Finnish Sako Riihimaki L46 .222 Rem. 24″ Bolt Action Rifle, 1950’s-60’s C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,528.00
LSB#: LSB260502BD008
Make: Sako; Finland.
Model: Riihimaki L46
Serial Number: 25848
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1950’s – 1960’s / C&R Eligible
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 left side of the receiver is marked “SAKO Riihimaki N:o 25848”, along with a couple proof marks. The right side of the receiver is marked “MADE IN FINLAND”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is mounted with 1″ scope rings for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb with cheekpiece, serrated plastic Sako buttplate, a checkered forend and sling studs 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 scratches and compressions scattered throughout. The stock’s finish is intact, the checkering is well defined, and the wood grain is attractive. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Fine to Excellent condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 3rd factory magazine, in Very 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 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with a few minor scratches and dings scattered throughout the barrel and bottom metal, along with light to moderate thinning finish on the bolt from operation. Otherwise, the finish is deep, dark, and intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads on the rifle are sharp, though the screw heads on the scope rings are tooled, but retain serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. 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 scope rings and magazine as mentioned above, along with a spare set of scope rings, 300 rounds of new/unfired Remington .222 Rem. brass, and 92 rounds of fired Winchester .222 Rem. brass. Also included is a plastic bore guide, for cleaning the rifle from the breech.
Our Assessment: Sako’s Riihimaki L46 is one of the classic Finnish mini action bolt rifles, highly regarded for its smooth operation, compact action, quality machining, and reputation for excellent accuracy in small centerfire cartridges. This C&R-eligible example is chambered in .222 Remington, a historically important varmint and benchrest cartridge known for mild recoil, excellent accuracy potential, and flat-shooting small game and predator hunting. This rifle features a 24″ barrel, detachable 3-round factory magazine, checkered walnut stock with cheekpiece, 1″ scope rings mounted to the receiver, and no provisions for iron sights. The early Sako Riihimaki action, desirable .222 Remington chambering, attractive walnut, excellent bore, included scope rings, and additional brass should appeal to Sako collectors, handloaders, and varmint rifle enthusiasts looking for a refined vintage Finnish sporting rifle.
This rifle rates in Very Good to Fine overall condition, retaining about 95% of its original blued finish. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stock rates in Fine to Excellent condition, showing only light handling wear with a couple minor scratches and compressions, while retaining attractive grain, intact finish, well-defined checkering, tight fit, and no chips or cracks. The metal shows light wear with a few minor scratches and dings on the barrel and bottom metal, along with light to moderate operational thinning on the bolt, while the bluing remains deep, dark, and intact overall. The markings are clear and legible, the rifle’s screw heads are sharp, the scope ring screws are tooled but serviceable, and the action and safety function correctly. This rifle includes the mounted scope rings, one 3-round factory magazine in Very Good condition, a spare set of rings, 300 pieces of new/unfired Remington .222 Remington brass, 92 pieces of fired Winchester .222 Remington brass, and a plastic bore guide. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.