Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Mausers and Military Rifles I saw a Sako Finnbear today

on consignment at a LGS. It has an M98 type bolt and receiver marked L61r, full mannlicher stock and is chambered in 7mm Mag. I don't know much about Sakos and a google search brought mixed reviews in regards to accuracy and strength of the action and bolt. I believe that this is an FN made receiver. The poster that complained about the strength of the receiver/bolt had a handload that blew the primer. Overused brass, who knows? I know that the FN made receivers were world class and well made. The price was $795.00, conservatively, the gun is in 95% condition. Opinions please.

WHere are you located?? better yet, where is the gun shop?

L61R are highly regarded as strong accurate, beautiful rifles. Mannlichers are rare, 7mm Rem Mag is not.

Go look at Sako Collector's page. Lots of infor there,
Regardless if you need a 7 mag or not, for that price It'd be home with me..

I've only ever seen one vintage Sako for under $800.

If you want it, don't let Shrapnel know about it....

DF

Have owned two Sako Mannlichers. Still have the pre-Garcia 308 L579 Forester. The early L61R Finnbear 30-06 was a little heavy for my taste and was sold. Doesn’t seem like they command the $’s they once did.

I had one (not a Mannlicher) in 30-06. It was very accurate and a fine rifle. It went down the road due to weight. Sorta heavy for an '06.

DF

Weight doesn't bother me much. My other hunting rifle is an H & R Ultra with a FN Receiver as well. It is a mannlicher and chambered in 30-06. Heavy, yes, but not so for the time when they were made. I go squirrel hunting with a Springfield M1922M2 or a Winchester model 52. Those are heavy, but nice to stare at in the down time.

The rifle was in on consignment. So I figured, what the heck, I'll make an offer. So I told the proprietor I give him $700.00. The seller accepted cash OTD. Can't pick it up until Friday because of this damn virus. Can't wait. I will post pics when I get it.

I passed on one of those for about $700 a few years ago. 30-06. Didn't buy it cause I already ahve a 30-06. Should bought the Sako and sold mine.

That's a decent price for what the condition sounds like. And if you like it, a $50 one or the other doesn't matter. BUY IT!

I am. Picking it up Friday.

Great, I have a minty Forester from the original owner, 1966 year. Mine is in 243, period scope, ammo & a few other items.

Those older guns, in great shape, are much more desirable
( to me) than anything on the new rack at any shop or big box store.

My problem is the rifle choice when time to hunt. It’s usually my 284 Winchester.

Good deal
Put up some pictures when you get it 👍

I think I would buy any old Sako in good condition at a reasonable price.

I was thinking what a great 9.3x62 that overly heavy ‘06 would have made.

DF

i have a couple of old Sakos great old rifles ,my Sako 7 mag was made in 1963 and is a better rifle than any new manufactured rifle.

I couldn't agree more. The first trip to the range yielded 3/4" groups at 100 yards. I was impressed to say the least, especially since I was using factory fodder, 150 Grain Remington Core-Lokts. My home brew should yield better results, hopefully.

Local LGS has one as well, 308 but $1495, like my Sako's but in 308 to much for me. Had a standard stocked one in 6.5X55 very nice rifle other than a bit heavy.

I have a couple of Sako L579 F/S guns. I contacted Jesse at JES about making a 358 Winchester as both were short actions. Would be nice to carry, light and compact. Jesse said they would work with the barrel diam. they have. BUT the steel would leave a rough or checked appearance. I don't think I mind that but never carried through with that. I do have a 7600 and a 9,3X 62 that were rebored from common calibers. All by JES and all good shooters. I have a bore scope but don't care. Good luck with the Sako. Mine have killed numerous whitetail. I would shoot them more if I had feral hogs here. Be Well, Rustyzipper.

I had a Sako Mannlicher collection at one time, a number of deluxe rifles too. I sold them, only have these L-61’s now.

This L-61 is serial number 8, first day of production.

I have a friend who owns a Sako Finnbear Mannlicher in 7 Rem Mag, and a Sako something in 243, heavy barrel-- they are nice!
He bought the Mag in late 60's

I know it kinda looks like it, but the Sako L61r actually does not use a Mauser bolt. Take a look at the bolt face, that rib running alongside on the bolt is not a claw extractor...

Opinion...I would have owned it before it was placed on the counter.

Retired, beautiful rifle, and a great purchase!

There are nice L-61’s on GunBroker from time to time, never had one one that wasn’t accurate.