Custom Sako Forester L579 .284 Win. 20″ Bolt Action Rifle & Scope Rings
SOLD FOR: $3,055.30
LSB#: LSB260421TK016
Make: Sako
Model: Forester L579
Serial Number: 49584
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .284 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “THOS M BURGESS – RIFLEMAKER -“. The left side of the barrel is marked “CAL 284 WIN.”. The left side of the receiver is marked “L579 49584”, along with a couple of proof marks.
Barrel Length: 20″; Custom Barrel. Light Contour. Unknown Twist Rate.
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is mounted with 1″ rings for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb with shadow-line cheekpiece, red rubber buttpad, a checkered forend, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light wear, with a few light scratches and compressions throughout. The checkering is well defined, and the wood grain is attractive. The stock’s finish is intact. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good to Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to build.
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 90% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with minor thinning of the finish at the muzzle, light thinning on the bottom metal, and light operational wear on the bolt. Otherwise, the finish is largely intact. 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. 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 rings as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: Sako’s L579, commonly known as the Forester action, is a respected Finnish medium-length bolt-action platform valued for its smooth operation, quality machining, and strong reputation among hunters and custom rifle builders. This custom example is chambered in .284 Winchester, a distinctive and efficient cartridge introduced to provide .270/.280-class performance from a shorter action, making it attractive to handloaders and hunters who appreciate capable 7mm ballistics in a compact rifle. This rifle features a 20″ custom light contour barrel marked “THOS M BURGESS – RIFLEMAKER -”, blued finish, internal magazine with hinged floorplate, checkered walnut stock with shadow-line cheekpiece, and 1″ scope rings already installed. The Sako L579 action, custom Burgess-marked barrel, attractive walnut furniture, excellent bore, and uncommon .284 Winchester chambering should appeal to Sako enthusiasts, handloaders, and hunters looking for a refined custom sporting rifle with distinctive character.
This rifle rates in Very Good to Fine overall condition, retaining about 90% of its original metal finish as built. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stock rates in Very Good to Fine condition, showing light scratches and compressions while retaining attractive grain, well-defined checkering, intact finish, tight fit to the barreled action, and no chips or cracks. The metal shows light wear, including minor thinning at the muzzle, light thinning on the bottom metal, and light operational wear on the bolt, though the finish remains largely intact overall. The markings are clear and legible, the screw heads are sharp, and the action and safety function correctly. This rifle includes the installed scope rings as described. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.