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What does Pre Garcia man on the Sakos

paboogerpabooger Member Posts: 13,953
edited March 2002 in Ask the Experts
Could anybody give me any more info on the early Sako rifles? What is Pre Garcia, was Garcia an owner of Sako at one time. Is a pre Garcia Sako better than an after Garcia.I am looking at a l579 forester. Just trying to find out as much as I can on the history of Sako but their new web site tells you nothing about their early years and I cant seem to find much on the internet. All I keep seeing is some rifles for sale and they keep saying Pre-Garcia I assume this is a good thing?? any input would be appreciated
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Comments

  • Dave GDave G Member Posts: 63 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    It is generally beleived among Sako collectors that the quality of the rifles went down after Garcia became the importer. Prior to that, it was Firearms International out of DC. I beleive Stoeger took over after Garcia.As the importer, Garcia wanted the rifles to compete with the big US companies, Winch, Rem, etc.Garcia Sako's are still a very good rifle.
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  • Dave GDave G Member Posts: 63 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Also, be careful of the L579 action designation. This designation is usually used to describe the older actions, which were made in may of 1979. Sako used this label "L579" on their pamphlets that came with the guns right up thru the mid eighties when they were producing the AII mid length action. In other words, a 579 is only a 579 if it says so on the action The AII is a great action also.
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  • paboogerpabooger Member Posts: 13,953
    edited November -1
    coyote_man had told me on an earlier posting that the l579 forester was a pre garcia pre 1972 action, So I guess I am to assume that the rifle I am interested in is older than 1972. Damm it is in good shape it looks like new! Shilen barrel, custom stock and trigger I guess I better buy it.
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If it has a Shilen barrel, then it has been altered and has likely been refinished as well. that essentially destroys any collector value and it has only shooter value, plus, perhaps, a bit more for the Shilen barrel.
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  • paboogerpabooger Member Posts: 13,953
    edited November -1
    I have several guns some old some new, they all are in my house for one reason and that is to shoot. There value as collectors items means nothing to me. My Dad always told me if you aint gonna eat it dont shoot it, and if you ain't gonna shoot it then don't buy it! Sentimental value and memorable hunts with family are far more valuable to me.Guess i'll never be a collector.
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  • denniswdennisw Member Posts: 104 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    When I bought one many years ago the word bofer steel barrel was used was bantered around a lot. I think these were made prior to 1968. Mine still shoots 1/2 inch.The early floorplates are shorter than later and stocks are not the same.dennisw
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  • tvjunkytvjunky Member Posts: 3 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    forget the forester. if your looking for a sweet shooting older sako, look for a l46 vixen. i have one with a 26" sporter barrel on it in .222 and its a shooters dream.
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  • coyote-mancoyote-man Member Posts: 78 ✭
    edited November -1
    Pabooger,I will have to apologize for what I had said in my earlier post. The pre-Garica is a L61R action, this was before 1972 and you had said that your action was a L579, so this after 1972. Sorry for the mix up.
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