I have a pre-Garcia Sako Forrester in a Mannlicher stock. However this stock is like no other I can find. It has no barrel band and has never had one. The model # is L579No 109xx. It is chambered for .308 win.
Can anyone tell me if this is a rare configuration in this stock?

Thanks
phc

Most of them from that era had the barrel band. I believe the barrel band was used because the Mannlicher stocks were two piece and right under the barrel band is where the two pieces of wood meet. I also think the barrel band is on there for a solid front swivel location, because that front piece of wood isn't really fixed solid to the rear part of the stock. From the ones I've seen there are a two thick wires with loops on both ends and screws through loops.

I think a Sako collector would be interested in your rifle. You can look up the Sako Collector Association on google.com.

Joe