Valmet RK 62
Overview
Valmet RK 62
Valmet RK 62 assault rifle. Note the fixed tubular stock.
Source: Gentlemanxxx -
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Finland - SAKO
Rk 62 / Ryannäkkokivääri 62
Finnish for "assault rifle 62"
Valmet M62 (export designation)
Valmet M62S (civilian model)
Description
Introduction
The RK 62 is an early Cold War era assault rifle of Finnish origin. The RK 62 was patterned after the Soviet AK-47 assault rifle. The RK 62 is considered one of the best quality AK pattern rifles. The Israeli Galil was based on the RK 62 design.
Design
Mechanically the RK 62 functions in a similar manner as the AK-47, but externally it looks quite different. It also fires the Soviet 7.62x39mm round. The RK 62 uses machined receiver and polymer pistol grip and forearm. The good production quality in combination with the Kalashnikov design result in a very reliable firearm.
Firepower
The RK 62 fires the 7.62x39mm Soviet round from a 30 round polymer waffle pattern detachable box magazine. Many other types of Kalashnikov type magazines are compatible. It is a select-fire rifle with a cyclic rate of fire of 700 rpm. The longer sight radius and tritium night sight are a major improvement over the original Kalashnikov design. Accuracy is good as well with some rifles reportedly grouping close to 1 MOA.
Users
The Finnish military was the only one to adopt the RK 62 in quantity. Over 300.000 rifles were acquired by Finland. More were produced for export and civilian sales.