Finnish Sako A1 Varmint .223 Rem. 24″ Bolt Action Rifle & Leupold Scope
SOLD FOR: $1,405.20
LSB#: LSB260224HE006
Make: Sako; Finland. Imported by Stoeger, Inc.; New Jersey.
Model: A1 Varmint
Serial Number: 188985
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1979 – 1992
Caliber: .223 Remington
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “CAL. .223 REM. MADE IN FINLAND”, with a proof mark. The left side of the receiver is marked “SAKO AI 188985”, with a proof mark. The bottom of the barrel is marked with Stoeger, Inc.’s address. The serial number on the bolt matches the serial number on the receiver.
Barrel Length: 24″ Heavy Contour.
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Leupold Vari-X III 3.5-10x scope, with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light handling wear. Overall, the scope rates in Fine to Excellent condition. The scope is mounted to the receiver by a two-piece base, and sits in 1″ Weaver rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered wood stock, with a semi-pistol grip, fluted monte carlo comb, red rubber Sako buttpad, a checkered wide forend, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light wear, with a few light scratches, dings, and compressions scattered throughout. The stock’s finish is intact, and the checkering is mostly well defined, with a few of the dings landing in the checkering on the wrist and forend. 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.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 5 round internal magazine, with hinged floorplate. There is a removable single-shot follower on top of the factory magazine follower.
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 couple very minor dings on the very edge of the muzzle crown, and minor thinning finish on the leading edges of the floorplate. There is light operational marks on the bolt. The bluing is otherwise deep, dark, and intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads show minor signs of tooling, but retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. The aftermarket two-stage trigger has a light, 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: Sako’s A1 action was part of the Finnish maker’s well-regarded small-action bolt rifle line, known for smooth operation, excellent machining, and strong accuracy potential. The Varmint configuration adds a heavy-contour barrel and wider forend, making it especially well suited for bench, target, and varmint shooting. This Sako A1 Varmint is chambered in .223 Remington, a flat-shooting and widely available cartridge popular for varmint hunting, predator work, target shooting, and economical centerfire practice. This example features a 24″ heavy-contour barrel, matching-number bolt, internal 5-round magazine with hinged floorplate, removable single-shot follower, checkered wood stock with wide forend, and a Leupold Vari-X III 3.5-10x scope with clear glass. The Finnish Sako manufacture, heavy barrel, quality Leupold optic, excellent bore, and versatile .223 chambering should appeal to buyers looking for a refined varmint or range rifle with strong accuracy-oriented features.
This rifle rates in Fine to Excellent overall condition, retaining about 98% of its original blued finish. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10 in this writer’s opinion. The wood stock rates in Very Good to Fine condition, showing light scattered scratches, dings, and compressions, including a few marks in the wrist and forend checkering, while retaining an intact finish, mostly well-defined checkering, tight fit, and no chips or cracks. The metal shows only light handling wear, including a couple very minor dings on the edge of the muzzle crown, slight thinning on the leading edges of the floorplate, and light operational marks on the bolt, while the bluing otherwise remains deep, dark, and intact. The Leupold scope rates in Fine to Excellent condition with clear glass and light handling wear, the markings are clear and legible, the screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable, and the action, safety, and light, crisp aftermarket two-stage trigger function correctly. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.