Local Find

[SwedeFan]

Here's one that's availale locally, sorry for the poor pics, it's what the seller sent. L579 Forester .243win. I'm not sure what to think about the bolt not having any finish, and the recoil pad has clearly been swapped out. The stock looks to have nice grain/figure, but the pics make the finish look dull. Evidently the bolt matches the action. Front sight is intact/no hood. I'm not sure what's going on with the bases. My gut says maybe it's a $600 shooter. Is my assesment close or did I missing something? What say you?

-Swede

 

[bloorooster]

Here's one that's availale locally, sorry for the poor pics, it's what the seller sent. L579 Forester .243win. I'm not sure what to think about the bolt not having any finish, and the recoil pad has clearly been swapped out. The stock looks to have nice grain/figure, but the pics make the finish look dull. Evidently the bolt matches the action. Front sight is intact/no hood. I'm not sure what's going on with the bases. My gut says maybe it's a $600 shooter. Is my assesment close or did I missing something? What say you?

-Swede

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Appears to have been refinished in oil at some time. The original finish would have been varnished. The bluing on the bolt has been removed.
The figure is attractive, and the hard butt plate could be restored easily. A Bofors Forester of the period shown is usually very well fitted and assembled. Mid ‘60’s was a golden era for Sako.
$600 shooter could be the deal of the day!
My 2cent

 

[bigcountry4me]

maybe it's a $600 shooter

I’d agree, $600. is probably in the ballpark. The Weaver style bases are pretty worthless in my opinion, hopefully if there’s some set screws they haven’t marred the dovetail tops. The bluing has been polished off, not really a big deal. I have an L461 custom which has the bluing polished off too. The stock is just kinda blah, but not terrible. The pad unfortunately isn’t a good contrast. But an old Bofors shooter is still way better than some of the crap available these days.

 

[gowyo]

I’d ask to testfire this one. It appears to have some miles on it, I’d want proof of life (accuracy)

 

[Spaher]

I would say “pass” and save the $600 to use toward a lightly used original or possibly a rare model. There are plenty of other .243’s out there. This is merely someone else’s project and obviously of little resale value. Stock refinish is unimpressive and a beater or truck gun. It has no open sights so you’ll spend more than the cost in scope bases & a decent scope. So you are really going to be over $1,000 in it. Some would say it is better to have a few “quality” Sako’s than a quantity of them.
My 2 cents.

 

[stonecreek]

It depends on what you want it for. If the bore is in good shape then at $600 it is a shooting bargain compared to a Rem 700 or Savage, either of which sellers will ask more than $600. Condition is unimportant for a shooter, and it would make a good "truck" gun (I don't shoot trucks too often but a .243 will make just as good a hole in one as a .300 Win Mag). Actually, it would part-out for more than $600, so you wouldn't be risking anything paying that much for it.

However, if you're looking for a nice gun to display on the rack, then the re-do's on the stock and bolt simply take it out of that class.

So, what are you looking for and what niche will it fill for you?

 

[wombat]

What Spaher said, plenty more out there that would offer more, even if it meant $200 -$300 more.
Jay

 

[SwedeFan]

As it is, the seller wants north of 900 for this rifle. IDK what his bottom dollar is, I probably wouldn't waste an offer at this point. I'm not looking for another project at the moment, and my .243 shoots just fine for now. Thanks for all the valuable feedback.

 

[bigcountry4me]

north of 900 for this rifle

Dreamland

 

[stonecreek]

Dreamland

No kidding. Just check out the 90% of Sakos on Gunbroker which never get a bid due to the starting bid being too high. Why do they bother? Many of those guns have recycled for months on end.

I just don't get it. While a gun is not like a head of lettuce which you have to sell within two days or it becomes worthless, guns aren't like a piece of real estate which you may anticipate taking months to sell. If a gun won't sell within a week on an auction site then it's priced too high.

 

[Spaher]

The condition of a rifle or equipment is often a reflection of the type of owner it had previously. Upon closer examination you can see the pitting under the matte bluing on the magazine floorplate, an indicator that that person did not keep the rifle clean after prior uses and in all likelihood neglected the barrel as well. I want to buy equipment that is well maintained rather than poorly.

 

[bloorooster]

As it is, the seller wants north of 900 for this rifle. IDK what his bottom dollar is, I probably wouldn't waste an offer at this point. I'm not looking for another project at the moment, and my .243 shoots just fine for now. Thanks for all the valuable feedback.

Way too much for a truck gun…sorry

 

[clovis]

I agree with Spahner. I always think if you have too many questions about a purchase your instincts are usually correct. Keep your powder dry and find a Sako that looks ready to go. I don't buy off the internet and find enough Sakos at shops and shows to examine, and have yet to have buyers remorse. I'm also a Tikka fan and the LSA models could be another option.