OT SAKO mauser?

[Flathead 102]

Anybody have any info on a SAKO mauser in magnum .300? I know Sako collectors forum would have some info but sometimes it takes them awhile to respond.

[Northman]

What do you want to know?

Sako built on commercial FN Mausers ( among the best Mauser actions made ), often with Sako Trigger or sometimes original M98 triggers.

Built between 1951-1957?

Very high quality..

Calibers, 270,30-06, 300WM/H&H, 375H&H... and often called Sako Hi-power or High Power in the States.

[Old Hawkeye]

Can't remember off the top of my head, but 1951 seems a little early for a start date. Production stopped with the introduction of the L61R Sako long action around 1961. If a Mauser Sako is stamped Cal. 300 Mag it is a 300 H&H as none were chambered in 300 WM to my knowledge, as the 300 WM didn't exist when Sako started making these rifles. They were stocked & barreled by Sako. The name "Sako" as well as the serial # (which run from the early to mid 100,000 range, IIRC) are stamped on the barrel, not the action. If it's a Cal. 300 check it out carefully as some were rechambered by the owner to 300 WM when that cartridge became more popular. Condition & caliber dictate value from a collector's standpoint. Most show plenty of use, as is to be expected in a 60+ year old rifle. A very clean 300 H&H would command the highest price, while a 270/30-06 beater would have the least value.

[Flathead 102]

Thanks for the info. Was wondering just how old it was mainly. Serial number is 104xxx. It's in very good condition for its age and as far as I can tell hasn't been rechambered. Barrel is marked MAGN .300.

[Northman]

1951 to late 1960s..

Some 300H&H where rechamberd to 300 Weatherby. As well as 375H&H to 375 Weatherby.


According to what I have read, some 2000 where made each year. So your should be 1953/4. SAKO could tell you which.


Depending on price, its a lifetime rifle!! The quality is very high!

[Old Hawkeye]

Sako didn't keep very good production records or preserve what few they had, so Northman's guess is probably as good as any as to when it was made. Sako probably couldn't tell you any more than what you already know unless you had a contact to someone who worked there back in the day. They are a nice example of the quality rifle Sako made, but not all that sought after by collectors & not worth as much as the L61Rs that succeeded it in 1961. That being said, it is better than what you can buy today & would give admirable service to any rifleman.

[Flathead 102]

I picked it up at an estate sale and was very happy with the price I paid for it. This fall I think it will be my go to whitetail rifle, maybe a little overkill but should get the job done. Once again thanks for information.

[georgeld]

Flathead:
Just to be on the safe side do a chamber cast so you'll know for sure what it's chambered for.