I've had this one for several months but am just now getting around to analyzing its features. Anschutz made just a few .222's on Sako L46 actions, and I finally came across one in decent, if not outstanding shape. It does appear all original, however.
The L46 action is a late one (54,000's) but curiously has the stamped bottom metal usually found on earlier ones. In the Sako inspection records its serial number is listed appropriately as an action-only, inspected Nov 1961. Anschutz made one obvious alteration to the action by milling the Sako Tapered dovetails down to rimfire tip-off contour. This is how their own small centerfires (Hornet and .222) are made, so I guess they wanted to keep things consistent.
The barrel and stock appear to be classic Anschutz -- skipline checkering, subtle hog-back buttstock, and sharply tapered and narrow forearm. It also has a THIRD screw in the forearm which appears to screw into a threaded hole on the underside of the barrel swell, although I haven't had it out of the stock to see. The slender stock makes for a delightfully svelte little rifle that feels good in the hands.
The barrel has both a barrel swell where the two-range folding rear sight is mounted and an integral muzzle swell where the front sight is located. Rifling appears conventional 6-land. Interestingly, they engraved the action number on the barrel swell underneath the rear sight. German proof markings are found near the breech. I wonder, since the action dates from late 1961, if the "162" on the barrel might mean Jan 1962 for the date Anschutz completed the rifle? Perhaps someone who is more familiar with Anschutz than me can chime in on this.
I haven't had the opportunity to scope and shoot it yet, but here are some photos for you.
The L46 action is a late one (54,000's) but curiously has the stamped bottom metal usually found on earlier ones. In the Sako inspection records its serial number is listed appropriately as an action-only, inspected Nov 1961. Anschutz made one obvious alteration to the action by milling the Sako Tapered dovetails down to rimfire tip-off contour. This is how their own small centerfires (Hornet and .222) are made, so I guess they wanted to keep things consistent.
The barrel and stock appear to be classic Anschutz -- skipline checkering, subtle hog-back buttstock, and sharply tapered and narrow forearm. It also has a THIRD screw in the forearm which appears to screw into a threaded hole on the underside of the barrel swell, although I haven't had it out of the stock to see. The slender stock makes for a delightfully svelte little rifle that feels good in the hands.
The barrel has both a barrel swell where the two-range folding rear sight is mounted and an integral muzzle swell where the front sight is located. Rifling appears conventional 6-land. Interestingly, they engraved the action number on the barrel swell underneath the rear sight. German proof markings are found near the breech. I wonder, since the action dates from late 1961, if the "162" on the barrel might mean Jan 1962 for the date Anschutz completed the rifle? Perhaps someone who is more familiar with Anschutz than me can chime in on this.
I haven't had the opportunity to scope and shoot it yet, but here are some photos for you.
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