Author Topic: Sako .30-06, Good Buy??? (Read 2350 times)

NimrodRx · « **on:** February 21, 2006, 02:24:22 PM »

I have never really looked at Sakos much just considered them out of my price range (probably still are). However, I did pretty good on a recent gun sale and have some money burning a hole in my pocket.

I came across a late 70s or early 80s Sako .30-06 that is NIB. I am 100% certain that it has never been fired. The gun is MINT. I believe it has the A3 action? I can get it for $850 out the door.

Good buy?

nasem · « **Reply #1 on:** February 21, 2006, 03:44:57 PM »

that all depends on if you like bolt actions more than semi autos, and if you like american made over anything else.....

I know sako is a bad a$$ mark on a rifle, they are accurate as all heck, but in the same token, so is a remington 700 / browning a-bolt (my favorit american bolt) / winchester 70s and such......

I see the new sakos go from 1200- up to 2000 dollars for a rifle, so yes they cost ALOT, look very nice, and Im sure they shoot well. $850 for a sako is not a bad price.

Just for the record, I only buy american made

Zachary · « **Reply #2 on:** February 21, 2006, 03:55:48 PM »

I would try and get it under $700, which is reasonable.

Zachary

NimrodRx · « **Reply #3 on:** February 21, 2006, 04:05:08 PM »

All my rifles are bolts.

Where the rifle was manufactured isnt nearly as important to me as whether or not it shoots.

Yes, I know I could get an American made rifle that would potentially shoot just as well or better. However, Im looking at this as an investment. $850 seemed like a good price. The kind of price that I wont ever lose money on should I decide to turn it around some day down the road.

Zachary, the price is $850 firm. Do you really think that it is too high?

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 21, 2006, 04:21:06 PM »

It is real close to a fair price. I was thinking closer to $800.00. But it all comes down to what you think it is worth. Is $50.00 that big of a deal if you really like it?

nasem · « **Reply #5 on:** February 21, 2006, 04:34:53 PM »

honestly, for 850, you can get a nice browning a-bolt with that, and we all know how WELL a-bolts shoot

NimrodRx · « **Reply #6 on:** February 21, 2006, 04:48:40 PM »

Good point Redhawk. How bad do I want it....

Nasem, I know that I can get another rifle for equal or less money that will likely shoot as well - the Savage comes to mind. I'm just thinking from an "investment" stand point. If I wanted to sell that A-Bolt in 10 years, it would be unlikely that I would get $800 for it. I'm thinking that at $850, the Sako is a pretty good buy. Good enough that I could likely turn around and sell it (if for some reason I need/want to) in ten years and come out darned near even.

I really don't "need" another gun. I have just gotten in the habit of selling one periodically and turning it into another gun. I ran across this Sako. Figured some out there with a lot more exposure to these would be able to tell me if it is a good buy on a NIB Sako, not whether there are better rifles for the $. That's a never ending rat hole...

So, it sounds like $850 is a fair buy, not the "steal" that I hoped it was. Does that sound about right?

nasem · « **Reply #7 on:** February 21, 2006, 05:53:46 PM »

if you really want to do an investment, go buy a winchester model 70 in 375 h&h(if, BIG IF, you can find one) and wait about 1 year..... talking about investment, you can turn around and sell it and get your money back plus more (I know this will prolly cause some people here to get mad at me for saying this, but its the truth, winchester rifles WILL go up in values esspecially their rare and good calibers; like the 375 h&h)

Handwerk · « **Reply #8 on:** February 22, 2006, 02:20:45 AM »

I say go for it. Sounds as if the rifle speaks to you. I have 3 sakos and don't regret any of them. It's nice to know you own the best. I would however buy it only if I was going to hunt and shoot it.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 22, 2006, 05:29:58 AM »

I had a Sako in 375 H&H, it was made in 1960 and I paid $800 for it 5 years ago. I sold it for $1100 about 5 months.

NimrodRx · « **Reply #10 on:** February 22, 2006, 11:49:12 AM »

Yah, they certainly seem to hold their value well. My thought is that their prices are going to do nothing but go up since Beretta got a hold of them. I am told also that they are only going to be sold dealer direct now. Seems like that too would drive up price.

Ive narrowed it down to turning the sale into either the Sako or a TC Contender. The Contender will always be there. This NIB Sako wont. I believe I have made up my mind. The rifle wont see action soon, but I will hunt with it in the future. The whole reason I sold the shot gun was because I never used it. Im not a collector, all my guns get used to one extent or another.

Thanks.

longwinters · « **Reply #11 on:** February 22, 2006, 12:00:52 PM »

For that price, it should have a beautiful stock. Some Sako rifle are rather plain, if so 800.00 is as high as I would go. In my area you can get a new Sako for about 1050.00. I also would ck to see who the importer was. Pre Stoeger would be collectable. Although I dont know how you could keep from shooting it, a few pulls on the trigger and working the action a few times will show you why it is at the top of the heap over most of the local favorites.

Long.

fatercat · « **Reply #12 on:** February 22, 2006, 12:02:43 PM »

just go buy the rifle. use it like you stole it. worry about selling it when the time comes.

NimrodRx · « **Reply #13 on:** February 22, 2006, 03:03:32 PM »

Okay, so let me see if I have this right. In 1964 Sako built their rifles on the L-461 action. Action length was denoted as L-1 through L-V (short to long)

When Stoeger began importing Sakos in the late 70s they still used the same L-461 action. However, action length was now referred to as A-I through A-V. Later (not sure when) they changed the action designation to S-491, M-591, and L-691 to indicate short, med. And long actions. As I understand it, it was still the same ole L-461 action, just with a different name.

The big change came in 1997 with the introduction of the Sako 75. Sound about right?

The late 70s early 80s rifle I came across was actually purchased in Finland and then brought to the US by the buyer. I doubt if this has any bearing on value as it relates to the importer. Now that I have a little better idea of what Im looking for in terms of action designations, I will take another look at the rifle and see if I can determine precisely when it was manufactured and what action designation is used.

Now for my follow-up question. After doing some snooping, I found a New Sako 75 on clearance for $899, $952 OTD. The NIB (never fired) 25ish year old Sako will cost me $850 OTD. Both are blued walnut chambered in .30-06.

Is the new production Sako 75 a better buy at $950 than the old Sako at $850? I have heard mixed reviews about the changes that were made to the 75s. Some seem to favor the older models. Of course, this could be just the guys who own the older models talking

NimrodRx · « **Reply #14 on:** February 22, 2006, 03:11:36 PM »

Okay, so let me see if I have this right. In 1964 Sako built their rifles on the L-461 action. Action length was denoted as L-1 through L-V (short to long)

When Stoeger began importing Sakos in the late 70s they still used the same L-461 action. However, action length was now referred to as A-I through A-V. Later (not sure when) they changed the action designation to S-491, M-591, and L-691 to indicate short, med. And long actions. As I understand it, it was still the same ole L-461 action, just with a different name.

The big change came in 1997 with the introduction of the Sako 75. Sound about right?

The late 70s early 80s rifle I came across was actually purchased in Finland and then brought to the US by the buyer. I doubt if this has any bearing on value as it relates to the importer. Now that I have a little better idea of what Im looking for in terms of action designations, I will take another look at the rifle and see if I can determine precisely when it was manufactured and what action designation is used.

Now for my follow-up question. After doing some snooping, I found a New Sako 75 on clearance for $899, $952 OTD. The NIB (never fired) 25ish year old Sako will cost me $850 OTD. Both are blued walnut chambered in .30-06.

Is the new production Sako 75 a better buy at $950 than the old Sako at $850? I have heard mixed reviews about the changes that were made to the 75s. Some seem to favor the older models. Of course, this could be just the guys who own the older models talking

lilabner · « **Reply #15 on:** February 22, 2006, 05:10:15 PM »

Just my opinion but I think foreign rifles that have an importer's name stamped on the barrel are tacky. Don't know if that would be true of the brand new Sakos but this older one is OK. I would think of this rifle as a shooter that I would use regularly at the range and for hunting. It is one of the finest rifles in the world. I wouldn't think of it as an investment unless it had certain desirable features that new models lack. You could check into that at gunboards.com, a collector's website. That could give it value as a collector gun. If it was a much loved model that is no longer built, that might make it a collector like the beautiful pre '64 Winchester model 70. But it is still in production. You can probably find better investments than this Sako if your main interest is building cash value.

NimrodRx · « **Reply #16 on:** February 22, 2006, 05:25:00 PM »

Better investments, to be sure. However, few would be as fun to shoot

My main interest is not in building cash value, though that would be a nice side effect. Who knows, some day (God help me) I may have to liquidate some assets. Just trying to get the most bang for my buck.

I will use the rifle at both the range and in the field no doubt about it. Just seems fitting to pick up a .30-06 on its 100th birthday.

Maybe my question should be which is likely to hold its value the 75 or the older style action?

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 23, 2006, 01:36:35 AM »

Quote from: NimrodRx

Better investments, to be sure. However, few would be as fun to shoot

My main interest is not in building cash value, though that would be a nice side effect. Who knows, some day (God help me) I may have to liquidate some assets. Just trying to get the most bang for my buck.

I will use the rifle at both the range and in the field no doubt about it. Just seems fitting to pick up a .30-06 on its 100th birthday.

Maybe my question should be which is likely to hold its value the 75 or the older style action?

The older gun would be worth more in my opinion. I would not give it a second thought. Go get it.

MT4XFore · « **Reply #18 on:** February 23, 2006, 04:18:11 AM »

Nimrod,
Your concept of Sako's actions is a little skewed. The L-46 action is a short action, .222,.222Mag, .223, it was updated to L461 (clip vs. magazine) and eventually to L469. At the same time there was the L57, 243, 308, etc. Then the L61 (long action). They have all been revised in one form or another to the AI, AII, AIII. The 75 is most modern version. In fact, before Sako had their own actions they made rifles using the world reknown FN Mauser Supreme action with their barrels. I think they called it the M74 Huntsman, or something like that.
All that being said, its a good deal. Buy the rifle and enjoy it. It will hold its value much better than most rifles.

Good shooting,
Jim

NimrodRx · « **Reply #19 on:** February 23, 2006, 05:20:45 AM »

Thanks for the info. Jim. The time-line on the Sako action was very confusing to me. That helps. I'm hoping to slip out during lunch and see what action is on the older rifle.

I'm really leaning toward that one over the 75. They're essentially both "brand new" rifles. One just happens to be 25 yrs old. Most guys seem to still really like the 75 but hold the pre-75 action in a little higher regard.

Something tells me this will become one of the guns in my safe that will never be for sale.

wncchester · « **Reply #20 on:** February 23, 2006, 11:08:29 AM »

As a very long-time Sako fan I wish you would buy the newer rifle, or a Savage, Browning, or etc. And then tell me where that "new" 25 year old $850 Sako is!

Seriously, I believe that the design, workmanship and finish on Sakos of that vintage are among the very best factory rifles ever made by anyone, anywhere. They are like a factory made custom rig in my opinion.

But, if you choose the newer one, you would still be ok. Sorta. I guess.

Jim C.

Zachary · « **Reply #21 on:** February 23, 2006, 04:48:49 PM »

Quote from: NimrodRx

Zachary, the price is $850 firm. Do you really think that it is too high?

If it's still on the rack, then that means it's too high. Wait a while longer, and the answer is more obvious.

$750 is reasonable.

Place 7 and a half $100 bills on the table and see how "firm" their price is.

Zachary

NimrodRx · « **Reply #22 on:** February 23, 2006, 05:30:51 PM »

I guess I should elaborate. The rifle belongs to a small-time dealer with whom I have gotten to be friends with over the years. He basically sells a few guns out of his basement on the side (yes, he has a FFL). I have bought a lot of guns from him and never once have I countered or asked for a better price. He has always assured me that he gives me the best price he can right from the start, and Ive always taken him at his word. Thats why I say it is firm.

He came across the rifle back in 1980 and picked it up for his son. To his disappointment, his son never got into hunting. For one reason or another, he just never shared his dads love of guns.

After he sold the Sweet-16 for me, I was lamenting about what to roll it into. That is when the idea of this old Sako came up. He figured the time had come to give up on his son ever using it might as well sell it. The rifle was in his personal safe and has never seen the sale rack or a gun show. It really was never for sale prior to this.

He did take it out and place it on the sale rack though while I was there. Guess Id better $hi! or get off the pot.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #23 on:** February 24, 2006, 01:31:57 AM »

If you don't get it, let me know where it is. I would be more than glad to have my FFL contact him and I will buy it.

I regret ever selling my Sako 375H&H. :cry:

longwinters · « **Reply #24 on:** February 24, 2006, 10:28:09 AM »

MT,

You seem to have a good grasp on the Sako models. Do you know enough about them to give us a model/dates of manufacture time line. I have looked all over for such info as I have just gotten into Sako rifles a few years ago and never could find such info.

Long

oso45-70 · « **Reply #25 on:** February 24, 2006, 03:20:45 PM »

NimrodRX

Go get it and don't look back, You will never regret buying it ...........Joe.............

NimrodRx · « **Reply #26 on:** February 24, 2006, 07:21:46 PM »

I think I'm in love :-D and I haven't even shot her yet.

When I first put the Sweet 16 up for sale, I was afraid that some day I would regret doing so. I no longer have that worry. Throwing another $100 bucks with that sale has gotten me into one heck of a rifle - something I will use a lot more than I ever did the Sweet 16.

I will be shooting her with open sights for a while. Hopefully by mid to late summer I will have the $ to put into optics. That's going to be a tuffy... I have come to favor the Weaver Grand Slam series, but I'm not going to decide for a long time. Just gonna take my time and see what strikes me.

The rifle seems to be pre-Stoeger. I'm guessing it is a Garcia. However, there is no indication of the importer anywhere on the rifle or box. The box (which may or may not be the original), is marked FINNBEAR L61R Bolt Action Rifle .30-06, Standard Sporter, Open Sight. The serial # (which is written in ink, not type) does match the # on the rifle. However, the serial # on the rifle is preceded by "A III." I thought that the "A" designation came about after Stoeger. However, I have also been told that all Stoeger imports have "Stoeger" stamped in the bottom of the bbl just ahead of the forend. This one does not. My guess, and it's only a guess, is that this is not the original box. It is not the L61R action. And the fact that it was purchased in Finland accounts for the reason that "Stoeger" is not stamped on the bbl.

Heck I don't know. I don't even care anymore. I couldn't be happier.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #27 on:** February 25, 2006, 12:35:52 AM »

Good decision.

edwennink · « **Reply #28 on:** February 26, 2006, 08:36:28 PM »

NimrodRx,

Good decision! Welcome to Sako ownership! :grin:

I have 3 older Sako Deluxes...2X L461s (short actioned .378" boltfaced Vixens), and 1X L579 (medium actioned .472" boltfaced Forester)...all pre-Garcia, which wild horses could not part me from!

The long-actioned version of this vintage was the L61 Finnbear, and there was also a lever-action L63 Finnwolf, in .243 and .308.

I suggest you head over to: Sako Collectors Club.com for further information on AIIIs...those guys are the experts!

Longwinters...you should visit the above Sako site too, if you want to date your rifle from it's serial #...

Ed

Don Fischer · « **Reply #29 on:** February 27, 2006, 12:50:53 AM »

My first really nice rifle was a Sako L61R. Bought it brand new for $89. Nope, that's not a miss print. Sembach rod and gun club, Sembach, Germany, 1969! Then just befor leaving Germany, I got another Sako L461, $89! I guess thats called inflation. If you have the money, those old Sako's were great. Wouldn't know about the newer ones. They used to be made in Finland and were owned by the Finnish Red Cross. An effort to keep Germany from taking them over durning WWII or so I'm told.