Sako L61R Finnbear 30-06

Late-Bloomer

I just purchased a Sako L61R Finnbear 30-06 "Pre-Garcia" with 3 locking lugs...was told probably manufactured in 1968 based on Ser.#

Could anyone provide any info on this model rifle?

Pros and cons?

Thanks![:D]

RCrosby

LB,
You've got a fine rifle; one of the best.
SakoCollectors.com (I think that's the correct address) is loaded with great people who eat, drink and breath Sako's and will give you all kinds of info.
Good luck, and congratulations!

greeker375

Here's the address for the Sako group. Join us now that you own the very best. I have an L61 73XXX serial range, made about 1971-72, in '06 cal and one in 375 H&H and both are tack drivers. Enjoy them!

http://groups.msn.com/SakoCollectorsClub

wwg55

I have a L61R SE#50xxxx any idea when built

Late-Bloomer

Thanks gents for the info and I will definitely check out that link...[:D]

22hipower

wwg55,

I have one in 270 serial #49xxx which I think was made in the mid '60s. Sako introduced the 61R in '61 I think so mid 60s should be about right for that serial number range.

wwg55

thanks 22

nononsense

Late-Bloomer,

If you have 3-lugs on your L61R, you don't have an L61R. The L61R's that I have and have seen or worked on only have two lugs and the guide rib. Here's some additional information:

Sako L-61

"More commonly known as the Finnbear, this rifle was designed after a request from North American hunters for rifles of more power. Changes were made in the bolt and chamber to allow larger cartridges of greater power, but the L-61 is basically a large L-46. There are several variants, as with other such Sako rifles; the base L-61; the L-61 Carbine (1st pattern), with a shorter barrel and full-length stock; the L-61 Model 72, an update with a feature to prevent the bolt from over-rotating; the L-61 Model 74, a further update firing a different mix of calibers; the L-61 Model 74 Varmint, a heavy-barreled version firing only .25-06; The L-61 Carbines (2nd and 3rd patterns), with even shorter barrels and restricted to two calibers; the L-61 Carbine Magnum, a short magnum rifle; the L-61 Classic, with better finishes and somewhat short barrels; The Fiberclass Sporter, with a black or grey fiberglass stock; the Handy, a half-stocked carbine firing a somewhat different mix of calibers than the Carbines (also comes in a Handy Fiber version, with a fiberglass stock); The Heavy Barrel rifle; The Standard Sporter, later known as the Hunter; the Lightweight and Lightweight Magnum rifles, with lighter barrels and lighter woods in the stock; the Long-Range Hunter, with a long, fluted barrel for extended range; the L-61 Magnum, chambered in a large amount of magnum cartridges; the Safari, a short, heavy rifle; and the Finnsport 2700, a long, but rather plain version. Most of these rifles also come in deluxe versions."

Best.

Late-Bloomer

Thanks Nononsense for the info...

Someone told me it was a "pre-Garcia" and those were the ones made with the three-bolt lug...

I'll do some more research and see if I can find out some more, along with all the great info you posted...

Happy New Year my friend!!!

Mike Fink

Late-Bloomer and nononsense- The third lug on the L61R is located behind the bolt guide, just in front of the top of the bolt handle. Some of the early Garcias had 3 lugs until the supply ran out after the changes were made to go to 2 lugs only. Serial numbers based on specific calibers are the best way to tell what year the recievers were stamped and the importers names are etched under the barrel in front of the forend. On the side of the barrel in front of the reciever on mannlichers. All of the L61R Sakos prior to Garcia had three lugs.-Respectfully, Mike

nononsense

Mike Fink,

Thanks! It's always nice to resolve the fine points.

Best.