For Sale: Sako 75 Semi-custom in 300 WSM

[SimonC]

• Assembled by Norman Clark the rifle is built around a Sako 75 (Chrome-Moly) action, bedded into a McMillan (Sako Varmint) fibreglass stock and has a heavy, 24" stainless Krieger Match barrel
• Prone, or comfortably rested on a vehicle or in a High Seat, the rifle is a supremely accurate & effective tool, especially well-suited to longer range culling
• The rifle has been carefully maintained and the 'mechanical' condition is excellent; there are a few minor cosmetic blemishes
• I found two accuracy nodes with Sierra 180gr GameKings. The first at around 2,950 ft/s the second at 2,800 ft/s, which is the one I use. Both deliver 1/4min of angle accuracy
• At 2,800 ft/s the GameKings deal effectively with all species from Roe to the largest Reds without causing unnecessary meat damage
• Sale includes the Apel (windage adjustable) 30mm mounts, a proofed Jet-Z (30 cal Compact) moderator and a fitted thread protector
• The Swarovski Z6 2.5-15x56 scope is not included in the sale (nor is the bipod) but may be available at a fair price to the purchaser
• The purchaser is welcome to 2 batches of c. 50 cases of part-used Norma brass, including 20 loaded rounds, and c.110 Sierra 180 gr GameKing heads
• Also available by separate negotiation is a Redding Type-S F/L Bushing die & a Redding Competition seating die in the calibre
• The site Administrator's advice to sellers of firearms will be carefully adhered to but, subject to that, prior inspection is welcome
• The rifle would cost over £5,000 to build now. £1,000 would seem extremely good value
• Thanks for looking. Please 'PM' me with any questions

 

[Dave_45]

@Ronin

 

[Ronin]

Looks pretty not sure about initial build cost - maybe half that, but if that’s accurate maybe I need to re assess my prices ,,

 

[Edinburgh Rifles]

What action is it built on? “SM”?

 

[SimonC]

As you surmise the action is SM ie. the short magnum.

 

[SimonC]

In reply to Ronin, I would say that Norman Clark is certainly at the 'reassuringly expensive' end of the rifle-building spectrum. But having used him for 20 years, and knowing a number of highly successful target shooters who do also, I can vouch for the quality of his workmanship. Moreover, he has a national reputation for the same. I believe the figure I suggested for the overall build cost, inclusive of components, is substantially accurate.

 

[Ronin]

In reply to Ronin, I would say that Norman Clark is certainly at the 'reassuringly expensive' end of the rifle-building spectrum. But having used him for 20 years, and knowing a number of highly successful target shooters who do also, I can vouch for the quality of his workmanship. Moreover, he has a national reputation for the same. I believe the figure I suggested for the overall build cost, inclusive of components, is substantially accurate.

No issue with the workmanship or quality of it

Before I started on my own in 2007, I also had a rifle built by them and the rifle in question shot well. Once the barrel was shot out I rebarrelled it a further three times - each time the weapon shot equally as well,,,

I was a little surprised of the overall build cost given it is a factory action , McMillan off the shelf stock and custom barrel

So circa 500 for action (used) , 650 for barrel and 900 for the stock

So 2 k in component's (which I totally get which would be my costs for those too)

I just wonder where the other 3k in work was

I’ve also built numerous rifles that have been successful in competition at all levels including F Open, which, one may argue is the Formula One of rifle shooting and held their own at GB Team level

My work is the same regardless of target, killing or mess about rifle

As I posted earlier I’m just having difficulty locating where the 3k in work was realised

But I guess I’m fortunate to own my own workshop with zero overheads other than insurance and utilities and I charge what I consider to be a fair price - also have no desire to be a “named smith” for the hipsters and social media “like me lovers”

I’m also concious that this is your sales post and I’ve no desire to detract from that either

The rifle looks to be in good order and has been built to high standards

The price being very fair considering the initial cost

Good luck with the sale

 

[Stevie/P]

No issue with the workmanship or quality of it

Before I started on my own in 2007, I also had a rifle built by them and the rifle in question shot well. Once the barrel was shot out I rebarrelled it a further three times - each time the weapon shot equally as well,,,

I was a little surprised of the overall build cost given it is a factory action , McMillan off the shelf stock and custom barrel

So circa 500 for action (used) , 650 for barrel and 900 for the stock

So 2 k in component's (which I totally get which would be my costs for those too)

I just wonder where the other 3k in work was

I’ve also built numerous rifles that have been successful in competition at all levels including F Open Whixh on May argue is the Formula One of rifle shooting and held their own at GB Team level

As I posted earlier I’m just having difficulty locating where the 3k in work was realised

Norman Clark is a great smith of which I’m sure I’ve had work done by him no complaints but he does know how to charge.
In saying that he does give the price before the work is undertaken so it’s the customer who decides if their prepared to pay the quote.

 

[SimonC]

At the risk of continuing a rather fruitless debate, my quick trawl of internet prices would strongly suggest that Ronin's estimate of component costs is well off. The cheapest I can see a potential donor action, in the condition one would want it, is about £950. The Jet Z moderator is in the region £350 (£397 on SGC) and the Apel windage adjustable mounts north of £300, both of which were integral to the build as far as I'm concerned. Putting these numbers together with estimated costs of £900 for the stock & £650 for the barrel gives total component costs of £3,000+ before any work is done or anything proofed. (These figures also ignore the 100 part-used cases and bullets heads included in the sale).

Judging by the posts & PM's thus far, we can at least agree that Norman Clark builds very high quality rifles and that at a £1,000, the one I have for sale represents excellent value for money!

 

[Saff28]

At the risk of continuing a rather fruitless debate, my quick trawl of internet prices would strongly suggest that Ronin's estimate of component costs is well off. The cheapest I can see a potential donor action, in the condition one would want it, is about £950. The Jet Z moderator is in the region £350 (£397 on SGC) and the Apel windage adjustable mounts north of £300, both of which were integral to the build as far as I'm concerned. Putting these numbers together with estimated costs of £900 for the stock & £650 for the barrel gives total component costs of £3,000+ before any work is done or anything proofed. (These figures also ignore the 100 part-used cases and bullets heads included in the sale).

Judging by the posts & PM's thus far, we can at least agree that Norman Clark builds very high quality rifles and that at a £1,000, the one I have for sale represents excellent value for money!

This is a selling thread bud, you don’t have to comment or justify anything. As you said, great price an a wonderful calibre. I’ve got a 300WSM and it’s fabulous. For those having to use factory non lead, I’ve used Barnes and Norma to good effect. Good luck with the sale.

 

[25 Sharps]

At the risk of continuing a rather fruitless debate, my quick trawl of internet prices would strongly suggest that Ronin's estimate of component costs is well off. The cheapest I can see a potential donor action, in the condition one would want it, is about £950. The Jet Z moderator is in the region £350 (£397 on SGC) and the Apel windage adjustable mounts north of £300, both of which were integral to the build as far as I'm concerned. Putting these numbers together with estimated costs of £900 for the stock & £650 for the barrel gives total component costs of £3,000+ before any work is done or anything proofed. (These figures also ignore the 100 part-used cases and bullets heads included in the sale).

Judging by the posts & PM's thus far, we can at least agree that Norman Clark builds very high quality rifles and that at a £1,000, the one I have for sale represents excellent value for money!

How many rounds down the tube?

 

[SimonC]

I don't keep count as such but my best estimate is less than 500, based on three seasons of culling 100-120 deer with it plus load development and zeroing. The rifle effectively retired as a result of Covid & lockdown and has sat in the cabinet for the last three years, hence the sale.

 

[SimonC]

Have I replied to all PM's? I may have deleted one inadvertently.