Greetings from the Pacific Northwest ...

[Michael Willis]

... where it's still raining. Fortunately I grew up here in and around the Olympic National Forest, a rain forest, so it doesn't bother me much. I am not yet a Sako owner. I am, however, interested in becoming one so thought the best way is to hang out a bit on an interest-group site to see what's real. I look forward to browsing through and learning what I can. Thanks all for sharing your thoughts.

Michael

Not mine but a Finnbear L61R in which I'm interested.

 

[marlin92]

Welcome Mike - from the one picture you show the things that jump out are the stock is an after market and look at the scope bases to see if someone has drilled and tapped holes in the top of the integral bases on the rifle. Also check the barrel to ensure it is original as it should have SAKO and the caliber stamped on the top of it where it meets the receiver in front of the bolt, also should have Made in Finland stamped along the wood on the left side. All of these will affect the value somewhat.
But as we all say the value os an item is what someone is willing to pay for it, so depending on price and what the reason is for purchasing it - the value may be there to you.

 

[Michael Willis]

Welcome Mike - from the one picture you show the things that jump out are the stock is an after market and look at the scope bases to see if someone has drilled and tapped holes in the top of the integral bases on the rifle. Also check the barrel to ensure it is original as it should have SAKO and the caliber stamped on the top of it where it meets the receiver in front of the bolt, also should have Made in Finland stamped along the wood on the left side. All of these will affect the value somewhat.
But as we all say the value os an item is what someone is willing to pay for it, so depending on price and what the reason is for purchasing it - the value may be there to you.

Thanks for the pointers. The barrel does have 'FINNBEAR Made in Finland' stamped on it as you indicate but as yet I haven't been able to determine caliber. I already load for most L61R factory offerings so it can only add to my die collection if its one I don't yet have. To my mind's eye this is functional art that just happens to be able, in most cases, to put a projectile exactly where I want.

 

[marlin92]

Mike - you are welcome - as I said if it is what you want and the price is suitable to you then by all means purchase it. Strange you don't see the caliber stamped on top of the barrel just below the front ring base. The barrel should definitely have the caliber stamped on it

 

[Michael Willis]

Mike - you are welcome - as I said if it is what you want and the price is suitable to you then by all means purchase it. Strange you don't see the caliber stamped on top of the barrel just below the front ring base. The barrel should definitely have the caliber stamped on it

It probably does but the available pictures do not show it nor does the accompanying description list it. They do show the model and serial numbers but not the caliber. Strange. I've requested additional information.

 

[ricksengines]

I knew that I saw that rifle somewhere in my travels. It is on Proxibid as we speak. One thing about the auctions there you can usually get to speak with someone that is familiar with the piece. Call the house that has it and they are usually very cooperative when it comes to providing details. Careful on the bidding you have to keep in mind the buyers premium which can run as high as 25%. Look before you leap. Don't forget to factor in shipping when bidding. People some times get carried away.

rick

 

[Michael Willis]

I knew that I saw that rifle somewhere in my travels. It is on Proxibid as we speak. One thing about the auctions there you can usually get to speak with someone that is familiar with the piece. Call the house that has it and they are usually very cooperative when it comes to providing details. Careful on the bidding you have to keep in mind the buyers premium which can run as high as 25%. Look before you leap. Don't forget to factor in shipping when bidding. People some times get carried away.

rick

Good advice, thanks. Yes, I'm very experienced and this is a local company I do business with regularly. So while there is the auction premium to factor in there's no FFL fee or shipping costs. While I'll be competitive I think my chances are less than 50% of coming away a winner. I'm disciplined and only use pre-bids to avoid getting caught up in the action. Plus there are other candidates.

- Michael

 

[Coyote Down]

Micheal,
Very happy to find another Washingtonin(sp?) on board. My home town is Seattle . Things have changed alot since the 50's.
Nice rig. Keep us posted on the progress. Caliber and serial number?

 

[Michael Willis]

Micheal,
Very happy to find another Washingtonin(sp?) on board. My home town is Seattle . Things have changed alot since the 50's.
Nice rig. Keep us posted on the progress. Caliber and serial number?

I'm another Washingtonian born in Aberdeen, growing up in the woods a couple miles outside Hoquiam, plying the rivers in a variety of small craft in search of ducks and fish. During duck season I'd motor up to the headwaters easing around corners with one hand on the tiller and a single-barrel Stevens 12-gauge shouldered and ready. Fired one-handed if ducks began to rise. For reasons unknown my father never hunted deer and while I love target shooting with a variety of rifles I never got the bug either.

Then I got an education and wound up in computers and networking. Work, work, work. Retired and now living in south Everett.

I'm still waiting on caliber information. I do know they've had some personnel issues and have been less than responsive as of late. As indicated earlier caliber is really a non-issue for me. Either I already load it or have an opportunity to acquire another set of dies. The serial number is 523450.