I plan an African plains game trip in the next couple of years where Kudu and Oryx will be the largest targets. I will take two rifles - one will be a .270 Win, probably an M70 Stainless with a fiberglass stock using Swift A-Frames.
Since I don't know whether I'll be going to Namibia or RSA, I've bought a .300 Win Mag in case of the longer Namibian shot possibilities. It's a Sako pre-Garcia Finnbear - because I've always wanted one. This is one smooth rifle - the bolt throw is like two glass panes riding on a sheet of oil between them.
My concern, however, is whether the Sako is right for what I understand is an extremely micro-dusty environment. Will an older Sako work reliably under such conditions?
(This isn't a rehash of pushfeed v. controlled round feed - simply whether the Finnbear is robust enough for African conditions.)
Experiences?
Jaywalker
Posts: 1006 | Location: Texas | Registered: 30 December 2003
The Sako will be a fine plains game rifle. If it were me, I would leave the .270 at home and bring the .300 Win Mag. only. Just load a decent bullet (the swift a-frame is a good choice) and you will have a great time. You will not have any problems with the rifle in that environment.
Planning a safari is at least half the fun. Good luck and enjoy the time before and during the hunt. May your mourning after the hunt be bearable.
Doug
Posts: 294 | Location: Waunakee, WI USA | Registered: 10 February 2004
My PH in Namibia, Waldo van Wyk, owns several Sakos and they´ve seen loads of red Kalahari dust and work superbly. Just clean it and oil it daily and you won´t have a problem.
The L-61 is a fine action and was the basis for a line of rifles reknown for their accuracy. In regard to safety, it also has what was often referred to as a functional "3rd lug", about midway, on the underside of the closed bolt. It was considered by many to be an exceptionally strong and reliable action.
I'm glad the concensus is that it's capable of African hunting. It's a nice rifle, with a fine trigger and balance, but isn't new enough that I'd worry about honestly applied hunting dings. Thanks.
Yes, mine has the third lug and is marked "Bofors," which I understand not all did, even all pre-Garcia.
Jaywalker
Posts: 1006 | Location: Texas | Registered: 30 December 2003
I have a question relating to Sako rifles. I currently have a Tikka 695 in 338 Win. I have found a Sako AV in 338 for a good price. What is the deal with the AV's? I haven't been able to find much info on them. Are they CRF? Are they really much better then the Tikkas? If I did switch to a Sako which would be better, the AV or a new model hunter or the like? Really any info would be appreciated.
PS- This rifle will mainly be used in Africa with the odd NA hunt thrown in.
Oh yeah, Sorry for the hijack but it appeared that this thread had run its course.
The AV's (A-Fives) came post Garcia. Sometime around 1993-94 (?), I purchased an unusual "satin finish" model in .375 and I do regret having later sold it, as it was the most accurate "big bore" I've ever owned. It placed 300 grain factory stuff into one ragged hole, when I did my part and this was out-of-the-box performance. Never touched the bedding and or handload for it, as I recall, for whatever reason. A nice rifle. I remember a 20" carbine version about the same time. Mid-nineties maybe.
Did a search for my own confusion as to dates (i'm getting bad): SAKO Chronology
Do you have any more info on the AV? If not do you know where I could look? I did a google search and nothing really helpful came up. Were the AV's CRF? Do you think they are better then the current offering from Sako? Any other info appreciated.
Bulldog563, I have an AV in 338 Win Mag (as well as 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, 375 H&H Mag and 416 Rem Mag, Ha!). It is an awesome rifle. I much prefer AV's to the latest model 75 Sako's. Sleeker, and better handling (for me, anyway). The stock design is just wonderful (if you are right handed). It is not CRF. If you pass, you will regret it. LD
Posts: 7158 | Location: Snake River | Registered: 02 February 2004
Brian Van Blerk PH for Tanzania Bundu uses a Sako AV IV 416 Remington to back up clinets for Lion, Buff, Hippo and Crocs. It is his favorite rifle ever, he has never had a single hitch or malfunction of any kind. And this from a PH that works continuously from June to X-Mas each season. The blueing is worn of the rifle in several places. Based on this and other feedback from serious authorities (not armchair quarterbacks) I seriously question the relevance of CRF.
Posts: 435 | Location: GA, USA | Registered: 14 January 2005
This is good to hear about the AV. I have an AV in .375 that is very accurate as well. The guy I bought it from killed a nice brown bear in Kamchatka with it, but broke his leg in a snowmobile accident. He was snowed in for 18 days in a small cabin before the helicopter could rescue him. He had only shot it a few times, and didn't have any information about it.
No, Sako recently made a short run of Model 75 Safari rifles in 416 Rem Mag that are CRF. I have read that the new Sako Model 85 will be CRF, but have not seen one in person yet. The L series are all PF, as are the AV's, and all but those few of the model 75's mentioned above.
lawndart
Posts: 7158 | Location: Snake River | Registered: 02 February 2004
