Short Actions What have I got?

[Fishers Crossing]

Recently purchased a really nice .222 Sako but don’t know how to determine model #. The right action side has “Made in Finland” and Bofors Steel on barrel. The left side has SAKO Riihimaki, N 50 ***, the top of the barrel in front of action has Cal.. and another stamping that is similar to the letter c. There is also a detachable magazine marked “Cal.222”. The Monte Carlo walnut stock is nicely checkered with wide/flat forearm having front and rear sling mounts. The rifle has an inexpensive scope mounted and the previous owner removed the shroud and front sight. The front sight ramp is still attached but there is, of course, not a rear sight. I’m assuming the rear sight was removed for scope base. The bolt handle and receiver have matching serial #. The bluing is 99.9% and stock about the same for scratches or dings. I am new to Sako ownership so any and all information would be welcomed.

 

[Glenn Verrall]

Recently purchased a really nice .222 Sako but don’t know how to determine model #. The right action side has “Made in Finland” and Bofors Steel on barrel. The left side has SAKO Riihimaki, N 50 ***, the top of the barrel in front of action has Cal.. and another stamping that is similar to the letter c. There is also a detachable magazine marked “Cal.222”. The Monte Carlo walnut stock is nicely checkered with wide/flat forearm having front and rear sling mounts. The rifle has an inexpensive scope mounted and the previous owner removed the shroud and front sight. The front sight ramp is still attached but there is, of course, not a rear sight. I’m assuming the rear sight was removed for scope base. The bolt handle and receiver have matching serial #. The bluing is 99.9% and stock about the same for scratches or dings. I am new to Sako ownership so any and all information would be welcomed.

Sounds very much like an L46, you have a lovely rifle that is a delight to shoot. I have one in 222 and it is my go to work gun on the farm down here in Queensland Australia. I think I am on my 5th barrel but I am losing count.

 

[paulsonconstruction]

It is a Model L46, probably from the late 1950's. Yours did not have a rear sight as it could be used with the optional Sako rear peep that attached to the rear action bridge dovetail. Riihimaki is the name of the town the Sako plant is located. Sako didn't stamp most of the L46's with that model designation as for many years it was the only model they made. Your serial number falls within the range the club has factory records for, so you can click on "Factory Records Service" in the black bar on top of this page. Pics would tell us more, especially if the scope was mounted properly in the dovetails or butchered up by a Bubba. "Wide/flat forearm" indicates it could be a Varmint model. Check the forum section on Sako short actions (L46) to learn more. Welcome to our club!

 

[Fishers Crossing]

Thanks for replying. One other question I would like to know if the barrel should float on this rifle? It appears to have been bedded from the factory. I have several other rifles with after market stocks and they all float.
I hope I can upload all pics for your viewing. If you spot anything significant please reply. I’m hopeful I can acquire replacement parts for those missing.
Has a crisp with no creep 2# trigger pull.
Again Thanks for all replies!

 

[Fishers Crossing]

Sorry, I don’t know why it duplicated pictures.

 

[paulsonconstruction]

It is the Varmint model with the beavertail forearm & heavier barrel contour. Looks like someone has sanded away the inletting at the forearm tip that had the original Sako pressure point, then realized they made a mistake & added a glass bed pressure point in an attempt to restore accuracy. The glass bedding is not factory. All Sakos are precisely inletted & fitted without any glass bedding. Like all rifles that are nearly 70 years old & have been out of production for 60 years, parts can be problematic.

 

[Fishers Crossing]

It is the Varmint model with the beavertail forearm & heavier barrel contour. Looks like someone has sanded away the inletting at the forearm tip that had the original Sako pressure point, then realized they made a mistake & added a glass bed pressure point in an attempt to restore accuracy. The glass bedding is not factory. All Sakos are precisely inletted & fitted without any glass bedding. Like all rifles that are nearly 70 years old & have been out of production for 60 years, parts can be problematic.

Can this bedding problem be corrected?

 

[paulsonconstruction]

Why do you think there is a "bedding problem"? Looks to be a nice professional bedding job & I would expect the rifle to shoot just fine. Glass bedding, if done properly, usually improves things. Seems it would be prudent to shoot it first before doing anything?

 

[Fishers Crossing]

Why do you think there is a "bedding problem"? Looks to be a nice professional bedding job & I would expect the rifle to shoot just fine. Glass bedding, if done properly, usually improves things. Seems it would be prudent to shoot it first before doing anything?

You are correct, I should and will shoot to see if there is a significant grouping difference. The reason I have concern is because the barrel is touching and has some pressure at the end of the forearm. I thought maybe the stock had maybe been exposed to moisture and maybe had some warping or swelling.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. I can tell you are quite knowledgeable.

 

[paulsonconstruction]

Be sure to post your shooting results. We always like pics of targets with tight groups!!

 

[bloorooster]

The reason I have concern is because the barrel is touching and has some pressure at the end of the forearm. I thought maybe the stock had maybe been exposed to moisture and maybe had some warping or swelling.

Let the barrel go ahead and touch! It was designed to, Sako used that contact point to dampen harmonics. Looks almost like the Smith may have understood this already. It does appear to be clean and well done. I’d take it out for a spin first..won’t be surprised it shoots dime size groups .. your gonna like it. I have a real early L46 Sporter , 70 years old, that had some issues I had to have smithed up to shoot properly. It shoots extremely well as a result. Congratulations and enjoy!

bloo

 

[Fishers Crossing]

*UPDATE*
I got to my range a couple of days during this beautiful fall season and was able shoot the Triple Duce. Made a couple of minor adjustments to the scope at 25yds and then fired a few 5 shot groups at 100yds. I’m posting two best. I’m more than pleased. I was shooting Remington factory ammo, 50gr pointed soft point.