Can anybody shed some light on the Sako AV Forester series? I'm looking at a left handed one in .270 on gunbroker and not sure what these would be worth.

They made an L579 Forester but that was a short or medium action chambered for the .243 and .308. Not sure when they switched to the A series which IIRC was replaced by the 74 then by the TRG and 75 - might have that history a bit wrong but again, I'm no Sako expert.

Dates they were manufactured?
Good points or bad points?
What one in about 90% condition on the wood and probably 90-95% on the metal might be worth?
Anything else you care to share?

Not sure I want this one but left hand Sako's are hard to come by, particularly in a caliber I happen to like a lot, and I know the A series actions were highly regarded.

As far as I know, the 270 was built on a L61R long action. The guy on GB doesn't know what he has. The only "medium" action rifles Sako built were the 243 and 308. 270's are Finnbears not Foresters. I would call the guy and find out just what he has. Regards, Rick.

It's funny you bring this up - I saw the auction you are referring to and wondered what the heck was going on. At first I thought maybe some confusion on the pictures, because one says 270, and the other Forester. I don't know, but at any rate Rick is correct - the 270 should be a long action in L61R, AIII, or AV.

BTW, Rick it's good to see you back and contributing on the SAKO Collectors Club.

Live Oak

Would you list the address for the Sako club please.

Thanks, Pete

For me, it is usually easier to just do a Google search for Sako Collectors Club, but here is the web address:

http://groups.msn.com/SakoCollectorsClub/_homepage.msnw?pgmarket=en-us

Here's the auction.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=43846749

The pictures do indeed show barrel markings of "CAL. .270 WIN MADE IN FINLAND" and "FORESTER MADE IN FINLAND".

I asked the seller some questions about when he bought it, whether or not it was modified in any way and so forth but haven't heard from him. I did a cursory check in my old Gun Digests of the early 70's up to 1979 but didn't turn up much. They show a Garcia Sako Finnbear in .270 but it has a Monte Carlo stock, this one has a straight comb stock.

In fact most Sako's show Monte Carlo stocks, so I'm not real sure just what this is. Was hoping maybe someone could enlighten me.

Probably not going to bid on it, it's a nice rifle but I have two .270's and really don't need to buy another one. Just curious about this one.

Jim,
The picture that says Forester is obviously taken of a different rifle than the others- look at the checkering. The picture of the AV Classic model shows a borderless type pattern and the other has a border around it. The action looks like it may have rust on the bolt guide rib. Buyer beware.
Nothing wrong with wanting a LH Sako. Probably long gone by now but awhile back docdb was selling some really nice specimens at killer prices. I own 3, an AV .375 H&H, an AV .338-06, and a M591(successor to the AII and I think the only medium length LH Sako) in 7-08. Great quality actions but still a matter of taste on features.
Hold out for a nice one, they aren't common but they are out there.
Good luck,
Steve

I agree with Steve. I always seem to find something when I'm not looking for it! Great posts here....nice knowing I'm not the only Sako nut around. Regards, Rick.

Looks like two different rifles to me. I've owned two Sako Foresters, both were medium action 243 and 308. I've owned several of the long actions. They were not Foresters. Please note this seller has feedback of 1!

i bought a 95% forester in 308 two years ago at a gun show. paid 700 bucks. don't know if that's a deal or not, but it drives tacks. put a swarovski 3-9 a line scope on it.

Thanks for the advice. Something was bothering me about those pictures but I couldn't nail it down. But you are right, looks like two completely different rifles. This is why I don't go rattlesnake hunting - sometimes I can't see stuff right in front of my face. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Big, big red flag there.

It's a shame, we southpaws can't take full advantage of all those great rifles made the way they oughta be - Mausers, pre-64's and so forth - so when a left handed rifle of quality comes along it's hard to pass it up.

i have a 7mm Finnbear in about 95% i am considering selling as i do not use it ever