I've been trying to get a handle on Sako's SS barrels since I own one and they had "problems". On the Border Barrels site it does a good job explaining how you can't hammerforge stainless steel as it work hardens. It did mention that some makers were trying 410 SS instead of 416R. I know Sako says "Sako barrels are hammer forged", but is every barrel Sako USES hammer forged? A post here last fall from a guy that later private messaged me said that a friend of his had visited the Sako factory and saw the Lother Walther barrels being used on some Sakos. CZ hammers all its barrels and doesn't offer any SS barrels. Interesting. Could the barrel troubles that Sako experianced be a effort on their part to come up with a Stainless steel that they could hammerforge? I would like for some one out there with a bore scope to look at the bores of two Sako 75s both identical calibers but one SS and one CM. Compare the rifleing. Should be the same. If not? That might come up with some answers. Frankly I hope my barrel is a button rifled Lothar Walther! Any thoughts? FNMauser

All you have to do is call Woody at Lothar Walter & ask him about their SS barrels.

This is the first I have ever heard in that direction. If you'll excuse my saying so, the whole story ssems to be largely based on a rumour. Still, who knows??

Btw, even if Sakos were ecquipped with LW barrels, these could be hammer forged as well. At least according to the information on this page (scroll down to LW info): 6mmBR.com. I still find the Sako/LW story unlikely, though.
- mike

I have a stainless Sako 75 and a stainless Tikka, And a Hawkeye bore scope. It's my "opinion" that both are hammered and some kind of "vibra honing" process is performed on the barrels. The fact that some metal is missing in the groves, leads me to think they are hammer forged. Missing metal and tear marks are typical of hammer forged barrels. Sako barrels are better than most other factory barrels. That opinion is based on looking at a ton of factory and custom barrels. Remember, this is only my opinion.

'based on rumour' -the fact is that ALL metals work harden. Some work harden faster than others .The problem is that 416 and Crucible' s 416R are free machining grades [ of 410 ]with high amounts of sulphur added for the free machining.That sulphur limits the amount of working that can be done . 416R has less sulphur than 416 thus could take more working . I would like to know exactly how the barrels are made.

I seriously doubt that Sako uses any LW barrels. I think that the story you have heard is bogus...............DJ