I have a M78 that was a converted from 308 to 7.62x39 and then to auto by Hard Times Armory. They have a not so good reputation. I've had a lot of work done to this gun and it was running like a top. Now my barrel is done for. The rounds are getting stuck in the chamber. Does anyone have any knowledge about these guns here? I last heard there were at least six of these guns in registry. I've spoken online to two different owners of them and saw a third listed for sale. All of the owners and the dealer who had the third had very little knowledge of these guns. I'm hoping to find out where the barrel came from.
Thanks all
Valmet m78 conversion by Hard Times Armory
Moderator: AGG
- Tom Doniphon
- Posts: 1004
- Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2003 2:38 pm
- Location: West of the Picket Wire
Re: Valmet m78 conversion by Hard Times Armory
Is yours a milled receiver or stamped? Detailed pictures of the trunion area?
Re: Valmet m78 conversion by Hard Times Armory
I have seen the following:
5 stamped conversions (.308)
9 milled conversions (.308)- 1 converted from .308 to 7.62x39
PM me your full serial number and who did the conversion--- I can send you the information that I have.
Tony

5 stamped conversions (.308)
9 milled conversions (.308)- 1 converted from .308 to 7.62x39
PM me your full serial number and who did the conversion--- I can send you the information that I have.

Tony
Re: Valmet m78 conversion by Hard Times Armory
It's milled. I don't have pictures. It's at my gunsmiths place so it'll be a while before I can get to it.
I'll send the SN soon.
I'll send the SN soon.
- Tom Doniphon
- Posts: 1004
- Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2003 2:38 pm
- Location: West of the Picket Wire
Re: Valmet m78 conversion by Hard Times Armory
What are your goals? Return it to .308? May be fasted cheapest solution depending on receiver work. Just buy a semi and put parts on it. If you want to stay with 7.62x39 I would consider if it is possible to use a new Bugarian RPK barrel. That may take some creative gunsmithing if the receiver end is too small for the threads.
Happy to help.
I have both in F/A .308 milled and stamped 7.62, both original not caliber converted. If you need to talk PM me for more contact info.
Happy to help.
I have both in F/A .308 milled and stamped 7.62, both original not caliber converted. If you need to talk PM me for more contact info.