Anyone familiar with the Sako Finnbear?

jdschwass

jdschwass

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Heyall,

Was having a chat with my father-inlaw, and he has a rifle sitting around for years, and doesn't shoot it anymore. He asked me if I could sell it for him.

The rifle is a SAKO Finnbear (L61R?), chambered in 375 H&H, and has the full length Manlicher stock. I have not seen it in person, but looking at pictures online, it has me interested.

As I understand it, a friend of his wanted to purchase one, but Sako would not allow him to import just one. So he bought 5 of these rifles, and sold them to various friends, or whoever.

What is a rifle like this worth? I have not seen any posted on here, at least in this configuration. And are they a good shooter/hunting rifle for non-African game? I was thinking about offering him something for it, just to keep it in the family, but I am also not wealthy enough to buy a high dollar rifle, or a high dollar rifle that doesn't meet my needs. I am mostly hunting whitetail and occasional black bear.

It's a less common caliber as well, but I am a hand loader, so I can manage that.

I'd apricate some thoughts. Thanks!
 
A picture would help out a lot, as would a proper model designation. This could be anything from a pre L61 all the way up A3 or an A5. Price is always dependent on configuration and condition.

R.
 
Thanks. I assume that being a manlicher stock, he would have to remove the stock in order to see the barrel markings?
I can see if he would be willing to do that for me. As for pictures, I'd have to also see if he can find someone that knows how to use a digital camera! But I will try...
 
The model number should be on the left side of the action. The calibre designation on the left side of the barrel, or on top of it. No disassembly required!

R.
 
Awesome, I just sent him a note asking to confirm the info, and send a couple of pics if possible. Just looking at generic pictures online, really cool looking rifle. It has been interested anyways. I'll post more info once available.

Thanks.
 
It's considerably more cartridge than you need but it is a nice old classic and will work fine. The rifle is high quality.
 
Still waiting on getting the info on this... sent my FIL an email with the requested info/pics, then I call him to check his email... he has it on his schedule to check his email on Saturday. {forehead slap}

Anxious to get a look at it, I find it pretty cool. I'm a sucker for the full wood military rifles, so a Sako version seems like it fits the bill.
Hoping everyone doesn't tell me it's a $2500 rifle... !
 
No, but it is a high quality rifle and worth a fair bit, in the range of $1500-$1800 minimum without seeing pictures. Older Sakos are preferable to newer models to me but maybe I am a dinosaur?
 
Wonderful rifle. I've owned three Sakos chambered in .375 from that era. They are very well made. If in almost new, excellent condition it could be worth what Mike wrote above. But most sell for about $1200. You should ask for a family discount, take it home, load up some mild loads with cheap Speer 235 gr. bullets and IMR3031 or 4064, and go slay some deer and black bears. I've done that, predict you'll like it. I've owned a full stocked "mannlicher" Sako with the 20" barrel in .30-06. It was the most accurate 30-06 I've ever owned or shot. Of course I stupidly sold it.
 
It would be a great rifle to own..not many made, but were well made. May be a little more than what you may need (or want) for whitetails and the odd black bear.
The Finnbear was the fancier version with nicer wood, and grip caps and forends. Should have the lighter wood shaped bear head in the grip cap if it is a Finnbear (although someone more knowledgeable than I on Sako's may correct me if this isn't accurate).
You see the odd one for sale and they are going for over $2000 and more if they are in decent shape. If you look on sights in the US, they are going for this price and higher in USD, when you can find one. Most that I have seen are/were not of the upgraded Finnbear line though.
The one and only regular stocked Finnbear that I have owned (a RH in 300 Win Mag) was a beautiful used rifle that my father bought for me back in 1987 for $1200.
 
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