Although the checkering is like the previous better model L61r but later models were Checkered poorly less lines per inch and rushed. They also didn't blue the rifle in the traditional way dark and deep, The photo show all the quality reductions. Later they shorten the bolt to fashion the new 2 lug construction. They also began the two lug bolt tradition in this model as you can see in the picture below the third bolt is not present but the rear of the bolt was not altered to make it a neater look, it all they did was remove the third lug at the rear of they bolt. Blue quality was compromised as only linishing the metal was practiced, they Checkered using less lines per inche in the checkering pattern in some of the manufacturing run but not all producing a mixed bag of results some with good checkering like the one pictured and sometimes even had skip line checkering on sporter models as well as deluxe models which was used to enhance an otherwise compromised production, and used cheap walnut supply and at times nice walnut, I guess there was no consistency, in the beginning sako used what ever they had left over from the bofor produced guns so you can get some good ones among them but generally they were inconsistent and cheapened in many ways. Sako stoped polishing barrels and actions if they weren't using earlier bits as the model 72 was defined by transitional parts and quality reductions. This model was cheapened considerably by sako on request from GARCIA the U.S importer, Garcia want to reduce the store price of sakos as the oil crisis and economic turmoils of the period required them to generate profits by reducing the price of SAKO's which in turn meant Sako reduced the quality of overall gun finish. Trigger pull = crisp 4 ¼” lbs., no creep.
![pre garcia sako finnbear l61r 25-06 pre garcia sako finnbear l61r 25-06](https://i.postimg.cc/zB8VwB6p/IMG_0180.jpg)
There is some minor wear on the blue at the muzzle. The blued metal surfaces are in excellent condition. The receiver has rails and is equipped with 1” Sako"see through" scope rings. There is an open rear sight (see photo) and a hooded blade front sigh (the hood is missing). The action is smooth and clean, very little evidence of use, note the bolt face looks like new (see photo) and the bore is in mint condition. There are some minor handling marks and two minor dings in the finish on the right edge by and just forward of the drop down magazine floor plate (see photo).
![pre garcia sako finnbear l61r 25-06 pre garcia sako finnbear l61r 25-06](https://www.gunsamerica.com/UserImages/5133/949991494/wm_8582087.jpg)
The forearm and pistol grip are beautifully checkered and the pistol grip has a black plastic cap. The European Walnut pistol grip Monte Carlo style stock has a beautiful dark reddish brown finish with a rubber recoil pad.
#Pre garcia sako finnbear l61r 25 06 serial#
The 5 digit serial # in the 66,000 indicates early 1972 - 74 manufacture.