durability.

Bottom line, it’s a very nice rifle. Maybe others will offer their opinion.

 

[paulsonconstruction]

It appears, at least to me, to be a customized Sako AV. The stock is likely not Sako or the AV & serial number would not be partially hidden. The blued bolt handle & shroud indicate the rest of the rifle has been "coated" in some fashion. The stock bedding & muzzle brake also give credence to it being a "custom" rifle. I have never seen an AV in stainless in 40 years of looking, so I believe Sean's suspicion that it is hard chromed may be correct. The only A series Sako stainless barrels I have heard of were the ones shipped to Australia in 17 Rem back when the Fox fur market was hot. Those rifles had blued receivers.

 

[orchemo]

Thanks for the input

 

[deersako]

Looks like a Sako ‘Fibreclass’ stock at least. These were made by McMillan for Sako and have Sako on the butt of the recoil pad.
McMillan, I believe still make the same stock, without the Sako name on the pad.
Unusual, as mentioned, the action stamps being partially covered.

 

[orchemo]

Sako on the recoil pad

 

[bigcountry4me]

Sako on the recoil pad

I’ll maintain my opinion that your rifle is a Sako Fiberclass with some additional quality work done to the barreled action. Obviously, the brake and the the “hard chrome” - or other metal finish work process. These are great rifles. Someone spent additional money on it simply makes it more weather resistant and the brake makes it more pleasant to shoot.

My guess after looking at ALL the photos again is the lighting and the contrasting black vs. silver make it appear the lettering is off skew.

As deersako has indicated, the stock is a McMillian product, so it’s very will made. This style is no longer produced.

The fact some extra work has been done is of little consequence, although originality is typically favorable. These unaltered typically sell from $900-1100, depending on condition and caliber. NIB would bring an additional percentage more. I’d recommend shooting it, as it’s perfect for where WE live. If you don’t end up liking it I’m sure you’ll find someone who’d be interested. Take care.