Can anybody give me any info on this Aii?

[mcguigs25]

I purchased this Sako Aii in 243 yesterday. I don’t know much about them as they were primarily made before my time. I grew up hunting with my dad and his Sako in 7mm Rem. So, I always wanted one and got one. It is stamped Stoeger. Any other info? Anything is helpful. Thank you!

 

[mcguigs25]

Serial is 802xxx if anybody has any info on manufacturing dates.

 

[bigcountry4me]

That’s an AII Sako Classic. The unique quality is the straight comb classic stock style. Produced in smaller numbers. Probably 91-92. Nice little rifle. Welcome to the forum.

To add, Stoeger was the importer during this period.

 

[mcguigs25]

That’s an AII Sako Classic. The unique quality is the straight comb classic stock style. Produced in smaller numbers. Probably 91-92. Nice little rifle. Welcome to the forum.

To add, Stoeger was the importer during this period.

I was aware that Stoeger was the importer. I believe it was Garcia beforehand? I appreciate the response! Does the uniqueness of the stock add any value? I don’t think I’ll ever sell it, but I enjoy learning about them. I’m slowly trying to learn and become well versed.

 

[mcguigs25]

That’s an AII Sako Classic. The unique quality is the straight comb classic stock style. Produced in smaller numbers. Probably 91-92. Nice little rifle. Welcome to the forum.

To add, Stoeger was the importer during this period.

I also noticed that a lot of stocks have a checkering that resembles a “W”, while mine resembles a “V.” I’m not sure if there’s other terminology. Does the checkering have any significance or is it just how it rolled out of the factory? Thank you again!

 

[bigcountry4me]

Below is probably the best information regarding the importation history.

The classic rifle may bring a small premium over a standard rifle, but it’s very subjective, most often any such premium relies on condition, caliber rarity, and quality/grain of the stock. The earlier classic rifles had full wrap checkering around the forearm. Your later rifle is two panel, I don’t recall exactly what it would be called.

Explain pre garcia

When looking around at Sako rifles, I see this pop up quite often, however I can not find out what it means and no one ever explains it either. So can someone enlighten me as what pre garcia means?

sakocollectors.com

 

[South Pender]

I've seen that checkering pattern that resembles a V referred to on this forum as "two-point." Here is another Sako AII also in .243 Win. with the outside of the checkering pattern resembling a W that some have called "three point":

This one is not a Classic and has a slightly different stock profile from yours. Of the two, I'd prefer the Classic. Since both rifles are AII-vintage Sakos, I don't know when or why the checkering patterns changed in this respect.

You have a very nice rifle there, mcguigs25. It's a nice lightweight .243 Win. (should weigh about 7 lbs. without the scope and mounts), and I believe you'll find it quite accurate. I think most of the AII sporters came with iron sights. Have irons been removed from yours?

 

[mcguigs25]

Below is probably the best information regarding the importation history.

The classic rifle may bring a small premium over a standard rifle, but it’s very subjective, most often any such premium relies on condition, caliber rarity, and quality/grain of the stock. The earlier classic rifles had full wrap checkering around the forearm. Your later rifle is two panel, I don’t recall exactly what it would be called.

Explain pre garcia

When looking around at Sako rifles, I see this pop up quite often, however I can not find out what it means and no one ever explains it either. So can someone enlighten me as what pre garcia means?

sakocollectors.com

Thank you for the link. I appreciate your responses and help!

 

[mcguigs25]

I've seen that checkering pattern that resembles a V referred to on this forum as "two-point." Here is another Sako AII also in .243 Win. with the outside of the checkering pattern resembling a W that some have called "three point":

This one is not a Classic and has a slightly different stock profile from yours. Of the two, I'd prefer the Classic. Since both rifles are AII-vintage Sakos, I don't know when or why the checkering patterns changed in this respect.

You have a very nice rifle there, mcguigs25. It's a nice lightweight .243 Win. (should weigh about 7 lbs. without the scope and mounts), and I believe you'll find it quite accurate. I think most of the AII sporters came with iron sights. Have irons been removed from yours?

I do not believe there were any irons removed, although it is possible. The ole' girl has been in the safe since I took the pictures that I posted above. Now I will have to take a look when I get home from work. I did not notice anything on the barrel that would indicate that there ever were iron sights or that they were removed. Your rifle is a nice rifle itself, I believe I have one that is similar in my family's shop. I will have to take a look at the rack after I post this.

 

[icebear]

It is highly unlikely that your rifle ever had sights. The Classic was a limited production item, and I have never seen or heard of one with iron sights.

As far as value goes, a Classic should be good for more than a slight premium over a standard sporter, if a buyer can be found who knows what it is. I'd put value halfway between a standard grade and a Deluxe, with a higher value for really nice wood. I've seen Classics with high-grade wood go for more than a Deluxe with ordinary wood. The Classics typically show more attention to wood selection than Deluxes. Some of the Classics had fantastic wood, some were rather plain. .243 is a common caliber and the wood on that particular rifle has nice grain but is not highly figured. So, it's a desirable item but not something Sako collectors are going to go crazy over. '

Personally, I prefer the Classic grade to the Deluxe, but that is a personal eccentricity.