Sako Rk 95 TP
Sako Ltd. · Assault Rifle · In Service · 1995
Also known as: M95, 7.62 RK 95 TP, Rk 95
Overview
The Sako Rk 95 TP is a Finnish gas-operated, selective-fire assault rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm. A modernized derivative of the Rk 62 (itself based on the Kalashnikov system), it retains a milled steel receiver and long-stroke gas piston but adds a Galil-style side-folding skeleton buttstock, new handguards, a redesigned muzzle flash hider, tritium night sights, and an enlarged trigger guard for firing with gloves in Finnish winters. Development began at Valmet in the late 1980s and moved to Sako after Sako acquired Valmet in 1987; the rifle was adopted by the Finnish Defence Forces in 1995.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3700 g (130.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 935 mm (36.81") |
| Folded Length | 675 mm (26.57") |
| Barrel Length | 420 mm (16.54") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 715 m/s (2346 fps) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 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: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Fire Selector
- Features: Long Stroke Gas Piston, Rotating Bolt, Milled Receiver, Side Folding Stock, Tritium Night Sights, Enlarged Trigger Guard, Flash Hider, Bayonet Lug
Service history
Operators
- Finnish Defence Forces · adopted 1995 · as 7.62 RK 95 TP
Production
Estimated total produced: 20,000 · Production years: 1995-1998
A single production batch; adopted by the Finnish Defence Forces in limited numbers.
Origin
Country of origin: Finland
Designer: Sako Ltd.
Discontinued: 1998
Notes
Only a single production batch of roughly 20,000 rifles was made between 1995 and 1998, so the Rk 95 TP serves alongside the far more numerous Rk 62 rather than replacing it. Commercially known as the M95.
Background
Developed to give Finland a domestically produced, cold-weather-optimized successor to the Rk 62, the Rk 95 TP was hampered by cost and a peace dividend after the Cold War, so only one batch was procured and the older Rk 62 remained the standard service rifle.