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Differences between L61R and "A" series

Sako Collectors Club Discussion Forum

counselor

Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2010
Messages
22
Location
Prescott, Arizona
I have a Finnbear Deluxe L61R in .270. What is the difference between it and a "A" series model? My L61R was purchased new in 1978 and has the squared forearm, the "A" series seems to have a rounded forearm. Any other differences I should know about? If I am looking to replace the stock on my Finnbear Deluxe L61R by purchasing a "A" series rifle or stock, which version (AIII, AIV, AV) do I need? Thanks in advance for comments.
 
Counselor -

If your rifle was purchased in '78 you should know it was made fairly close to the A-series transition, which was mid-year for the L-61s. As such, it could show some characteristics of either era. Possible for it to have either the open or shrouded bolt, as well as the stock contours noted. I believe Sako lists the first AIII as s/n 530538, but there are examples of each era misplaced on either side of that line.

I imagine any Garcia-era stock would fit your barreled action nicely, as well as any AIII, or even an early AV, before they went to the longer rear tang. Best luck, Dick
 
Actually, I seem to come across more A-series guns with the square forearm than the rounded one. To my knowledge, all A-III's were square, and only the later A-V's were rounded. The rounded forearem guns are usually found with a shorter 22.5" barrel.

As Hayseed says, any L-61R or A-III stock will fit your gun. An A-V stock will have an excessively long recess cut for the tang, but I've seen those adapted to short tang actions by simply putting some appropriately stained wood filler behind the shorter tang.
 
Thanks for the inputs. Any additional info is appreciated. Is there some resource (book?) that I can go to for additional information? Thanks Bob
 
The action length, as far as what cals they will accept, and C to C between the guard screws is the same for all - L-61, AIII, and AV. The later AVs have more metal, or tang extending rearward from the rear guard screw. The rest of the inletting should be very close. Wookie put up a photo of the short tang receiver sitting in a long tang stock, if you want to do some searching. Dick
 
So a stock for a 7mm mag or a 300 Win mag would also fit the receiver for my .270? Also, the rear of the bolt on my .270 is angled; I see others are perpendicular. Why the difference? Would a stock from the perpendicular bolt setup still fit my angled bolt/receiver? Thanks.
 
The stock inletting for both the L61R and A-III are identical, despite small differences in the bolt shroud and perhaps the shape of the bolt handle. The bedding for both actions is identical to the A-V except that the A-V has a longer tang (the metal where the rear action screw seats just behind the bolt). An L61-R or A-III stock can be adapted to the A-V by inletting a bit of wood for the longer tang; A stock for an A-V can be adapted to the L61R or A-III by filling (or not, I suppose) the extra inletting for the longer A-V tang. Stocks for all calibers are identical.
 
Thanks very much for the information. My concern was buying a 7mm mag, for example, or a .300 Win Mag, to acquire the stock, but then find the stock does not fit my .270. Thanks, Bob
 

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