Make: Sako, in Riihimaki

Model: L461 Vixen

Serial Number: 85970 (serial matching bolt)

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1965 / ATF Classification: C&R

Caliber/Gauge: .222 Remington Magnum

Action Type: Bolt action, hinged floorplate

Barrel Length: 22" (M. Lambert barrel)

Sights/Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. A Leupold 7.5 power scope is mounted atop the receiver. The glass is clear and the scope rates in Very Good condition.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is one piece checkered wood with a cheek piece, straight comb, semi-pistol grip, capped forend, Pachmayr sling ring mounts at the front and rear, and a checkered metal buttplate. The buttplate shows light oxidation spots. The furniture shows a few light pressure dings and drag lines. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13.75" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks in the wood. The furniture rates in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original to the respective components

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp with light fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The only blemishes in the finish are the previously mentioned oxidation spots on the buttplate. The screw heads are unmarred and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Scope

Our Assessment: The Sako L461 Vixen was introduced in the early 1960s as Sako’s improved short action for small-caliber sporting cartridges. The L461 replaced the earlier L46/L469-pattern actions. This rifle retains its serial-matching bolt but has been fitted with a 22" M. Lambert-marked barrel. M. Lambert-marked barrels are also documented on other custom rifles built around Sako L461 actions. The rifle is topped with a fixed 7.5-power Leupold scope and otherwise retains the handsome traditional sporting configuration associated with these early Vixens.

This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish, with the only notable metal blemishes being light oxidation spotting on the checkered buttplate. The checkered wood furniture remains in Fine condition with only a few light pressure dings and drag lines, well-defined checkering, and no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and only light fouling, with no erosion, rating 9.5/10. The Leupold 7.5-power scope has clear glass and rates in Very Good condition. The action functions correctly and the markings remain clear and complete. Overall, this is a Fine-condition early Sako L461 Vixen built on a desirable mid-1960s action and chambered in the comparatively uncommon .222 Remington Magnum. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!