Sako L46 7×33 Early Production

Serial: 1657

This is a rare example of an early Sako. In a cartridge that was developed by Sako during WWII.

Stunning and complete with Barrel band (later removed from the Sako L46).

If you’re an avid Sako collector, or you’re just getting started. No Finnish rifle collection could ever be deemed complete without the rifle that started it all.

There weren’t many of these that made it to Australia to begin with, there are even less in circulation now and especially not in this condition.

Secure this one for yourself today as it won’t be around long and you’ll regret it while waiting years for the next one to surface.

All original. Listed in Excellent condition, which it is for a 70+ year old rifle.
Bore is clean and rifling looks good.
Bluing is original but worn.
Original Sako Magazine stamped 7×33
All original Sako furniture incl Barrel Band.

Some more info on Sako L46 and the 7×33 Cartridge developed by Sako below.

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of Finnish firearm ingenuity with the 7X33—a Sako original that’s as distinctive as they come. This cartridge breaks away from the norm, standing out with its unique design that, despite sharing a head size with the 9mm Luger, is in a league of its own. Sako’s mission was crystal clear—to create a cartridge that’s proudly Finnish, making the most of existing tools for case production. And why settle for the ordinary? The 7mm caliber was the perfect choice, tailor-made for bird hunting, especially when you throw in the European love for full metal jacket bullets. It’s a whole different ball game when it comes to shooting style.

Picture this: around 100 of these bad boys making their way Down Under between 1951 and 1955, with pitstops in Norway, Sweden, Brazil, and Great Britain. Sako’s World War II escapade saw a strategic pivot to ammunition and rifle production for the war effort. Fast forward to the post-war era, and Sako’s survival was secured through a crafty move—the donation of the whole shebang to the Red Cross, dodging dissolution under the Moscow Peace Treaty’s unforgiving terms.

Rolling back the clock to 1942, the 7X33, known as the L42, was more than just a concept. Sako’s nomenclature keeps it simple—the “L” for Ludo (Finnish for rifle) followed by the year of introduction. Post-war, Colonel Hyden took the reins, introducing the L46—a bolt-action sporting rifle that flexed its versatility in various calibers, including the iconic 7X33, keeping the production line humming until 1959.

Hold onto your hats because the L46 wasn’t a one-trick pony. It also strutted its stuff in 22 Vierling, 22 Hornet, 218 Bee, 25/20, and 222 Remington. And just before passing the torch to the L461 in 1961, a hotshot called the L469 made an appearance, rocking the 222 Remington Magnum. With three action variations catering to all tastes and a safety design that feels like déjà vu for Mauser 98 or Anschutz Match 54 fans, the L46 is a living testament to Sako’s pioneering spirit. Uncover the unique history and versatility of the L46—it’s a Sako masterpiece that refuses to fade into the background.