Valmet Champion Rifles

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Krieger
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Apr 16, 2025 5:52 am

Valmet Champion Rifles

Post by Krieger »

Hi everyone!

My question would be about the Valmet "Finnish Lion" Champion rifles. Does anyone have any experience with them? Are they good for a beginner who wants to shoot it for Club-level competitions?

Thank you all!
justadude
Posts: 801
Joined: Thu Jul 22, 2010 11:32 am

Re: Valmet Champion Rifles

Post by justadude »

Have not seen or heard of a Finnish Lion for quite some time. (Decades)

While I am not super familiar with them, from my limited knowledge they were quite heavy.

Just based on their reputation for being hefty, (15-17 pounds) unless your beginner is 6ft plus and likely male i would look for something else. Even then, I would look for something else.

'Dude
Tim S
Posts: 2096
Joined: Mon Jan 03, 2011 11:33 am
Location: Taunton, Somerset

Re: Valmet Champion Rifles

Post by Tim S »

Kreiger,

I have a Valmet M55; this is very similar to the later Champion, but the butt only adjusts vertically not for length.

As @Justadude notes, Valmets are heavy. Mine has a 760x25mm barrel, compared to an Anschutz 1813/1913 at 690x24mm it's massive. There is little mass behind the grip, so the point of balance is far forwards. If you are a tall strong man, who can reach out in prone that may be OK.

Positive features are a very good trigger, mine is no more than 100g, and an excellent barrel, mine groups well. Against this, the stock is large and less ergonomic than newer rifles, the sights are not compatible with modern accessories/alternatives, and spare parts don't exist.

There are some idiosyncracies; the bolt handle is short and turns 90° to open (Anschutz, Walther et al are 60°), so it's awkward to open. The loading tray is a shallow V, and because I cant a lot cartridges roll out.
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