Sako L461 Vixen Sporter No Import, Blue 23 1/2″ Bolt Action Rifle & Sling, MFD 1967 .223 Rem. C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,025.00
LSB#: 
181226MT01

Make: Sako

Model: L461 Vixen

Serial Number: 72814

Year of Manufacture: 1967 (based on data collected by the now defunct Sako Collector’s Club)

Caliber: .223 Remington

Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Hinged Floorplate Magazine

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “L461 No. 72814” and with 2 proofs. The left side of the barrel is marked “VIXEN MADE IN FINLAND”. The top of the barrel’s chamber is marked “SAKO / cal..223”. The right of the barrel is marked “Bofors Steel”. The underside of the bolt handle is scribed with “792814”. There is no visible import mark.

Barrel Length: 23 1/2″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a hooded, checkered, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The top of the receiver is grooved to accept rings or, presumably, a peep sight. There is no provision on the barrel for a rear sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut with monte-carlo comb, capped pistol grip, serrated black plastic Sako buttplate and sling swivels front and rear. The stock has ony a few scattered light compressions and handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate light wear at the heel and a few scattered light marks with sharp serrations and lettering, in about Very Good-Fine condition. The stock is in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are only a few light handling marks in the barrel, receiver and bottom metal. The bolt body has light operational wear and the bolt handle has a small mark on its shank. The screws are sharp, the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition (see Mechanics).

Mechanics: We found that the magazine spring has light tension when one round is in the magazine and that 5.56 NATO cartridges would not properly chamber. .223 Remington cartridges chambered and fed properly when the magazine was fully loaded but there were occasional problems with the last round in the magazine (the first loaded). Otherwise the action functions correctly. It has a sliding safety mounted on the right rear of the receiver. The trigger is light and crisp. We did not fire this rifle.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the installed leather sling. The sling has verdigris around its brass hardware with scattered light wear and scuffs, in about Very Good condition.

Our Assessment: Sako first started making rifles with FN Mauser actions in 1946, and finally settled on 3 different length actions that changed designations over the years. The L461 is referred to as the Vixen action, the shortest of the three, though just as accurate and smooth as the other two. This one was made between 1962 and 1973, chambered for the common .223 Remington cartridge. Coming in at just over 6lbs., this rifle won’t wear you out if you carry it all day and handles pretty quick. It’d make a great varmint rifle and with advances in modern bullets, it would likely serve well for hog or even deer (especially little California deer). The rifle is in Fine condition with little wear and a great bore, though you may wish to replace the magazine spring as it has light tension on the first round loaded. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This rifle can be transferred in California.

Sako L461 Vixen Sporter No Import, Blue 23 1/2" Bolt Action Rifle & Sling, MFD 1967 .223 Rem.C&R
Sako L461 Vixen Sporter No Import, Blue 23 1/2″
Bolt Action Rifle & Sling, MFD 1967 .223 Rem.C&R