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A question about the serial # search,

Sako Collectors Club Discussion Forum

sojerguy

Member
I have an AV in a custom built wildcat caliber, I'm assuming, (.416 Taylor), which was probably never chambered in that by SAKO. I'm wondering if the search will be able to tell me what the original caliber was (and any other details model # etc...) , as I'm about to have the rifle rechambered.

Thank you and I'll pay (and recommendation on which service level to purchase) if you answer that general question. Thank you for your time

Wayne Lockbaum
 
I have an AV in a custom built wildcat caliber, I'm assuming, (.416 Taylor), which was probably never chambered in that by SAKO. I'm wondering if the search will be able to tell me what the original caliber was (and any other details model # etc...) , as I'm about to have the rifle rechambered.

Thank you and I'll pay (and recommendation on which service level to purchase) if you answer that general question. Thank you for your time

Wayne Lockbaum
Wayne,

Unfortunately AV rifles do not fall within the parameters of the available record search, so tracking the original caliber is not available. I’ve never seen a Sako offering in 416 Taylor, even in a safari grade rifle, but I certainly haven’t seen everything. If you post some photos it’s likely members may be able to provide details regarding potential original configuration or other details.
 
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Your AV action your rifle was rebarreled for was likely one of the magnum bolt faced AVs in a factory magnum chambering which shared the .532" rim diameter with the 416 Taylor. IIRC, Sako AV factory magnum chamberings included the 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, 338 Win Mag, 375 H&H Mag & possibly the 458 Win Mag or others I'm not remembering. Hopefully others here will add to or correct the list. Regardless the original barrel was one of the factory magnum chamberings Sako offered.
 
Thank you gentlemen. I do know it is a custom barreling. I've attached a few pictures, and the action is about 3.290" from receiver bridge to knox form if that helps. Her 416-01.jpg 416-02.jpg 416-05.jpg 416-06.jpg e are a few pics.
 
The barrel, brake, stock & even the metal finish are custom. It could be that the action never was part of a complete Sako made rifle. Sako sold actions only, but unfortunately we don't have records for the AV to confirm. If your action was imported as an "action only" the importer's stamp would be on the side of the action, but hidden by the stock. It could, however, have been removed when the custom work was done. I'm guessing that action was made in the late 1980's & imported by Stoeger. Without further evidence, how it started out will probably remain a mystery. Pictures always make it easier.
 
Nice looking rifle with beautiful wood. With a caliber like .416 Taylor, I can understand why the builder put that huge recoil pad on it, along with the muzzle brake. :D
 
Well here is a shot of the action with a 3.250 length 416 taylor cartridge properly loaded in the magazine, and it feeds well from there. You notice the excess space ahead of the bullet. Even a full length 3.340 won't fill that gap. Would this have started life as a magnum length action and if so, where can I measure it/look for marking to be sure? If you have a magnum length action, how long is yours?

Thanks
 

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The Sako L61R/AIII/AV actions are all the same length. The only difference between a standard and a Magnum action is the bolt face. The L61R was designed from the beginning to accommodate a .375 H&H cartridge, which is longer than a .416 Taylor, which is based on the Winchester Magnum family of cartridges. The .300/.338/.458 WinMag cartridges were designed to fit Magnum power into a .30-06 length action. The Sako action is is a true Magnum-length action.
 
The cartridge lengths was something I knew, but I do appreciate you sharing it. However, I didn't know about the action lengths and as this opens up some options for me in regards to re-chambering. Thank you.
 
However, I didn't know about the action lengths and as this opens up some options for me in regards to re-chambering.
Yes, you can lengthen your .416 Taylor chamber to .416 Remington since the 3.6" magazine of the A-V will accommodate it. You'll probably only gain about 100 fps -- and is that really important when you're flinging a 400 grain bullet?
 
Yes, you can lengthen your .416 Taylor chamber to .416 Remington since the 3.6" magazine of the A-V will accommodate it. You'll probably only gain about 100 fps -- and is that really important when you're flinging a 400 grain bullet?
If nothing else, .416 Remington ammo is a lot easier to find than .416 Taylor, although Norma and a few others do load the Taylor round. As Stonecreek says, it's questionable whether the increase in performance and ammo availability would be worth the money and hassle to get it rechambered.
 
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