L46 Hornet?

[rowdy]

Hi

I have been shown a sako 22 Hornet rifle that looks like a L46. The pictures I have been shown from the dealer show Sako Riihimaki no. 154XX on the action. No mention of L46 in the pictures I have seen. Is this gun a L46? If so what value would it have?

Many thanks

Rowdy

 

[stonecreek]

Yes, this is an L46. Value depends almost entirely on condition. Make sure it is complete with magazine and of the originality of magazine.

 

[Anonymous]

Rowdy,
I also have a couple in .222. Four and five digit serials. They do not say L46 on the receiver. I guess just Riihimaki took up too much space - or it was more understood since the concept of widespread export wasn't under full steam, yet. I have a .222 Rem Mag. that does say L46 on it where rifles of prior years said Riihimaki.
I agree with Stonecreek and would only add to check the serial number under the bolt handle and an original peep sight would be a nice addition.
I have seen these rifles range in asking price from $650 - $1,600. It will be worth what you are willing to pay for it in the end.
S-A

 

[rowdy]

Hi,

Thank you for the replies. Great information. Here in the UK you can (with a few exceptions) only hold one rifle of a specific calibre. I currently have a P75 hornet. I would have to sell that to get the L46. would this be a move up,down or sideways in accuracy ? Probably an impossible question, but any thoughts appreciated. obliviously the condition of both rifles would have to be similar before I did the change.

Best Regards

Rowdy

 

[stonecreek]

An L46 Hornet will usually sell for some bit more than a P75 Hornet. It's impossible to say which will provide better accuracy as both are capable of excellent groups.

The L46 is a dedicated centerfire action which is designed for cartridges with chamber pressures in the 50,000 PSI range (and is capable of handling even higher intensity cartridges). The P75 was designed as a rimfire cartridge and was adapted to the Hornet. It is not designed to contain the same pressures as the L46, but it is fully adequate for the pressures that the thin brass of the Hornet is limited to. An L46 action is a little heavier than a P75, but either is built into a very trim, lightweight rifle.

P75's were all made (to my knowledge) with walnut stocks. Some L46's were made with Arctic Birch rather than walnut, so you'll want to check for wood.

I think it boils down to which is most attractive to you and which feels best when you hold and shoulder it. If you have the opportunity to test fire the L46 to be assured of its accuracy that might help your decision.

 

[rowdy]

 

[rowdy]

Hi

New to the picture side of things. This (three times sorry!) is the action and some other shots of the L46. It looks ok to me. The price is 450 pounds. I'm a bit stuck. I think the L46 would be great, but the P75 has been good so far. Time to decide I guess.

Rowdy

 

[misako50]

That's a real pretty Riihimaki, Rowdy. Like it just came out of the box. Wish I had the time and a real fast boat.-

-Misako

 

[stonecreek]

At 450 lb, or about $630 USD, I'd jump ALL OVER that one! I would have guessed the price in Britain much higher. Screw the P75. Will the owner trade with you on the P75?

 

[rowdy]

Hi Stonecreek,

I just emailed him to ask. If so I think I'll do it.

rowdy

 

[ditchdogger]

I do believe that is the gun I was trying to buy. The price was definatley right but the hassle to export was the killer. By the time the paper work to export was done and it was hand delivered to the airport and and then the air freight as well as being baby sat for the flight cause you know how dangerous those 22 hornets are, it was going to cost 475 pounds to get it to Canada. That put it in the 1400.00 dollat range and just not worth the hastle.