|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,315
Campfire Regular
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,315 |
Did they produce the AV into the 1990s? When did the 75 first show up? I may be going to look at an un-fired AV 270 today. Some say they are the last of the "good" Sakos. I'm not sure what they mean by that,I never had a Sako. Several T3 Tikkas,but no Sako. I may have to bring it home if it feels right. What's up with "Garcia"? What bearing does that have on the Sako rifles?
"Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 24,478
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 24,478 |
AV Sakos are still great guns. Even the 75 is a good gun and you wouldn't be disappointed. As for the latest that they have become, I have lost interest and I wouldn't own one of the later models.
Garcia is an Importer that stamped the bottom of the barrel as such, the rifles were still being made by Sako in Finland. After Garcia stopped importing, Stoeger took over and they did the same thing by stamping the bottom of the barrel "Stoeger" and later stamped the side of the barrel.
If the gun is a fit for you and the price what you consider good, buy it, you won't be disappointed...
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 20,379
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 20,379 |
Why aren't you out fishing?
I replace valve cover gaskets every 50K, if they don't need them sooner...
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 12,115
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 12,115 |
If the gun is a fit for you and the price what you consider good, buy it, you won't be disappointed... This ^^^^^
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,414
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,414 |
I'm pretty sure the 75s were first produced in 1998.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,933
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,933 |
As I recall, the A series are considered to be, among collectors and shooters alike, the pinnacle of Sako production. Using a combination of CNC, standard machining, and hand fitting, the A series utilized the best technology of the day for precise operations, while still remaining loyal to the design. The 75, not so much. Design was sacrificed for an increase in automated operations in order to cut costs. The 85, even more so. I also believe you simply won't find a better crafted "mass" produced rifle, for most any price, as the Sako A series.
R.
You can run, but you'll just die tired.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,315
Campfire Regular
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,315 |
Thanks all. I went and took a look at the A5. It is in fact a virgin. Still in the care of the original owner. I was a little surprised that the wood to metal fit was pretty bad,and the stock was anything but special. Stoeger stamped. I told the seller I'd think on it a bit. The metal was beautiful. Nice tight.slick action. I suppose I could drop it in a McMillan at some point if it turned out to be a shooter. We will sleep on it and see how it feels tomorrow.
"Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,414
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,414 |
As I recall, the A series are considered to be, among collectors and shooters alike, the pinnacle of Sako production. Using a combination of CNC, standard machining, and hand fitting, the A series utilized the best technology of the day for precise operations, while still remaining loyal to the design. The 75, not so much. Design was sacrificed for an increase in automated operations in order to cut costs. The 85, even more so. I also believe you simply won't find a better crafted "mass" produced rifle, for most any price, as the Sako A series.
R. That's interesting Rman, I had heard the L61Rs were the best from a collectability and quality perspective. I'm sure the folks over on Sako Collectors Forum could give us the answer.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,468
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,468 |
I bought mine new in the box in the late 80's, Stoeger marked. I believe that the AV series went to about 1990. Beautiful rifle, accurate etc. They are a bit heavy, and the stock finish made me think about taking it on a hard hunt.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,179
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,179 |
Own two myself a .270 Classic Hunter stocked and .280 stocked with the typical Monte Carlo comb cheek piece and palm swell. Both shoot WELL under 1 MOA if I do my part. If I ever find one of these in .270 Wtby. or .300 Wtby., well you know......
Some people are educated beyond their intelligence.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 23,319
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 23,319 |
The A series is the pinnacle of SAKO. I own three, one each AII, AIII, and AV. Typical wood on all of my A's. Like the feel of the palm swell. But it is the metal work that really sets the A's apart from the rest.
"All that the South has ever desired was that the Union, as established by our forefathers, should be preserved, and that the government, as originally organized, should be administered in purity and truth." – Robert E. Lee
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7,471
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7,471 |
I guess I am the odd man. I own some A's, 75's and 85's. I like them all. But my 85's are lighter and slightly more accurate than my 75's or A's.
When push comes to shove I will take a 85 over the others for a hunting gun (Today anyway. It's subject to change though)
Dink
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,289
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,289 |
I only have one Sako, an AV left hand 338 WinMag deluxe. I took that pretty wood off it the minute it came out of the box and put on a McMillan. After 25 years, it's still my go to rifle.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,672
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,672 |
Love the A series myself. Currently without one, but that will change!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,626
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,626 |
Last edited by gahuntertom; 10/29/13.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,672
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,672 |
Very nice indeed. Only thing I would want is the scope moved forward, I am a stock crawler! I'd really love a 7-08 in a classic or fiberclass, what a great deer rifle that would be.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,164
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,164 |
GA..tom,
Very nice Sako classic, one of my favorites.
"Good judgment comes from experience but unfortunately, experience is often derived from a series of bad judgments"
|
|
|
|
105 members (35, 44mc, 1eyedmule, 7887mm08, 7x57Hunter, 10 invisible),
1,293
guests, and
841
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,191,060
Posts18,463,264
Members73,923
|
Most Online11,491 Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|