finnbear L16R model #92548

Question
My Brother in law passed away and left me his pride and joy Finnbear 300. He was a very maticulus guy so the rife is in perfect condition,I mean not a scratch!!!. It has a recoil stock pad, a Redfield 3x-9x and a Bianchi Cobra Sling. It also is kept nice and snug in a Cap- Lex Big Horn gun case. I never thought I would ever let it go, but times are really tough for me right now, so Im thinking about selling it. How much should I ask for it, or should I tough it out and not part with somthing that was held so dear to my good friend.I would also like to know when the gun was made.(L16R model#92548)  Thanks Jim

Answer
Jim,

It looks like you may have flipped the digits on the model number as I believe you are talking about an L61R. These are pretty special guns.  Sako is the maker and they build really nice rifles.  I can't find any serial number info on the rifle other than they started building them in 1961 and in 1963 the serial number range was about 28,000.  I'd guess you have a gun that was built in the early 1970s.  

The Redfield optics are good quality, but not high end.  You can pick up a brand new Redfield of the type you describe for $250 or so.

All in all, the rifle is probably worth something in the $650-$700 range on the used market.  You might get another $150 for the optic.  Overall, you'd probably get no more than $850 for the package unless someone just fell in love with it and didn't research the value.

Personally, I don't know what your situation is, but to buy something of comparable quality now would cost you at least $1,000.  If it were me, I'd probably hang on to it, but like I said, I don't know how tough things are for you.

I hope this helps you out.  Best of luck getting to better times.

Doug Little