Sako was tested in several magazines and found the best production rifle “right out of the box”. This small game centerfire rifle became a world success. L-42 was born, and further developed to L46 after the war. Prototypes of sporting rifles were designed and made already in 1930, but actual small caliber hunting rifles designed and made in Riihimki emerged during the 2. Soon facilities in Finland’s capital Helsinki showed to be too small, and Sako was relocated to a small town Riihimki, about 75 km (46 miles) North of Helsinki, in 1927.īesides military rifles, also rifles for competition and hunting were designed. The firearms were mostly old military rifles, needing repair, rebarreling and service. Finland had achieved independence in 1917,and voluntary Civil Guard had an important role in maintaining defence readiness for the young Nation. The company was established to make and maintain the firearms that were used by the men in Finland’s newborn Civil Guard. Original Finnish name for the company was Suojeluskuntain Ase-ja Konepaja Osakeyhti (Firearms and Machine workshop of the Civil Guard).

Competition stocks for sako finnbear