[srma63]

For the past six months I've been searching the internet for a replacement bolt for a Sako rifle, model L46. This model is often referred to as the "Riihimaki", as that's what appears after "Sako" on the receiver, with no other model designation. Actually, "Riihimaki" is the name of the town in Finland where the Sako factory was, and still is, located. As far as I know, Sako didn't actually start putting model designations on their rifles until the L461 Vixen, which succeeded the L46. The L46 action was supplied by Sako and used in the J.C. Higgins Model 52 and the Marlin Model 322. I was given the rifle by a neighbor, who got it from the widow of an 80 year old church member. Apparently the old guy lost the bolt when he lost his memory. Anyway, what are the chances of machining a replacement? My rifle is chambered in 22 Hornet. Anyone know of a gunsmith who does such work? Anyone know of a spare Sako L46 bolt, in either 22 Hornet or .222 Rem, available for sale?

[rmfnla]

I would think making a bolt from scratch would be tricky, what with the required heat treating and such.

A replacement bolt may not be easy to find but having the Internet available should help.

One good thing; it's not an FFL item so if you can find one it can be sold and shipped without much difficulty.

Good luck!

[Runningman]

Anyway, what are the chances of machining a replacement? Not Good at all. Even if a machinist had the blueprint and process specifications to work from (highly unlikely) cost would be extremely high (thousand(s) of dollars) to make everything involved with a bolt for a one off part.

Seems like I run across one or two bolt action rifles a year that are missing a bolt but otherwise good condition. I never understood why so many people remove bolts from bolt action rifles and store them in a separate location. You don't see this stuff going on with any other type of action.

[rmfnla]

"You don't see this stuff going on with any other type of action."

Probably because it's so easy to remove (and then misplace :cuss:) a rifle bolt.

[rcmodel]

A missing bolt is sometimes a sign of a stolen rifle. (or bolt)

I have a collector friend who has a big gun safe full of single-digit serial number Kimber of Oregon & Ruger rifles with missing bolts.

All the bolts were stored in his other safe, and they stole it!

rc

[Alpacca 45]

Srma,
I've sent you a private message.

[navyretired 1]

One of the safety recommendations by the gun grabbers is pull the Bolt and store seperatly from gun. I too see a lot of used guns without bolts. and a lot of new and used bolts for Mauser and Springfield, nothing else in bolt guns. When working in gunstores I've heard "he took the bolt out and stored it, now I can't them by widows, only once have the bolts been found, in a safety deposit box. We had a new guy who threw away 4 Ruger mod 77 boxes without noticing that the bolts were still in the boxes. We didn't throw away boxes at all but he didn't get fired (bosses son) he did go dumpster diving though.

[BBBBill]

Random thoughts ...... I can be done, but will be pricey. Having a bolt to use for a pattern would help. Can you find one to borrow? PTG http://www.pacifictoolandgauge.com/ manufactures replacement bolts for Remington 700 rifles. You might start there. They will be the best source of expert advice. If they can't make it for you, they will most likely be able to point you to someone who can.