Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Sako Riihimaki questions

Been pondering an older Sako 22 cal. centerfire rifle and keep coming across these in a 222.

First off, how is Riihimaki pronounced? Sounds like something I wouldn't like in a Japanese eating establishment.

Second and more importantly, how's the quality? Do they usually shoot well? Function well?

Are these better/worser than the later Vixen models?

Thanks in advance.

REE HI MA KEE

Quality and shooting and such are EXCELLENT! I will put my 55 or 60 year old Riihimaki against ANY modern rifle of similar wieght and win the match and the money every time.

They, and the 222 cartride they are chambered for are, quite simply, wonderful. Mine will leave my safe when it is handed down to an heir, and not one moment not before. Would be the last gun I sold if I had to sell them all. hows THAT for an answer.

Well, I reckon I know what side of the fence you're on.

Thanks!

Are they a typical just a bit heavy Sako?

Yes, but they being petite and sized well eliminates the "heavy" weight.

I prefer "all steel" to "heavy" terminology.

In 222, the 46 gives up little to the 461; I hate mags, so I am a 461 guy, I also find parts availability better for the Vixens, but if slapped with a fine 46 in Hornet, Bee or 222, I'd never complain about that magazine into the grave.

Nirvana, for me, is the 461 Vixen sporter in 222 Magnum. They eat tiny pills to the 60 gr. BT and the fine 53 TSX to boot, all in that package.

I have an L-461, too Yep, nice guns. Al least the magazine on the Riihimaki is flush with the bottom of the stock and does not protrude. And, it is all steel, nicely polished and works great.

Mark, you'd be proud of me.

I scored an L461 222 Mag sporter (courtesy of ingwe) and have left it in its original stock, Sako mounts and am contemplating a factory peep for it as well.

No kidding, it eats bullets up to the 60 BT with minute of Roosevelt at 100, minute or Jeff at 200...

It may never get a McMillan!

Dittos on the Europeans and magazines; I don't like them at all, but the Krauts and Finns have definitely evolved them into fine working gun parts.

Thanks guys,

I see some with a front sight and some without. Have the ones without been removed? Or did the ship them both ways?

All of the Riihimakis's I've messed with had front blades; and ANYTHING is possible with Sako!

HawkI.... I am SOOOOO proud, snif, snif, wiping eyes now......

My preaching and ranting has Paid OFF! I saved a precious Sako and its owner from eternal damnation!

Good on ya, Hawk buddy. I am going to have to post a picture of mine someday. Someone re-stocked it in one of the most classic of styles with niedner style buttplate, wraparound checkering, shadowline cheekpiece. MAN, I dig my little Riihimaki. Topped with a gloss finish Vari X lll 4.5-14x40. Dotes on 50gr TNT's, moly'ed.

Not sure about my fellow Iowan, but I'd sure like to see it.

+1 Sako Riihimaki, YES...

I have an L46 parts gun that was rechambered to 223 Rem. This is a seriously accurate rifle. However, it wouldn't shoot the 53 gr TSXs worth a hoot.....keyholed at 25 yds....couldn't get it on paper at 100.....

Tried the 45 gr TSXs the other day and they shot sub MOA to the same POI as my 55 gr Hornady load.

I surely would!

Pics please. Seeing Shrapnel's custom stocked Sako's has had me on the prowl for a .222 to send off to the stockmaker. Too bad momma keeps an eye on the checkbook though.

This'll get Mark to post it.

Edge stocked, HR Wildcat barreled 461 in McMillan Edge (meaning its silly light) and the aforementioned 222 Magnum.

I don't know if the Riihimaki is any better an action than the later 461, but one thing for sure the action is slick and has more machining operations than most complete rifles will. The safety also locks the firing pin in the Riihimaki, just a great action, impossible to beat in a 222 size...

that might be the finest rifle collection photo ever posted at 24hrcf.

That is ONE FINE RIFLE! This thread has become the ultimate Rifle porn thread......I will try to put pictures of mine up this Fri or Sat.

Sako porn, you say?

Just picked up this 6.5x55 Sako AV in like new condition.



(the weaver bases are gone, and the action was not drilled, so it really is like new now, just waiting for optics )