Finnish Sako L461 Vixen .222 Rem. mag 24″ Bolt Action Rifle & Scope, Box
SOLD FOR: $1,250.00
LSB#: LSB260113JS029
Make: Sako; Finland.
Model: L461 Vixen
Serial Number: 72469
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1961 – 1980’s
Caliber: .222 Remington Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “VIXEN MADE IN FINLAND”. The right side of the barrel is marked “Bofors Steel”. The top of the barrel is marked “SAKO / CAL. .222 MAG.”, along with a series of proof marks. The left side of the receiver is marked “L461 No. 72469”, along with a couple of proof marks.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade, dovetailed to a serrated ramp, screwed to the barrel. There is no rear sight present. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Bushnell Banner 3-9x scope with a fine crosshair reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light wear, with a few light scratches and dings in the scope’s finish. Overall, the scope rates in Very Good condition. The scope is mounted directly to the receiver by 1″ rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, plastic serrated Sako buttplate, and sling rings front and rear. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows light handling wear, with only a couple of minor compressions scattered throughout. The gloss finish on the stock is largely intact, and the wood grain is attractive. There is one small spot on the leading edge of the cheekpiece where there is some minor missing finish. The checkering is well defined. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good to Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling and storage wear, with only minor superficial imperfections scattered throughout. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. The trigger has a crisp and clean break. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with its original serial number matching box, and the scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Sako L461 Vixen is one of the classic small-action sporting rifles produced during Sako’s most respected post-war era, when Finnish craftsmanship, precision machining, and premium materials defined the brand’s reputation worldwide. The L461 action was purpose-built for small-caliber, high-velocity cartridges and quickly earned favor among varmint and precision shooters for its smooth bolt travel, excellent balance, and consistent accuracy. Rifles from this period, particularly those marked “Bofors Steel,” are widely regarded as representing Sako’s golden age of production.
Chambered in .222 Remington Magnum, this rifle reflects a cartridge developed to extend velocity and effective range beyond the standard .222 Remington, making it especially well suited for long-range varmint work. The 24 inch barrel allows the cartridge to realize its ballistic potential, while the factory front sight and optics-ready receiver speak to a transitional period when rifles were increasingly expected to perform with scopes while retaining traditional sighting options. The included Bushnell Banner 3-9x scope complements the rifle’s intended role and maintains a period-appropriate configuration.
This example presents in fine overall condition, retaining nearly all of its original blued finish with only light handling evidence visible. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, the action and trigger remain crisp, and the walnut stock shows attractive grain with minor cosmetic wear consistent with careful use. With its original box and mounted scope included, this Sako L461 Vixen stands as a well-preserved and desirable example of a classic Finnish varmint rifle from Sako’s most celebrated production era. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.
