Rare Finnish Valmet Hunter M88 .308 Win. 18” Semi-Auto Rifle & Scope Mount
SOLD FOR: $2,420.00
LSB#: LSB250726MN025
Make: Valmet Inc. / Tourulan Tehdas Jyvaskyla
Model: M88 Valmet Hunter .308
Serial Number: 394078
Year of Manufacture: Modern/ Late 1980s
Caliber: .308 Winchester / 7.62×51
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Gas Operated, Long Stroke Piston
Markings: The left of the receiver is marked “394078 / Cal..308 Win. / c” with a Finnish proof, “VALMET/ Tourulan Tehdas Jyvaskyla ”. The base of the scope mount is marked “VALMET”.
Barrel Length: 18” Threaded. 19” with compensator.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a windage adjustable blade with white line and serrated ramp. The rear sight is a folding u-notch sight pinned to the front of the scope rail. There is a scope rail with a base mounted, with rings measuring 1” in diameter.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This M88 Hunter features a two piece checkered walnut stock with semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, rubber Decelerator buttpad, sling stud in the belly of the buttstock, and a sling ring on the left side of the gas block. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. There is light handling wear. There are a few compressed checkers on the right side of the forend.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 10rd and 1x 5rd magazines both in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some stubborn fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows little operation wear. There are a few handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked and the pins are unmarred. The markings are crisp. Overall this rifle is in Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a total of two magazines, an extra buttstock, and its original firing pin and extractor which have been replaced by Cape Outfitters.
Our Assessment: The Valmet Hunter M88 is a scarce and desirable semi-automatic sporting rifle built on the same rugged long-stroke piston system that earned the Finnish RK-series rifles their reputation for reliability. Imported in limited numbers during the late 1980s, the Hunter line was Valmet’s effort to bridge military durability with sporting refinement, chambering rifles in popular calibers like .308 Winchester to appeal to hunters and precision-minded shooters alike. With its 18” barrel, threaded muzzle, and high-quality iron sights, this M88 combines compact handling with the power of the 7.62×51 cartridge, a round trusted worldwide for both hunting and service use. The factory scope rail and included base expand its versatility for scoped applications, making it equally at home in the woods or on the range.
This example remains in Fine Plus condition, retaining about 96% of its original blued finish with only light handling marks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, rated 8/10, and the walnut stocks display crisp checkering with only minor wear. The rifle comes well-outfitted, including both 5- and 10-round magazines, an extra buttstock, and its original firing pin and extractor replaced by Cape Outfitters, underscoring the attention to maintenance and functionality. Rare on the U.S. market and highly sought after by collectors of Finnish arms, this Valmet M88 represents a unique opportunity to own a premium semi-automatic sporting rifle with legendary Finnish build quality and enduring appeal. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
