Few months ago missed on one of these w/ FN action, but now same party has one,new in the box, but on Sako action. I would guess the rifle is some 20 years or more in age, very nice appearing wood, blue is fine, still has some grease on bolt, caliber 270 Win. Anyone with experience with this rifle care to give their opinions on the rifle?? Not a 270 fan, but seems to be a good value for the price.
All help appreciated.

Nothing at all wrong with the rifle, except that if I recall correctly, all of the H&Rs had just 22" barrels. I don't care for a barrel this short in a .270, much less the magnum chamberings.

I have one of those in .222- great little rifle. I also have a Sako in .223 and they are identical except for a little difference in the stocks. They are both on the grat little L461 action. I don't know when these rifles were made but it just appears to be an H&R stamped Sako. Maybe someone else can tell us more about them. -nimrod 308

They were good shooting guns. Douglas supplied the barrels and Fajen provided the wood. I see them usually with the FN going for about $600 or so.

Thanks for the replies and curious if one can still source the Sako scope rings/mount for this vintage of rifle?? I have heard a few negative remarks about today's Sako's, but seems like you always hear some negatives about any of them, but have been told the older Sakos displayed more workmanship than current offerings. Should have it within a week or so and will give a report on the rifle. Again, thanks.

I am not sure, but I didn't think the H&R had Sako's integral dovetail bases. I am probably wrong, but the Sako/Brownings didn't. Lou

Hello Dr. Lou,
Now that you have "jarred " my memory, I had one of those Browning/Sako's some years ago and did have some trouble sourcing bases for it. I 'll start the search now. Thanks, and take care.

You have a very much sought-after rifle there!

They are more like 40 years old than 20 I believe, but they are very nice rifles. Sako action, American barrel. Some folks do not care for the stock style, which tended a bit toward the California/Weatherby style, but others found it to be very user-friendly in the field, and the stocking was usually very well done.

Nice find. You are a lucky dog indeed!

My .222 takes the standard Sako dovetail rings.

My H&R Ultra is a .17 Rem built on a L461 with Redfield mounts. I bought it new in 1976. Dovetail rings for the Sako are available from Leupold. Just my $.02.........

Mine was a .22/250 now a 6/284, and the reciever is definately a round top, the dovetails haven't been cut rendering a stiffer reciever.

Checked with Brownells today and they do indeed have Leupold two piece and one piece bases for the "round top" Sako/H&R UltraRifle. One more hurtle jumped!! Appreciate the info.

My 6x45 is on a H&R Sako L-461 actions without integral dovetail bases..It came drilled and tapped from the Sako factory. I installed a set of the old Redfields on it that have only two screws in the split rings....I custom stocked it and installed a Douglas barrel, weighs about 5-3/4 lbs. scoped and will shoot 10 shots into 3/4 inch every time so far....I have had this little jewel for nigh on to 30 or so years. That speaks kudos for it as I don't keep many of them that long..

Took delivery today on the H&R/Sako/Douglas/Fajen rifle in 270 Win. and will say after going over it quite a bit am favorably pleased with the overall fit and finish of the rifle. Is round top, drilled and tapped, chincy open sights though, will remove, good hunting trigger, mirror bright blue on all metal parts-appears to be all steel, no synthetics here-balance is good, seems a bit on the heavy side for a light sporter barrel, but believe due to density of wood, size of action, stamped L61R-SNXXXXX. Stock a bit on the "modern side" for me, but inletting looks very well done and hand checkering well done also. Cross bolt in forward action area is nicely done.
Reportedly rifle has not been fired and appears as new other than a few very tiny dings in the finish near the butt. Not sure what it would cost to duplicate the rifle in today's marketplace, but overall appearance approaches some of the higher priced rifles on the market. Anyone know where to find info to age/date the rifle via serial number??

You need to chat with these folks:

http://groups.msn.com/SakoCollectorsClub/monthlynewslet...ew=0&ID_Message=3066

Hello Alberta Canuck,
Thanks for the information. I checked it out, but had already went direct to Sako's web site and there you will find a heading for "old models" and a complete listing of s/n's and start and end dates per models. My rifle would appear to have been mfg. in either '70 or '71.
First L61R shown to have been made in 1/31/62 and last one made of that particular serial no. range in 12/09/73. You were very close as to age by saying some 40 years in age versus my guess of 20. Wish I could have aged so well as this rifle! Thanks and take care.