Sako Stoeger L579 Forester .243 Winchester 23″ Bolt-Action Rifle, MFD 1978

SOLD FOR: $1401

LSB#: 220411AL007

Make: SAKO

Model: L579 Forester

Serial Number: 323008

Year of Manufacture: 1978 (Date of Inspection)

Caliber: .243 Winchester

Action Type: Internal Magazine-Fed Bolt-Action Rifle

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN FINLAND”. The top of the barrel is marked “SAKO / Cal. .243”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “IMPORTED BY STOEGER”. The left side of the receiver is marked with “L579” and the serial number, “No. 323008” along with two Finnish proof marks. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked “008”.

Barrel Length: 23”

Sights/Optics: There is no provision for iron sights on this rifle. The receiver is grooved for mounting an optic. Included separately is a pair of Sako scope mount rings.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece skip-line checkered wood with rosewood-capped forend and pistol grip, fluted monte-carlo comb with cheek-piece, and a brown rubber ventilated recoil pad. The grip cap has a white inlay in the shape of a forest tree. The finish throughout has worn from age and has lost its glossy appearance, most notably on the sides of the buttstock. There are specs of foam stuck to the comb and the right side of the pad and spacer. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad. The pad is soft and pliable. Overall, the stock rates in Fine-Plus 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 99% of its metal finish. There is no significant wear, only light handling marks. The action has light operational wear. The screws are sharp and all markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Excellent 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: This rifle comes in its matching box with the previously mentioned ring mounts and paperwork including the manual.

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. This L579 is in Excellent condition, hardly showing its age. The barrel and action sit tightly in the stock, the action is smooth, and the bore is in great shape. Please see our photos and good luck!

Sako Stoeger L579 Forester .243 Winchester 23" Bolt-Action Rifle, MFD 1978
Sako Stoeger L579 Forester .243 Winchester 23″ Bolt-Action Rifle, MFD 1978