Sako L57 Forester 243 Winchester 21” Bolt Action & Scope 1957-1959 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,758.00
LSB#: LSB250731EK080
Make: Sako
Model: L57 Forester
Serial Number: 9494
Year of Manufacture: 1957-1959
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “FORESTER”. The top of the barrel is marked “SAKO / CAL. .243”, along with a couple proof marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “BOFORS STEEL”. The left side of the receiver is marked “L57 NO. 9494”, along with two proof marks.
Barrel Length: 21”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade, dovetailed to a serrated ramp, screwed to the barrel. There is no rear sight. The receiver is mounted with a Leupold VX-1 3-9×40 scope with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light wear, with a few superficial scratches in the scopes finish. Overall, the scope rates in Fine to Excellent condition. The scope is mounted on the receiver’s dovetail, and sits in 1” rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered mannlicher walnut stock, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, serrated plastic buttplate, and a banded forend that goes all the way to the muzzle with a metal cap. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows light wear, with a few scattered light scratches and dings throughout. The checkering remains sharp and well defined. The finish on the stock is strong throughout as well. The stock fits the barreled action tightly, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows very slight surface oxidation/patina on the barrel. Other than that, the finish is mostly deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. The trigger has a crisp and clean break. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Sako L57 Forester in .243 Winchester is a compact, beautifully made Scandinavian hunting rifle — light, accurate, and built for the kind of one-shot, carefully placed hunting that the Forester line is known for. This late-1950s example presents very well: the one-piece mannlicher walnut is attractive with deep gloss and sharp checkering, the barreled action shows only very light patina, and the bore is bright with razor-sharp rifling — all excellent indicators for accuracy. Fitted with a Leupold VX-1 3–9×40 and mounted to the dovetail in 1? rings, the rifle is essentially set up for immediate optics-oriented hunting; note there is no factory rear iron sight, so the Leupold is the practical aiming solution.
Mechanically the action and safety functioned correctly in our check and the trigger breaks crisp and clean. At a 13 1/4? LOP the rifle wears very nicely for shooters who prefer a slightly shorter length of pull. This L57 will appeal to collectors of classic European sporters as well as hunters wanting a tidy, accurate .243 in a compact package. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
