Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Another Sako Finnbear question

Was in a shop today and saw a Sako Finnbear for sale. Rifle was in great shape, chambered in 7mm Remington and was stamped Bofers (sp) on the barrel. Action was as slick as could be. Shop was asking $550 but the shop owner said $500 cash.

I have a Sako Hunter and this Finnbear seems like a nicer rifle but I have a couple of questions.

Is $500 good, bad indifferent?
Bofer is a pre 72 I beleive?
Rifle only had a front hooded sight and a recoil pad. Is that normal? Did Sako rifles of this era have pads and if so what does the factory pad look like?

I'm trying to decide if I should drive 3 hours 1 way to look again.

Finnbear was the model name,yes it's pre'72.The factory pad is so difficult to take off,it's likely orginal. Mine is brown ventelated(sp).My Deluxe has rosewood ends and a bear inlay on the grip.Look at the price ofa new M-75,and the 61 is twice the rifle.I'm still kicking myself about leaving the other Sako on the shelf,and it was only $500!

I have paid $400.00 in the past for a new SAKO A series action as the basis for a custom rifle. The rifle you described is well worth $500.00 dollars! Buy it as quickly as you can!

My finnbear has only a front sight. Sako used to make a peep that attached to the dovetail scope mount. The recoil pad on mine is ventilated, but after 40 yrs it's shot and needs to be repalaced. How do you get them off?

Let us know how you make out. It sounds like a good score.

I'm thinking that they are glued. A (good) Gunsmith with a band saw can replace it, I'm sure. I have a newer 75 Hunter that needs a new pad and It will be going to my 'smith so it can be done right. My Finnbear DLX from 1966 had the peep sight on it when I bought it but the pad is still good. I got a steal on it for $700.

SPAD

JDK,
I'll buy it if you don't. Just PM me the phone or address of the shop. I bought a 338 WinMag for $500 earlier this year. It's definitly a steal!

As has already been stated, just go an buy the rifle! $500 is a great deal!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Only a front sight on the barrel is the correct configuration for the Finnbear. The receiever sight did not come with the rifles, but was an extra item. They are fully adjustable for windage and elevation and, on my my rifles at least, shoot very accurately with them installed.

Takes about one minute to slide the scope off and put the sight on.

PM sent.

Ted

I only had one problem with my Finnbear, but it was enough for me to sell it. The bolt throw is very stiff, enough make difficult working the bolt while it's on my shoulder. FWIW.

Jaywalker

Six hours on the road today and that Sako followed my brother home. I have a nice 7mm or it would have been mine. My brother's sako was stolen 5-6 years ago and this is a great replacement.

We thought it was a good deal on a very nice firearm.