Valmet M-71

One odd development in the Valmet series of weapons was the Model 71 series.  If one takes a look at the Model 60, 62, or 76 series . ..  they are very similar in constuction.  Not so for the model 71 series.

Valmet Model 71 series weapons were manufactured between 1971 and 1973.  The receiver was a stamped steel receiver with minor differences from the Model 76 series.




M-71P




M-71W








This variant of the M-62 was produced only for a couple of years in the early 1970s. It is an M-62 with a stamped steel receiver, a synthetic stock similar to that of the FN-CAL, an AKM-style rear sight, but mounted ahead of the magazine on top of the receiver, and a large prong-type flash suppressor. Most of the Finnish service rifles were in 7.62mm and in 5.56mm NATO. These weapons were eventually replaced by the M-76.

Calibers

• .223 Remington (5.56mm Nato)
• 7.62 x 39mm Russian

The majority of .223 caliber rifles were exported and sold commercially.  Apparently the 7.62 x 39mm models were used for a short period of timeprior to the Finnish Defense Forces deciding on the Valmet model 62/76. Valmet model 71 series weapons are still held in stores by Finnish DefenseForces.

Receiver
The Model 71 series uses a stamped steel receiver with reinforcingplates installed on the inside of the receiver in key points.  Minordifference in the rivet locations exist between the Model 71 and 76 series. 

Major Differences

Noticeable differences for the Valmet Model 71 series are:
 

• Front sight is mounted at the end of the barrel.  Not on the gas tubeblock.  The front sight base is integrated into the flash suppressor assembly.  The front sight is also not fully hooded as in the Valmet Model 62 and 76 series.  The front night sight is revealed when thesight blade is rotated 90 degrees.
• Rear sight is mounted on top of the gas tube.  The rear sight adjustmentsare marked 100 through 500 meters.  A tritium insert is installed below the opening of the sight blade.  The rear night sight can notbe concealed as on the Valmet Model 62 and 76 series.
• The plastic stock series use a stock similar to the Fabrique Nationale CAL series.  Construction of the stock is not very durable.

Stock Type and Attachments

This is one area that is confusing.  Check out our pics for someinteresting information!
 

• Tube Stocks - (Non Folding) - Same type as used on Model 62 Series.
• Wood Stocks - Similar to other Valmet wooden stocks.
• Various Underfolding AK type stocks ! ! !

M-71 Wood
These stocks appear to be the same as one encountered on Model 76 series.  Stocks are made from a nice walnut.  A plastic buttplate is installed.  One note . . . many people complain of the stock being too short. 

M-71 Plastic
The plastic stock models are commonly found.  Durability of thisstock is not very high.  One note is that the plastic stock Model71 series use a different rear trunion than the wood stock models. Attachment of the stock is via a long, large diameter screws that screws into the trunion

M-71 Tube

M-71 Underfolder
Very Rare

M-71 Ace Folder
Tony Rumore at  Tromix  has developed an adaptor toallow the  ACE Folding Stock  to be used.  Below are some pics of the ACE folding stock installed.