L46 or L461

[patbrennan]

Pretty new to Sako rifles and am looking at a 243 L461. The one thing troubling me is that the safety/cocking piece is identical to the L46 (rotates on the bolt), which makes me wonder if the bolt is from a L46 (and the rifle is a parts gun). Has anybody had any experience with L461's with the older style safety and/or should I be unduly concerned (assuming it headspaces correctly)?

Pat

 

[misako50]

Pat- you better take another look at that rifle. They didn't make a .243 in the L461. Way too long for the action.-Mike

 

[hayseed51]

Pat -

Welcome buddy. A few things don't add up here. Did you perhaps mean to say 223 instead of 243. Don't think a 243 is gonna fit in either a L46 or 461. Check that it's not a L57, and that it is in fact a 243. Dunno if a L46 bolt would fit in a L461 receiver - it might. The L46 trigger was unique to itself - not sure either if the L461's trigger could be modified to work with the L46 bolt - maybe if the safety was removed. Might be some sort of 'assemblege'. Does it function? Dick

 

[stonecreek]

If the gun is a .243 and the safety is the rotating type on the cocking piece housing, then the gun is an L57, the predecessor to the L579 (assuming the bolt is original to the gun!)

 

[patbrennan]

Dick, you are of course right, I was working from an aging memory.
Stonecreek, it is the rotating type of safety. Any concerns/issues with the L57 overall, this rifle has been refinished but is available for a reasonable price.

 

[hayseed51]

Pat -

Good old rifles. Let not your heart be troubled.

Luck, Dick

 

[stonecreek]

The L57 is a great rifle. It differs from the later L579 mostly in the safety (which, on the L57, blocks the firing pin, so some consider it superior), and it has a slight upward bow at the rear tang of the bottom metal. Some like this effect, while others may not. I think it lends character.

A refinished gun may not be worth as much on the resale market, but there is nothing to prevent it from being a great shooter.