Sako L579 L-579 Forester 23″ .243 Winchester Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1969 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,042
WOA#: WY240318RU113
Make: Sako
Model: L579 Forester
Serial Number: 72735
Year of Manufacture: 1969
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “FORESTER MADE IN FINLAND”, the top is marked “SAKO / Cal..243”, the right is marked “Bofors Steel”. The left of the receiver is marked “L579 No. 72735” and with two proof/inspection marks. The bottom of the bolt handle is hand-scribed “735”. There is no visible import mark.
Barrel Length: 23″
Sights / Optics: There is a serrated, ramped base with a dovetail for a front sight at the front of the barrel; no front sight is present. There is not currently any provision for mounting a rear sight. The top of the receiver has integral bases with Sako rings holding a Weaver V4.5 1.5-4.5x scope with target-dot reticle. The body has some light wear; the glass is fairly clear but could use a good cleaning.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with pistol grip, monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, serrated black Sako buttplate and sling swivels front and rear. The stock has a few scattered light nicks and scratches. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear with well defined serrations. Overall, the stock is in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Most finish is Original, there are worn areas touched-up with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There are a few spots of light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is a patch of wear on the top of the barrel in front of the forend that has been treated with cold blue. There are a few other light scuffs and minor marks. There is a scratch on the floorplate. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. There is a bolt release on the left side of the receiver and a safety on the right side the locks the bolt handle as well as the trigger. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the installed scope as described and a leather sling.
Our Assessment: Sako first started making rifles with FN Mauser actions in 1951. By 1961 they had settled on 3 different length actions. The medium action designation, L579, was changed to AII around 1978. This is an L579 chambered for .243 Winchester. The rifle is in Very Good-plus condition with 90% of its blue finish remaining and minor wear in its stock. The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling and a few spots of light erosion. The .243 Winchester is a popular sporting rifle cartridge. Developed as a versatile short action cartridge to hunt both medium game and small game alike, it “took whitetail hunting by storm” when introduced in 1955, and remains one of the most popular whitetail deer cartridges. This rifle ought to make for a great hunting rifle for the lucky winner and won’t do too bad on the target range, either. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
