Considering acquiring a Sako A II. Based on the serial number, it was manufactured between 1985 and 1989. Would appreciate any knowledge that can be shared about this model. I have a recent manufactured Sako and am very pleased with the rifle. Just wondering about the quality and accuracy of the older model.

Thanks.

The AII was one of Sako's last models to use the L579 action, which is one of the better factory actions ever produced, IMO. I have a Forester L579 which is very accurate, as Sako's generally are.

Thanks MCT.

Any of you other Sako owners/experts have any info?

An AII is not the same as an L579, but the changes are more evolutionary than drastic. In any case, you'll be getting a very high quality action and barrel that will shoot alongside your newer SAKO, unless it's been abused or messed with.

I don't know how much your aquiring it for but they are well made.Really hard to go wrong unless(like said)it's beat.Model As were a precursor to the Model 75.Sort of a cross between the L579 and a 75.
What does it hurl,243,308?If it's an oddball round,it could be worth some bucks.

7mm08fan,
I have an AII 308 WCF "Hunter" oil finish that ordered from distributor Bill Hicks (I had an FFL then) back in 1987. It wears a 4x32 Swarovski Habicht Nova-A in Warne Premier rings and has been my go to deer/medium game rifle since then.

I cannot compare it to the newer Sako 75/85 as I don't own any of them.

I do have several older "Foresters" and it is of the same high quality fit and finish.

The only thing that I have done to the AII is adjust the trigger to 3.5 pounds and shoot it.
It has been very easy to load for (it is a 308), the usual powders H4895, Varget, RL15 and 4064. It seems to like 150-165 gr bullets (3 shot groups .356 - 1.12) and my best 180 partition load will keep 3 shots @ .452 (depends on the amount of coffee before hand).

It's a joy to hunt with.

I am biased, but after owning older Sako rifles I can't warm up to the "new" ones.

Steve

I have the same rifle as StarchedCover that I bought in 1988. Mine wears a Leupold VariX-II 2x7. I do not reload but mine shoot pretty much any factory 150 to an inch or less, is less accurate with 165s, and tends to spray 180s.

As stated previously, it is a joy to hunt with and I have killed coyotes, deer, black bear, elk, caribou, moose,and who know what else with it. Fits me like a glove and would be the last rifle I'd get rid of.

These are very good rifles. These were stoeger imports and some of the best rifles to be make by Sako in my opinion. They are close if not equal to the pre garcia sako's. My dad has an AIII 30 06 that has taken everything from white-tailed deer to hogs to elk. Everything with one shot and one of the most consistently accurate rifles we have. I would not hesitate to buy for a reasonable price.

I like all Sakos and would never besmirch anyone's favorite model. That said, I own a few Sakos and after alot of reading on Sako forums etc. I settled on a couple of AVs in .25-06, an AIII in.30-06, and an AIII Deluxe in 7mm Mag. I was attracted to the fine workmanship of the bolt on the AV and AIII, with all the checkering etc, as well as the functional shape and function. Very clean design.







Note the checkering and functional difference on the AII bolt (above) as opposed to the L579 (below.)

The top barreled action is an A II action that I had laying around. I recently put a Super Match PacNor barrel chambered in .260 Rem. Should be a nice little rig when I get it finished.

OrangeOkie,

Thanks for the pictures of the AII and L579 bolts. I have an L579 and have handled several AII's. Just curious as to the "functional" differences between the AII and L579? Cosmetically, I agree, the bolt shroud on the AII is more aesthetically pleasing. Other than the new bolt shroud and maybe a few other minor cosmetic tweaks, the AII bolt looked and functioned exactly like the L579. Are there other changes of functional significance? Thanks for any info/enlightenment.

I've not gotten to handle the one I'm considering yet but interestingly enough it appears from pictures to have the bolt shroud of the one OrangeOkie shows as an A2 and the bolt of the L579. Action definitely marked as AII and the serial number puts it between '85 and '89 manufacture.