Has anyone used one of these? They came in .308 and .243 and I think there were at least two styles of stock, one is strange with cheekpieces on both sides. Possibly also different magazine capacities - one a 3 shot, the other a 4. Anything anyone can tell me would be much appreciated.

They are one of the finest lever action rifles you will ever have. Really just a bolt rifle with a lever as the bolt rotates in just like a bolt rifle would. The only problem you can have is a spring can get in a bind and mess up if you cycle the rifle like a rocket man! I never saw one that would not shoot lights out. The odd stock one you speak of was set up for left or right hand shooters.
There were four shot mags and three shot mags and no they will not interchange so don't lose the one you have as they are a bear to find now days.
There were a few (very few) done in the Deluxe stock.
I got the Sako factory to make another 350 of these (175 each 243 and 308) in matched numbered sets for the Sako Collectors Assn. in 1982.
They are great rifles.
Enjoy.

Harry - have there been conversions of a Sako Finnwolf to .358 Win, or is such considered as a Sin against the Holy Ghost ?

Carcano

I handled one at the range resently. It wass in 308 and it sure looked good and pointed well. It was light and easy to handle. I liked it. It had an aimpoint. The man who had it bought it because he had lost an eye and had problems with right handed bolts now.

I would have bought it if it was for s
sale. Great gun. He said he hadn't had any problems with it. Ha he shot a 5 shot group on 100m that held the inner 10 on a deer figure. We use electical targets so I saw the group my self. He was sitting on a low chair and use as siple hunting sling. The thing grouped better than my rem with hs stock.

Johan

Johan

Carcano, I have three of them: 243, 308, and 243 converted to 358 win. All of mine are the earlier version with 4 rd mags. Jim Lutes in White Water, Kansas has spare 4 rd mags for about $75. I have not shot the 243 or 308, both new-in-box. However, the 358 win, which was rebarreled with a 22" stainless shilen barrel that will consistently shoot under MOA if I do my part. No mods to the mag that I know of. Just a new barrel.

To my mind, the Finnwolf is probably the best lever action made. The M88 Winchester wishes it was half the rifle the Finnwolf is, especially the post 64 version.

[ 09-06-2003, 21:07: Message edited by: DOCTOR LOU ]

what is the trigger link?? my m88 shoots 1" off bench but the trigger is so bad i/m afraid to use it in the field..

I ran across a pair of these "Winchester 88 wannabees" at a gun show recently. They were both 308 caliber and new-in-box. I believe the owner wanted $2000 for the pair..He let me hold one and it definately had a "foreign feel" to it

Tom,
Re: the trigger on your 88. A good gunsmith with experience with the 88 can tune the trigger and improve the pull. It won't be the equal of a good bolt gun, but it will certainly be good enough to take in the field. My 88 in .308 has taken deer, bear, boar, elk, and moose.

Big K, you're right, the Finnwolf does have a European feel to it. It's kinda' like driving a Mercedes. So if you like the feel of shooting the Ford Pinto of lever Rifles (M-88), more power to ya.

[ 09-18-2003, 07:09: Message edited by: DOCTOR LOU ]

Among several problems of the 88 was the fact that many were not accurate no matter how handy they were to hand. Damn few can complain of the accuracy of any Finnwolf. And yes, I would be willing to put my money where my typing finger is.
The 88 when reworked by Geoff Miller at Rogue River in CA is very accurate but then again...it cost a big wad to get it that way and not all parts will be the original Win. parts when he is done.
If in fact the 88 was such a wonder it would still be around just like the 94 but it was not and is not.
The Finnwolf died due to bad corporate decisions and the expense of manufacturing when compared to making a bolt rifle which will always sell to a larger customer base than a lever.
In both cases...the bean counters won out and the shooters lost out.
It is back to that old saying..."We are not mad...it is just business."

I will agree that the Sako Finnwolf is certainly superior to the similarly-configured Winchester 88. The Sako is a more refined and sophisticated design with a somewhat higher level of workmanship.

But you'll have to admit that the 88 has quite a following. I would submit that it's not around for the same reasons as the Finnwolf -- relatively low sales figures and expense of production -- not because it would not perform. After all, when a .358 chambering will bring $1500 and better and even a lowly .243 will bring two to three times it's last new retail price, there's an obvious demand for this rifle. If it were to be resurected vis-a-vis the Model 12 or Winchester 52, I dare say its sales would be significant. I think the 88 is markedly superior to the BLR, for example.

Friend of mine picked up a Finnwolf in 308 win a couple days back. He got it for $550 CANADIAN!!! Clearly the gun shop had no clue what they had. This is a very fine gun with excellent metal work and good wood.

so after dissasembeling this rifle for a thorough cleaning, I am having some difficulty lining the gears up to properlu operate the bolt, anyone got and suggestions, or possibly pics of what it is supposed to look like?

much appreciated,

tk