Smitty, the serial number is located on the opposite side of the bolt action, so if it’s a right hand action the numbers will be on the left side just in front of the lever to remove the bolt. My rifle serial number starts with Sako SM and then the number. You can’t miss it.

If you’re interested take a look at the underside of the bolt where the arm extends to the knob. You will see three numbers on the underside of the arm. These numbers match the last three numbers of the serial number on that rifle. The bolt was custom finished for that rifle. This is just one of the many things I found unique about the Sako.