Have an opportunity to pick up a like new Sako L691 in .338 Win Mag. The stock is not the deluxe but has very nice wood/figure in it. The guy wants $800 for it. Deal? or No Deal...

Deal

Code4,

Everyone likes to get deals and steals. I think I have 16 Sakos now. I've paid as little as $500 for an AV in 375 H&H that I stole and as much as $1600 for a model 75 varmint, stainless synthetic w/ set trigger that I bought new and paid retail for. At $800 you are not stealing the rifle, but unless it is trashed or shot out you are not paying too much for it. If you want, log on to gunbroker.com and check out the going prices of l61 sakos.
A more pertinent question is do you like Sakos, and do you want this particular rifle?. I don't run into that many Sakos chambered in 338 win mag. For something I really want, an extra $50 bucks is better than not having it.
GWB

quote:

Originally posted by Geedubya:
Code4,

Everyone likes to get deals and steals. I think I have 16 Sakos now. I've paid as little as $500 for an AV in 375 H&H that I stole and as much as $1600 for a model 75 varmint, stainless synthetic w/ set trigger that I bought new and paid retail for. At $800 you are not stealing the rifle, but unless it is trashed or shot out you are not paying too much for it. If you want, log on to gunbroker.com and check out the going prices of l61 sakos.
A more pertinent question is do you like Sakos, and do you want this particular rifle?. I don't run into that many Sakos chambered in 338 win mag. For something I really want, an extra $50 bucks is better than not having it.
GWB

That's a fair price. Even though I prefer the A series, if I needed a 338 I would do it. Lou

I have a very nice L61R in 338WM that I intend to sell for a hell of a lot more than that after my next trip to Africa. In today's climate, the classics, in fine condition are going for a premium and will only go up. I have seen Sako classics rise 50%+ in the last 10 years.

I thought it was a fair deal...Honestly, the thing is like new. I don't have a .338 (don't know if I "need" one either), and the stock alone is worth the price of admission. I think I will pull the trigger on this one. If this one would've come up earlier, I'd be taking her to Africa with me next week!

Also...Nothing comes up on gun broker on this one...current or sold. Also hard to figure out from the "Book" what this one is worth, as they don't specifically list the L691.

Archer,
I don't think you will regret your purchase of the aforementioned rifle. If you do, give me a jingle, I probably could be persuaded to take it off your hands without too much arm twisting.
GWB

Archer_375,

Couple of things you should know beforehand. I have a L691 in 375 H&H. These models come with the removeable aluminium recoil lug. Lots don't like this especially if in the future you want to customise it (in which case you want the 61R if a long action), on the action itself it is just a round lug, where the front action screw goes. As you can see it was a precurser to the 75 action manufacturing methods. Don't think it matters accuracy wise as mine is very accurate. BTW - HS used to make an after market stock (for Magnum Research) and the little knob fits perfectly into the aluminium bedding block - you no longer need the aluminium lug. If you can locate one they are great as the wood stock on mine whilst very beautiful was extremely light and has that awful Sako red brick recoil pad. Adds about 1/2 a pound and makes it very shootable.

The other bad thing is that they relocated the mechanical ejector cut slot on the bolt from the L61R. In my 375 H&H the LAST case in the magazine when it is ejected hits the scope turret. May not happen with the 338 as it is a fair bit shorter or with other 375's but that is what happens in mine. For some reason when there is pressure from the cases below in the magazine this does not happen.

But even after all that I would not sell mine as it is always accurate and eveything I point it at dies!

Here are acouple of pics:






In Aus I paid A$1250 for it maybe 9 years ago and it was like brand new. I know not relevant to you but in Australia - Sakos especially the older L series are worshipped like you guys do the pre-64 Win 70.

Good luck with it.

regards
JohnT

I picked it up...The wood got me

It's amazing the effect that an in-antimate object, being constructed of blue steel and wood can have on a guy. I swear some of my rifles have a soul. Hope you enjoy your Sako. I have a saying. "I like my kimbers, but I love my Sakos".
GWB

quote:

Originally posted by Geedubya:
It's amazing the effect that an in-antimate object, being constructed of blue steel and wood can have on a guy. I swear some of my rifles have a soul. Hope you enjoy your Sako. I have a saying. "I like my kimbers, but I love my Sakos".
GWB