Valmet Weapons Systems
A Celtic Sword Productions Company
M-76

                    Valmet M-76


This weapon is basically an evolutionary update of the M-62. The biggest change is the use of cheaper stamped steel parts instead of milled steel, and lighter and stronger plastics. Another change is the larger variety of M-76s available: the M-76W has a fixed wooden stock, the M-76P has a fixed plastic stock, the M-76T has a folding stock similar to that of the M-62, and the M-76F has a folding plastic butt. In addition, the M-76 comes in 7.62mm and 5.56mm NATO versions.



Valmet M-76 Tube Folder .223


Production of Valmet's M76 Assault Rifle began in 1976. The M76 is a version of the Russian AK-47 (Kalashnikov). It differs from the AK-47 with plastic and steel instead of wooden fore-end and pistol grip, and a slightly different muzzle break. Sako made different variants of the rifle before they stopped the production in 1986. These variants include the M76T (tubular butt-stock), the M76F (folding butt-stock), the M76P (plastic butt-stock), and the M76W (wooden butt-stock). The rifle is in use by the armed forces of Finland and Qatar, and the Indonesian security forces. It has also been manufactured in a semi-automatic form for the commercial market.


Calibers

The Valmet model 76 has can be found in 3 different calibers.

  • .223 Remington (5.56mm Nato)
  • 7.62 x 39mm Russian
  • 7.62 x 51mm Nato
  • The ultra-rare .222 version of Valmet M76 is for France civilian market

Most common of the calibers in North America is the 5.56mm Nato. When Valmet rifles were exported to the USA, the 7.62 x 39mm models did not sell well.  The main reason for this was ammo availablity. In the 1970's, 7.62 x 39mm ammo was still rather rare.  Ammo was available from Norma, but relatively high priced compared to more common rounds. As a result the 5.56mm models sold at much higher rates than the 7.62 x39mm model.

Currently both 7.62 Nato and 7.62 Russian models are rare in the USA.  5.56 models are much more common and considered an excellent buy. It is the opinion of this web-site that the Valmet Model 76 is one of the best buys of miltary type weapons.  The model 76 is "extremely undervalued" in the current market.


 

Receiver

The Valmet Model 76 incorporated "improvements" over the Model 62.  Construction of the Valmet Model 76 differed from the 62 in the receiver contruction.  Most Model 76's incorporate a sheet metal receiver much like the Kalasnikov.  One primary difference in construction though is the use of reinforcing plates inside of the receiver on each side.  These reinforcing plates add strength and durability to thealready rugged rifle.



Stock Types and Attachment


There are several types of stocks commonly found on Model 76 seriesweapons.  Three types of stocks have been found on model 76 rifles.

  • Tube style folding stocks
  • Tube style non folding stocks
  • Wood stocks
  • Plastic stocks - this model appeared to use the Valmet Model 71 plastic stock.  This model is rarely seen.  The Valmet plastic stockwas not very durable.


Folding Stock Models

  • The rear trunion of the tube folding models incorporates an integrated hinge that mates with the hinge assembly on the actual stock.  Thetube folding stock folds to the left on the 5.56mm Nato models, and tothe right on the 7.62 Nato models.  A sheet metal latch is mountedto the rear of the handgaurd assembly at the bottom of the receiver. To open the stock put your thumb through the lower opening of the buttstockassembly.  Push in on the sheet metal latch, abd them pull the stockaway from the latch.  Sometimes this latch can be quite tough. It can be bent slightly to make opening easier.  Closing the stockis accomplished though a push button mounted on the lower right side ofthe rear trunion.  Simply push up and fold the stock.  The foldingstock typically has some play (wobble) in it when locked in the extendedposition.  A hidden compartment within the tube is accessed by slidinga sheet metal cover on the butt stock.  Cleaning equipment can bestored with ease.  Valmet cleaning gear came in a green colored, clothbag.  This helps to prevent the cleaning gear from making noise withinthe tube stock.

Tube Style Non Folding Stocks

  • A number of model 76's have been seen with a non folding tube stock.  As on the tube style folding stock models,  a hidden compartment within the tube is used to store cleaning equipment for the rifle.



Valmet M-76 Tube Folder .223








Valmet M-76 Tube Folder 7.62 x 39





Valmet M-76 Tube Folder 7.62 x 51 NATO




Wood Stock Models

  • The rear trunion of the wood stock model does not have the hinge assemblly, but instead has an internal threaded portion that the stock bolt threadsinto.  The stock is inletted to accept the internal threaded tubeassembly.  This gives the wood stock rock solid stability.  If a folding stock is desired on this model,  Ace Stocks manufacturesan excellent stock that utilizes this trunion.  The Ace stock is similarto Galil and FN folding stocks.  Lock up is rock solid.  TheAce folding stock folds to the left of the receiver allowing access tothe safety while the stock is folded.



Valmet M-76 Wood .223






Valmet M-76 Wood 7.62 x 51





Valmet M-76 Wood 7.62 x 39




Valmet M-76 Wood .222







Plastic Stock Models

The plastic stock is rarely seen on the Valmet Model 76.  Frompictures it appears as though the plastic stock from the Valmet Model 71series was used.  The durability of this stock was not very good. The stocks frequently crack or break.


Valmet M-76 Plastic .223




Valmet M-76 Plastic 7.62 x 39




Valmet M-76 Plastic 7.62 x 51 NATO







Receiver types
 

  • Stamped Sheet Metal

Most Valmet Model 76 weapons were fabricated with a sheet metal receiver.  Construction is similar to the AK series.  One difference we haveseen is the installation of steel reinforcing plates within the receiver.  These plates add extra strength to the model 76 receiver.
 

  • Milled Steel

Several milled steel receiver Model 76 weapons have been seen.  Itis easy to tell a milled receiver from a stamped receiver by the absenceof rivets on the receiver.  Also a "lightening groove" is commonlyfound above the magazine well.

  • Most of these in the USA appear to be made in .308 Winchester (7.62 x 51mmNato).  Mounting of the stock assemblies is different than the sheetmetal receiver guns.
  • On all the milled reciever Model 76 folding stock models we have seen, the stock folds to the right of the receiver.




Unusual Variants


Valmet M-76 Tube Folder Beer Keg

Note the Beer Keg imprint to the left of "Valmet"



Valmet M76 Tube Folder Left Hand




Valmet M-76 ACE Folder .223





Valmet M-76 Exploded Diagram


 

Production:

1976 - 1986

Manufacturer:

Sako Limited

Service:

In use by Finnish and Qatar armed forces and Indonesian security forces

Cartridge:

7.62 x 39 mm or 5.56 x 45 mm

Operation:

gas, selective fire

Feed:

15, 20 or 30-round detachable magazine

Weight:

empty, 3.6 kg (7.9 pounds); loaded with 30 rounds magazine, 4.5 kg (9.9 pounds)

Length:

stock retracted, 710 mm (28 inches); stock extended, 950 mm (37.4 inches)

Barrel length:

418 mm (16.5 inches)

Muzzle velocity:

7.62 mm: 719 m/s (786 y/s); 5.56 mm: 960 m/s (1050 y/s)

Rate of fire:

cyclic, 700 rounds/minute

Source:

Jane's publications (Infantry Weapons, 1999-2000)




M-76 Cleaning Kit

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