Sako AV?

I liked the only one I had, an AV Finnbear Deluxe 30-06 built in 1984 before Sako was using CNC machines. It was well built, good looking and accurate. I liked the heft of the rifle and even made it heavier by adding a Bushnell 6500 2.5-16x50 on top. I never had any issues with it and only got rid of it because something else shiny came along.
sako1.jpg
 
That's a really good looking rifle.

A fan of full sized/sporter Model 70s probably won't find them that heavy haha
 
That's a really good looking rifle.

A fan of full sized/sporter Model 70s probably won't find them that heavy haha
They are comparable . I've owned a number of both and would be hard pressed to choose between them . The AV series are very well built and , at least the ones I owned , accurate rifles . I had a Finnbear Deluxe that is the spitting image of the above pictured rifle , it was a consistent one MOA , or slightly less , shooter . As pointed out by others , they aren't light weight rifles , but it never bothered me that much .
 
I will second the vote as Best Sako action ever.

Heavier than comparable brands, but build quality is there in spades.

Had several, sold several, but keeping a .30-06 Laminate AV with sights because it is a perfect rifle.

They shared same barrel profiles from what I know, hence, a 6.5 or .270 will weigh more than an "06, etc..

Good Luck deciding.
 
I have both 2 AV Deluxe rifles and 2 Mannlicher carbine models.
Positives:
All give me 1 MOA or better accuracy with minimal load development.
All are beautiful and smooth operating. They put my Remchester bolt rifles to shame.

Cons:
All are too gorgeous for a clumsy old guy to take tomountains and thick brush. Forcing me to hunt with my Sako 70. One must make sacrifices once and awhile.
 
I have both 2 AV Deluxe rifles and 2 Mannlicher carbine models.
Positives:
All give me 1 MOA or better accuracy with minimal load development.
All are beautiful and smooth operating. They put my Remchester bolt rifles to shame.

Cons:
All are too gorgeous for a clumsy old guy to take tomountains and thick brush. Forcing me to hunt with my Sako 70. One must make sacrifices once and awhile.

Can't have it all! haha. Believe you on the smooth bolt throw and the accuracy. And if you have 4 they really must bring something to the table

I will second the vote as Best Sako action ever.

Heavier than comparable brands, but build quality is there in spades.

Had several, sold several, but keeping a .30-06 Laminate AV with sights because it is a perfect rifle.

They shared same barrel profiles from what I know, hence, a 6.5 or .270 will weigh more than an "06, etc..

Good Luck deciding.

Thank you! Appreicate it! And all the rest of the info everyone else provided. They sound like great rifles and probably will end up trying one at some point.

A Winchester 70 Classic Super Grade (5 digit I think) in 30-06 came along today so I had to bite. If I don't end up trading it for a Classic Stainless by fall, I'll likely hunt that this year. But can never rule out a Sako.
 
I have a sako AIII in .270 which some have said is the same action/rifle. When i got it (used) the bolt release knob fell off when i temoved the stock. The tiny screws were too short or something. I found some longer screws and if anyone might want some i still have some left. They are not black but stainless but tou cant see them under the stock.
 
Picked up this AIII Deluxe .270 many years ago, second owner. Really to pretty to drag around hunting, but it has some milage on it. It's a bit heavier than the average, about 9.25lbs scoped. Deep bluing and very smooth action. Shoots most loads into an inch from the bench.
I believe the only difference between the AIII and the AV action is a longer tang on the AV.
Aiii 270.jpg
 
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The weight can be dropped, the solid action remains

IMG_20250718_211515.jpgDA5-A9-C6-F-9-D3-D-49-B9-9-EBC-C26590-C0-FEC7.jpg


I would agree that the A/L series represent the best of the SAKO actions. I wish later push feeds had followed a similar model in terms of the fixed ejector.

In today's market these represent a very good deal as well. Compare the cost to mannlicher schoenauers, pre 64 model 70's, later series SAKO, etc. The quality is the same, the prices are drastically different
 
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