Sako L61R Finnbear
Sako Ltd. · Rifle · Discontinued · 1961
Also known as: Sako Finnbear, L61R
Overview
The Sako L61R Finnbear is a Finnish long-action bolt-action hunting rifle produced by Sako from 1961. Built on the long L61 receiver with a controlled-round-feed action and claw extractor, it was chambered for full-power and magnum cartridges from .243 Winchester up to .375 H&H Magnum. Renowned for its exceptional accuracy and finely finished Finnish birch stocks, the Finnbear became one of Sako's flagship sporting rifles.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3629 g (128.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1143 mm (45.00") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| 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") |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .30-06 Springfield · primary — also known as 30-06, .30-06 Sprg, 7.62x63mm
- .270 Winchester — also known as .270 Win
- .243 Winchester — also known as .243 Win
- .338 Winchester Magnum — also known as .338 Win Mag
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Two Position Wing Safety
- Features: Controlled Round Feed, Claw Extractor, Hinged Floorplate, Long Action, Finnish Birch Stock, Adjustable Trigger
Variants
- Sako L61R Finnbear Deluxe - Upgraded Stock
Production
Production years: 1961-1985
Produced until superseded by the Sako AV in the mid-1980s; exact totals not published
Origin
Country of origin: Finland
Discontinued: 1985
Notes
The 'L61R' designation denotes Sako's long action; the Finnbear name distinguished the long-action sporter from the medium (Forester) and short (Vixen) action models. Standard magazine holds five rounds in standard chamberings and four in belted magnums.
Background
First-year 1961 production skewed heavily toward .30-06 (381 rifles), followed by the then-new .264 Winchester Magnum, reflecting the era's appetite for high-velocity magnum cartridges in a compact, accurate Finnish platform.