Sako L579 Forester .243 Winchester Bolt Action Rifle 20″ Barrel 1960s C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,575.00
LSB#:WY250321MC001
Make: Sako
Model: L579 Forester
Serial Number: 26384
Year of Manufacture: 1961-1964 C&R
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with “Forester Made in Finland”, and the caliber designation is atop the chamber with the word “SAKO”. The receiver is marked with the L579 , serial number 26384, and proof marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “Bofors Steel.”
Barrel Length: 20″ Barrel
Sights / Optics: There are no rear iron sights installed. The front sight is a hooded blade on a serrated ramp base.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle is stocked in high-grade walnut with deep, rich grain. The stock features a raised cheekpiece, factory checkering at the wrist and forearm, and a hard black buttplate. There are sling swivel studs mounted at the front and rear. The stock shows light handling marks consistent with careful use and rates in about Very Good to Excellent condition. LOP is 13.5″.
Magazine Capacity: Internal box magazine with hinged floorplate, 5-round capacity.
Type of Finish: Blued barrel and receiver
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and sharp with no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 97% of its original finish, with only light wear from careful handling. The bolt shows a smooth glide and minimal contact wear. The markings are sharp, and the action remains clean and tight. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions flawlessly. The bolt operates with trademark Sako smoothness, and the trigger breaks cleanly with a consistent pull. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories:A leather sling
Our Assessment:
The Sako L579 Forester is a beautifully built mid-size bolt-action rifle renowned for its precision, craftsmanship, and durability. This particular example is chambered in .243 Winchester and sports a 20″ barrel, making it a natural choice for varmint and long-range precision work.
The Forester’s bolt-action system is incredibly smooth, offering shooters excellent control over ejection and cycling. The factory trigger is crisp and predictable, and the entire rifle is thoughtfully designed for practical field performance and precision shooting alike.
In testing, these rifles frequently deliver sub-MOA accuracy, especially with handloads. The L579’s quality and finish rival any American-made counterpart, and examples like this with excellent wood, sharp bore, and original finish remain highly sought after in the collector and hunting markets.
Whether you’re looking for a reliable varmint rifle, a beautifully crafted bolt-action for deer or antelope, or simply an elegant and effective shooter to add to your safe, this Sako L579 Forester checks every box. With its classic Mannlicher lines, Bofors’ barrel, and unmatched action quality, it’s a rifle built to perform and built to last. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
