Valmet RK 62
Valmet / Sako · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1962
Also known as: Rynnakkokivaari 62, 7.62 RK 62, Finnish AK
Overview
The Valmet RK 62 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, produced by Valmet / Sako since 1962. 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 / Sako 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) | 3150 g (111.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3550 g (125.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 914 mm (35.98") |
| Barrel Length | 419 mm (16.50") |
| 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 | 732 m/s (2402 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2136 J (1575 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 900 m (984 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62mm Soviet, 7.62x39mm M43
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, Tubular Steel Stock, No Trigger Guard, Plastic Handguard, Milled Receiver, Arctic Optimized
Variants
- Valmet M71 — Stamped Receiver
- Valmet M76 — Modernized
- Sako RK 95 TP — Modernized
- RK 62M — Modernized
Service history
Operators
- Finnish Defence Forces · adopted 1962 · as 7.62 RK 62
- Qatar Armed Forces · as RK 62
Production
Production years: 1962-present
Produced continuously since 1962 for the Finnish Defence Forces. Exact production figures not publicly available. The entire Finnish military inventory is currently being upgraded to the RK 62M standard.
Origin
Country of origin: Finland
Designer: Lauri Oksanen
Notes
The RK 62 is renowned for exceptional build quality - milled rather than stamped receivers, tight manufacturing tolerances, and premium materials make it notably more accurate and durable than standard AK variants. The deliberate omission of the trigger guard was a uniquely Finnish design choice allowing soldiers wearing thick Arctic mittens to access the trigger; a winter trigger guard attachment was available as an accessory. The polymer 'waffle pattern' magazine designed for the RK 62 is considered one of the finest AK magazines ever produced and remains sought-after worldwide. The rifle served as the direct design basis for the Israeli Galil ARM after Israeli engineers selected it over Soviet AK samples due to superior machining quality. Successive variants include the M71 (stamped receiver), M76 (multiple calibers including 5.56mm), Sako RK 95 TP (modernized with folding stock and Picatinny rail), and the latest RK 62M (2019 update with M-LOK handguard, adjustable stock, and full rail system). The Finnish Defence Forces are currently upgrading their existing RK 62 inventory to the RK 62M standard rather than procuring new rifles.
Background
The RK 62 is widely considered the finest AK derivative ever manufactured, with milled receivers and tolerances that make Soviet-produced AKs look crude by comparison. Its deliberate omission of a trigger guard was a uniquely Finnish adaptation for Arctic warfare, allowing soldiers wearing thick winter mittens to fire the weapon. The distinctive 'waffle pattern' polymer magazine designed for the RK 62 is considered the gold standard of AK magazines worldwide.