Nice 1965 Sako L579 Forester .243 Winchester 24 Bolt Action RifleOur Assessment: SAKO is a Finnish brand that began operations in the early 1920s primarily for the Finnish defense forces. Production of civilian arms began in 1942 with the keenly named L42. Civilian production was expanded with the rifle on offer here, the L579 Forester, a compact bolt-action rifle. This L579 is in Fine condition, hardly showing its age with light wear. Add a scope and rings, and this will make a terrific shooter, with a versatile .243 Win chambering good for everything from varmints up deer.
Make: Sako
Model: L579 Forester
Serial Number: 45257
Year of Manufacture: 1965
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle w/ Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked "FORESTER" and "MADE IN FINLAND". The top of the shank is marked with two Finnish proof marks "SAKO / Cal. .243". The right side of the barrel is marked "Bofors Steel". The left side of the receiver is marked "L579 No 45257" and two Finnish proof marks. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked "45257".
Barrel Length: 24" Heavy Barrel
Sights / Optics: There are no iron sights equipped. There is a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes mid barrel and at the rear. The receiver is equipped with a one-piece picatinny style rail for mourning an optic (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered wood with a beavertail forend, capped pistol grip, sling stud front and rear, Monte Carlo comb with cheekpiece, and a LimbSaver buttpad. There are evenly scattered light draglines, shallow compressions, and a few minor scuffs through the finish. The checkering is generally sharp to the touch. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/2" & 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad and wood, respectively. The stocks rate in about Very good-Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion and for the age, the bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The surfaces display general handling and operational wear and some scattered nicks and scratches. There is notable marring at the muzzle on the top and a thinned area at the top rear of the barrel. The screw heads are mostly sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO.
RIFLE