Sako barrel replacement cost

[Willoughby]

I have a chance to buy a beautiful older Sako L61 Finnabear
In 300 WM for 600.00
Knowing the life span of 300wm 1000-1500 rounds
I would assume this rifle will need a barrel replacement
I also assume it would cost around 500.00 to 600.00
To have it rebarreled
For 1200.00 I could buy a new sendero or several others with no waiting
Question is am I on the ballpark on rebarreling cost
And would the Sako be worth the time - effort and expense
I suppose a old Sako could have some life left in the original barrel
If it sat more than it was used
But I know if I get it
It will be used frequently
I can remove and headspace the barrel
But I cannot chamber a new barrel
Is it possible to purchase a chambered and threaded barrel?
Thanks in advance for any input -advice

 

[TRECustom]

I don't know of a premium barrel maker that will thread and pre-chamber a Sako barrel. There may be, I just don't know of them. The L61R has an inch pattern tenon thread and is an easy rebarrel.

The premium barrels I'm familiar with, Lilja, Krieger, Hart, etc, will run about $400 for an unfluted blank. The gunsmith cost for a straight rebarrel job should be $350-$500 if he has the reamer and headspace gage.

If you can find a 'smith who does quality work, you will be close to, or above the cost of a new rifle, but will have a custom rifle with a premium barrel on a premium action. There will probably be a wait. Usually depends on how busy the "smith is.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Tom

 

[TRECustom]

Sorry, I missed the $600 to buy the L61R. Adding that cost in brings you up to about $1400-$1500.
You can buy an in-the-box rifle with an accuracy guarantee for that kind of money.

Makes it a tougher choice.

Tom

 

[JRS]

Before you pay $350.00 - $500.00 for a chambering and fitting job , do your homework

 

[Willoughby]

For sure
I'll see how it shoots first
I don't need match accuracy
It will be a hunter
Thanks for all the input

 

[mikegaiz]

I have re-barreled many Sako around $800 each and have had great results. Get a quality barrel and have it cut for a 300WSM. It will last longer and is easy to load. also very accurate.

 

[DickE]

I see you are not too far from Kalispell. Why not give the people at McGowen Barrels a call. They make plenty good enough barrels, and can do the smithing to boot. Just a thought.

 

[Hal]

Will

If your worried about the barrel being wore out, look down the barrel.

Not to many barrels on hunting rifles get worn out if they are the owner was truly lucky to be able to hunt that much.

Hal

 

[Swampbuck]

Hart blank cost 315 for blank and about 300 for smithhing. About 700 with shipping. Benchmark about the same. Both excellent.

 

[slm9s]

you'll save some cash with shilen or douglas, and on a hunting rifle, they'd most likely be just dandy.

Might also want to give IT&D a call, I've heard they do good work and are a good value.

 

[Swampbuck]

True you can save a little with Shilen or Douglas or criterion. But if your paying that much for installation I say pay a little more and install the best. Usually about 75 dollars more for benchrest quality, but I'm an accuracy nut like most on this forum.

 

[tenring]

Give a call to "JB" gunsmith and owner of
www.accuflite.com

He specializes in Sako gunsmithing.

 

[kendog]

I don't know of a premium barrel maker that will thread and pre-chamber a Sako barrel. There may be, I just don't know of them.

Douglas can supply a deep chambered barrel that will require trimming the torque shoulder to headspace.

... The L61R has an inch pattern tenon thread and is an easy rebarrel.

It is actually a metric thread M26.5 X 1.6
1.040"-16 TPI is so close it is scary.

If you can find a 'smith who does quality work, you will be close to, or above the cost of a new rifle, but will have a custom rifle with a premium barrel on a premium action.

Most folks appreciate the difference once they shoot it. Buy once, cry once. It's only money!

 

[ebb]

What Hal said !