I picked up in trade a Sako L57 Serial 99xx. Under the stock on the left side of the receiver "Made in Finland" of course. Right side of the receiver is "2426" The barrel is marked 22-250 on the left side. On the underside of the barrel is "3=66" and "B.G.S" as well as additional 22-250. I assume this barrel is not original...any idea who made it?

What were the original chamberings for this rifle? 57-59 were the years the L57 were made I was informed. The trigger is amazing, crisp, no creep and light. The action is smooth and light. What caliber's could this be converted to? Are they strong actions? The stock looks like it's been shortened an inch and a pachmayr recoil pad added.

I already have a walking varmint rig in an original Wby Varmintmaster in 22-250.

I traded a Remmy model 7 in 243 for this that I was planning as a 1st deer rifle for my 9 year old son. Now I need to find another one or possibly convert this.

So if it was yours what custom would you convert it to for a or would you leave it as a 22-250?

Here's a few photos

It would make a beautiful 7mm-08. I had mine rebarreled in 308.

However, as I recall, before I went ahead with the 308, I think I tried some 257 Roberts factory loads in the magazine, and they fit. You would have to check that, and if they indeed fit, that would be an interesting cartridge in that little action.

KB

If it was mine, I'd leave the ".22" part off, and make it into a really sweet little .250 Savage or .250-AI. Probably would stick with the regular .250, for a couple of reasons...dies are cheaper, and I don't believe in gilding lilies.

Thank you KB,

Is the bolt face the same with the 308 line of cartridges?

What barrel length did you choose for your 308?

Canuck, what barrel length would you choose for the 250-3000? I'd like to maintain the light feel for my son.

Could the B.G.S be the original barrel, I thought the 22-250 came out in the 60's rather than the 50's. That's why I was thinking it may have been re-barrelled

Definitely rebarreled, very strong action, would make into a superb 7-08 or 260. 257 with heavier bullets is too long but the 250-3000 is a good one for light recoil.
Regards, Joe

quote:

What were the original chamberings for this rifle?

.243 Win, 308 Win, .244 Rem and .257 Weatherby. Barrel original lenght is 600 mm = 23,6"

If you reload the 250-3000 would be a wonderful first deer rifle for a young man of 9. It's something I'm considering for a grandson. Just need to find the right action.

Jerry Liles

On Nitro Express are pics of a L57 by Dorleac&Dorleac to give some ideas of what should be done to a L57 action.Bet it aint cheap!

Id like to see the barrel, they made them in 22-250 and yours looks all original from the pictures but all I and see is about an inch of the chamber area...Also the bolt face is obviously original as they didn't make caliber in that L57 model with smaller bolt faces.

For a youngster, I cannot think of a better beginner deer rifle than a 22-250 loaded with 60 gr. Hornadys..Its a very popular Mule Deer rifle in the Texas Big Bend country, and I knew a lady that lived in the Idaho back country that killed her elk every year with one, I loaded her up about 5 boxes of 60 gr. Hornadys. She shot them from the kitchen door while she was cooking breakfast or whatever. She used the heart or head shot and the range was usualy about 50 yards. She said they just dropped on the spot! I would bet money when she died that she still has 4-1/2 boxes left.

I have shot a few deer with it and all were instant kills. No recoil and that helps a young shooter gain confidence.