AusVarmint

Am I biting off more than I can chew ... here are pics of a beast I was offered. Check the pictures out ... I'll fill in some detail separately below. Thoughts on whether to take it on are appreciated.











Okay ... details are starting from the scope ... Khales Helia presumably in 8x56 ... all I can make out are Khales Helia and a serial number. Objective is engraved with details of who it was built for, and their address. Some fine surface rust is evident and the wear you can see on the eyepiece. German reticle ... very clear optically but I need to focus it to my eye.

Action is an L461 obviously, in grotty ex-pro rifle condition, surface rust and crud evident, probably needs a blast and reblue. Its been bubba'd at the floorplate, no idea if there was a magazine as its a deceased estate ... nobody found a magazine. Barrel is a straight tube of approx 1.1" diameter, 24" long, stainless, fitted by Allan Swan (engraved on receiver) and chambered to 6mmPPC. No borescope ... but the barrel looks clean internally. I can chamber Sako unprimed brass which surprised me as I thought it may have a pure match chamber, but the brass scuffs at the expansion ring and a tad on the necks ... so I assume a tight chamber and possible with a projectile seated a neck that needs turning. Stock is beyond ugly but bedded tightly.

Thoughts on what to realistically offer ... and the varminters favourite question ... 'What do I bloody do with it?' Anything anyone can see that's a warning sign? Oh ... yes the scope is mounted so the reticle is diagonal.
Cheers...
Con

Con when I picked up the rifle that became my 20PPC it had not been cleaned in 15 years.
The barrel was RS but the stock was serviceable.
A few hours cleaning got it on the road to recovery.
But Your rifle is a different kettle of fish .
Stock RS ,action filthy but servicable,Barrel is questionable and that Bubba`d bottom metal would make a good conversation piece.

How much work do you want and how much do you want to spend ?

Personally Con,
If it was me, it would depend on the price. You are talking about a lot of work to just bring it back to original without doing anything else but as it's a sako L461 it's still worth a fair few bikkies.

If you really have a need then go for it.
Don't forget post pics as you go, would be a great project.
Teepee

It's already been altered.. so no 'back to original' builds.

Thoughts were to clean it up, bead-blast the metal work and have it matte blued, then fit a single shot follower into the action and inlet into a Boyds uninletted stock I have. The trigger guard would have the ugly weld cut off and just the guard fitted to the stock like a blind-magazine Rem ADL. Pray the original barrel has some life left in it. If not ... maybe set-back 2-3" and try again?

I'd rather not rebarrel, if I did it would definately be a single-shot and remain as a 6mmPPC.

The scope is nice and would find use on this or another varminter for night work.
Cheers...
Con

Sounds good Con!

Clean up and single shot.

Shoot it a see how yah go.

Great caliber too!

That rigger guard is just so special!
Did it have a plaited hay band sling?

It's a Sako L461 of course it is worth the time.

Glenn

Its got your name on the tag mate so I guess you have to buy it

Didn't you have a 6.5 barrel you were looking to use?

I have a Grendel reamer here that would get you a simple little hunting rifle, but you will need to source a new magazine/bottom metal.

Your 6mm PPC idea is a nice one - if you find the chamber is neck turn, get a normal PPC reamer dropped in, or a 6mm AR and really enjoy some good varmiting.

Adam,
That barrel has just been sent away to become a 6.5x47Lapua.

I think the only way this action makes any sense is if it shoots as is ... I have it on hold ... but the gunshop bloke is talking about $600 for it and I'm doubtful even with the Khales on top if its worth that if it wont shoot as is.

Off-topic ... but you've seen the new record 0.0077" group shot back in August with what's being called a 30PPC, but in fact appears to be closer to a 30cal on the 6.5Grendel?
Cheers...
Con
PS: That little Grendel case by the way is really an interesting concept ... necked to 22cal its got potential as a long heavy projectile thrower, necked to 30cal it's done a record ... bloody Johno will probably come along soon and say 'I told you the improved 7.62x39 was a smart idea'.

Single shot 20 Titan