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Identification on Finnbear DeLuxe

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coltchris

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Joined
Aug 17, 2009
Messages
5
Location
NW Michigan, USA
I asked this question several years ago on the old forum, but failed to record & my old mind let the information escape!!! I purchased this Sako LH Finnbear Deluxe in .338 Mag. at an estate auction in 2001 and it is in absolute mint condition. Frankly, so nice I've only fired it a couple times and its sat in the safe every since (only Sako I own). The reason I'm re-asking for info is I've decided to scope it and use it; even if very lightly! The Serial is #631976 and marked AV LH and underside of bolt handle is scribed 976. I presume this is the Garcia era, but I don't know squat about all the all the identifications! My main reason for asking is to get the proper rings; it came with Sako 30mm rings (marked made in Germany!). I may keep these rings and order a new 30mm scope; but would like info to buy new rings if I decide to go 1". For example, I don't believe the new Optilock rings will fit this old action, right? At any rate, any info on the rifle & rings would be greatly appreciated (and written down this time!).
 
coltchris,
Welcome back. I use Optilock bases and rings (30mm) on my L61R's. They work great for me. Sounds like a nice rifle. If you look under the barrel in front of the fore end, you'll find an import marking and that will tell you who imported it. Garcia Sporting Arms, I'd say. Not into those, but Stoeger, maybe. Beretta bought SAKO in late 1999. The 976 on your bolt just confirms it is the original for the action (last three of serial #).
A good place to compare Optilock rings and bases is TJ General Store. You can Google it. They are expensive but have the info.
Hope this helps,
S-A
 
Thanks for the info.; its a Stoeger (never noticed that under barrel marking!). So, I presume you are saying that Optilock ring/bases will work on the AV action? Any idea on year of manufacturer?

Thanks, Galen
 
coltchris,
Yes, the Optilocks will work, you just have to read the charts and know the measurements of your scope of choice to select the correct ones. You can try Leupold, too. They make rings for SAKO rifles. Check their site. I can't speculate on the date of manufacture but maybe mid to late '90's. There are people here who will no doubt see your post and they have the data that can get it close.
Regards,
S-A
 
An A-V would have been somewhere in the mid- to late 1980s.

Any Sako mount from any era will fit your A-V. All of the dovetails were the same -- with one odd exception -- from 1946 until today.

I have Sakos using Leupold, orignal Sako ringmounts, Milletts, and Redfields. All work just fine.

Enjoy your .338. If you do mount a 1" scope with a new set of rings, I'm sure there are plenty of folks here on the forum who would be happy to purchase your 30mm rings. Perhaps you might work out a trade with one of them (I don't need them myself, but I'm certain that several people do.)

When you decide which scope you want to mount, post it here on the forum and we'll try to give you some guidance on the hight of rings you'll need. I like my scopes as low to the bore as practical.
 
stonecreek,
Saved me again! Have you seen anything yet in rings or mounts for the new 34mm tubes? Leupold sells the scopes, but I cant find their dual dove tail with a 34mm ring. Guess I better call them tomorrow and see how they plan to accommodate Sako's.
S-A
 
The only way I would know of currently to mount a 34mm tube would be to use Redfield/Burris bases with 34mm Redfield-type turn in rings. But for the life of me, I can't see why anyone would want to mount such an overpowering scope on a Sako.
 
Thanks, I'll check all of those out. I'm just in the thinking process now. Also, I like the idea of seeing just hair, teeth, and eyeballs, in the scope since my eyes aren't as good as they used to was :bigsmile3:Also, there are "some" SAKO's that can handle an overpowering scope IMO.
S-A
 
Thanks to all of you for your help and information; you've answered all of my questions. Very comforting for a "Sako Newbie" to be able to ask the experts and get such quick responses. Thanks Again!
 
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