Fancy Sako "Vixen"?

[Bighornbob]

Several members know their stuff about Sakos. I have a question, in 1973-1976 I was in a gun shop that had the most beautiful Sako I have ever seen. It was a 222 rem. The wood was a gorgeous chocolate brown with a monte carlo cheek piece. I think it was nearly $900 on the used rack.
I think it was a L46, seem to remember a removable magazine.
Would this have been a Vixen back then?
Closest rifle I have seen to resemble it is the Ultra imported by H & R in 17-223.

I would seriously consider buying one today if I could find a similar Sako.

Thank you,

BHB

[xring]

Prettiest Sakos I've seen were the ones with the Rosewood Forend tips . Golden Anniversary Model in 1973 ( 1K made ) I think it had some sort of Leaf Carvings instead of Checkering . There were also DeLuxes , Sporter Deluxes , and Super Deluxes , but I'm not sure what years they were made . Marlin / Sakos were nice too , but nowhere as flashy ...Models 322 and 455 . Among the best shooting were the MRIs which had a Sako Action , Kreiger Barrel , and good Trigger .

[AlbertaAl]

Sharing pictures and information of my SAKO AI VIXEN 223
It's all factory in excellent condition.
The wood is gloss blonde tone, larger then normal palm swell, weave checkering, rosewood forestock and pistol grip with "vixen" embossed.
The steel is very high lustre.
It has a blind magazine with "vixen" scrolling on the floor plate.

My value on this rifle is from $1600-1700 Canadian,,,,and that's being modest.
I wouldnt sell for under $2000.

[nycstripes]

AL
that's a pretty rifle for sure. Mine was nothing special, just a base model Vixen. The previous owner definitely used the rifle. It began as a 222 but then rebarrelled it with an octagon chrome moly barrel and chambered it in 6TCU.
I purchased the rifle and sold the stock which had some miles on it. I replaced it with a McMillan Sako stock, very happy with it.

[albertacoyotecaller]

Some of those vixens sure are pretty. I remember years ago as a kid, a family friend who had a bunch. Those were the rifles I would stare at all the time.

We don't see work like that sitting on the shelves of the gunstores anymore.

Greg

[Chuck Miller]

AlbertaAl's Deluxe is a great example of a late AI Deluxe. The earlier AI Deluxe will have the hard buttplate, squared off forearm with slanted forearm tip, and less of a palm swell, basically just like the L461. The L46 Deluxe is a pretty rare animal, just made a lot less of them. As for value, premium Deluxe's in the Texas area go for around 14-1500.00, if you have the box, manual, and hang tag it will bring a little more. As for the H&R Ultra I just bought one in 17-223 this weekend at the Dallas Market Hall show. Thought I got a steal at 900.00 with a Leupold M8 in 4X, it was a very "used rifle", wood was really nice with some spider webbing in the finish. Bolt face was pitted from a few "hot loads". The barrel was so copper/fouled/carboned up I'm sure that it caused pressure problems. Not sure how they could get a bullet down the barrel. Needless to say, I'm still trying to get it clean 3 days later. Just trying to get the powder fouling out is eating up several bronze brushes, I shall persevere....I think......will post pics when I get it back together.

[nycstripes]

Chuck
sounds like that barrel is a good candidate for a soak with wipe-out+ accelerator for a couple of passes muzzle down in a coffee can. Might save you some elbow grease.
I like to let that combination or shooter's choice to soak and do its job. Sometimes the extra scrubbing doesn't help much.

[Bighornbob]

Kevin picture did not appear. Can you send me a pic to my e-mail or pm? I have dreamed of a Winslow since I was 13 years old. I cut out every picture of Winslows back then. I can't wait to see a Winslow. I thought they just did large hunting calibers. I did pm you on the thumbhole, I do want it.

BHB

[Kevin Gullette]

the small Sako action has been used in some nice rifles.

Here's a Winslow in 17-222.

Kevin


Another, also in 17-222

[Dean2]

Man those Winslows are pretty. That guy making those had talent.