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L461 in .222 advice?

Sako Collectors Club Discussion Forum

Jeffro

Member
Hello everyone I am new to the forum and was wondering if I could get some advice on the Sako L461 in .222???
I absolutely love this calibre and have owned various .222 rifles including a current Tikka T3x which is just awesome.

I have the opportunity to buy a mint condition Sako L461 in .222 calibre serial number 156XXX for $1800 Australian which is around $ 1250 US. It is from what I understand the standard model with Monte Carlo stock and 24. “ barrel, serial number showing me it was made in the late 1970s. I inspected it and it looks like it just came out of the factory, it’s clean, no damage whatsoever, appears completely original and authentic with markings (that I know of) it’s in immaculate con all over, bore is like a mirror with sharp rifling, bluing is perfect, timber and stock clean and shiny. I disassembled the action and stock appears completely unaltered or touched. No blemishes whatsoever. It has an old scope and mounts that look old enough to be mounted when the rifle was made. I am not interested in the scope and mounts as I will use my own if I go ahead and buy
Can anyone tell me if it’s a fair price? Anything in particular to look out for?
In regards to markings anything to look for? How can I tell if all the parts of rifle are original ? Does this model have any known problems?
I feel it may be a little overpriced - but in its condition perhaps it’s worthwhile? I don’t know much about these and hoping I can get some advice about it? Please help.
Thank you in advance for any information and much appreciated
Jeffro (Australia )
 
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Hi Jeffro,
Welcome aboard, this is the place to talk Sako.
I see you're from Vic and their is a couple of very knowledgeable people on here who are also in Vic so hopefully one of them will chime in.

As with all things they are worth what the buyer is willing to pay. I had a quick look at used guns and their is a similar sounding Sako 222 advertised at $1500 which has been listed for awhile now, see link below.
https://www.usedguns.com.au/Product.aspx?p=150950

Do you intend to keep it as a safe queen/investment or are you going to use it as a shooter ?

Pete
 
Pete,
Hey mate thanks for the reply and hear what your saying. It will be a shooter mate.
Yeh that one on you mentioned looks ok, but from its description nowhere near the con of the one I mentioned and is a much earlier manufacture. Is this better... I wouldn’t know hopefully I get that advice soon. But it does put into context the price difference and gives me an idea of the market price. Perhaps it shows the one I looked at reasonable. But being only a couple now I have seen I will wait for any further info
Thanks again mate
 
Hi mate, if it is any guide I just bought a L461 heavy barrel in near perfect condition with a 6-18 old redfield to match it perfectly. I paid 1300 and I thought that was a very good price. Not bargain of the year but I was happy. For a bare gun in perfect condition I probably wouldn’t sneak much over $1500.
Cheers
Deano
 
Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder and the price a person pays for something especially a pristine Sako L461 in .222 depends on a lot of things including how deep the pockets go. One thing I have learned in life is that if you really want it negotiate the best price you can get from the seller and go for it. Better that than to have regrets for years to come because you let the one you really wanted go over a few dollars. Money is a tool and you can always make more. A pristine rifle like the one you describe comes along maybe once. Need I say more.

rick
 
Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder and the price a person pays for something especially a pristine Sako L461 in .222 depends on a lot of things including how deep the pockets go. One thing I have learned in life is that if you really want it negotiate the best price you can get from the seller and go for it. Better that than to have regrets for years to come because you let the one you really wanted go over a few dollars. Money is a tool and you can always make more. A pristine rifle like the one you describe comes along maybe once. Need I say more.

rick
Amen.....
 
Jeffro, The above advice is very sound and I concur with what they have said. The value of the gun is in condition and rarity etc. I bought my first 222 Sako 40 years ago for $300 so it has more than paid for itself and I still have it and would not part with it. If you keep it price doesn't play the most important part especially if it is in mint condition. You will love it and use it, that's what counts. Welcome on board the people on here know their stuff and are very helpful.
 
Thanks for all the replies about whether or not the value is appropriate- much appreciated.
Otherwise can anyone give me information on this series regarding manufacture (including the earlier model/s),changes in the model (different barrel combinations etc) over the time of production including any other components and perhaps comparing quality of manufacture of early L461 to later manufacture? Markings and things to look for authenticity?
Thanks again everyone
Jeffro
 
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Thanks for all the replies about whether or not the value is appropriate- much appreciated.
Otherwise can anyone give me information on this series regarding manufacture (including the earlier model/s),changes in the model (different barrel combinations etc) over the time of production including any other components and perhaps comparing quality of manufacture of early L461 to later manufacture? Markings and things to look for authenticity?
Thanks again everyone
Jeffro
All the information you have requested is available here on the forum by just doing some simple searches. What you have asked for would take a book, which is probably why you haven't been swamped with replies, so why not just peruse the forum & learn even more than you are asking?. Just sayin
 
Your question is answered in the context of your inquiry on this gun. You have several ideas shared and you are still asking questions. As a student of the English language, it is apparent to me that you really want that rifle and you are looking for confirmation from the gallery.

I wouldn’t buy that rifle for different reasons than why you want it. I would tell you to buy it and consider your purchase for a short period of time and if your pleasure with the gun validates your desire to own it, you have done the right thing. If not, sell it and look for another gun...
 
My post was answered only in the context of the value and price of the gun (and I appreciate all the replies) The rest of my post (and to me the most important part of my post) was the questions regarding what to look for, markings, best period of production, changes in manufacture, sought after model etc. Very simple to answer really - and wouldn’t take a book!
I am an expert in different areas of firearms from this brand and type so I think I have asked for relevant and simple questions which with knowledge to answer would be a simple task without having to write a “book”
My approach (and have done so many times in other forums & life) ) is to read what needs to be answered and simply do it - easy! Isn’t that what forums are for?
If this was a question from what I know and in my field it would simply take me around 15 mins my time to answer briefly but accurately, which is all I ask. And perhaps a productive reply rather then the contrary would be more appropriate, after all with all your effort replying, couldn’t you have helped me?
But, in life these days on forums “there’s always one or two” just sayin
 
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I think all contributors tried to answer your basic question. To answer the remainder of the questions that you asked in my humble opinion would take writing a pretty extensive paper on Sako L46, L462 and A1 rifles. Nearly everything you asked is contained in various threads on the forum and the fun would be exploring them and learning from the various contributions that our members have added over the years. I know that we have discussed proof marks and inspector marks etc.in the past. My advice would be to explore the forum for the information. You might glean some extra value by doing so.

In the mean time, buy the dang L461 222 and enjoy shooting it before someone else buys it right from under your nose.

rick
 
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I think all contributors tried to answer your basic question. To answer the remainder of the questions that you asked in my humble opinion would take writing a pretty extensive paper on Sako L46, L462 and A1 rifles. Nearly everything you asked is contained in various threads on the forum and the fun would be exploring them and learning from the various contributions that our members have added over the years. I know that we have discussed proof marks and inspector marks etc.in the past. My advice would be to explore the forum for the information. You might glean some extra value by doing so.

In the mean time. By the dang L461 222 and enjoy shooting it before someone else buys it right from under your nose.

rick
Agree with Rick and will add the following.

The rifle as you’ve described it sounds like a nice L461 near the end prior to the re-stamp, or the A-1. Solid mainstay, but pretty common. Opinions vary, but earlier Bofors rifles were/are more highly sought after by collectors. Some will say they shoot better, while some would argue that. There’s not much more to say.

The one you’ve been eyeing sounds great, maybe slightly high, but we’re all playing “ pin the tail on the donkey “ because we can’t see it.

If I were you, I’d make it personal challenge to use all the available resources and threads to help you justify your potential purchase.

After all it is a “Sako”. A mint specimen will offer many years of satisfaction.

Wish you well.
 
My post was answered only in the context of the value and price of the gun (and I appreciate all the replies) The rest of my post (and to me the most important part of my post) was the questions regarding what to look for, markings, best period of production, changes in manufacture, sought after model etc. Very simple to answer really - and wouldn’t take a book!
I am an expert in different areas of firearms from this brand and type so I think I have asked for relevant and simple questions which with knowledge to answer would be a simple task without having to write a “book”
My approach (and have done so many times in other forums & life) ) is to read what needs to be answered and simply do it - easy! Isn’t that what forums are for?
If this was a question from what I know and in my field it would simply take me around 15 mins my time to answer briefly but accurately, which is all I ask. And perhaps a productive reply rather then the contrary would be more appropriate, after all with all your effort replying, couldn’t you have helped me?
But, in life these days on forums “there’s always one or two” just sayin
Jeffro; with all due respect, you acknowledge yourself as an expert on this brand and type. so you must know the answers to your own questions.
Sakos of this era are all great rifles, mainly and I say mainly with very few problems. Not all rifles from each 'model' are the same, that is part of the aura. I have two L461's and they have minor variations. My advice buy the rifle, enjoy it and live with its idiosyncrasies. If you need to know anything about 'variations' look on the forum and expand your knowledge that way. It would take a book to acknowledge all the variations just as the Real experts say. My 2c worth.
 
Jeffro; with all due respect, you acknowledge yourself as an expert on this brand and type. so you must know the answers to your own questions.
Sakos of this era are all great rifles, mainly and I say mainly with very few problems. Not all rifles from each 'model' are the same, that is part of the aura. I have two L461's and they have minor variations. My advice buy the rifle, enjoy it and live with its idiosyncrasies. If you need to know anything about 'variations' look on the forum and expand your knowledge that way. It would take a book to acknowledge all the variations just as the Real experts say. My 2c worth.
Hey mate maybe you need to go and see the eye specialist. I did not say I was an expert on Sako rifles! Why would I be asking questions about them? With all due respect keep the facts of the post correct and respect others by not misinterpreting my posts and then commenting incorrectly and then throwing your own two bobs worth in when it’s not required. I happen to be an expert on small arms (namely pistols). Before answering posts get your facts right.
On the whole I am very disappointed in this whole forum for all the effort here to criticise me instead of spending the effort educating and sharing information as most nice people do.
Thank you to all the people that responded positively and to all others I say shame on you! I call it lack of respect and understanding. Or is you people are all “over the hill” and have nothing better to do Live with that
I will look elsewhere for my information and will cease being a member here!
Good bye and good riddance. No replies needed as it will be ignored and will be a non member in the next moment or two.
 
Hey mate maybe you need to go and see the eye specialist. I did not say I was an expert on Sako rifles! Why would I be asking questions about them? With all due respect keep the facts of the post correct and respect others by not misinterpreting my posts and then commenting incorrectly and then throwing your own two bobs worth in when it’s not required. I happen to be an expert on small arms (namely pistols). Before answering posts get your facts right.
On the whole I am very disappointed in this whole forum for all the effort here to criticise me instead of spending the effort educating and sharing information as most nice people do.
Thank you to all the people that responded positively and to all others I say shame on you! I call it lack of respect and understanding. Or is you people are all “over the hill” and have nothing better to do Live with that
I will look elsewhere for my information and will cease being a member here!
Good bye and good riddance. No replies needed as it will be ignored and will be a non member in the next moment or two.
Just quoting what you wrote mate. Ease up and learn
 
Hey mate maybe you need to go and see the eye specialist. I did not say I was an expert on Sako rifles! Why would I be asking questions about them? With all due respect keep the facts of the post correct and respect others by not misinterpreting my posts and then commenting incorrectly and then throwing your own two bobs worth in when it’s not required. I happen to be an expert on small arms (namely pistols). Before answering posts get your facts right.
On the whole I am very disappointed in this whole forum for all the effort here to criticise me instead of spending the effort educating and sharing information as most nice people do.
Thank you to all the people that responded positively and to all others I say shame on you! I call it lack of respect and understanding. Or is you people are all “over the hill” and have nothing better to do Live with that
I will look elsewhere for my information and will cease being a member here!
Good bye and good riddance. No replies needed as it will be ignored and will be a non member in the next moment or two.

Since you are gone and won’t be reading this, I will mention for the Sako owners that continue to appear here, I recall another such party that came here all puffed up and full of himself and was soon gone as well. Once on awhile it is good to hear the door slam shut...
 
So he was a small arms expert? Too bad he is gone. I would have had some easy questions about Colt's revolver lineup and their values and minor manufacturing differences from 1846 to 1980's. Surely it wouldn't take a book.
 
Hi fellas.

I think it appropriate to put the brakes on here.

Our mission is to share information about our passion for Sako rifles. In retrospect we did try to answer some of Jeffro's questions. Others, not so much because of the extensive amount of info he was asking for. That said. we should not criticize a person for getting frustrated with our inability to satisfy their request for info no matter how we feel about their tone.

Gosh guys, someone new to the forum reading this thread could easily think us a bunch of clods that are only interested in self aggrandizement and close minded to anyone that comes to us asking tough questions and becoming frustrated with our shallow response to their inquiry.

Granted, Jeffro got a little hot under the collar but was it really necessary to antagonize the guy? I think not? A better way might have been to pull some of the posts together where we discussed some of the things he was asking about and point him to them by posting the threads here in response to his initial inquiry. I say this because it can get a little frustrating trying to search the forum for threads about a specific piece of info because of the nature of our search engine. Just saying fellas!

rick
 
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