Finnish Sako A3 Classic .30-06 SPRG 22″ Bolt Action Rifle & Zeiss Scope
SOLD FOR: $1,475.75
LSB#: LSB260701BK002
Make: Sako, Finland; Imported by Stoeger.
Model: A3 Classic
Serial Number: 538609
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1978 – 1981 / Modern
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “SAKO / Cal. .30-06”. The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN FINLAND”. The left side of the receiver is marked “A III”, along with the serial number and a couple proof marks.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Zeiss Conquest 3-9×40 scope, with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows no notable wear. Overall, the scope rates in Excellent condition. The scope is mounted to the receiver by a two-piece base, and sits in 1″ Talley rings. The scope comes with Butler Creek flip-up scope covers.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb with cheekpiece, red rubber Sako buttpad, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light handling wear, with only a couple of minor compressions and minor surface-level imperfections present. The stock’s finish is intact, and the checkering is well defined. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Fine to Excellent 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 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling wear, with a few minor scratches and minor dings on the bottom metal, and minor operational wear on the bolt. The bluing is deep, dark, and intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. 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 A3 Classic is a refined Finnish sporting rifle built around Sako’s smooth and robust AIII action, combining traditional walnut-and-blue styling with the precise manufacturing for which Sako rifles are well regarded. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield with a 22″ barrel, this example pairs a versatile North American big-game cartridge with a classic checkered walnut stock and hinged-floorplate. The mounted Zeiss Conquest 3-9×40 scope in Talley rings complements the rifle particularly well, providing a high-quality hunting optic without detracting from its traditional sporting character.
This rifle is in Fine condition overall, retaining about 98% of its original blue finish with only minor scratches and dings on the bottom metal and light operational wear on the bolt. The checkered walnut stock remains in Fine to Excellent condition with only a couple of minor compressions and superficial imperfections, an intact finish, well-defined checkering, and no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10, while the action and safety function correctly. The Zeiss Conquest 3-9×40 scope has clear glass and remains in Excellent condition, and Butler Creek flip-up scope covers are included. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.