Sako Stoeger Model AI Vixen Deluxe .222 Remington 23 1/2″ Bolt Action Rifle

SOLD FOR: $1,525.00

WOA#: WY240405JS009
Make: Sako, Imported by Stoeger
Model: AI Vixen Deluxe
Serial Number: 158544
Year of Manufacture: 1979-1982
Caliber: .222 Remington
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle w/ Hinged Floorplate Internal Magazine
Markings: The bottom of the barrel is marked “IMPORTED BY STOEGER”. The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN FINLAND”, the top is marked “SAKO / Cal..222”. The left side of the receiver is marked “AI 158544” next to Finnish proof marks. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked “544”. The bottom metal is engraved and silver-inlaid with a vixen and a tree.
Barrel Length: 23 1/2”
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver has inegral Sako-pattern mounts with two-piece Redfield bases and 1″ rings installed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is skip-line checkered walnut with a rosewood capped forend and pistol grip, raised Monte Carlo comb with a cheekpiece, sling studs front and rear, and a ventilated brown rubber Sako recoil pad. The grip cap has a white “vixen” inlay. The stock has some light nicks, scuffs and scratches, most on the bottom of the forend. There is a shallow but longer scratch on the right behind the grip. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad. The pad has minor wear and is still fairly supple. Overall, the stock is in Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The re is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the installed bases and rings.
Our Assessment: This is the Sako Vixen Deluxe, originally designated the L461, later the AI. A handy, short-action bolt rifle, this one is chambered for the “triple-deuce”, .222 Remington. While perhaps not as famous today as the .223, the .222 is actually the parent cartridge for its more popular descendent and still appreciated by many varmint hunters. This rifle is in about Excellent condition with some light wear in the stock, but nearly none in the metal. This ought to make for a great small game gun, but would also be a desirable addition for the Sako collector. Please see our photos and good luck!