Early Pre-Garcia Sako Finnbear L61R .270 Winchester Bolt Rifle, 1962 C&R
SOLD FOR: $976.00
WOA#: WY240408JT002
Make: Sako
Model: Finnbear L61R
Serial Number: 668
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1962
Caliber: .270 Winchester
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 / Cal..270” 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. 668” and with two proof markings. The bottom of the bolt handle is hand scribed “668”.
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. There is no rear sight installed or included. The top of the receiver has integral bases for mounting a rear sight or optic.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with capped pistol grip, monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, ventilated brown rubber Sako recoil pad and sling swivels front and rear. The stock has several scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable marks. 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 pad has hardened some with age but shows little in the way of wear. 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 8 or 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor marks. There are some tiny spots of oxidation on the bolt knob. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Finnbear L61R, was in production from 1962 to 1973 and this is a quite early example with a three-digit serial number. Sako Finnbear rifles are of quite high quality, known for their fit, finish, and accuracy. This Pre-Garcia Finnbear is a beautiful hunting rifle that can be passed down from generation to generation, chambered for the versatile .270 Winchester cartridge that has been taking game in America for a century. This example is in Fine condition with a strong bore and signs of responsible use. As great a hunting rifle as this may be, it is also likely to interest the Sako collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
