Valmet Tapio
Valmet Oy · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1955
Overview
The Valmet Tapio is a Finnish single-shot, break-action hunting shotgun produced by Valmet from 1955 to 1964. Chambered primarily in 12/70 (with a 16/70 option), it uses a single break-open barrel with a long sighting rib, a ductile-iron cast receiver, and a walnut pistol-grip stock. Designed as an affordable, rugged single-barrel gun for the Finnish domestic hunting market, it saw only modest production of about 5,100 units.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2400 g (84.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1159 mm (45.63") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 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, 12/70
- 16 Gauge — also known as 16 ga, 16 bore, 16/70
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Action
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Single Barrel, Top Lever Break Action, Walnut Stock, Pistol Grip, Long Sighting Plane, Ductile Iron Cast Receiver
Production
Estimated total produced: 5,100 · Production years: 1955-1964
Roughly 5,100 units based on serial numbering; averaged about 500 per year over the production run.
Origin
Country of origin: Finland
Discontinued: 1964
Notes
Designed in 1954 at Valmet's Tourula works in Jyvaskyla, Finland. Barrel length 762 mm (30 in), overall length 1159 mm, weight roughly 2.2-2.6 kg depending on configuration. Named after Tapio, the forest spirit of Finnish mythology. Approximately 5,100 units were made over the decade-long run, averaging around 500 per year.
Background
Named after Tapio, the forest god of Finnish mythology and patron of hunters, the single-shot Tapio was built at Valmet's Tourula works in Jyvaskyla as an affordable everyman's hunting gun before the company turned toward the military rifles and combination guns it became better known for.