Wanting to purchase synthetic stock for L61 R Sako barreled action and have found one, but is there a difference between the A/V L61 R and plain L61 R action?? Mine is older version, approx. '70 vintage and thought they might be the same thing, not sure?? All help appreciated.

Yes, there is a difference. For stock fitment, the AV and L61R aren't interchangable, but the AIII and L 61 R are. The tang on the AIII and L 61R is shorter than the tang on the AV. The AIII is a transition between the the L61 R and AV. The AIII uses the AV shrouded bolt and doesn't have the third locking lug found on the pre 72 L 61 R. Lou

Hello Dr. Lou,
Thanks very much for the info on the Sako's. I am a bit confused yet, for you mention a third lug on the L61 R and can't access mine at this moment, but don't believe it has a third lug??
This particular rifle is one of the old H&R "Ultra Rifles" using an L61 R action w/ Douglas Barrel, Fajen stock(very nice pc. of wood w/ good checkering, rosewood forend tip,grip cap, etc.) near New condition and wanted to put it up and convert to synthetic. I could easily fill the rear tang area on synthetic as long as the overall dimensions of the action are the same, hole spacing, etc??
As you probably know, these rifles were merely a collection of action, barrel, stock sourced by H&R and they then stamped their logo, name on the rifle. I'll double check soon on the thrid lug issue and re post. Again, thanks for the input. "Take care over there"

dsiteman, the L61R, pre 72 (72-78 doesn't have the third lug)bolt has the same two lugs at the front of the bolt as other Sakos, but it also has a half-ass third lug located toward the rear of the bolt where it passes through the rear receiver. It's there as a backup. You won't no it's there unless you look for it.

Does this rifle's receiver have a round top or integrated dove tails? Lou

Dr. Lou, you are correct now that I have looked at it closely. The action is a "round top" version. I had one in a Browning Varmint version several years ago in 243 and foolishly let it go to the "highest bidder." Don't plan on letting this one go and will say that I had a heck of a time finding scope bases for the action. Warne folks helped me out and ended up with rear steel base that is actually designed for the Browning BAR, but the fit is so close you can't tell it. Radius was the issue.
Don't believe the rifle was ever shot until I did so checking for function/accuracy and will say that after studying the trigger adjustment, one of the best I have ever had even on a match rifle. Plan on using the rifle on a day to day basis and want to preserve the wood stock and that is the reason for going with synthetic if I can do so.

I m glad you're happy. I own too many Sakos...if that's possible. I actually bought one last month from a dealer in New Jersey, while living in Afghanistan. The internet doesn't help my addiction. LOL

Check with McMillan and their internet specials. I haven't looked in a while, but they used to have some already made for the AIII/L61R. Lou

An A-V stock will have about 3/16" or so of extra tang space when an L61R is set in it. The extra tang inlet can be filled with wood filler (if a wood stock) or bedding compound if a synthetic stock. The hole spacing as well as the other action dimensions are the same on L61R, A-III, and A-V.

The "round top" L61R was used on the H&R rifles, but no others that I am immediately aware of. The very similar L691 in a round top version was used on Magnum Research rifles. I suspect the contours are the same. Round tops in the shorter (L461, L579) actions were used on some H&R, Brownings, some Colt rifles, and possibly others.

I have a H&R Ultra 300 like yours with a SAKO L61 action. I use it as is but glass bedded because the 300 has a reputation to split stocks. Mine is a steady 1.25" rifle with speer 180 gr. bullets. I also have 2 AIII that are in Brown Precision stocks, which I like better than McMillian. SAKO made AIII & V rifles in McMillian stocks which show up on the interned for $600-700 which is a more cost effective way to get a SAKO in a McMillian stock.