I went for the Manlicher and I love it! If it does have a front sight and no rear sight, I have seen the rear 'Peep' sight that mounts on the rear scope dovetail for sale on GunsAmerica for right around $60. I had a choice to make last Feb, A mint Deluxe Forester in 243 WIN or a mint Sako Manlicher 243 WIN. A mint codition Deluxe Forester goes for about 1000-1300 pending on the condition (box) and caliber. I saw one on the GunsAmerica page for right around $1300 in mint codition but that doesn't mean that it was selling. I just know that you have a rifle that I hope to someday own. Sounds like you have a 'Deluxe Forester 243' Does it have a front sight and no rear sight? I don't have a SER# database so it is a little difficult to say(1968-72ish). Did Sako hand etch the serial number of the rifle into the bolt handle or did someone else do that at a later time?Īny info given about this rifle would be most appreciated. With the scratches, would anyone know approximately what the rifle is worth?Ĥ. If I had the gun re-blued and the stock polished would it take away from the value of the gun?ģ. Is there anyway to find out what year this gun was built?Ģ. (I know, why would my dad allow a 12 year old to use such a beautiful gun?) I would estimate the rifle to be at 90%.ġ.

This gun was used by me as a young boy for hunting whitetail.so there are some scratches on the barrel and light scratches on the stock. The barrel is marked 'Bofors Steel' on the right side. The trigger guard has the leafy vine etched on the bottom of it. The ammo release plate is etched with what looks to be an antelope with leafy vine surrounding it. The stock is a beautiful light wood with hand checkering on the forward and rear grips. I also believe it is a Custom Deluxe because there is an oak leaf on the bottom of the grip. I believe my Sako is pre-Garcia due to no markings on the gun for Garcia. I have been having difficulty finding information on my rifle on the internet and thought some of you could help me. I own a Sako Forester (L579, serial number: 19780). I am new user to this forum who found it doing a search for Sako Rifles.

Sako serial numbers