Sako Finnbear
SAKO / VKT / Tikkakoski · Rifle · Discontinued · 1961
Also known as: Sako L61R Finnbear, L61R, Finnbear Deluxe
Overview
The Sako Finnbear is a Finnish bolt-action hunting rifle built on Sako's long L61R action, introduced in 1961 for full-length cartridges. Renowned for its smooth push-feed bolt with a Mauser-style ejector, fine accuracy, and finely figured checkered walnut stock, it became one of the most respected European sporting rifles of the 1960s and 1970s. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield among other long cartridges, the L61R action was succeeded by the AIII in 1978.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1120 mm (44.09") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 880 m/s (2887 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 4515 J (3330 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .30-06 Springfield · primary — also known as 30-06, .30-06 Sprg, 7.62x63mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Bolt Lock
- Features: Long Action, Push Feed Bolt, Mauser Style Ejector, Hinged Floorplate, Checkered Walnut Stock, Monte Carlo Stock
Service history
Operators
- Civilian hunters and sport shooters
Production
Production years: 1961-1978
L61R Finnbear produced from 1961 until replaced by the AIII action in 1978
Origin
Country of origin: Finland
Designer: Sako
Discontinued: 1978
Notes
The L61R 'long' action was offered alongside Sako's medium (L579) and short (L46/L461) actions. Finnbear rifles were commonly fitted with 22 to 24.5 inch barrels and a four-round internal magazine with hinged floorplate. Pre-Garcia and Garcia-imported examples exist for the US market.
Background
Sako began building sporting rifles on FN Mauser actions in 1946 before developing its own family of three action lengths. The long L61R that powered the Finnbear earned a lasting reputation among hunters as one of the finest production bolt actions ever made.