Valmet M76 (RK 62 76)

Assault Rifle

Finland | 1976

"Like many other modern assault rifles of the world, the Finnish Valmet M76 is based on the Soviet AK-47 design though brought up to a modern standard."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 05/17/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Finland fought two major wars against the Soviet Union during World War 2. In the end, the nations signed an accord which allowed Finland to exist as its own national entity though influence from the Soviet Union remained apparent - particularly in its choice of military equipment. Like most other Soviet-allied or influenced nations, Finland adopted some form of the world famous Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle and this became the m/60 which was evolved into a slightly improved form in the upcoming m/62. From these developments came the m/76 which more or less continued the line, still chambered for the rifle-caliber 7.62x39mm cartridge but also offered in a 5.56x45mm NATO form (for Western-aligned export customers). The model also retained the identifiable curved magazine, large selector handle and over-barrel gas cylinder. As such, the internals still relied on a gas-operated action through a rotating bolt mechanism. Outwardly, however, the m/76 did not feature any wooden furniture as in earlier Kalashnikovs and was completed in a fine Parkerized matte black finish throughout all the while incorporating lightweight polymers to the important metal components. Production was undertaken by the Finnish concern of Valmet from 1976 into 1986. Operators ultimately included the Finnish Army, Indonesia and Qatar.

The m/76 was larger use of plastics, both at the stock and forend to reduce both weight and production costs. Stamping an riveting was also used at the receiver for the same reasons. Tritium illuminated sights were made standard for accurized firing in low-light environments. Notable forms included a wooden stock variant under the M76W designation and the M76F with folding plastic stock. The M76T was given a folding tubular buttstock and the M76P made use of a fixed plastic buttstock. Typically, a length of 37.4 inches was displayed and 24 inches was reached with the stock collapsed. The weapon was fed through a 15-, 20- or 30-round curved detachable box magazine and the action allowed for a 700 rounds per minute rate-of-fire to be achieved.

The M76 was evolved into a squad-level support light machine gun in the M78 series.

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Physical
The physical qualities of the Valmet M76 (RK 62 76). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

950 mm
37.40 in
O/A Length

418 mm
16.46 in
Barrel Length

7.94 lb
3.60 kg
Weight

Gas-Operated; Rotating Bolt
Action

7.62x39mm; 5.56x45mm NATO
Caliber(s)

15-, 20- or 30-round detachable box magazine
Feed

Adjustable Iron; Optional Optics
Sights

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Valmet M76 (RK 62 76). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

700
Rounds-Per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Valmet M76 (RK 62 76) Assault Rifle family line.

M76 - Base Series Designation

M76F - Folding Stock

M76W - Base Wooden Stock

RK 62 76 - Alternative Designation

M78 - Light Support Weapon based on the M76; heavy barrel for sustained fire role; chambered for the 7.62x39mm Soviet, 7.62x51mm NATO and 5.56x45mm NATO cartridges.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Valmet M76 (RK 62 76). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Valmet - Finland

[ Finland; Indonesia; Qatar ]

Design Qualities
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to requirements.

AUTOMATIC FUNCTION

ASSAULT RIFLE

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Going Further...
The Valmet M76 (RK 62 76) Assault Rifle appears in the following collections:

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