Sako Forester L579 Mannlicher Carbine .22-250 Remington Bolt-Action Rifle – 19.5" Barrel, Full-Length Walnut Stock, Finnish 1970 Production
This 1970 Sako Forester L579 Mannlicher Carbine pairs the accuracy Sako is known for with the distinctive look and balance of a full-length walnut stock. Chambered in .22-250 Remington and built in Finland, it features a compact 19.5-inch barrel, integral tapered dovetail scope bases, and electropenciled matching bolt digits. The combination of carbine length and Mannlicher stock makes this configuration less common than the standard Forester sporter, giving collectors and hunters alike a unique variation of a respected platform.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent – Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Rifling: Excellent Rifling – Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Light scratching, scuffing, and blemishing are present, but none affect function or structure.
What’s Included
- Sako Forester L579 Mannlicher Carbine bolt-action rifle
- 19.5" blued steel barrel with hooded front post sight
- Integral tapered dovetail scope bases machined into the receiver
The full-length walnut stock is fitted with a Monte Carlo cheekpiece, crisp checkering, and a steel butt-plate, giving the rifle classic lines and a solid shoulder fit. The 14-inch length of pull accommodates most shooters comfortably while maintaining the carbine’s compact balance.
Sako’s L579 action is machined from steel and finished in a deep, even blue. The bolt carries matching electropenciled serial digits, underscoring factory fit. A hinged floorplate houses the internal 4-round staggered-column magazine, allowing quick unloading while preserving the rifle’s sleek profile.
Chambered in .22-250 Remington, this carbine offers flat trajectories and excellent velocity in a light, fast-handling package—especially notable given the shorter barrel length. The combination of caliber and Mannlicher stock is uncommon, adding appeal for collectors seeking variety within the Sako lineup.
Integral tapered dovetail bases eliminate the need for additional mounting hardware and keep optics securely anchored to the receiver. For those who prefer irons, the rifle retains its factory hooded front post; a rear sight was not installed, reflecting Sako’s intention for scoped use.