Sako Vixen

Sako Oy · Rifle · Discontinued · 1946

Also known as: Sako L46, Sako L461, Sako L461 Vixen, Vixen Sporter

Overview

The Sako Vixen is a Finnish bolt-action rifle built on Sako's short Mauser-style action, originally introduced in 1946 as the L46 and later updated as the L461. Renowned for its accuracy, it became especially popular in Finland and Sweden chambered for the .222 Remington, and was also offered in cartridges such as .22 Hornet and .218 Bee. The Vixen pairs a cold-hammer-forged barrel with a figured walnut Monte Carlo sporter stock, and earned a strong reputation among varmint hunters and target shooters before being discontinued in 1992.

Specifications

Weight (empty)2810 g (99.1 oz)
Overall Length1080 mm (42.52")
Barrel Length597 mm (23.50")
Action TypeBolt Action
Firing MechanismStriker Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity5 rounds
Magazine TypeFixed Box
Muzzle Velocity957 m/s (3140 fps)
Muzzle Energy1483 J (1094 ft·lbf)
Effective Range300 m (328 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist356 mm (14.02")
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWalnut
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Variants

Production

Production years: 1946-1992

Produced as the L46 from 1946 and as the updated L461 from 1961 until discontinuation in 1992.

Origin

Country of origin: Finland

Designer: Sako

Discontinued: 1992

Notes

The L46 short action was renamed L461 'Vixen' with the introduction of the improved action in 1961. The Vixen line was discontinued in 1992 with the introduction of the Sako 491 (S491) short action.

Background

The Vixen's short action made it a favorite platform for the .222 Remington in Scandinavia, where it gained an almost legendary reputation for out-of-the-box accuracy among varmint and benchrest shooters.