Sako was the first thing that came to mind for me, too. The thing which made me think again is that the "Forester" was, according to the references I have, made with only two options in barrel length: 20" and 23.5". TPO stated that his friend's rifle has a 26" barrel. There is also the fact that I have never seen a Sako product over here which was not identified by a maker's mark and importer's stamp. Being woefully unfamiliar with the myriad customs and regulations for the same in Europe, I could be wrong. It does stand to reason that the product of almost any major concern would be identified as such somewhere on it.
As my available reference books are neither comprehensive nor Sako-specific, there is always the possibility that it might well be a "special order" item. I am unfamiliar with Sako's policies regarding optional features to production models. If the rifle in question has double-set triggers, as does the one in the link, it only deepens the mystery as I can find no references to a double-set as standard equipment, nor as an available option, on any Sako model, at least those marketed in the USA.
Sako apparently did manufacture rifles utilizing an FN-made action from 1950 to 1957. However, it is strongly infered that these were all "standard" length (.30-06, .270) and "magnum" (.300 Win., .375 H&H) actions. No mention is made of an intermediate ("short") action for cartridges in the .308 Win size group. It is entirely possible that a .308 be built on a standard action, as many manufacturers and custom makers have done so.
My best guess is that this rifle, said to have been made in Germany on an FN action some time ago is the product of some relatively small outfit which catered to the Post-War central European market on a custom and/or small production basis. IIRC, there were many of these who produced rifles for sale through larger sporting goods distribution houses under contract, like Waffen Frankonia.
I have several friends who were stationed in Europe during the sixties who purchased similar hunting rifles either from local shops or the base PX. At the time, exchange ratios made some of them extraordinary values.
In any case, I'm unable to find a listing anywhere for a maker under the heading "Forest". Since my references are specific to the brands and models imported in some significant numbers into the USA, it's quite possible that I'm not looking in the right places.
IMO, it may well require a trace through the FN archives to track down the original purchaser of the action from the serial number. Sorry to say that I have no idea of what costs might be involved, nor of FN's willingness to oblige.
