Canadian SAKO .222

Rob

Rob

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I recently picked up this proprietary North America Arms Corp. (Toronto, Canada 1959-62) Model 80 Grizzly, a SAKO L46 .222 HB. It is in excellent condition. Receiver has all the standard Sako markings. Barrel is marked "Genuine Sako barrel" on bottom near receiver. Barrel length is 26 inches. Walnut stock with "NAACO" buttplate.

Sako factory records indicate the rifle "was inspected 18 August 1961 and was an action-only". NAACO assembled the rifle on this receiver using the genuine Sako barrel (then available to gunsmiths) and their own stock.

I intended this to be a parts gun. Before I actually saw it, my plan was to pull it apart, keep the receiver for future projects and sell the barrel and stock. However, when it arrived and after a bit of a cleanup I was pleasantly surprised, first by the near new condition and then by the Canadian NAACO connection. Now that I know what it is, I'll be keeping it intact.

According to the Sako Collectors Club the NAACO is among the rarest of all the proprietary Sako rifles. (Other proprietary Sako rifles were assembled by Colt, Browning, H&R, Marlin, Anschutz, etc. but not always using an "original Sako barrel" as with the NAACO. Apparently the Anschutz is another rare one.)


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Mine. Says Sako L57 on the reciever and only North America Arms, cal. 308 grizzly made in Canada on the barrel . The stock was replaced with a nice Boyd's on this one ( wish it had a Sako stock ) . No holes taped for the rear sight but this peep lines right up with the front . I am hoping this barrel came from Sako but ??

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Like all my guns I shot this one as soon as I got it and got between 1 and 1.5" groups with the Ammo I had on hand . Looking forward to doing some load testing
 
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Interesting! A few years ago I purchased a nice old Sako L579 .243 that came with a spare barrel, a North American Arms " Grizzly" barrel in .308. I have since sold the barrel ( for cheap!) and this is the very first information I have ever read about this company. I didn't need the barrel, since my .243 shoots very well. But it is nice to clear up the mystery.
 
I'm looking at the NAACO 1961 catalog right now, all the Sako and NAACO 222's are listed with 23.5 inch barrels and they all have sights other than the heavy barrel model. Price is $99.95
 
MiG25 said:
I'm looking at the NAACO 1961 catalog right now, all the Sako and NAACO 222's are listed with 23.5 inch barrels and they all have sights other than the heavy barrel model. Price is $99.95
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Could you please share if it says anything about the L57 grizzly model ?
 
They list a Model 50 (Deluxe) and a Model 60 (Standard) Grizzly rifles in 308, the 50 has checkering and an ebony fore end, the 60 does not. Price is $129.95 and $109.95.

The Model 70 Grizzly is in 243.

The Model 80 Grizzly is the 222.

The Model 90D and 90S Grizzly are in 30-06 on FN Mauser actions.

Model 100 Grizzly looks like a Sako Finnwolf, listed in short action 243 and 308 and long action 270 and 30-06
 
Hi rembo, that is the same rifle as mine , unfortunately? Somebody upgraded? Mine with the new stock,apparently it had the plain stock. . I would sure be interested in an original stock and butt plate for mine if someone has either.
 
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