L61R Finnbear 270 Win

[Southern Lights]

I picked up a Sako AV in 7mm Rem Mag recently. It was made in the late 80s it appears. I liked the rifle so much that I kept an eye out and picked on up in 270 Win this week so I have the power spectrum covered.

This L61R rifle has serial number 28xxx and appears to have not been shot much. I'm guessing early 1960s but maybe someone can give better advice?

It had a couple minor spots of rust on the recoil cross bolt which I'll take care of. Other than that the rifle is clean and my borescope showed it to be defect free and extremely sharp. The recoil pad has the typical safe storage damage, but it is still functional and not dry rotted. I will leave it alone and use it as is.

It has the three lug bolt which cycles smoothly and the trigger breaks crisply.

It has the iron sights which I really wanted on the rifle. But the iron sights appear to be more than just a simple affair, they are fully adjustable out to 500 meters. I love shooting irons so it should be good fun to get it sighted in. It has the sight hood, but I'll pull this off for hunting use because it seems like it will get easily lost when in the bush.

I am going to put a Leupold VX6 2-12 scope on this and use it as my primary hunting rifle. I already own a Winchester in stainless, but I wanted to return to wood and blued steel in a Sako. Now I have a classic Sako to take with me on hunts.

The finish on my new/old Sako is spectacular when compared to what I've seen on other rifles.

 

[deergoose]

Probably 1968 or so. I love the rear site. You don't see many rifles with the elevated rear site on it.

DeerGoose

 

[Southern Lights]

Finally got a Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 scope mounted with Optilock rings. I'll put on a sling and be ready for the hunt.

 

[deergoose]

That's a fine looking Sako rifle and I'm envious. Here's why: first off, finding a good clean sporter in .270 can be a real challenge, and most of them were hunted. You've got the cool rear site on it, AND it's a Bofors rifle that's lacking the black plastic grip cap. Hard combination to find, I do believe.

Super nice Sako, congrats on your find !, and thanks for sharing.

DeerGoose

 

[Southern Lights]

Thanks for the comments. The rifle is in great condition. I almost feel bad that I'm going to hunt with it.

I'm not looking to modify the rifle, but I would like to have sling studs instead of the fixed sling swivels that are affixed.

Is there a front sling stud that will work with the nut attachment that is holding on the front swivel? Meaning that the front is very well attached with a custom made swivel with flattened sides to prevent it from turning. Is there a sling stud that has the same threads I can just swap out?

 

[Woodsman]

That's beautiful!.. I just picked up its twin only in a 30-06 ser #27xxx. I'm looking to add a scope to mine, what height optilock rings did you use? How does it shoot? Is the stock free floated?

Thank you.

 

[Southern Lights]

That's beautiful!.. I just picked up its twin only in a 30-06 ser #27xxx. I'm looking to add a scope to mine, what height optilock rings did you use? How does it shoot? Is the stock free floated?

Thank you.

I have only sighted it in and have not had any time to really put some rounds down it. I used the low optilock rings which is the lowest they make. The scope could go a little lower and still clear the barrel. The rifle shoots OK, but I have not really tested many types of ammo through it.

As for free floating, these rifles are not made for free floating and I am going to leave it as the designers intended.

 

[Woodsman]

I was just curious if the stock was in its original condition. Mine also has slight upward pressure. I haven't shot it yet but I have no reason to alter it either, I agree with you that the designers had good reason. Those Optilocks look nice. Good day.

 

[SakoTom]

Rather late to these posts, sorry for that. I to have an early L61R Finnbear in .270 Win. It has a four digit S/N and I've traced it to 1963. It's in excellent condition and is as accurate as any big game rifle I could hope to shoot. Mine has a front sight, but no evidence of a rear sight at all. Scope is an older Redfield Tracker 3x9. I couldn't possibly ask for a better rifle than this. I'll post pictures as soon as I can. Good to be back to this forum.

 

[paulsonconstruction]

Rather late to these posts, sorry for that. I to have an early L61R Finnbear in .270 Win. It has a four digit S/N and I've traced it to 1963. It's in excellent condition and is as accurate as any big game rifle I could hope to shoot. Mine has a front sight, but no evidence of a rear sight at all. Scope is an older Redfield Tracker 3x9. I couldn't possibly ask for a better rifle than this. I'll post pictures as soon as I can. Good to be back to this forum.

L61R's bound for the United States market came without a rear sight, unlike most sold in Europe. A rear peep sight that attached to the rear action dovetail was available if one wanted the open sight option. The front sight left the factory with a hood.

 

[SakoTom]

Correct. I removed the hood and blade so I wouldn't see them thru the scope.
Since I stopped hunting deer, elk and pronghorn I've traded away a few rifles for shotguns[my newest kick!] But, that Sako is going nowhere, along with my Ruger No.1B and Mod 94. Really like that Finnbear.