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The full Valmet/Tikka 512SD shooting system. In my case,a Tikka 512SD with the 12-bore and .223 barrel in place. Next a set of 12-bore/7x65R barrels. A double rifle set of U/O 9.3x74R barrels, and a set of DR barrels in .30-06. Lastly U/O 12-bore barrels. .

One could hunt almost anything anywhere with these.

A dream I have had since 1982, to own a combination rifle/shotgun in 12-bore and a .22 centrefire finally realised.

I have had this shooting system for many years, originally in 12-bore Under and Over and a second barrel set in 9.3x74R Under and Over, in a Tikka 512SD shooting system. The Tikka 512SD was earlier the Valmet 412 and since then the Finnclassic. Now discontinued.

Later I added three more barrel sets, a 12-bore/.223 Rem; a 12-bore/7x65R; and a .30-06/.30-06. These barrels need final fitting by a gunsmith. This was done.

I have used the 12-bore U/O a lot and the 9.3x74R U/O has travelled with me to Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa, as well as the Northern Territory. I have shot warthog, antelope, numerous water buffalo with it, scrub bulls, horses, donkeys and pigs.

But since 1982 I have wanted to have a 12-bore and .22 centrefire for use on the farm. For rabbits, foxes, hares, birds such as ducks, pigeons and whatever, taking the dog for a walk and shooting whatever I chance upon. I read an article by a fellow Adelaidian deer hunter way back then, and thought one would be very useful. His was a Tiikka M07. There was a more expensive Tikka 77K (?) back then. The Valmet is a much better system.

Previously I was not happy with the sighting options. The QD mounts are not really QD, not quick. I wil have I think a custom lever added to the mounts allowing them to be unscrewed more quickly than the current knob requiring a coin.

Secondly I like a .22 centrefire to have a scope with 8x or 6x as a minimum. However if using any shotgun with a scope, which I was unsure of at all, 1x or 1.5x is the only option I would consider.

So I decided to compromise on a 1-4x Leupol. It is also lighter weight and smaller than some bulky big German 30 or 35mm tubed 1-6x or 1-8x. Way too heavy up top.

Giving a Leipold 1-4x a go I was more than surprised. It may not be ideal for head shooting rabbits at 200 metres, time will tell. But during the test shoots at 50 metres shot finely.

Even more surprising, it worked well with the shotgun. Easy to shoot static clays. I managed to give it a go with the clay thrower and hit a fair number. In the first go I did not make it too demanding.

Overall fairly pleased. Happy with the results. Next will be seeing how it goes on bunnies.

Not a beautiful combination gun but a very versatile shooting system overall and very accurate.

First up, try out the shotgun barrel. With the 1x scope. Four clays all destroyed thoroughly at ranges from 15 m, 35 m and 50 m. Powdered. I think it is tightly chocked. It is a fixed choke.

At 50 m.

Bore sighting is easy. Remove the whole barrels. My sidekick Blitzen is helping.

My sophisticated target, a beer carton with some stickers.
A nice three shot group, 50 m, but about seven or eight inches high.

Work in progress.

End result, upper right sticker. Close enough for now. I wasn't shooting too carefully, quite quickly, as it was threatening to rain. Will give it a try at 100 metres another time, but first perhaps some rabbits. Managed to hit the clays off hand at 50 metres. A problem is a .22 often does not break them just punches a hole.

What the hell, why not get the clay target thrower going and give it a try on flying clays. After three flat batteries, it left the Landcruiser's batteries to be brought into action.

Did not push it, just shot behind the thrower. But hit a respectable number of clays. The 1x scope for down the line type flights was very manageale. Will see if I can improve on crossing flights. Sometimes I did very much see the reticle. I keep both eyes open. Other times it was invisible and I did not consciously use it.

Very happy with the results. First time using a scope with a shotgun. I do miss a second barrel sometimes.

I did not shoot any video. It was a spur of the moment thing.

I have a second 1-4x Leupold for the 7x65R. A friend who owns a local gunshop is ordering me Sellier & Bellot 7x65R ammo, 173 gr SP I think. At a bank breaking price, for 200 rounds.

That should keep those barrels shooting for a long tme as well. Once setup I would love to do a mixed pig hunt somewhere.

Lastly the .30-06/.30-06 set of double rifle barrels. I could use existing .30-06 ammo in it. In the longer term, I would like to consider having those barrels re-chambered for .30 Super Flanged, or .300 H&H Flanged. Something more exotic, if a little impractical for ammo. Which can be overcome easily with handloads.

My 9.3x74R shoots two single hole groups at 100 metres, with 3 shots each from each barrel. I have regulated the barrels to shot approx one inch apart, similar to the barrel spacing. This system is very accurate. .

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John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

Edited by NitroX (07/12/23 06:28 PM)

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