Pre-Garcia Sako Forester 243 Winchester Bolt-Action Rifle MFD 1965-1968 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1475
LSB#: 210716RH03
Make: SAKO
Model: L579 Forester
Serial Number: 54218
Year of Manufacture: 1965-1968
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Internal Magazine-Fed Bolt-Action Rifle
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “FORESTER”, “MADE IN FINLAND”, and two Finnish proof marks. The top of the barrel is marked “SAKO / Cal. .243”. The right side of the barrel is marked “Bofors Steel” with the Bofors “B” with an arrow on either side. The left side of the receiver is marked with “L579” and the serial number, “No. 54218” along with two Finnish proof marks.
Barrel Length: 23”
Sights/Optics: There is no provision for iron sights on this rifle. The receiver is grooved for the attached Leupold optic rings that have attached a Leupold Vari-X III 3.5-10x scope with a duplex reticle. The objective bell has a light scuff on the upper left side and there are a few light nicks on the left side between the rings. The glass is clear, and overall, the scope rates in Fine condition.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered wood with rosewood-capped forend and pistol grip, fluted monte-carlo comb with cheek-piece, and a brown rubber ventilated recoil pad. The cheek piece has a few light nicks and the right side of the forend has a larger compression on the right side. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 14 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad. The pad has collapsed at the heel and the rubber is overall dry with moderate wear along the edge. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good-to-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion, but there is minor stubborn fouling along the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The barrel has intermittent minor nicks most notable along the top. The bolt release has a few light nicks on it. The action has light operational wear. The screws have minor tool marks with strong slots, and all markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork and Accessories: The scope as described above.
Our Assessment: SAKO is a Finnish brand that began operations in the early 1920s primarily for the Finnish defense forces. Production of civilian arms began in 1942 with the keenly named L42. Civilian production was expanded with the rifle on offer here, the L579 Forester, a compact bolt-action rifle. At a later point, the Garcia Corporation of Washington DC would begin importation of SAKO firearms, and this particular example falls in a narrow window prior to both importation and the discontinued use of Bofors steel. This makes an interesting case for the SAKO collector—a passionate and knowledgeable bunch to be certain—in that pre-Garcia is a plus for most of them, and Bofors is considered a minus, though arguments for and against both of those things rage on. This L579 is in Fine condition, hardly showing its age with light wear on the cheek piece. The barrel and action sit tightly in the stock, the action is smooth, and the bore is in great shape, but could use a thorough cleaning. Good luck and happy bidding!