Who has a val .308

[Jimbob]

Unfortunately my gun buying for the year is done but 8 in a year is plenty to alert our beloved jack booted theives who dont care that most were vintage guns. However next year when I get a little more money in my pocket I would love to have a gun in .308 either a valmet, a yugo or a M1A. I know mags are hard to get for the val, and the yugo but who can tell me of their experiences with these guns? Shooting results, function, reliability. etc? Thanks

[Silver Puss]

I have two .308 Valmets, a 76 (plastic butt) and a Hunter. They are basically the same gun and appear to come from the same numbered series (390 000). The only significant non-cosmetic difference is that the trigger has been moved back on the Hunter. There is a sheet metal piece covering the original trigger hole.

If you just want a Valmet-type rifle in .308, then I suggest that you consider the Hunter as it is probably $500-1000 cheaper than the assault rifle.

I have had no problems with either gun. They both function flawlessly with surplus ammo.

I have been getting 2-3" groups with either gun. The triggers are definitely not match conditioned and have some creep. However I suspect that these guns could do better in more competent hands.

I suggest using a plastic or rubber recoil buffer with the Valmets. The guns are durable enough, but since they are no longer manufactured you want to give them the very best care possible.

Original 20-rd mags are very expensive $200 and up when you can find them. I suggest using the 5 or 9-rd mags and saving the 20-rd ones for parade use.