Vintage SAKO L461 .22 Hornet Hunting Bolt Action Rifle Mannlicher, Leupold

SOLD FOR: $1136

WOA#: WY230115ED002

Make: Sako

Model: L461

Serial Number: 99684

Year of Manufacture: 1962-1973

Caliber: .22 Hornet (Possibly Rebarreled).

Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Magazine with Hinged Floorplate

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked, “No. 99684” with proofs.  The left side of the scope is marked, “LEUPOLD” and the objective lens is marked, “3X9 YARDS”.  The Eyepiece has patent numbers.  The buttplate is marked, “WASECA HERTER’S MINN.”.  The barrel is marked, “MADE IN FINLAND”.

Barrel Length: 20″

Sights / Optics: The top of the receiver has scope rails.  The rails are mounted with a vintage LEUPOLD 3×9 Rifle Scope.  The sight picture is clear.  The lenses need to be cleaned.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a beautiful vintage Herters Maplewood one-piece mannlicher checkered with a capped traditional pistol grip, capped forend, monte-carlo comb with a cheekpiece, and wood checkered buttplate.  There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is crisp.  The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The pad has some minor wear with some of the peaks dulled on the checkering.  The belly of the stock has a couple impression marks. Overall, the stock is in Fine condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: Internal 5rd magazine.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original Blued with original Herters Stock.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some scuffs on the barrel and trigger guard.  Otherwise, there are only light handling marks and minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. There is some corrosion of the forend cap. Overall, this vintage rifle is in Fine-plus condition. Please see our photos for a better understanding of this rifle’s condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This rifle employs a push feed bolt. The safety is mounted at the back of the bolt on the right side.  We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None. 

Our Assessment: The SAKO L461 is a bolt-action rifle manufactured by SAKO, a Finnish firearms company. It was introduced in 1959 and was in production until the mid-1980s. The L461 was designed as a lightweight and compact rifle that was easy to handle, making it ideal for hunting and sport shooting.

The SAKO L461 was available in several different calibers, including .222 Remington, .223 Remington, .222 Remington Magnum, .243 Winchester, 6mm Remington, .308 Winchester, and .222 Remington Special. The rifle has a detachable box magazine and a three-position safety located on the bolt shroud.

The L461 was renowned for its accuracy and reliability, and it has become a collector’s item among firearm enthusiasts. In fact, the SAKO L461 was the predecessor to the SAKO 85, which is still in production today and is considered one of the best hunting rifles on the market.

The previous owner of this rifle states that this rifle is chambered for .22 Hornet.  It is unknown if SAKO chambered any L461 rifles for .22 Hornet so we think this rifle may have been rebarreled with a Finnish barrel per the markings found on the barrel under the stock.  But anything is possible with SAKO.  Claim this beautiful, unique, and vintage hunting rifle.  Please see our photos, specs below, and good luck on your bid!