Sako Forester L579 Pre-Garcia Heavy Bbl. 24″ Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1961 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1387
LSB#: 220322JK008
Make: Sako
Model: Forester Heavy Bbl. Sporter with L579 Action
Serial Number: 21834
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Caliber: .243 Wichester
Action Type: Bolt Action with Hinged Floorplate Internal Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “L579 No. 21834” and with two proof marks. The left side of the barrel is marked “FORESTER MADE IN FINLAND”. The top of the barrel at the chamber is marked “SAKO / Cal..243” next to two proof marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “Bofors Steel”.
Barrel Length: 24” Heavy Barrel
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. There are two rings mounted to the grooved receiver..
Stock Configuration & Condition: The one-piece stock is checkered walnut with a pistol grip, Monte Carlo comb, cheekpiece and flat-bottomed beavertail forend. The stock has a serrated black plastic buttplate on the butt with a SAKO logo and a white spacer. There are sling swivel studs mounted near the toe and on the underside of the forend. There are evenly scattered shallow compressions and light draglines throughout the wood with a more notable impact through the finish toward the toe. The checkering shows light wear with a couple of individually nicked checkers on the forend. The LOP measures 13 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows finish wear along the edges with nicks and scratches at the heel and toe. The stock rates in about Very Good-Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its metal finish. There is thinning and a few light marks at the front of the barrel, and thinning and a few small marks in the bolt knob. There are some scattered freckles of extremely faint surface oxidation on the barrel. There is some stubborn grease buildup where metal surfaces meet. There is thinning and light scratches on the lower metal. The serrations on the safety and bolt release are sharp, and the knurling on the bolt handle shows light wear. The tang screws are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine overall condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. The safety is mounted at the right rear of the receiver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The attached rings are included.
Our Assessment: Sako first started making rifles with FN Mauser actions in 1946, and finally settled on three different length actions that changed designations over the years. The L57 medium action was used between 1957 and 1959, and replaced by the L579, which was used until the 1990s. In about 1977, the action was referred to as the AII on guns sold in the United States. This rifle is a Forester Heavy Barrel Sporter with an L579 action and a 24” barrel chambered in .243 Winchester. It lacks provision for iron sights, but is mounted with two scope rings. The rifle is in Fine condition and the bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. This is a very nice-looking well-made rifle that is going to make someone a great small-medium game rifle for years to come. Please see our photos and good luck!