What are the differences between the S491, the AI,the Rhimaki and the Vixen? What are the pros and cons of each?Do the new small Sako 75 have the "Key concept" or is it the 3 bigger actions? Appreciate it!

I'll take a stab, having owned at least a dozen Sakos over the years [so I'll probably get the answers wrong]. The 491 is a single shot version of the 461. It came in PPC and .223 bolt face. The Rihiimaki is the clip fed first iteration of the small Sako. It has the wing safety on the right side of the square bolt shroud. I dona't know the difference between the A1 and Vixen. one of them had the longer extractor, which was replaced by the shorter extractor. Which model is which I cannot say. Additionally, the bolt shroud is different on the two models [I think!]

Jordan

No the 491 is not a single shot it is the Accountant's special. It is a series encompassing the 491 (short), 591 (Med) 691 (long). I've got the L691.

Sako actions before then used to be truly scaled ie. both in length & in terms of the diameter of the bolt & action. With the '91 series actions they only scaled for length hence the L491 is not as scaled down as a L461 for example.

With the '91 series the recoil lug was no longer integral but an removeable aluminium angle that attached to a circular lug on the action. For a custom the older series if you can find them are more desirable.

But shooting wise my L691 is a very smooth action, adjustable trigger you can set yourself & accurate to boot. Hope this info helps.

So, I am right after all. I said I would screw it up and I did. I think John is right.

Jordan

I think all the new rifles have " the concept" ..
http://www.sako.fi/

I'll add my clarification in order to confuse things further.

In chronological order, the L-46 with a detachable magazine and bolt safety was produced from the early '50's until the early '60s'. It was origially built for .22 Hornet and .218 Bee, but Remington introduced the .222 about that time and it became the big seller in the L46. This model is sometimes called the Rihimakki (sp?).

The L-46 was replaced by the L-461, which had a box magazine with a floorplate and a trigger safety. L-461 can be found with a lever-type magazine release (earlier) or a plunger-type (later). It was offered in .222, .223, and .222 Magnum and in Standard Sporter (23.5" bbl), Deluxe Sporter, Heavy Barrel, and Mannlicher (both 20 and 23.5" barrels are encountered in this one). Sako may have made some in 7 x 33 Sako for European distribution. SOME PPC's were offered on this length action (or on the succeeding A-1), but most were built on the longer L-571 or A-II action.

The L-461 continued through the Garcia era (post-1972) up until it was superceded by the A-1. Other than having a shrouded bolt, I'm not aware of much difference between the L-461 and the A-1. The L-461 and A-1's were labeled "Vixen" in finished gun form.

As John T noted, the S-series 491 had a larger diameter bolt and receiver.

All have been replace the the Model 75, a three lug bolt action with choice of detachable or box magazine. I think the short version is the Model 75-I.

Nice summary Stoncreek. I'd like to add that I recently had a L-461 in 17 Rem with the shrouded bolt and short extractor. It was indistinguishable from my A1 aside from the markings. L-461's came in a couple different configurations it seems.

I for one like the S491 action. They are larger than the others, but very nicely made and have a very large flat bedding surface. They make great varmint rifles. I also have a couple of 75-1's and just love them too. Workmanship is superb. Progress marches on, eh?

Dan C

Thanks for all of the replies. Just trying to figure out what to look for. I hope to build a a short stout calling rifle in 222 or 223 on a Sako someday. Thanks again.

Could some of you Sako Guru's please take the time to look in the Gun Collecting section of this board and read the questions I recently asked there regarding a made in Finland Browning/Sako I have living here at my house? I think I headed the posting "Browning/Sako Questions". Thanks for your time and trouble.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy