I need someone with more Sako knowledge than myself to help me out here. I have a nice Sako Riihamaki in .222 with a 4 digit SN, 7304. I want to know what I actually have here. I bought this originally thinking it was an L461 Vixen. The serial number range doesn't bear that out though. The L461's started their numbers at 57001. The L46 and the L469 have the lower number range. Model Change First date First number Last number Last date L46 ja L469 25.09.1946 1 57000 25.09.1962 L461 26.09.1962 57001 134252 27.12.1973 Pics to follow, I need to switch devices to upload them. Is this actually an L46?
Your rifle must be a L-46. It is the first Sako small Mauser action, and most were made in 222 Rem until they were discontinued when the L-461 replaced it in 1961. You own a rare classic.
Sako Rick. Sounds like I'm talking to the right person! Thanks for the reply, I'll update my notes on it.
According to my SN list on the L-46, your rifle was manufactured in 1951. SN 7939 hang tag reported a date of 11-29-51. The oldest rifle ever reported was 4621 with a hang tag of 8-13-49.
Wow, just seeing your post Dutch. Nice little rifle sir... Glad sakorick has some history info for it too.
I've been told that our Biathlon Olympic team used the Sako L-46 for several years. Dutch, could you please take a good photo of the Butt Plate?
Excellent data. Thanks a lot! I'll get one tonight after work. If you want any other pics let me know. The pictures in the original post were just opportunistic shots at the range.
My first (of 2) Sako's was a Forrester .243 bought in Pittsburgh Pa in 1973. It shot as good as I can shoot. (I in. groups from either 100 gr Remington or Winchester) This from a lousy bench @ 100 yds. It is one of only two guns I regret having sold. My current Sako is a 308 from 1997. The following year Sako made perhaps their only folly by coming out with the key lock.....jeez. Like having a safe with a 60 figure combination. I have often wondered who the first guy was to drive a long distance to his hunting are and not have his key, and exactly what he said when he realized it. They are all accurate rifles and someone should think twice before dealing them off.
