Ten Year Quest Ended........First target posted !!

Then you probably haven't handled a new FN Winchester... I have a shooting buddy with a Sako 75 and he adores my M70 as much as I love his Sako... I'm 1st gen Canadian from Scandinavia.
They shoot about the same at 100yards. Sub MOA.

Haha Tom, the new FN made model 70s are fine firearms. I'm happy they went back to an improved M98 action. However, they are not the be all end all of firearms.
 
Here are some pictures (tough to find as they are quite scarce rifles):

SakoSafariGrade140.jpg

SakoSafariGrade114.jpg

SakoSafariGrade051.jpg

SakoSafariGrade031.jpg
 
I like magnaporting, my previous one was magnaported as well as are several other of my user rifles. I do not feel it devalues this rifle in any way, just the opposite. In my opinion it's a $200 upgrade.
 
Congrats - Nice acquisition!

Yes, among Sako collectors, the Safari's are very much sought after and I am envious lol.
Thanks for posting the photos; she is a beauty!

One question:
In your opening post, you said that you bought an AV Safari, but from the photos I wonder if its actually an AIV Safari ? ..

Differences btn Sako AIV and AV Safari's:
- AIV's bolt handle is somewhat more swept back, not straight like the AV
- AIV's bolt handle knob is pear-shaped, not round like the AV
- AIV's rear sight ramp is soldered on, not screwed like the AV
- AIV's magazine (almost always) holds 5 rounds, not 4 like the AV
 
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Congrats - Nice acquisition!

Yes, among Sako collectors, the Safari's are very much sought after and I am envious lol.
Thanks for posting the photos; she is a beauty!

One question:
In your opening post, you said that you bought an AV Safari, but from the photos I wonder if its actually an AIV Safari ? ..

Differences btn AIV and AIV:
- AIV's bolt handle is somewhat more swept back, not straight like the AV
- AIV's bolt handle knob is pear-shaped, not round like the AV
- AIV's rear sight ramp is soldered on, not screwed like the AV
- AIV's magazine (almost always) holds 5 rounds, not 4 like the AV

This one is actually an A IV, I thought they only made the Safari in AV but this one is the A IV as it says right on it. Did they actually make an AV Safari or was it dropped with the new AV model?
 
So, is it going to Africa with you soon?
Nice Rifle even with the upgraded Magna -Port.
One had to look hard to nit pick that one, jealousy perhaps?
As has been said Nice King of the 375 in H&H too.
Tight Groups,
Rob

No jealousy here... It is indeed a beautiful gun and one I too have been looking for. Just saying that IMHO the magnaporting is a no sale for me. Congrats just the same.
 
This one is actually an A IV, I thought they only made the Safari in AV but this one is the A IV as it says right on it. Did they actually make an AV Safari or was it dropped with the new AV model?

They were indeed made within the AV line. Now you just need to find one's in .300WinMag and .338Winmag to complete the collection!
 
They were indeed made within the AV line

I don't think any Safaris were made on the AV action but could be wrong?!?! Beautiful rifle!!

Marcoman is correct. Sako did indeed make AV Safari's ...

(otherwise my above comparison between AIV and AV Safari's would have been misleading and pointless)

... and both models are VERY collectable.
 
I have always liked the old Sakos from the 70s and 80s and have owned many of them but never really educated myself as to their lineage and model variations. Thanks for the info from the more educated in Sako folklore.
 
Friday last week I'm flipping through the EE, and lo and behold I come across an ad selling a rifle I have been searching for, for more than 10 years now........A Sako AV Safari. I have seen ads before for Sako Safaris for sale, but none have been the real deal. I scroll to the first photo prepared to be disappointed again, but wait....there it is....the real deal, quarter rib, barrel band sling swivel, 5 round drop belly magazine, express sights.......I can hardly believe my eyes...tears welled up a bit....frantically I search the whole ad expecting to see SPF somewhere, but no.......can this really be? It is pricey but well within the value of this rifle so, carefully I select PM and type "I'LL TAKE IT" The next morning I have a return PM and we get it all together, I dart to the bank Monday and make the money transfer, now all that's left is to wait with bated breath until that long box arrives in the mail.........I know tears of joy will leave their tracks on my cheeks as I carefully undress that box and reveal the naked beauty of her wood and steel most perfect form, where upon I shall take photos and share with all. Beauty and perfection of this magnitude needs to be shared.

It's great you've finally found what you were looking for , hopefully it's everything you had hoped for and more .. let's see pics when you have a chance
 
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