Pre-Garcia Sako Finnbear L61R Deluxe 7mm Remington Magnum Bolt Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,211.00
WOA#: WY240408JT004
Make: Sako
Model: Finnbear L61R Deluxe
Serial Number: 23245
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1963-1967
Caliber: 7mm Remington Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Hinged Floorplate Internal Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “FINNBEAR” and “MADE IN FINLAND”. The top of the barrel is marked “SAKO / 7MM REM. MAG.” along with two finnish proof marks. The right of the barrel is marked “Bofors Steel” with a “B” and arrow logo to each side. The left side of the receiver is marked “L61r”, with the serial number, “No. 23245” and with two proof markings. The bottom of the bolt handle is hand scribed “23245”. The bottom metal has silver-inlaid floral engraving with a “Sakolope” on the floorplate.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The top of the receiver has integral bases for mounting a rear sight or optic. There is no rear sight or optic installed or included.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is one-piece skip-line checkered walnut with dark wood nose and grip caps, light wood “bear” inlay on the grip cap, monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, ventilated brown rubber Sako recoil pad, and sling studs front and rear. The stock has a few scattered minor marks, a couple of more notable compressions on the right toward the rear, and some light marks on the cheekpiece. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The plate has scattered light wear and has hardened some with age. Overall, the stock is in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some spots of minor oxidation on the bolt. The action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Sako first started making rifles with FN Mauser actions in 1946, and finally settled on 3 different length actions that changed designations over the years. The L61R long action was introduced in 1961 and was replaced in 1978 by the AIII then later changed to the AV. This rifle is a pre-garcia L61R Finnbear Deluxe chambered for 7mm Remington Magnum. There are some manufacturers that come around every once in a while and stun with their build quality, Sako has always carried that distinction. The 7mm Rem. Mag. gained popularity especially in elk hunting (wapiti), where the caliber qualities were successfully demonstrated. A good velocity in open terrain for longer distances and good penetration of heavy 7 mm (.284″) bullets were the combination that attracted the hunters of this large, prestigious and very tenacious game. If you’re looking for a new hunting rifle, you can’t do much better than this. As a pre-Garcia in Fine condition, it should also interest the Sako collectors Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
