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Unusual L61R 264

Sako Collectors Club Discussion Forum

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douglastwo

Well-Known Member
Here's an unusual 264 Sporter on GI. A rifle with a low (22892) serial number that should have a Bofors stamped barrel, early checkering pattern stock with grip cap, "S" shaped release with square tang and a few other things......yet it comes with an original looking hang tag showing the rifle was inspected October 1973. My vision isn't good, but it looks like the top of the dove tails are smooth and it has several other 1973 features. Unfortunately there is no picture of the left side of the receiver, but I would guess that the receiver is stamped 22892 because it comes with the hang tag. I've looked at hundreds of hang tags and the hand written info matches those I have in my collection. Would Sako have mated a mid 60's receiver with a 1973 barrel, and what about the smooth dove tails. What do you think Stonecreek?

SAKO-FINNBEAR-L61R-264-WIN-MAG_ser 22892.jpg SAKO-264-WIN-MAG-22892 hang tag.jpg
 
Definitely a very low ser number for that configuration D2…🤔
I would expect to see a serial number more in the 50000’s with those attributes .
Never say never…
 
Even the hang tag style fits. That style showing 9 different calibers was made in 1971 for the introduction of the 25-06 in May 71. Prior to 71 the hang tag for the L61 only had 8 calibers.
 
Here’s a great example of what D2 is referring to…


Also numbered in the 22000’s

Looking at the photo on G I of the dovetails leaves me scratching my head (which is nice for a change)
They really do appear to be smooth, which is very strange indeed. Why would they take time to smooth them off from an action that has been ready for assembly for almost 10 years?
 
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Yes Bloo, the GB 270 is exactly what the 264 should look like. I can't believe they would take the time to smooth the top of the dovetails. What would you think if the bolt is a 2 lug AND the action is milled for just 2 lugs. If they just had a picture of the left side of the receiver. If that serial number is accurate, it's definitely mystery rifle. The kind of mystery that could result in the discovery of a Bofors marked 25-06, We now have a 25-06 with a mid 60's serial number. I have been saying not possible until seeing this 25-06. IIRC, I believe the earliest serial number for a 25-06 was thought to be 33333, or thereabout.
 
douglastwo said:
Yes Bloo, the GB 270 is exactly what the 264 should look like. I can't believe they would take the time to smooth the top of the dovetails. What would you think if the bolt is a 2 lug AND the action is milled for just 2 lugs. If they just had a picture of the left side of the receiver. If that serial number is accurate, it's definitely mystery rifle. The kind of mystery that could result in the discovery of a Bofors marked 25-06, We now have a 25-06 with a mid 60's serial number. I have been saying not possible until seeing this 25-06. IIRC, I believe the earliest serial number for a 25-06 was thought to be 33333, or thereabout.
Click to expand...
I find it hard to fathom, for a L61r numbered in the 22k’s to have no safety lug, or at least having the receiver milled for it.
With Sako taking almost a decade of production time between two actions that are numbered in sequence (from what the records show) , it may not be unusual to find early receivers with non-Bofors stamped barrels.BUT .. Finding a Bofors 25/06 is still MUCH within the realm of possibility!

Never say….
 
I've rarely seen this: In the inspection records (which normally stop mid-1972), this one is recorded with exactly the 1973 date shown on the hang tag. There is one other on that page in .338 with a similar 1973 date, plus -- and I've never seen this, either -- several actions-only marked only with a question mark (?) where the date goes. "Never say . . . "

Bottom line, this one is unusual but genuine.
 
Thanks Stone. I'm trying to get a picture of the left side of the action, and one of the bolt showing the lugs. I'll post if they send them. The ad says in orginal box. Makes me think the original purchaser knew he had a rare bird. Just don't see that many NIB 60 or 50, whichever it is, year old Sakos.
 
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