Finnish Sako L461 Vixen 223 Rem 24″ Bolt Action Rifle & Scope 1964-1968 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,124.00
LSB#: LSB251108JT003
Make: Sako; Finland
Model: L461 Vixen
Serial Number: 104534
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1964 -1968
Caliber: .223 Remington
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “SAKO / Cal. .223”. The left side of the barrel is marked “VIXEN – MADE IN FINLAND”, along with a couple of proof marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “Bofors Steel”. The left side of the receiver is marked “L461”, along with the serial number and a couple of proof marks. The floorplate and trigger guard are factory engraved with oak leaf and acorn motifs.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight has been removed, however the ramp and the sight hood are still present on the barrel. There is no rear sight present. The receiver is mounted with a Nikon 3-9×40 scope with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light wear, with a few scattered scratches and dings throughout the scope’s finish. Overall, the scope rates in Good condition. The scope is mounted in 1″ rings. The scope rings are the correct rings to mount to the factory dovetail on the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece skip-line checkered wood stock, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, vented rubber Sako buttpad, a tipped forend, and sling rings front and rear. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows moderate wear, with cracking visible throughout the gloss finish on the stock, along with scattered scratches, dings and compressions. The buttpad is cracking and showing wear as well. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. The checkering is well-defined. There are no structurally compromising chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Fair to Good 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 wear, with one ding on the muzzle, and a couple dings on the trigger guard and floorplate. There is some thinning of the finish on the bolt. The bluing is otherwise deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Good 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 a replacement Sako buttpad, in the same style as the original, along with the scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Sako L461 Vixen represents one of the most refined small-action bolt rifles of the post-war European sporting era, built during a period when Sako established its global reputation for precision machining, smooth actions, and exceptional barrels. Designed specifically around small, high-velocity cartridges, the L461 action is widely regarded as one of the finest platforms ever produced for .222 and .223-class chamberings. The use of Bofors Steel barrels during this period further reinforces the rifle’s standing among collectors and shooters, as these barrels are consistently praised for accuracy and longevity.
This example remains mechanically strong and visually appealing in its metalwork, retaining approximately 98 percent of its original blued finish. The barrel and receiver exhibit deep, even bluing with only minor handling marks, including a small ding at the muzzle and light wear on the bolt and bottom metal. The factory-engraved oak leaf and acorn motifs on the trigger guard and floorplate add a tasteful decorative element that elevates the rifle above standard production Vixen models. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 10 out of 10, which is a significant highlight for both collectors and shooters.
The stock shows honest, period-consistent wear, with cracking present in the gloss finish and visible wear to the original buttpad, both common issues on Sako stocks of this era. Importantly, the wood remains structurally sound, with tight fit to the action and no cracks in the stock itself. The included Nikon 3-9×40 scope and correct Sako dovetail rings add functional value. Overall, this L461 Vixen offers a compelling blend of Finnish craftsmanship, strong bore condition, and collector-grade features, making it an excellent representative example of Sako’s classic small-action sporting rifles. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.