Looking for answers!!

[Camp B]

Hello all!

I’m new to this forum. Been scanning through threads and seems like there are many people on here with a lot of knowledge around Sakos!

I inherited my father’s Sako finnbear L61R 30-06 that he bought when he and my mom were stationed in Germany in the early seventies. From the research I’ve done it appears that they were made from 1962-1974?? The serial # is 51203 so I would assume with that higher number that it’s maybe a later, early seventies, model but that’s just my guess. Wondering if any of you have a better idea of that. Also, just curious what the rifle would be worth today. To be as old as it is and as well used as it is it’s still in pretty darn good shape.

Attaching a few pics of it for y’all to take a look at.

Thanks yall!!

 

[Bucktote]

Welcome Camp B,
It looks like your Dad's rifle was not used much and seems to be in good condition, as far as I can see. The checkering looks sharp & the bluing too.
A photo of the bolt face would be nice. There were a lot of 30/06 cal. rifles made & sorry to tell you they do not bring a price that you could take a nice vacation on. How ever, being that it is your dads, I am sure it has personal value to you. I would guess a cash value would be from $1,000. to $1,500. fair market value, That being said is only my opinion & that's only what I see on various gun sale sites. If you are a hunter, you have one of the most versatile calibers ever made & it is suitable for any game in the USA if choosing the right ammo for that game. It probably is an accurate rifle, as Sakos are noted for that. Best of luck! B/T

 

[Camp B]

Bucktote,

Thanks so much for your reply! Your assessment is correct…there is a ton of personal/sentimental value attached to this rifle. It’s the only deer rifle my dad ever owned for as long as I knew him. As a small child I sat next to him in stands as he shot many deer with it and I also shot my first deer with it at 13 years old with him. Probably would take a lot for me to part with it.

The price you estimated is exactly what I’ve been seeing online and I was just looking for some confirmation from others who know more about it than I do. Dont think I’d ever sell it but was just more curious about its monetary value.

Thanks again for your input! Oh, and I’ve attached a photo of the bolt face.

 

[Bucktote]

Bucktote,

Thanks so much for your reply! Your assessment is correct…there is a ton of personal/sentimental value attached to this rifle. It’s the only deer rifle my dad ever owned for as long as I knew him. As a small child I sat next to him in stands as he shot many deer with it and I also shot my first deer with it at 13 years old with him. Probably would take a lot for me to part with it.

The price you estimated is exactly what I’ve been seeing online and I was just looking for some confirmation from others who know more about it than I do. Dont think I’d ever sell it but was just more curious about its monetary value.

Thanks again for your input! Oh, and I’ve attached a photo of the bolt face.

Glad to hear you have a special place in your heart for your Dad and the rifle, but is that a crack I see in the bolt face? check it out. B/T

 

[Camp B]

Glad to hear you have a special place in your heart for your Dad and the rifle, but is that a crack I see in the bolt face? check it out. B/T

It’s not! I saw that too in the photo and took a closer look. It’s just a piece of dust/lint lol

 

[bloorooster]

“Like a hair in a biscuit!”

 

[stonecreek]

From the research I’ve done it appears that they were made from 1962-1974?? The serial # is 51203 so I would assume with that higher number that it’s maybe a later, early seventies

Early seventies is about as good a guess as can be made as to age. Our Club's factory inspection records go to about 48000 for the L61R, stopping sometime in 1972. However, Sako did not assign their serial numbers chronologically, so it is impossible to know exactly when your rifle was produced. Knowing when your father was stationed in Germany would be the best date you could put on the rifle.

Lots of Sakos were purchased by GI's through the base store and recorded as sent there in the Sako shipping records. We have shipping records through about 1977, so if you would like us to research the origin of your rifle go to the "Factory Records" link at the top of this page and order "Level 2" service. If your rifle can't be found your $20 payment will be refunded.

With that serial number it should have a three-lug bolt (two forward and one at the rear just in front of the bolt handle). People often regard this as more desirable; but later two lug bolts were just as strong.