Valmet M76 (RK 62 76)

History

Finland fought two major wars with the Soviet Union during World War II. In the end, countries signed an agreement that allowed Finland to exist as a separate state entity, although Soviet influence was still evidentespecially in the choice of military equipment. Like most other countries allied or influenced by the Soviet Union, Finland took the form of the world famous AK-47 Kalashnikov assault rifle, which became the m/60, which was further developed slightly in the upcoming m/62 Improved form. Among these developments came the m/76, which more or less continued this lineage, still equipped with 7.62x39mm rifle caliber cartridges, but also available in 5.56x45mm NATO form (exports to the west client). This model also retains the recognizable curved magazine, large selector grip, and gas cylinder above the barrel.

Therefore, the internal structure still relies on aerodynamic action by rotating the bolt mechanism. Visually, however, the m/76 has no wooden furniture like the previous Kalashnikovs, and features a fine matt black parkaized finish throughout, while key metal parts contain lightweight polymer thing.

From 1976 to 1986, production was taken over by the Finnish company Valmet. Ultimately, the operators included the Finnish Army, Indonesia and Qatar.

m/76 uses more plastic in the stock and front end to reduce weight and production costs. For the same reason, punched rivets are also used on the receiver. Tritium-illuminated sights became the standard for accurate shooting in low-light environments. Notable forms include a wooden stock variant called the M76W and the M76F with a folding plastic stock.

The M76T uses a folding tubular stock and the M76P uses a fixed plastic stock. Usually indicates a length of 37.4 inches, reaching 24 inches when the stem is collapsed.

The weapon is fed with 15, 20 or 30 rounds from a curved detachable magazine, the action allows a rate of fire of 700 rounds per minute.

The M76 evolved into the class of light machine guns in the M78 series.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes