412 vs 412s?

[jwm]

How do the Valmet 412 and 412s differ?  Is one significantly superior to the other?  I have a line on a 412s in 30-06 with scope mount for what appears to be a good price.  Thanks.

[dougk]

There is a belief that the 412s is better than the 412. 

I have not seen any difference between the 412 and 412s.  But never the less the 412s is generally viewed to be better and typically carry a higher price.

What I have noticed is the stock and foreend are lighter on the 412s and newer 412 guns. 

The mount is going to save you $150-$280 that you would have had to spend for one.

So do tell what is the price...

Also, if you want double triggers let me know I will hook you up with my source.  The Valmets owners manual is in the sticky for no longer published manuals.

Good luck with your purchase. 

Doug

[jwm]

Doug, the gun is described as "excellent" condition and I can get it for $900 Canadian, which is pretty much at par with your money right now.  I haven't seen it yet, but will probably go over tomorrow for a look.  I don't need a .30-06 but it just seems like a good deal on an intriguing gun.  I'll see if it's calling my name.

John

[dougk]

John,
be careful....

Once you hold it you will be hooked. 

Also, take a look at the Valmet pics here and make sure it has the straight lines on the receiver.  There are some guns being sold as Valmets in Canada that look like Savages.  The issue is that you will not be able to use 412 barrels on the receiverunless it is a Valmet 412 or 412s.

Good Luck and let us know what you decide.

Doug

[jwm]

Well, I went down today to check out the gun (too much snow flying yesterday) and long story short, I didn't buy it.  On the plus side, it was definitely a Finnish-made Valmet, in virtually mint condition, showing little or no use.  It had the factory scope mount and the whole thing was very tight and nicely put together.  A very appealing gun.

However, I simply couldn't rationalize a need for it.  I have a Baikal SxS double in .45-70, and a very pretty Fabarm OU double in 9.3x74R with QD scope mount.  The Valmet was much larger and heavier than the Fabarm, and for that reason alone I doubt that I would use it much.  The wood was very plain as well.  If I didn't have the Fabarm, or if the Valmet had an eye-popping piece of walnut, I'd probably be an owner.

Over the last couple of years I've been thinning the herd a little in my gunsafes.  I'm retiring soon and want fewer guns that I'll use more, not the other way around.  Thanks for your input and assistance.

John

[dougk]

John,
thanks your sharing your perspective on the 412 12/.30-06.  Do you ever have an application that requires the use of both the shotgun and rifle.  I have the requirement to have both shotgun and rifle available when I hunt hogs, raccoon, and coyote.

Doug

[jwm]

Doug, this gun wasn't a 12gauge/.30-06 combo.  It was a double rifle, both barrels in .30-06.  I don't have a combo gun but I think that a 12gauge/.223 would be handy.  When I'm coyote hunting I always seem to have the wrong gun with me for the shots that present themselves.

Up here raccoons are considered furbearers and can only be hunted with dogs.  We don't have wild hogs...if we did I'd probably be hunting them 24/7 and never go into the house!

John

[dougk]

John,
thanks for the clarification.  I have the .30-06 DR which I use for deer hunting.

To clarify I use the 12/.222 combo for raccoons and coyotes and the 12/.30-06 for hogs.  I have to sight in the 12/.243 which might be my all around gun.

Doug