Sako serial numbers 1949-? in progress
Background and history of the Sako commercial rifle:
The first civilian rifle bearing the Sako name was the L42 Luodikko rifle model 1942, chambered for the 7x33mm Sako cartridge, prototyped in 1942, and commercial production started after WWII as model number L46. Sako developed the 7x33 cartridge based on the 9x19 pistol cartridge, by making a longer case and 'necking' the case down to 7mm calibre (7.21mm bullet diameter). This cartridge was designed for and well suited to Capercaille and black grouse hunting, a popular sport in Finland, Sweden and Norway. The Sako model L46 chambered in 7x33 is considered extremely rare in the United States although more common in Europe.
The L46 was later re-designated the L461 Vixen. The L461 has been very popular in Finland and Sweden, especially chambered for the .222 Remington cartridge. Many countries used the L461 in winter biathlon Olympic competition and it has an almost mythical status among aficionados.
In 1957, Sako developed a longer action, the L57, subsequently renamed L579 Forester in 1959. This is a 'medium action' was designed for the .308 and .243 Winchester cartridges.
In 1961, Sako introduced the L61R Finnbear for the long cartridges like the .30-06, .270 and similar.
For a short while, Sako produced a clip fed lever-action gun, the Sako Finnwolf(VL63) chambered in .243 and .308 Winchester. There were 3 versions of the L61R and L579 models, the sporter, a deluxe model and a full stock Mannlicher version.
From 1972 until 1983 Sako made several small bores, the L46, P54, P72, P75, M78 and P94. These were offered in various chamberings, stocks including a mannlicher and various finishes. They were chambered in 22LR, 22 Mag and 22 Hornet. There is very sketchy information on these fine collectibles.
This list has been compiled from the original MSN Sako Collector's Club(now defunct) owners provided original hangtags or similar documentation. The list starts with L46, 22 Hornet, SN 5074 and ends with several Garcia imports in the 70's and a few Stoeger imports to the early 80's.
* Rifles made with left over L57 parts
** M74 Super made between 1974 until 1977?
*** Last documented Bofors marked barrel sometime in 1968.
'C' prefix 7 Mags are commemorative models with upgraded features __________________
Talk to yourself. There are times you need expert advice. Last edited by sakorick; 11-01-2014 at 04:27 AM.. |
