year of manufacture

Question
I have a Sako L61R 30-06 with serial no. 110xxx. When i look on the Sako website of old models,the serial no's end at aprox 95000 in 1973. When they resume in 1974 they start at 500000. Was my rifle built between these two dates?

Answer
Hello Paul.
  The Sako serial number system has so many irregularities. I have researched Sako many times, and this is the only information I have found of late. The Sako L61R was introduced in 1962, but at the same time, there were older FN long-actions remaining at the factory. I do not know what this may have to do with the manufacture date. One other piece of information is about Garcia import marks. Sako began using Garcia in 1972. If your's is marked on the underside of the barrel, just in front of the forearm, then your Sako was possibly manufactured after 1972, but before 1974.
  I hope this may help, and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage