You can measure the twist rate with a cleaning rod and patch or mop. With the patch attachment with patch or bore mop firmly attached to the rod, insert into the muzzle all the way down the barrel near the chamber - but still engaged in the rifling. Mark the rod at the muzzle inline with the top of the barrel and center of the front sight. Carefully withdraw the rod so that it rotates with the rifling until it has turned one full revolution and the mark on the rod is inline with the top of the bore and center of the front sight. Now mark the rod at the muzzle again - and measure the distance between the two marks on the rod. Your answer will be "one turn in [whatever the measurement between the two marks is]" inches.
Nice find; I have wanted one of these Valmets for a long time.
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Great idea for measuring the barrel twist! Thanks!
Funny thing about this rifle...I didn't go to that gun show specifically looking for a Valmet. There were a huge number of nice pieces there that I could have bought: Several collectible S&W revolvers, about 8 beautiful Winchester Model 52s, etc., etc., but that Valmet just grabbed my attention.
They are relatively rare in these parts, and I cannot remember how long it has been since I've seen one for sale, either in a store or at a show. I've always liked them, and a buddy who is a weapons engineer for the military swears that they are the Cadillac of the AK-47 family. This one is just beautiful, and brand-spanking new. The seller and I haggled a little over the price, but in the end it was a real good deal. I can't wait to shoot it.
There are several of these for sale right now at GunBroker.com and Gunsamerica.com, by the way.
Thanks again for the help!
Still looking for a source for spare mags, a bayonet, or a sling...