Valmet KvKK 62
Valmet Oy · Machine Gun · In Service · 1962
Also known as: KK 62, 7.62 KvKK 62, Valmet KvKK-62
Overview
The Valmet KvKK 62 is a Finnish gas-operated, belt-fed light machine gun chambered in 7.62x39mm. Developed by Valmet's Tourula plant in the late 1950s and adopted by the Finnish Defence Forces in 1962, it fires from an open bolt using a tilting bolt that locks into the roof of the receiver, an arrangement reminiscent of the Czech ZB-26. It is fed from the right side by a 100-round disintegrating belt carried in a detachable plastic pouch and serves as a squad-level support weapon firing the same intermediate cartridge as the contemporaneous RK 62 assault rifle.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 8300 g (292.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1085 mm (42.72") |
| Barrel Length | 470 mm (18.50") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 100 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 715 m/s (2346 fps) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 1050 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62x39mm Soviet, M43, 7.62mm Kalashnikov
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Tilting Bolt Lock, Folding Bipod, Side Folding Carrying Handle, Belt Fed, Detachable Ammunition Pouch
Service history
Operators
- Finnish Defence Forces · adopted 1962 · as 7.62 KvKK 62
Production
Production years: 1966-present
Standard Finnish squad light machine gun; first units delivered in 1966 and the type has remained in service for decades.
Origin
Country of origin: Finland
Designer: Valmet (Tourula plant)
Notes
The KvKK 62 lacks a quick-change barrel, considered a notable limitation for a sustained-fire weapon. It remained in front-line Finnish service for over half a century.
Background
Kevyt konekivaari (light machine gun) Model 1962; the KvKK 62 pairs the Soviet 7.62x39mm intermediate cartridge with a distinctly Finnish belt-fed design and has been a fixture of Finnish infantry squads since the 1960s.