Sako Finnbear L61R vs AIII vs AV

jjohnwm said:
Are there AV's in .30-06? I've never noticed that, the Sakos I've looked at always seemed to have the appropriate A-number for the chambering. Is it possible that as Sako neared the end of the A-series production, they perhaps screwed some barrels chambered in extremely popular cartridges like the '06 onto actions that were larger than necessary just to use up the remaining inventory of parts?
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I've found the Sako action sizing to be confusing, but I can confirm that I had a later model (late 80's?) Sako AV Fiberclass in 30-06.
 
Omenator said:
I'm looking for some information regarding the differences between the Sako L61R, AIII & AV.
I found some info stating that the biggest difference came when they went from AIII to AV and made the tang longer. It sounds like the trigger changed and there was a switch to a two part triggerguard as well, but not sure when that happened (later in the AV product cycle I think). As far as I can tell, it was just a name change when going from the L61R to the AIII, but I think the bolt shroud changed sometime around this period as well. I know there was an AIV model made for a bit, but I think that was strictly a Safari in 375 H&H.
Here is one of the links I was using for reference:
http://www.sako.fi/sites/default/files/SakoOldmodelsNumbering

I was originally questioning how Sako could offer the 375 H&H and equal length (3.6" or so COL) magnum cartridges on what I thought was a 30-06 (3.34" or so COL) action, but I saw a statement that all the long actions Sako produced were made with a 3.65" magazine box. Would this be correct and what did they do to keep the 30-06 length cartridges from sliding around?

I've never owned one of these and have only handled a couple for a few minutes, so was hoping you guys could help clarify.
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There is a nice looking Finnbear in 375 on the EE right now if you are serious...
 
The L61R, the AIII, AIV, & AV are all the same Sako long action. The differences are minor & Sako referred to them internally throughout their production as the L61R even if they were stamped AIII, AIV, or AV.

The AIII had the bolt shroud added to the rear of the bolt to deflect any gases/debris that might escape from a pierced primer or case head failure away from the shooter's face.
The AV had the bolt shroud plus a lengthened rear tang ( reason for that is still unknown).
The AIV was chambered only in the "Safari Magnums" & had a "sow belly" stock that allow one more round than the standard L61R, AIII, AV magazine would in the fatter magnum cases.
The L579/AII was for 308, 243 etc medium length cartridges.
The Sako L61R based action has been chambered in almost all of the big magnums from 300 H&H to 375 H&H to 458 Win Mag
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http://www.sakocollectors.com/forum/forums/sako-long-magnum-actions.30/
 
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