Sako Model Finnbear Mannlicher Carbine AV, Blue 20” Bolt Action Rifle in Factory Box, MFD 1985-89 NIB

SOLD FOR:$1,580.00
LSB#:
160630KK01

Make: Sako

Model: Finnbear Mannlicher Carbine

Serial Number: 602271

Year of Manufacture: 1985-1989 (http://www.sako.fi/sites/default/files/SakoOldmodelsNumbering.pdf)

Caliber: .375 H&H Magnum

Action Type: Bolt Action with Hinged Floorplate Magazine

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “SAKO AV 602271” and with a proof mark. The left side of the barrel is marked with “SAKO CAL. . 375 H&H MAG. MADE IN FINLAND” and with a proof. The right side of the barrel is marked “IMP’D BY STOEGER INC. N.J.”. The underside of the bolt handle is scribed with “271”.

Barrel Length: The barrel is 20” in length.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded brass bead dovetailed into a finely checkered ramped base screwed to the barrel. There is a “U” notched sliding elevator sight by Williams screwed to the rear portion of the barrel. The sight has a fine adjustment for windage. The top of the receiver is grooved for scope mounts and finely checkered to provide a non-slip surface for the mount.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one piece checkered walnut with an oiled finish, a Monte Carlo comb, cheekpiece and a pistol grip. The buttstock has a solid red recoil pad with black spacer marked “SAKO”. There is a sling swivel stud mounted in the belly of the stock and a sling swivel mounted on the underside of a barrel band at the center of the forend. The forend is full-length and has a blued steel nosecap that surrounds the barrel at the muzzle. There are no handling marks in the stock, and the checkering is sharp and without flaws. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The pad shows no wear but is becoming hard. The stock rates in about ANIB condition.

Type of Finish: The finish is blued.

Finish Originality: All Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There are no signs in the bore or on the front face of the bolt that this rifle was ever fired outside the factory.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99+% of its metal finish. There are no marks in the finish that we could find. The tang screws are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about ANIB condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has a sliding safety mounted on the right rear of the receiver. We did not fire this rifle.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with its original factory box. The box is Styrofoam, fitted for this rifle, with a white cardboard sleeve. The sleeve is marked “FINLAND / SAKO” in blue lettering. One end panel is correctly marked with the make, model, caliber, wood finish, and serial number of this rifle. The Styrofoam is intact and shows no marks other than minor scuff marks from the rear sight. The sleeve shows only minor marks. The box is in about Excellent condition.

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. In 1978 the designation was changed to AIII and in 1981 to AV. This rifle is a Finnbear Mannlicher Carbine with an AV action in .375 H&H Magnum. The barrel is 20” in length, and the rifle has a full-length Mannlicher stock with an oiled finish. The rifle is in AS NEW IN BOX condition. There are no marks in either the stock or the metal surfaces, and there are no marks in the bore or bolt face indicating that this rifle has ever been fired outside the factory. This is a great opportunity for the Sako collector who wanted always wanted a Finnbear in .375 H&H Mag. for his/her collection but never had the opportunity to find one while they were still in production. The .375 H&H cartridge is an excellent choice for long shots on dangerous game such as the large grizzly bears, but this is a fairly light rifle, and if we were going to shoot it, we would seriously consider replacing the 20 year solid recoil pad with one a little softer.

Sako Model Finnbear Mannlicher Carbine AV, Blue 20” Bolt Action Rifle in Factory Box, MFD 1985-89 NIB
Sako Model Finnbear Mannlicher Carbine AV, Blue 20” Bolt Action Rifle in Factory Box, MFD 1985-89 NIB