Well no where close to the same league as The Mini (Terry’s, and I’m the #1 fan of that rifle by the way), but I’m like a kid on Christmas with this find. Have you ever stumbled upon someone else’s long-lost realization of a custom, and snatched it up for yourself? Maybe it isn’t exactly like you would have done it, but it’s just close enough, and the respect you have for the effort that went into it convinces you to leave it alone and just plain enjoy it for what it is? That’s how I felt about this one.

An estimated 25-30 year-old-build, this is an example of someone who really wanted a Sako Vixen/L-461 but, who like me, spent most their time on the sideline waiting for the LH version of the same, until they simply made it happen for themselves, and converted one to left bolt, right port/eject. Growing up, hunting with right-hand rifles, I’ve become accustomed to having a close eye on the mechanica of loading and ejecting cartridges on the right side, but always wanted a proper left-hand bolt handle, so this is my 1st choice for orientation. The stock, according to the plastic butt plate, is by Bishop and while made to accommodate the action orientation, is fairly modest. The butt plate and grip cap will be replaced in the days to come with steel, and I’ll refinish the stock as time allows. And although I wouldn’t have chosen the untraditional rounded checkering pattern, it’s something I can live with while enjoying this rifle. The barrel was by Douglass and chambered for the .17 Remington. This barrel got removed, and tucked away in the “parts closet” as I’ve haven’t yet learned to appreciate such a small caliber. I ordered a 6mm Krieger blank with 1:9 twist which I gave the contour I wanted, chambered for the 6x45 cartridge, and gave a satin rust blue to match the original metalwork. This is a chambering that I’ve held in “reserve” for that .223-size action if it ever came along. The scope of the day is a B&L 6-24 to be used for load development, but will probably be replaced with something a bit smaller afterwords. Enough of the details, though, here’s how it looks:















As you can see, I’m pretty eager to try some different loads out while forming some brass. I’ve got about 600 pieces of Sierra’s now discontinued 80gr. Single Shot Pistol Bullet, so fingers crossed that it works out for that one as the lighter construction would be perfect for the occasional opportunistic shot on a whitetail. Sat. in Northern VA is looking like a definite rain day but Sunday should be fun!

Nice! Someone spent a wad of time and money on that little beauty, and I'll bet you picked it up for a fraction of what it cost to build. The 6x45 seems like a dandy little cartridge in that action.

Very nice Ian! The stock is beautiful. The 6X45 is a neat idea. Congratulations on another beauty. It looks like a winner in my book.

Terry

Thanks guys. The barrel blank cost $260, the rifle about 4x that, and it's worth a good bit more than that to me as I never expected to be able to own one of these mini Sakos.

My hat's off the the metalsmith...very imaginative..well executed