Help identifying this AIII

[Jiminwa]

I have AIII553xxx, Imported by Stoeger under barrel. SAKO 30-06 top of barrel. no iron sights. Fairly nice stock, no inlays or separate tip and cap. Checkering just on sides of stock. Has curious small brass hex on left bottom side of fore grip. Monte Carlo style cheek piece. 24” barrel. Can anyone tell me more about this rifle? Thx

 

[paulsonconstruction]

Sako started the AIII stamping in early 1978 to denote the addition of a bolt shroud on the L61R action & started the AV stamping in late 1981 to denote the lengthening of the rear tang, so your rifle was made sometime in that time period. Your's is the standard sporter in a common caliber & makes a nice hunting rifle, but is not of much interest to collectors. Can't comment on the "curious brass hex" other than it is not from the factory. If you peruse the forum section on the Sako Long Actions you will find about anything you ever would want to know about your rifle.

 

[stonecreek]

The dates Paulson cites are correct, but as with virtually everything Sako the changeover occurred over a period of time. There were a lot of the previous L61R actions used after the 1978 changeover to the A-III designation (many of these L61R's also had the shrouded bolt) and lots of A-III's came after the 1981 change to the A-V designation.

Not that it matters in any meaningful way whether your rifle was made in 1978 or 1983 -- there is no expiration date on a Sako!

 

[Jiminwa]

Sako started the AIII stamping in early 1978 to denote the addition of a bolt shroud on the L61R action & started the AV stamping in late 1981 to denote the lengthening of the rear tang, so your rifle was made sometime in that time period. Your's is the standard sporter in a common caliber & makes a nice hunting rifle, but is not of much interest to collectors. Can't comment on the "curious brass hex" other than it is not from the factory. If you peruse the forum section on the Sako Long Actions you will find about anything you ever would want to know about your rifle.

Thx for the info. This rifle is a family heirloom, like many others. It will used for its intended purpose and then handed down not sold.

 

[Jiminwa]

Sako started the AIII stamping in early 1978 to denote the addition of a bolt shroud on the L61R action & started the AV stamping in late 1981 to denote the lengthening of the rear tang, so your rifle was made sometime in that time period. Your's is the standard sporter in a common caliber & makes a nice hunting rifle, but is not of much interest to collectors. Can't comment on the "curious brass hex" other than it is not from the factory. If you peruse the forum section on the Sako Long Actions you will find about anything you ever would want to know about your rifle.

Sako started the AIII stamping in early 1978 to denote the addition of a bolt shroud on the L61R action & started the AV stamping in late 1981 to denote the lengthening of the rear tang, so your rifle was made sometime in that time period. Your's is the standard sporter in a common caliber & makes a nice hunting rifle, but is not of much interest to collectors. Can't comment on the "curious brass hex" other than it is not from the factory. If you peruse the forum section on the Sako Long Actions you will find about anything you ever would want to know about your rifle.

 

[Jiminwa]

I will attempt to load some pics.

 

[Jiminwa]

I will attempt to load some pics.

Came out upside down.....oh well, Cell phones aren’t always the best.

 

[paulsonconstruction]

The "curious brass hex" is truly curious! I've never seen anything like it & haven't a clue how or why it is there. You've got a nice rifle that will serve you & your descendants well!

 

[Unclekax]

Fine looking piece in a tried and true caliber.
By all means use it as it was intended and enjoy it.
Sako rifles with Leupold scopes all spells quality to me.
The brass hex is a indeed a curiosity.
Welcome to the club.
Kax

 

[icebear]

Very nice looking stock. I wonder if it has been stripped, stained, and refinished. I've never seen that shade of brown on a Sako stock. The hex is curious. It could be the end of a reinforcement for a stock repair, although I see no evidence of a repaired crack. If it weren't for the hex shape, it would look like some repairs I've done - except that all of mine were done with round, threaded rod. I suppose someone could have used a hexagonal piece to dress up the end of a piece of reinforcing rod. Or maybe it's just a tiny decoration having personal significance to whoever refinished the stock.

 

[Jiminwa]

Hunting season is usually pretty wet here. I usually disassemble all my rifles after hunting season to ensure all moisture has been removed. Learned that lesson years ago, bedded actions being the worst. I will check the stock at that time for repairs. After getting the responses from you gentlemen, I think the brass hex is an added identification mark. I have done similar things. Thanks again for your replies.