Near new Sako AV deluxe 338 Win Mag question

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Matt74

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Hey guys,
As some of guy know, I am a Winchester fellow. I do not know Sako at all. Trying to get a handle on the value of a rifle, cannot figure out anything online, from books, confusing models. Anyway, the rifle is a Sako 338 Win Mag. Says AV on the side, French walnut Skip Line checkered stock, rosewood tip and grip cap, palm swell, serial in the 559,000 range. From what I can see, it is a Deluxe AV, from early 1980s. Yes, I know, pics, where are the pics? No photos yet, but the gun is 99% near new and believed to be unfired. Beautiful rifle. Beautiful high gloss blue in those old Sakos, from what I can see. Just trying to get a handle on value. Any help is appreciated. Maybe I can get some pics up tomorrow.
Thanks,
Matt
 
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Bought a sako Av for $1k but it was not nearly unfired and it was a 25-06 so I think the $1300 is a pretty good number
 
Edited original post. The forend tip is rosewood, as is the grip cap and walnut is skip line checkered.
Thanks,
Matt
 
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Matt74 said:
Here are the photos. The gun is unfired, 99% near new. Just no box. Thanks for the input, figured it would be worth more given it is a deluxe in almost new condition.
Matt
Click to expand...

Even unfired, it is over 30 years old, someone would have to want it badly to pay a premium.

If I was looking for one, I would be willing to pay near the price of a new 85.

Supply and demand, my friend. if you ask premium, I will guess it will sit for a while.
 
NL-Hunter said:
Even unfired, it is over 30 years old, someone would have to want it badly to pay a premium.

If I was looking for one, I would be willing to pay near the price of a new 85.

Supply and demand, my friend. if you ask premium, I will guess it will sit for a while.
Click to expand...

Thanks. And what do new 85 deluxes sell for?
 
Matt74 said:
Thanks. And what do new 85 deluxes sell for?
Click to expand...

A new DeLuxe: (From dealer site in NB)
Make Model Caliber/Ga Price
SAKO 85 DELUXE, BEAUTIFUL MONTE CARLO STOCK, 22 7/16" BARREL. 30-06 SPRG 3599.99

I said near the price of a new 85, so - in the neighborhood of 2G

You would really want a Unfired Sako AV to pay anywhere in the neighborhood of these prices.
 
In my experience Matt, the A V deluxe in mint condition bring between 1500 and 2K depending on cartridge more than condition. 270s and 30-06s down around the 1500 mark and 338 and particularly 375 up around the 2K mark and they are a bargain at that. These are fine rifles of extremely high quality with well above average wood and as you mentioned mirror like bluing. You would not be getting shafted paying 2K for this rifle, nothing on the rack today even compares to these fine rifles under the 5K mark. You know enough about firearms in general to see this is a very well made piece, with probably near perfect fit and finish, and you know this level of craftsmanship doesn't come cheap.
Not everyone wants a rifle like this or sees the value in it, but let me assure you there are few better made rifles on the market than the old 2 lug Sakos.

I don't have any of the Finnbear deluxe like you are describing but have seen and handled many and I do have two of the Safari models and a full stock carbine and I can attest to their quality and value.

Hell they want over a grand for a wood stocked blued Ruger and it ain't half the rifle the old Sakos are..........look at a brand new Weatherby deluxe wood and blued......2600 USD and I believe the Sako is still a better rifle....JMHO.......
 
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I'll throw in my two cents. If that rifle is listed for 1300 id be surprised to see it last more than a few days. I think starting at 2k is fair. 338 win is more than I'll ever need. But if it was a 300win I could justify the purchase and would happily pay 2k.
Like previous posts it's a top quality rifle especially compared to 1000-1500 priced rifles on the shelf now.
 
Starting at $2K would be reasonably good. It probably goes for $1800-$1900 shipped. But it will walk out of your life in that range or I'd be floored. I'd rather have that rifle than the 85 even if they were the same price.
 
Douglas,
Nice to hear from you, it has certainly been awhile. Thank you for your comments. Thank you all. Yes, it is a fine, fine rifle indeed. As you know, I have a dear interest in vintage Winchesters of condition, and appreciate true craftsmanship. This rifle is no exception. I actually took this Sako in as partial trade for my near new (99%) pre 64 (1960 manufactured) Model 70 458 Win Mag. There were only 1226 Africans made, so, a scarce rifle. It was hard to let go, but we have a lot if things to do around the house, so I have been doing more selling than buying lately, unfortunately. I will be glad wen that trend reverses. I knew not the first things about Sakos to know if the fellows asking price was reasonable, but could instantly see it was a real good gun that the fellow had since new, and figured it could be worth more or less, but was happy on the deal reached. My plan is to sell the Sako at some point, and raise some more funds for the house. Just wanted to try to get a realist idea of it's value, and you folks have been helpful. Anyway, looks good on the wall in the meantime. Would be a good back up moose gun for me, for places where my old Model 71 348 WCF can't quite reach out. I have not looked into the ballistics of the 338 Win Mag, but can imagine they are impressive.
Thanks again folks.
Matthew
 
Hi Greg,
I have heard $1300 and had PMs saying minimum $2500 because it is a French walnut rifle with beautiful wood, so kind of all over the place, but i guess who knows in the end until it is sold. Maybe somewhere in the middle, don't know. Just comes back to it is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Guess there is truth to that.
Matt
 
very good rifle but you have to find the connaisseur that knows the rifle you are selling.

Doug words are the wise ones.

there is a nice av in left hand in the EE and i do not think it is going soon at the price asked but because it didnt met the right buyer.

i had one av in 270 and not the deluxe version that went for $1800 on the annual local gun show ...it was few years ago and the rifle was unfired ...
 
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