Sako Finnbear AV Deluxe L61R 23″ .280 Remington Bolt Action Rifle, Ca. 1982

SOLD FOR: $1,361.00

WOA#: WY240405JS015
Make: Sako
Model: AV, Finnbear Deluxe (L61R)
Serial Number: 646944
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1982
Caliber: .280 Remington
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Hinged Floorplate Internal Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “CAL..280 REM. MADE IN FINLAND” with a Finnish proof. The left side of the receiver is marked “SAKO AV” with the serial number, “646944” and with a Finnish proof. The bottom of the bolt handle is hand scribed “944”. The floorplate has a “sakolope” silver-inlaid engraving with foliate motif on the trigger guard. The bottom of the barrel has a Stoeger import mark.
Barrel Length: 23”
Sights/Optics: There is no provision for iron sights. The top of the receiver has integral Sako-pattern bases with engraved 1″ rings installed.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is one-piece skip-line checkered walnut with nosecap, capped pistol grip with “finnbear” inlay, monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, orange rubber Sako buttpad and sling swivels front and rear. The stock has a few light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a more notable nick on the right below the receiver. There is a hair-line crack in the top-right of the wrist, extending down and forward through the front of the wrist checkering. There are no chips. The LOP measures 14 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad. The pad has minor wear and has hardened some with age. Overall, the stock is in Very Good 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 95% of its metal finish. The barrel has some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The receiver and bottom metal have only light handling marks. The action shows light operational wear with handling wear on the bolt knob. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good-Fine 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: The installed rings are included.
Our Assessment: The Finnbear L61R, was in production from 1962 to 1979, later redesignated the AV. Sako Finnbear rifles are hefty, known for their fit, finish, and accuracy. They have also held their value very well. This Finnbear deluxe is a beautiful hunting rifle that can be passed down from generation to generation. This example was produced ca. 1982 and is chambered for the .280 Remington cartridge. While this is a great hunting cartridge suitable for longer shots on plains game, it is also a fairly scarce chambering that will be interesting to the Sako collector, especially in a Deluxe model. Please see our photos and good luck!