Anyone know what model number the Sako from the early '50s is that had the FN m98 action?

Good question. I'm not sure it had a designated model number. I have only run across a few examples, almost always in .30-06 or .300 H&H. Curiously, more of the examples in .300 H&H I've seen have been rechambered to Weatherby than left original. I guess it had to do with that era.

I have seen these guns referred to erroneously as "Finnbears", but this is almost surely inaccurate as that designation came with the advent of the L61R which replaced the outsourced FN as Sako's long cartridge action.

BTW, rather than the early '50s, I think these FN models were produced from the mid-50's until about 1961 or 1962. The "Blue Book" says 1950-57, but it is notoriously inaccurate and incomplete when it comes to Sakos. Maybe someone with more precise information will chime in here.

In Finnland we call this SAKO-FN model "SAKO Mauser" or "SAKO HIGH POWER". "Finnbear" is different later model.

Shamelessly, I lifted the following quote attributed to a factory representative about the FN Sakos from another forum:

"Sako manufactured these rifles during the period, that we had no long action of our own. The serial numbers started with 100001 , and these were principally made from 1951 to 1960. However, actions remained to factory still after the L61R Sako action was designed and production started in 1962."

I'm sitting here with another of the FN Sako rifles here in my lap. The only markings are on the barrel as "MADE IN FINLAND" on the right side; "SAKO" over "103xxx" the s/n on the left side, and the caliber "8x60" is stamped centered on the barrel just in front of the receiver. It is a certifiable true 8x60mm barrel too, liked and slugged as a 0.318. Why would anyone make a 0.318 bore rifle in the 1950s heaven only knows. The rifle appears identical to a 1950s vintage FN Supreme that sits next to it in the gun case, exept that the SAKO barrel is much of a heavier contour.
LLS

It is a certifiable true 8x60mm barrel too,

Are you really sure of that ? It is very interesting because ARMA FENNICA which is allmost "a bible of Finnish hunting guns", says that all SAKO 8x60s are .323.

If it is really .318, the reason could be that after II World War here in Finland was quite many light .318 bullets to buy who has been made for SUOMI submachinegun.

igorrock, yes, the xxx thing is a O.318. I panicked when I received the rifle because I thought I was getting an 8x60S when I bought it. Slugged the bore, and took a chamber and bore cast too, and doggone, the barrel marking is correct, 0.318. Right now I am even having pressure problems with factory 0.318 bullets from RWS, Norma, and S&B, using N series powders and Norma powders.

Apparently there are a number of these 0.318s out there, because I got quite a rise from subscribers here when I first surfaced this rifle 3-4 years ago online. Seems a number of people have been thru the same problems.

LLS

I mailed to my fellow who has one 8 x 60 SAKO Mauser. He told that he has same problem as you. So we noticed that ARMA FENNICA has incorrect announcement.

What I wrote with SUOMI -submachine gun and .318 bullets is my mismind because the right diameter for its bullets is .357

Thanks, igorrock, misery does loves company. It's sad when you have a nice rifle that is such a pain. My first handloads shot perfectly, perfect velocity, etc., but, I almost had to beat the bolt handle open, a serious pressure sign, yet the brass still mikes correctly and there are no other pressure signs on the cases at all. Definitely a "go figure" situation, so I am still looking for a powder that gives good performance and lower pressure.
LLS

Have never owned a Sako Mauser but have handled them at gun shows. IMO they are exceptionally attractive and well made.

Hi sierra2

There are some differences between 8 x 60 and 8 x 60S shells so maybe it can make the bolt handle stiff. Beside a link where you can see the differences. Measures are in millimeters. Table numbers are 42 and 43.

http://www.intermin.fi/intermin/images.nsf/files/AE5511...DE/$file/TABIcal.pdf