Valmet Leijona
Valmet Oy · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1948
Also known as: Valmet Lion, Suomen Leijona
Overview
The Valmet Leijona ('Lion') is a Finnish over/under double-barrel shotgun produced by the state-owned Valmet Oy. Introduced in 1948 initially as a 16-gauge and later offered in 12-gauge, it is a break-action stack-barrel gun with 2 3/4-inch chambers, extractors and a walnut stock. Its economical, compact design made it a popular affordable hunting and sporting shotgun in postwar Finland.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3200 g (112.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1090 mm (42.91") |
| Barrel Length | 660 mm (25.98") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2560 J (1888 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
- 16 Gauge — also known as 16GA, 16 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Action
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Over Under Barrels, Top Lever Break Action, Walnut Stock
Service history
Operators
- Finnish sport and hunting shooters
Production
Production years: 1948-1968
Manufactured by Valmet Oy in Finland; exact totals not published
Origin
Country of origin: Finland
Designer: Paavo Narinen
Discontinued: 1968
Notes
Original design derived from a French pattern from Saint-Etienne and refined by Valmet technicians; the Leijona is an ancestor of Valmet's later 212/412 series over/under shotguns.
Background
'Leijona' is Finnish for 'Lion' - a nod to the crowned lion of Finland's coat of arms; the humble over/under put an affordable double gun in the hands of Finnish hunters and later grew into Valmet's respected 212/412 shotgun line.