I know this is dated for chiming in, but this is for Murphy who knows his Sakos. I don't understand your statement about the S/N doesn't add up with the model? Care to explain? The were considered by many to be among the very best of their type at one time. They are a little heavy by today's standards but very well made guns of blued steel and walnut. They are still very good working rifles and very accurate in the hands of a good rifleman. Some do sell for considerably more, however.
![sako finnbear l61 in 22-06 sako finnbear l61 in 22-06](https://images.gunsinternational.com/listings_sub/acc_323/gi_100508174/100508174_323_AE80DCC34C4A9D6C.jpg)
You will see some for sale for more than that but selling and buying are two different things. In nice looking condition, and of course sound mechanically it is worth top dollar of about $800. If you can find an importers stamp it will say Firearms International, Wash. They are not any better than those made ten or fifteen years later and in fact have a couple of issues from a functional standpoint, but some collectors prefer (pay more money for) the pre Garcia guns. Garcia was the importer for a while and for some odd reason, no legitimate reason, the "pre-Garcia" dates are more desirable guns in the SAKO market place. This rifle was made in the "pre-Garcia" date range. The mid length action (L57, L579R) for 243, 308, etc is called a Forrester and the short action (L46, L461, L49) for the 222 Rem, 223 Rem., etc. The name Finnbear refers to the 30-06 length rifles.
![sako finnbear l61 in 22-06 sako finnbear l61 in 22-06](https://s3.amazonaws.com/mgm-content/sites/armslist/uploads/posts/2020/01/17/11048750_06_sako_finnbear_l61r_25_06_w_leu_640.jpg)
#Sako finnbear l61 in 22 06 serial number
I cannot pin down exactly as I just have a general run of numbers for the L61R from 1962 until 1973, which was serial number 90,xxx. The 31,267 serial number puts the manufacture of the L61 R rifle at about 1965 time frame. (The L61 refers to the year 1961 for the design.) Before that time they made very nice rifles on FN made Mauser actions for that length cartridge. I know a little about SAKO rifles, having owned a few and studied several more.The L61 R was their first 30-06 length action and began about 1962.