Sako · Rifle
Sako Finnbear
Bolt action · .30-06 Springfield · introduced 1961
Also known as Sako L61R Finnbear, L61R, Finnbear Deluxe
About the Sako Finnbear
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.
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.
Sako Finnbear specifications
General
- Type
- Rifle
- Action
- Bolt action
- Firing mechanism
- Hammer-fired
- Trigger
- Single stage
- Calibres
- .30-06 Springfield
- Magazine capacity
- 4 rounds
- Magazine
- Fixed box
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 610 mm (24.0 in)
- Overall length
- 1120 mm (44.1 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 3.40 kg (7.50 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling twist
- 1:10 in (254 mm)
- Rifling
- Right hand
- Grooves
- 4
Materials
- Barrel
- Steel
- Receiver / frame
- Steel
- Stock
- Walnut
- Finish
- blued
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 880 m/s (2887 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 4515 J (3330 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 500 m
History
- Introduced
- 1961
- Discontinued
- 1978
- Production status
- Discontinued
- Country of origin
- FI
- Designer
- Sako
Features
- Long action
- Push feed bolt
- Mauser style ejector
- Hinged floorplate
- Checkered walnut stock
- Monte carlo stock
Safety
- Manual safety
- Bolt lock
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.
Similar models
Aero Precision SOLUS Hunter
Bolt action · 6.5mm Creedmoor
Anschütz 1827 Fortner
Bolt action · .22 Long Rifle
Benelli Lupo
Bolt action · .308 Winchester
Benelli BE.S.T. Lupo
Bolt action · .308 Winchester
Benelli BE.S.T. Lupo Camo
Bolt action · .308 Winchester
Benelli BE.S.T. Lupo Walnut
Bolt action · .308 Winchester
Benelli Lupo Cerakote
Bolt action · .308 Winchester
Benelli Lupo Charred Timber
Bolt action · 6.5mm Creedmoor