Sako Rifles
What does the term "pre garcia" mean ??
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Sako rifles were sold direct from the manufacturer to retailers prior to Garcia becoming the sole importer, with the rifles so marked, around 1972. Pre-Garcia's draw a premimum in value for being unmarked, usually adding about 25% to the worth.
Keep off the Ridgeline0 -
About 1972, "Garcia" became the Importer and Distributor of Sako rifles. When they did, they were so proud of their name, the had the Sako Factory mark every gun, "Garcia." It is also said the factory also cheapened the gun in some manner, which is the reason for the fact the earlier guns, (referred to as "Pre-Garcia"), are valued about 25% higher.
Sako of Finnland has always worked with an importer of some sort, even prior to 1972 when Garcia became the importer. Back in the Mid 50's, there was a Company name "Firearms International, Inc." which imported many different guns into the United States and acted as the Distributor to Dealers throughout the entire country. Firearms International, Inc. is in no way related to, a part of, or in any way connected to the Texas company using the same name these days!
The "Old" Firearms International, Inc., was reputed to have been a "front company" for our own government who was busy importing guns and furnishing them to other countries. There are many stories regarding this operation, none of which have really been confirmed or denied by the Government, (CIA, FBI, etc.), to this date. Most people believe some sort of variation of such a story, however. Who knows?
Anyway, when Sako was being imported by Firearms International, (along with FN from Belgium and many others), Sako rifles were NOT stamped with anything but their Factory Sako markings. That is how they are recognized as being "Pre-Garcia" and worth more. Hope this clears it up a little more even.
Pre-Garcia Sako rifles have a magnificent high polished Blue, extremely fine fit and finish overall, and most are stocked with some very beautiful pieces of wood. They are High Quality and shoot very well. Most folks that own one praise them highly.
"Life is FRAGILE!" Handle With Care!0 -
You are giving the impression that Sako rifles AFTER Garcia are pieces of rusty metal, held together with old Finn chewing gum.
I'd just like to point out that no matter WHO imports them; they are still beautifully finished, accurate rifles that anyone would be proud to own-especially with that super-smooth bolt.
If you know it all; you must have been listening.WEAR EAR PROTECTION!0 -
Gunnut.......Don't think I said any of that.....anywhere in my reply. Sako was also imported by Stoeger for a while.....but they didn't make a change in the gun. It came as Sako/Finnland made it. What happened to the gun when Garcia began importing it, I don't know, but something changed, including the prices of them. Maybe your know, huh? If so, tell us!
Although I personally do NOT own any of the "Garcia" or later Sako's, I do have my fair share of "Pre-Garcia's" which were all made in the late 50's or very early 60's, none of which couldn't be put up against a lot of the "Custom Built" guns of today and outshine a lot of these in every way! Actually, I have never seen a Sako that wasn't a fine looking gun, with the exception maybe, of the new stainless and black systhetic models. These don't seem to be what my image of a Sako is, should, or could be! Definitely not what it is!
"Life is FRAGILE!" Handle With Care!0 -
Mea Culpa! Forgive me if I ruffled yer bustle RP, I just wanted to make sure that ol' Fredd knew that Pre- or post- just matters to the hoi polloi of the collectors who will never shoot such a purtiful gun, thus depriving it of its' right to be kept & borne.
I've seen some deluxe old Sako's that were really way too nice to shoot, but when I'm rich again, I may get one just to freak 'em out at the range with it.
All Sako's are pretty much made and Finnished similarly; but the TRG series has got that ugly black stock (with a detachable mag!), and the stainless they use is a bit too shiny; but all of them have the smoooothest-working bolts in the world.
If you know it all; you must have been listening.WEAR EAR PROTECTION!0 -
Okay gunnut, You've gone too far. My SAKO TRG-S Warbird is not an "Ugly Black Stock". Most everyone who has seen it thinks it is awesome. My new load (just got it today)with the Lazzeroni Lazerhead 150 grain bullet shot a 3 shot group all touching in the the same hole. Now that is pretty. Especially at 3700+ fps. And I like my detachable mag.
I thought I would sleep good tonight knowing I had a perfect hunting rifle (Swarovski PV 3x12-50 scope attached)but now I will probably toss and turn, fretting over your name calling. I might even have to go back to my 7mm Ultra REM LSS just so I have a pretty stock. I hope you are proud of yourself. You just ruined a happy hunter.
Mad Dog0 -
My TRG-s and 21 are both equipped with UBS, but you never mentioned the slick-as-buttered-glass action!
If you know it all; you must have been listening.WEAR EAR PROTECTION!0 -
Is there a serial number range for pre garcia ???[:D] 0 -
All Sako's I have seen or Shot have been top notch. Hammer forged Barrels, fit and finish - emaculate, strong action, excellent Calibers, good triggers, etc. Not much bad anyone can say about a Sako, without lying from jealousy.
Condition vs Condition, the Pre-Garcia is considered the BEST, and will bring a Premium, and if you are Lucky Enough to have found or Inherited a "Sako, Pre-Garcia" in a Caliber such as .222 - .222mag - 22 Hornet. It's like "Money in the Bank.
The Marlin-Sako was a good gun and quality built, but will not begin to compare to the Full Bleed Sako's. Yet many were made in .222, and 22 Hornet. (they will shoot; just like any Sako!)
The Best of the Breed: SAKO Deluxe Light Weight: I had one in 25-06, The Stock didn't even look real to My Carpenters eyes, Blonde, Tiger Tail, looked more like Marble than wood. I couldn't bring myself to shoot this Fine Piece. I sold it from My Store and watched another try it at 300 yrds. (Gil Kidwell) Considering his age and eyesight = He was impressed as was I. 2 " Group with factory ammo, off of a Truck. ( He does his shooting off of Trucks = Benches have fewer excuses). [^]
Sako has a Beautiful Piece in Model 75, Super Deluxe, Actually Thrilling to witness (kinda like when the Hogs ate my Mother-in-law), Just Beautiful! [:D]
Ronnie G. Perkins0 -
Delta514 - Thought I recognized a kindred spirit - your sense of humor and mine run parallel! [:o)]
Keep off the Ridgeline0 -
Okay Gunnut, I agree my TRG-s has a slick action. However, I suggest you tell a woman she is ugly, wears too much make up but has a great personality and see if that makes her happy. I traded my 7mm LSS for a horse toight so I have to stick my UBS Sako. I will try to look at it's personality from now on.
Mad Dog0
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