Valmet M76
Valmet · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1976
Also known as: 7.62 RK 62 76, Valmet M76W, Valmet M76F, Valmet M76T
Overview
The Valmet M76 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, produced by Valmet since 1976. Safety features include manual safety selector, hammer notch, reflecting modern design standards that prioritize safe handling and operation. With over 74 years of firearms manufacturing experience, Valmet brings established expertise in metallurgy, machining, and quality control to every product in their lineup, ensuring each firearm meets the standards expected by today's demanding market of knowledgeable shooters and professionals.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3500 g (123.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 950 mm (37.40") |
| Folded Length | 710 mm (27.95") |
| Barrel Length | 420 mm (16.54") |
| Height | 190 mm (7.48") |
| Width | 45 mm (1.77") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 720 m/s (2362 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2067 J (1525 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 900 m (984 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62mm Soviet, 7.62x39mm M43
- 5.56x45mm NATO · 5.56 NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Stamped Receiver, Folding Stock, Polymer Furniture, Multi Caliber Variants, Matte Parkerized Finish
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Finnish Defence Forces · adopted 1976 · as 7.62 RK 62 76
- Indonesian Navy · as M76
- Qatar Armed Forces · as M76
Production
Production years: 1976-1986
Limited production run of approximately 10 years. Exact figures not publicly available. Production ceased when Valmet's firearms division merged with Sako in 1986.
Origin
Country of origin: Finland
Discontinued: 1986
Notes
The M76 represented Valmet's push into the international arms market, offering Finnish AK quality to nations using different ammunition standards. The stamped receiver reduced both weight and manufacturing costs compared to the milled RK 62 while maintaining precision construction. The Indonesian Sea and Coast Guard adopted the .222 Remington version. The M76 in 5.56mm played a significant role in the development of the Israeli Galil, as Israel evaluated Finnish AKs extensively before designing their own derivative. Production ceased in 1986 when Valmet merged its firearms division with Sako. Semi-automatic civilian versions (particularly in .308) are highly prized by collectors and command significant premiums on the secondary market.
Background
The Valmet M76 played a crucial but often overlooked role in the development of the Israeli Galil ARM. Israeli weapons designers extensively evaluated the M76 in 5.56mm before designing the Galil, and the Finnish rifle's influence is clearly visible in the Galil's design. Semi-automatic civilian variants, particularly in .308 Winchester, are among the most sought-after AK-pattern rifles by collectors and routinely command prices exceeding $3,000.