Sako L579 Forester
Sako Ltd. · Rifle · Discontinued · 1957
Also known as: Sako Forester, L579
Overview
The Sako L579 Forester is a Finnish medium-action bolt-action hunting rifle produced by Sako from 1957. Built on the L579 medium-length receiver sized for the .308-family of cartridges, it was chambered in .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester and .22-250 Remington. Fed by an internal box magazine with a hinged floorplate and fitted with Sako's own extractor, adjustable single-stage trigger and finely finished walnut stock, the Forester earned a reputation for outstanding accuracy and craftsmanship and remains a sought-after collector's rifle.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3300 g (116.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1067 mm (42.01") |
| Barrel Length | 584 mm (22.99") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 960 m/s (3150 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2986 J (2202 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .243 Winchester · primary — also known as .243 Win
- .308 Winchester · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Win, 308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm NATO
- .22-250 Remington — also known as .22-250
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Two Position Wing Safety
- Features: Medium Action, Sako Extractor, Hinged Floorplate, Adjustable Single Stage Trigger, Walnut Stock, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Integral Scope Dovetail
Variants
- Sako L579 Forester Deluxe - Upgraded Stock
- Sako L579 Forester Heavy Barrel - Varmint
- Sako L579 Forester Mannlicher Carbine - Full Stock Carbine
Production
Production years: 1957-1971
Superseded by the Sako AI/AII (Model 74) medium-action rifles in the early 1970s; exact totals not published
Origin
Country of origin: Finland
Designer: Eino Makinen
Discontinued: 1971
Notes
The 'L579' designation denotes Sako's medium action; the Forester name distinguished the medium-action sporter from the long-action Finnbear (L61R) and the short-action Vixen (L461). Offered in Standard, Deluxe, Heavy-Barrel and Mannlicher full-stock carbine forms.
Background
The Forester filled the middle rung of Sako's three-action sporting family, purpose-built around the then-new short-fat .308 Winchester case so hunters could have a lighter, faster-handling rifle than a full-length magnum action allowed.