Sako L579 Forester .284 Winchester 22” Bolt Action Rifle & Redfield Scope
SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
LSB#: LSB250804MF167
Make: Sako
Model: L579 Forester
Serial Number: 38661
Year of Manufacture: 1960’s- Early 1990’s
Caliber: .284 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “.284 WIN.”. The top of the barrel at the chamber is marked with a proof mark. The left side of the receiver is marked “L579 NO. 38661”, and includes two proof marks.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The receiver is mounted with a Redfield 3-9x scope with a heavy duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light wear, with a few dings scattered throughout the scope’s finish. Overall, the scope rates in Very Good condition. The scope is mounted on the receiver’s dovetail, and sits in 1” rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a capped semi-pistol grip with a right hand palm swell, fluted straight comb with cheekpiece, black rubber buttpad, and sling rings front and rear. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows no notable wear. The wood grain is attractive, and the grain runs parallel throughout the stock. The finish is strong throughout as well. The checkering is well defined. The stock fits the barreled action tightly, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Excellent condition. Note- there is some bedding material that has overflown through the stock and shows up around the hinged floorplate.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some dust in the bore from storage. 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 minor patches of patina starting to form on the receiver. Otherwise, the bluing is deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads on the rifle are sharp, but the screw heads on the scope rings are heavily tooled. The screw heads on the scope rings do have serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, but the safety does not function. The trigger has a 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 L579 Forester is a fine example of Scandinavian riflemaking; compact, well-balanced, and engineered for accurate, trouble-free service in the field — and this example in .284 Winchester is a textbook example of Sako’s L579 rifle. Chambered in.284 Winchester, this cartridge is an efficient, flat-shooting short-action cartridge that delivers 7mm-class ballistics in a handy package, making it an excellent choice for deer, antelope and similar game at both typical hunting ranges and extended distances with careful shot placement.
This particular L579 presents very well: the barreled action, nicely figured checkered walnut stock and blued metal retain the factory character. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, which bodes well for accuracy. The supplied Redfield 3–9× scope is a practical hunting optic in Very Good condition and is mounted to the receiver dovetail in 1? rings; note the scope ring screws are heavily tooled but serviceable. Cosmically the rifle rates Fine overall with only very minor patina beginning to show on the receiver.
Important mechanical note — the action functions correctly but the safety does not operate. Do not rely on the rifle for live-fire until the safety is inspected and repaired by a qualified gunsmith. We recommend a gunsmith evaluate and repair the safety before the rifle is used.
As an almost ready-to-use field rifle (with the caveat regarding the safety), this Sako L579 is a compact, accurate .284 Winchester well suited to hunting and precision shooting. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
