Sako Model L46 Riihimaki .222 Remington 24” Bolt Action Rifle & Scope C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,425.89
LSB#: LSB250902JM064
Make: Sako; Finland
Model: L46 Riihimaki (L46 Action)
Serial Number: 13402
Year of Manufacture: Circa Mid-1940’s – Early 1960’s
Caliber: .222 Remington
Action Type: Bolt Action, fed by Detachable Magazines
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 13402”, along with a couple proof marks. The right side of the receiver is marked “MADE IN FINLAND”. The bottom of the magazine is marked “.222 REM.”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded black blade, dovetailed to a checkered ramp, screwed to the barrel. There is no rear sight. The receiver is mounted with a Lyman All-American 8x scope with a fine crosshair reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light wear, with a few scattered scratches and dings in the scope’s finish. Overall, the scope rates in Very Good condition. The scope is mounted on the rifle’s dovetailed receiver and sits in 1” rings.
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 buttplate, and sling rings front and rear. The stock shows light wear, with scattered scratches, dings and compressions throughout. The checkering remains 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.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 3rd factory magazine, in Excellent 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 minor wear, with only a few hairline scratches throughout the barrel and minor dings on the trigger guard/bottom metal. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. 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, 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 scope as mentioned above, as well as a plastic hard case.
Our Assessment: Sako’s L46 Riihimäki rifles occupy a special place in the history of postwar sporting arms. They were the company’s very first commercial centerfire bolt actions and quickly earned a reputation for exceptional precision, refined machining, and elegant European styling. Built on Sako’s original micro-action, the L46 was designed specifically for small-bore, high-velocity cartridges, and none proved a better match than the newly introduced .222 Remington. The pairing became legendary. Through the 1950s and 1960s, Sako L46 rifles in .222 Rem. dominated early benchrest competition and established the cartridge as the “triple-deuce”, a standard of accuracy for decades.
This example, with its deep bluing, clean markings, and sharp-checkered walnut stock, reflects the quality of Finnish workmanship from the Riihimäki factory. The rifle retains roughly 98% of its original finish, and the walnut stock is complete with cheekpiece and well-cut checkering, shows only light & honest handling marks. The bore is outstanding, bright and razor-sharp (10/10), a strong indication of careful use and the kind of precision performance these rifles are known for.
The mounted Lyman All-American 8x scope, itself a classic optic from the mid-20th century, complements the rifle perfectly. With clear glass and a fine crosshair reticle, it fits the aesthetic and practical role of a period-correct varmint and accuracy rifle. Mechanically, the action cycles smoothly with Sako’s trademark crisp bolt feel, and the detachable 3-round magazine is in excellent condition.
Altogether, this Sako L46 Riihimäki is a finely preserved example of one of the most influential varmint rifles ever produced. With its early micro-action lineage, pristine bore, and classic optic, it represents both a collectible and a beautifully functional small-bore precision rifle; one that continues to embody the craftsmanship that made Sako world-renowned. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
