Custom Finnish Sako L46 .222 Rem. 24″ Bolt Action Rifle & Leupold Scope C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,913.99
LSB#: LSB251016KS103
Make: Sako; Finland
Model: L46
Serial Number: 43862
Year of Manufacture: 1946-1962
Caliber: .222 Remington
Action Type: Bolt Action, fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Cal. .222”, along with a couple proof marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “Bofors Steel”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, along with a couple proof marks. The right side of the receiver is marked “MADE IN FINLAND”. The top of the barrel, and all sides of the receiver, bottom metal, trigger guard, and magazine floorplate are engraved with floral scroll engraving. The bolt handle is marked “43862”, which matches the serial number on the receiver.
Barrel Length: 24″, Heavy Contour.
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Leupold 12x scope, with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light handling wear. Overall, the scope rates in Excellent condition. The scope is mounted to the receiver by a two-piece scope mount, and sits in 1″ rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece, Grade IV dark stained, gloss finished, maple stock with a walnut capped pistol grip, fluted monte carlo comb with rollover cheekpiece, vented rubber buttpad, a walnut tipped forend, with ebony diamonds on the right and left sides of the stock, and and ebony diamond on the right side of the buttstock. The LOP measures 14 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows only the most minor of handling wear. The wood grain is tight, bright, and attractive. The stock’s finish is intact throughout. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Excellent condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 3rd factory magazine, in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original (Blued finish is original, the engraving is not original to the firearm).
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 only minor thinning of the finish at the muzzle, and minor operational wear on the bolt. The jeweling on the bolt is still vivid and crisp. The bluing is otherwise deep and dark throughout. The markings and engravings are crisp, detailed, clear, and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but retain serviceable slots. 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 the magazine and the scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: This Finnish Sako L46 represents the early precision-driven ethos that established Sako as one of Europe’s premier small-action rifle makers in the post-war period. Produced during the formative years between 1946 and 1962, the L46 action is widely respected for its compact proportions, smooth bolt travel, and excellent inherent accuracy. This example has been elevated well beyond its factory sporting configuration through extensive, non-factory floral scroll engraving that covers the barrel, receiver, and bottom metal, creating a visually striking custom rifle while retaining the original blued finish beneath. The heavy-contour 24″ barrel marked “Bofors Steel” reflects Sako’s use of high-quality Swedish steel during this era, and the overall metal presentation remains exceptionally strong with crisp markings and vivid bolt jeweling.
The .222 Remington cartridge is historically significant in its own right, having gained a reputation in the 1950s and 1960s as one of the most accurate small-caliber centerfire rounds ever developed, dominating early benchrest competition and varmint shooting alike. Paired with the L46 action, it became one of Sako’s most celebrated combinations. This rifle’s Grade IV maple stock with ebony diamond accents, walnut trim, and Monte Carlo profile further underscores its custom, exhibition-grade intent while remaining structurally excellent and well-fitted to the action. With a bright 10/10 bore, smooth mechanical function, quality Leupold optic, and outstanding overall condition, this rifle stands as a refined custom interpretation of a classic Finnish precision platform that will appeal strongly to collectors of Sako rifles, custom sporting arms, and engraved bolt-action firearms. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.