Sako Vixen and Tikka T3 ~ Super Accurate .222 Remingtons!

Check out this beautiful vintage Sako L461 Vixen in the classic .222 Remington, and see how it compares to the Tikka T3 in the same caliber, also made by Sako.

[@conservativesniperhunter7439]

My brother bought a Sako L461 Vixen in 222 Rem back in the early 1990s that cost $1200 at the time here in Sydney Australia. The business owner of the biggest Gun shop in the Southern Hemisphere named The Horsley Park Gun Shop did a deal for two Sako 222 rem rifle for a total of $1200 for both rifles (my brothers mate bought one as well) . That was a bargain. My brother still owns this beautiful rifle. About 20 years ago he was thinking of selling it but i convinced him to hang on to it. Now his grown up son shoots it. My nephew replaced the old Tasco 3x9x40 with a nice Leupold VX 4x12x40 scope. It’s still a tack driver like it always was. My brother’s rifle has a red rubber recoil pad rather than a plastic pad.

[@matalostodos]

Triple 2’s are the most fun, I have a BSA 222, and have owned a 222 rimmed heavybarrel sportco Martini action; if you ever want to try the best 223 there ever has been, buy a lithgow wood or laninate stock, titanium colour cerkoted barrel. The best in the world, I hope they never “update” it. What makes it great? Heavy barrel, threaded, good crownwork, really solid bolt and action, flat base front end that makes it easy to level, hold and mount legs on, excellently balanced, but yes - heavy. I wish I could afford ten to gift them out, at the price they are under 2k, they are a steal

[@scottrobinson3281]

Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the acquisition of my Vixen .222 Rem. It is fitted with a Weaver K-10 and I treasure it and its jewel like action just as much now as I did all those years ago.

[@beargillium2369]

congratulations 🎉 🍻

[@danchenier7686]

I spent a weeks pay on a remington 788 in 222 I still have it 50 yerars later it is an excellent rifle

[@bobhill3941]

That's excellent. Dad had the exact same rifle, it was a carbine and it was the first center fire rifle I ever handled. He bought it from his uncle in 2002.

[@bobs1728]

I also had a 788 in 222 Remington. Had the gunsmith at Riley's Sport Shop in Hooksett, NH work on the trigger, and it would shoot 1/2 moa groups with just about any handload I tried. Wish I still had it.

[@larsrodbok1285]

You are such a gentle, wise man. We don’t necessarily agree on everything, but I admire you greatly.

[@Dave-km6fj]

I have had my Sako L461 .222 HB since early 80s and will never get rid of it. love the 222 for hunting in Australia

[@conservativesniperhunter7439]

@@Dave-km6fj Nice 👍. Of one the other great things about the 222 Rem and the .223 Rem is that we can easily get 15,000 rounds out of the barrels. I bet that you don’t miss any thing you aim at with that heavy barrels 222 Rem Sako.

[@marvley361]

Reading gun magazines when I was a young boy I really wanted a .222 but my father always told me no. So years later after going through college and getting a job I finally ordered one and it was Sako vixen .222 with a French walnut stock, rosewood grip and tip, diamond skip checkering and a silver enlay of a fox head and tail. I shot many rockchucks and jackrabbits with that beauty. All for under $450 which was a lot at that time. Forty seven years later I still have that rifle and love it. Most accurate rifle I own.

[@paulsimmons5726]

Your regret over letting your original 222 go is a common thing among many gun enthusiasts; we all have a list of guns that we’ve let go and would love to have back! Glad to see you found a 222 Sako that you like!

[@wizardofahhhs759]

Every gun I sold I regret getting rid of.

[@retkar1]

"I don't need to have two guns for the same caliber." That one hurt me. It hurt me real bad. 😅

[@beargillium2369]

what we want and what we need hehe😅

[@yeedbottomtext7563]

Lol

[@michaeldoe4805]

Well, maybe towards the end of one's journey, we seem to gravitate towards one caliber one gun. Except 22lr of course. 22lr is the king 👑

[@MrRmh3481]

Good to see you. Glad your doing well.

[@charlesknight3204]

Kind sir … Love you and love your channel!!! We’ll take and anxiously await each video from now on. Take care of your personal business, take care of yourself & your family, and I/we’ll continue to be here when you post videos!!! Until then, me and mine wish you and yours all things great and good; God bless!!! Chuck Knight from Atascocita (Houston), Texas. 🎣👨‍🌾🦌

[@GunBlue490]

Thank you kindly

[@charlesknight3204]

@@GunBlue490 No, sir!!! Thank you!!!! Chuck. 😵‍💫👨‍🌾

[@jeffp.Buff.]

Mine is a Savage 340. My grandfather swore by the 222 and would reload all my bullets. Sure do miss him! My 222 has taken many woodchucks in the past. Great to see you back!

[@Rk-mz4bb]

I know a guy that has a 340 222 for sale beautiful condition. Asking 600.00 .

[@m1a1abrams93]

I have one that I never shot since buying it. I sure hope it's a tack driver or it will get a new barrel. lol Also have the 222 Rem Mag in a Rem 722 action. My reasoning for not shooting the Savage. I just like the Remington so much more.

[@vincentjackson3472]

I love your videos, your knowledge, your humor, wisdom, experience, are all so great. I feel like im sitting on a chair in the yard with a coffee and a cigar with you when im listening to them! I hope life is treating you well and kindly.

[@binderfan436]

A dream combination for accuracy. And a groundhog's nightmare.

[@user-nn7mb4ip4l]

LOVE your channel, THE SULLIVANS LOVE and Pray for You and your family!!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!! GOD BLESS!

[@GunBlue490]

Thank you for your prayers!

[@user-nn7mb4ip4l]

@@GunBlue490 we Sullivans Pray for you,Catholic American family

[@danchenier7686]

God bless you sir you need not apologize I am also an older man and time with my family is precious

[@bobhill3941]

Yes it is, and I'm glad I realize that now and am young enough to enjoy it.

[@oldschoolron8602]

My grandfather bought his sako 222 in 1960. It has been a gem of mine for 45 years also I do own a redlabel my opin is its wonderful.

[@user-oy6fr8xp4i]

You are such a great man, full of wisdom. I really enjoy learning from you. I am the proud owner of my wife’s grandfather Remington 700 222. I looked up serial # and it was manufactured in April 1962. It is my most accurate rifle I own. 222s rule😀

[@zayacz123]

Thank you for sharing! They’re both beautiful rifles.

[@bobfegley1485]

55 years ago while living in Phila. I would visit the Paul Jaeger Shop in Jenkintown. I would handle several Sako Vixens and Foresters. I always wanted a Heavy Barrel Vixen in 222 Rem. I never got one but I now have two Sakos. One Forester in .243 and A Finnbear Deluxe in .270. I have never taken them hunting. They are too nice to booker them up in the woods. They remain in like new condition. When hunting I have many different tools to use. I have missed your frequent episodes. I look forward to any future videos.

[@S.A.U.1489]

Nice, I’m doing a 222 Remington build on a Howa mini action. I sent it to Hart to have it rebarreled in 222 Remington and when it comes back I will get a really nice wood stock for it.

[@33journeyman]

Buy once cry once. I recently picked up a mint condition Sako L461 in 222 with a high quality Leopold scope and am completely blown away by it. Worth every penny. Your previous reviews in the 222 are absolutely correct and encourage everyone ro watch your 222 video from 8 years ago. Priceless and thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. As a Tool & Die Maker I really consider you the Machinist Handbook of the shooting sports from A to Z. Peace to you and your family.

[@johnsnyder5470]

I had a Sako L61R action in .264 Winchester Magnum many years ago, probably 50 years, Was a great rifle although it did not shoot as accurately as we expect now. As a young man, I discovered the stock was cracked, probably cause of accuracy problems. Let it go in a trade which I have regretted for the past many years. It was so well finished and so smooth operating. As you have shown,the metal checkering and integral bases and rings were so well executed, it has no peer today. LIve and learn.🤔😚

[@cmaster0368]

Have a Winchester 70 in .222 that was gifted to me by a dear friend and WWII vet. This makes me want to take it out and show it some love. Thanks for another great video!

[@GuyBunting-g3f]

I’ve missed your videos and I am pleased to see you back. I love to listen as it reminds me of my long since passed grandfather speaking in depth. If you ever find yourself in England or Wales let me know and I’ll gladly take you roe stalking

[@GunBlue490]

@@GuyBunting-g3f Now, that's a deal!

[@GuyBunting-g3f]

A deal indeed. I’m right on the England Wales border and we have some amazing stalking here. Let me know when you want to come

[@scottrobinson3281]

Before the merger with Sako, Tikkas were always renowned for accuracy, although not as finely finished as Sakos.

[@steveeure5975]

Back in the early 80's I did some horse trading for a Remington 700 BDLin 222 Rem. that has a 24" bbl. The individual that I traded with had special ordered the rifle and he is left handed. I never understood why he ordered a right handed rifle in the first place. He had a boat motor that he wanted to put a stainless steel prop on instead of the aluminum prop that was on it. I had a SS prop that fit, so we traded, EVEN TRADE. What was so nice about this trade is that someone else had given me the prop. So I have 0 dollars invested, at that time in the rifle. I have since upgraded the scope. This rifle will shoot a five shoot group that can be covered with a dime at 100 yards. No kidding! Best and most accurate rifle I own or have ever shot.

[@Magoo1039]

I always enjoy your videos, including the ones about your Christian faith. I have owned a number of Sako Vixens in 222 Rem: they are my favourite Rifles. The sit beautifully in the hand and shoot like lasers. A true lifetime investment.

[@cameronnorton5898]

I learned a few cool things this video. Never realized Sako and Tikka were related. Appreciate the good close ups with the camera, fine work. I have a Remington 770 .308 and I've been looking to get something a bit better. I'll always love my 770, it was a gift from my father. It even does sub MOA with it's preferred 180gr loadings. However, it's not exactly a refined piece.

[@stevedykstra7360]

I sold my 1988 brno fox delux in 222 with double set triggers 6 years ago, I still can't look in the mirror.

[@ronnydowdy7432]

I have never shot a 222 Thanks for the information and glad to see you again and listen to your kind sounding voice.

[@COREYDEER]

Love my tikkas. I put a aftermarket stock onto my 270 and have been playing with different loads for it since I got into reloading.

[@phillycheesetake]

There is absolutely no modern replacement for the Sako Vixen.

[@wayneschenk5512]

It’s great to have a similar gun back in your hands.

[@dougshugarts3105]

I inherited a Vixen in .222 from my dad, as well as another rifle you've reviewed, a Savage 99 in .300 Savage. Both are beautiful rifles. Dad grew up in rural PA in the 30s and 40s and for the life of me I can't understand how he ended up buying a Sako then and there.

[@NickFrom1228]

Grew up with a Remington 700 BDL in .222. Nice cartridge/rifle combo. Many a ground squirrel fell to the combo and our hay fields were relatively safe as a result.

[@wingman8447]

Thank you for this video. I had a Remington 600 in .222 (18.5” ventilated rib barrel) when I was a kid many years ago. Traded it for a deer rifle. I miss that little .222. Chucks didn’t stand a chance even with that short barrel. Glad to see you.

[@thebleeb1681]

I acquired my FIL's L461 Vixen in .222 Rem. It's a lovely gun, and very accurate. Definately one of my favorites of any caliber.

[@turbojuudas]

I have one of those Tikka T3X's. in .308. have it now a four years. and not to brag (or what's to brag about with a budget rifle) but it really is a damn smooth actioned and accurate. Tool, but a damn good tool. With reasonable amount of range and mainly hunting, I'm quite sure that it's gonna be a heirloom object one day. If you're on the market, at least consider it.

[@kyleshaffer8471]

Last fall i bought a t3x superlite in 270 winchester. I had a model 70 xtr sporter in 270 winchester also. The model 70 is now gone and i don't regret it.

[@benrose8898]

Glad to hear you are well ! Thank you for your videos

[@johngrayland4558]

I'm 67 years old and bought a heavy barrel Sako L461 in 17 Rem when I was 19. The barrel has seen better days and I intend to rebarrel it in 222 Rem. I get what you say about only having so much time and energy as you get older, spend it wisely.

[@henrybobswillikers]

We love you Gun Blue490.

[@wadepederson8457]

I have the Sako 1954 L46 222 it was before the vixen. The strange thing is it has a 16 twist, which gave me some problems with the heavier bullets 50 and 55s bullets but shoots the 40s like a house of fire and is great fun, thanks for the show. GOD BLESS.

[@jeffthompson5840]

Great to see you again god bless you looking forward to seeing you when you can

[@midnightsailor1]

Good to see you. I hadn't seen any videos for a while so I went to search your channel figuring UTube was neglecting to alert me and saw I missed this and a previous video. Nice to see a comparison of these two rifles. Enjoy yourself , I am ,at our age what else can we do but keep on moving and enjoying life. And the dog makes it a lot more fun too. !

[@slickstrings]

i had a Tikka T3 for years. Fantastic rifle. Honestly i wouldnt hesitate to pick one up if you want a quality rifle. I remember putting 2 through the same hole at 700m while load developing. If you want to splurge and get a little bit more of the finer touches, sure go for the sako, but its sort of diminishing returns. You will pay a lot more money for a smaller % increase in quality, and its quality that you can argue probably doesnt increase its practicality. Its just sort of luxury, which is great if you want to spoil yourself. Who doesnt love the little things? If you are just interested in a highly accurate, well built rifle that feels screwed together properly, a tikka is a great choice.

[@S.A.U.1489]

I’m glad you got it spent time with your family.

[@kurtwilhelm6835]

Beautiful rifle!

[@jorgwellmann814]

Thank you for your fantastic channel. I‘m following you from Germany over the last 4 years. As a tribute to you, I‘ve named my new dog Benny. Keep up the good work 👍

[@ewc58]

I always enjoy your knowledge and storytelling. Thank you 👍💯

[@National757]

Family first! Two fine looking rifles. Thanks for the review!

[@Mark-Marine]

You and I are of the same era. I have some holes I’ve yet to fill. That you have made a partial recovery, it gives me hope that I’ll find a lost treasure too.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Beautiful rifle. Always good to see a video from you.

[@pseudopetrus]

God bless, and I am glad you found a Sako that fills the gap in your collection!

[@Bill-jv5eg]

Great looking rifle , we all trade/ sell guns we wish we had not,,,,,more than I care to own up to. Enjoy! Nice to see you back , always enjoy your videos ! Sake is quality gun. 21:43

[@larryblair4765]

I have had to be away from cell service for quite some time due to work, it's good to see that you are doing well and making videos sir. Just wanted to let you know how much I love seeing your collection and learning from your knowledge. I hope to keep seeing more videos and glad to see that you look well. You are a true gem sir.

[@borisbuliak3626]

Mr Blue glad to hear your enjoying your summertime. Don’t know the first person that hasn’t made regrettable mistakes. Recognizing and eventually correcting them is wise.

[@user-eo3um7vo4f]

I have a 222 in a Remington 722 and love it

[@malcolmeunson5543]

Well liked combo in NZ for the deer cullers, and Australia for the ‘roo’s. Still looking for one, but have a CZ .222. Missed out on a pigeon pair, .222, and 7x57, but lack of $$$

[@currituck]

I have a 1970 Winchester M70 Sporter in .222 Rem. Fantastic rifle!

[@garysummerville4227]

Back in the 60's, I bought one of those Seiko 22 magnums with a man Manliqur stock and a 6 power Weaver scope. I still have It hand load the shells, tack driver. Unbelievable wood like furniture. One of my favorites.

[@stewatparkpark2933]

Does it keep good time ?

[@farmerwayne1404]

Beautiful rifles!!!

[@ShrewdBone]

These kinds of videos makes me proud of my fellow Finns. Quality stuff still made in Finland. Shoutout to Beretta who is a good owner, they pretty much left Sako alone and let them to do what they do.

[@joshuawooledge6945]

I dreamed of having a 222 rem since I was young. In my area they weren't that popular so finding a used one since new weren't available wasn't easy. After years of watching I ran across a brand new savage model 25 in 222 rem. I bought it and love it. Supper accurate and easy to load for.

[@RL-ep5gq]

You owe it to your family. They should have plenty of memories of you.

[@darylcopp9013]

I have a Tikka T3X Lite Compact in 7mm-08. A Leopold VX-5HD 2-10x42 sits on top. Shoots great groups and is light weight. Like the short length of pull when the temperatures drop and the clothing gets thicker.

[@Stargazer80able]

Simply love the accracy of the Tikka rifles. Have shot many, All of them were great. Have one in 6.5x55 and it shoots like a lazer with all ammo I have tested. The only complaint is the magazines, I bought six, and only three will feed the rifle. They need to fix that problem.

[@mmal7982]

One of my favorite outdoor writers in my youth was Sam Fadala - he had a Sako (I believe a L461) redone into a 6mm/222 by a 'smith in Arizona (whose name escapes me now) but he always expounded on that rifle and how he his wife and all his friends loved it for even bigger game like pronghorns and deer. Never owned a Sako but perhaps I should.

[@christophevandenheuvel]

We love you Blue... you take all the time you want!😊

[@Pennshitz]

I remember reading Sam Fadala’s praise of this rifle and cartridge combo growing up. 👍🏻

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

Perked the boys right up. 😊

[@patrickjoseph5028]

I have had 6 different Sako rifles…still own 3 all are excellent shooters….1/2 to 3/4 moa ….oozing with quality through out…..old world class firearms.

[@donpope5524]

Wonderful acquisition ! ... would request closer look; comparison bolts, receivers, operation & accuracy.

[@Starman2440]

I am in my mid 70s, been an active shooter for many years. I appreciate your videos and commentary ad glad that you share it. The .222 is a fine cartridge however I feel my 1980 Rem 700 .223 is a better choice as the difference in accuracy in such a rifle is close enough to the .222 Rem without the issues (availability of ammunition ). I am the rare one that also shoots .22 Caliber cast bullets. My 700 does quite well with a Lym 225462 out to 150 yards. I enjoy using them. I have no doubt that the.222 Rem is a superior bench rest caliber, but in a high quality sporting rifle..the difference is minimal.

[@GunBlue490]

@@Starman2440 I'm not advocating for any cartridge, nor am I disparaging any. I have always enjoyed the .222 Remington and was simply doing a video on two Sako made rifles that happen to be my choice of caliber. I don't argue with your point on practical varminting accuracy. Whatever accuracy the .223 delivers, it inherited it from its father. I've owned and have enjoyed both, but the difference in accuracy is not at all minimal. In fact, when .223 ammo dried up not long ago, I was able to buy my share of .222 ammo with no issues.

[@Starman2440]

@@GunBlue490 Might I suggest--do a shootout comparison of teh two calibers with bolt action rifles. It should prove very enlightening?

[@user-gb8gg6ho4q]

Love your channel

[@erictownsend4236]

I am lucky enough to have My Grandfather's Remington 722 in 222 caliber! His Woodchuck gun. Prior he had a 218 Bee! Rem. 722, Smooth action, great trigger, smooth, short take up! Has the 222 caliber been eclipsed? H**l yes! But I live in Rural Mid-State New Hampshire on a farm my Grandfather established! My father, my siblings and my nephew kept Dairy Farming on this land till 2004, then, selling milk didn't pay the bills! A 200 yard shot is about the max distance here, some 300 yd.? Hey, I move in! The ole 222 is up to that! Will be passing that 722 onto my Nephew!

[@markattila9835]

Good to see you're back! Thank you.

[@dansaver8247]

Good video. Good rifles.

[@keithprinn720]

great rifles and if you want to use them choose to even if the numbers and data may say better options. but running a genuine classic makes you feel great which is all you want. I had a Krico over 40 years ago similar thoughts then.

[@clintonbeckworth126]

The other one was a Remington Model 722.

[@dgoodman1484]

Missed out on a Sako 25-20 repeater at auction. Only one I’ve ever seen. Went for crazy money. Love the 222, I have 6 but shame they weren’t 1-9 twist. A little more aero on the bullet would have been better 👍🏼

[@bobbrown8955]

GunBlue 👍 Thank You

[@cav4353]

For 25 years I have been the steward of an L46 in 222, and an L461 rebarrelled to 223 Rem, both are excellent shooters. And it's pronounced "Sock-o".

[@wadepederson8457]

I was wondering what the twist rate is on your Sako. My 1954 L46 is 16, and didn't like the 50/55 grain bullets but loves the 40s. Go figure, keep your nice shows coming. GOD BLESS.

[@abbeybremner4162]

I love my tika ( wud love sako more). When I look at other brands in the price point- tika has a better trigger or action or feeds more reliably…… poor mans sako I agree but hard to beat for the $. Thanx for awesome vid

[@davidhandyman7571]

That is a beautiful gun.

[@arthurcaesar2200]

I have the Tikka T3x Lite in .308. Its a fabulous rifle.

[@charlesmullins3238]

Good friend has a 40x in .222

[@jerrychambers7267]

There is a really nice vixen 222 on GB right now

[@Finnbearl61r]

Thank you for the excellent work presenting Sako and Tikka guns! 🫡🇫🇮

[@user-vk7gp5in3f]

I myself own a similar A1/L461 Vixen - somewhat a hybrid between the two. A Leupold 3-9x40 fits snuggly with the low standard ring mounts. This would be my 3:rd or 4:rd Vixen, the before previous… This latest one I feel a need to keep. 🙂

[@jamessenos1396]

I love you like you’re my Uncle - but I gotta correct you on the pronunciation of the brand name (SAKO) … In the country of Finland 🇫🇮 the correct pronunciation is ‘Sako’ - just like ‘Taco’ 😊👍🏻👍🏻

[@GunBlue490]

Ah! The pronunciation police are here! I agree that it's said that way in Finland, but we're not in Finland and I acknowledged your pronunciation. Everyone that I have ever known in over 50 years in the US say say-ko, including the dealers that sell them. I'll stick with common usage if that doesn't get me a ticket.

[@jamessenos1396]

@@GunBlue490 Well, I tried to help - but apparently you’re not interested in learning and then passing it on by helping others to learn, as well. 😕

[@bobberceli6874]

Thsnk God for the rain > Park Fire in California could sure use it!

[@bigdaddypain295]

Say ko is the watch. It’s pronounced sock o. Anyway great video!

[@mark-wn5ek]

Oh shut up

[@bigdaddypain295]

@@mark-wn5ek no you shut it.

[@m1a1abrams93]

He did mention how it was pronounced in the video. lol

[@bigdaddypain295]

@@m1a1abrams93 I know. I’m just telling you how to properly pronounce it

[@m1a1abrams93]

@@bigdaddypain295 Wow gee thanks. I have one and was really confused on how to pronounce the name. Good thing you came my way. LMAO

[@igorchumakov7584]

It's all true!!!

[@turbojuudas]

btw, does anybody know a company named Sport Arms? I got a heritage shotgun from them but I struggle to find out anything about them. And god bless to you too.

[@ronwarren4196]

I sent you a Facebook message about the 10/22 I bought my wife.

[@S.A.U.1489]

Could you please do a video on the 221 fireball?

[@GunBlue490]

Sure!

[@GunBlue490]

Sure!

[@S.A.U.1489]

@@GunBlue490 thank you so much 😊

[@lestopinan0708]

GM, I have been watching your videos for years and find them very informative. I hand load as a hobby and would like to know if you “bump the shoulder” on your cases? Do you have a video on this topic? Is it necessary in your opinion to “shoulder bump?”

[@tomascallheim4758]

I have a Brno 525 in 222 rem . I love it but its getting harder to find ammo for it here in sweden.