Who’s got one, and how do you like it? I am thinking of buying a nice M76 sometime in the near future, but I am concerned about mags.
I am still not sure which mags are THE mags to own? Are they just referred to as “True Valmet Mags”, or what???
I know Galil mags can work, but can be dangerous, so that is a No-No.
I just would like to figure out what mags work, and what the availability is?
Finally, how rare are Valmets in 7.62x39, and what denotes a 7.62x39 Valmet? I mean, are there M76’s that were also chambered in 7.62x39, and IF SO, then what is their model designation? (would they be called M76 “F” or “D”, etc, etc???)
As far as I can tell, the magazine issue is the only drawback to a Valmet purchase, so long as the furniture could be changed out, which leads me to my next question.
Can I easily swap the wood stock for a synthetic stock? That is all I would prefer to change, except maybe swapping out the safety selector for a Krebs or other type “enhanced” selector. (not even sure if I’d do this or not)
Anyhow, I don’t see much talk of Valmets on this forum, so I thought I’d try to kick off a little Valmet talk here.
Post if you got em fellas! Anyone got pics here??!
I had a 76 folder that in a time of weakness sold to my brother. I have a line on another one if the seller doesn’t stroke me thinking it’s worth the kings ransom. I dont know about the mag issue because I was given 6 mags a short time after my bro took the gun. I can use it anytime I want & it is sweet.
The only thing I was concerned about with them is parts availability or should I say lack of & when you can find them dig deep into your wallet.
If you could get one, I would do it but wouldn’t be for hard use.
I have a .223 fixed stock M-76. I haven’t shot it in about 11 years. When you pick it up, you can feel that it is much higher quality than a regular old AK, even more so than my original IMI Galils… Everything is tight, the top cover is rock solid, the sights are very robust. The parkerized finish is a flawless, beautiful dark gray.
Many will say that the Hungarian SA-85M had the best finish of any US imported AK (I have two), but I think the Valmet is an easy contender for 1st place. Only original SIG 550/551’s have looked nicer.
Here’s the only photo I could muster up, from the old “AK/Valmet peep sight” topic a few pages back:
Note the finish- An aftermarket safety lever probably wouldn’t look too good. And unless you are going to use the rifle as a casual fun/plinker/sport shooter, stay away from that Mojo Microclick!
Thanks for the info guys.
I do have one concern regarding magazines for the Valmet. I know they are harder to come by than any other AK variant, but I was wondering what the life expectancy could be of a nice condition Valmet mag?
I mean, if I were to pick up a nice Valmet and a few mags in really good condition, after years of use, and wear on the mag springs/followers, what can then be done with the mags? I mean, is there a solution for replacement springs/followers by chance?
Has anyone found a replacement solution for rebuilding such high dollar mags? I would think that some type of solution would exist here (especially for the springs, and quite possibly the followers too, if ever needed???)
Anyone tried AK mag springs, or any other springs of some sort?
I don’t mind paying the price for the mags, if there is a way to be sure that I can reliably rebuild the mags IF the need ever arises. (at least the springs. The followers may never need replacing, but that is only a guess as I’ve never seen Valmet followers). I personally don’t think I’ll ever have to replace ANY follower in ANY mag I own. That said, I only own newer age, high quality mags for all my weapons.
What are your thoughts on this guys?
I have a M76 .223 tube folder its fun to shoot, but the .223 Valmets are prone to breaking firing pins and on the M71 the plastic furniture is prone also to cracking. And the last time I bought factory .223 magazines they where running around 120.00 dollars each. You can modify .223 Bulgarian Ak-74 magazines to work by filing the front locking lug and the rear locking area. A company called “Tromix” used to mill off and refinish the Weiger steel AK magazine so they would work in the .223 Valmets and these magazines where just as good as the factory magazines. There where some 40 round magazine that I believe where made from HK-93 magazines which do not work as good as the Bulgarian or the Tromix magazines. Most of the first Valment brought into the US where 7.62x 39 M-63/M62 and it was very hard to find ammo for them because at the time no one was importing 7.62 x39 ammo . So there was not that may of them imported and they run around 3,000 dollars when you find them at gun shows. Here is web page with more info on them http://www.valmetweapons.com/Valmet_Weapons_1.php:p
Synthetic Valmet stocks are very brittle and prone to cracking. You’re dealing with 30 year old plastic, and not the modern stuff.
Stick with original Valmet magazines, they’ll last you damn near forever. You could probably use Galil mag springs if needed.
You realize that Valmets do not have chromed bores, right?
Stamped Valmet 76’s in 7.62x39mm are extremely rare. I had a M76F in 7.62x39mm, sold it to a buddy, then he sold it, and then I find out that only 38 were imported in that configuration.
Milled M62/S’s are in 7.62x39mm.
Paul, I gotta ask…why all the complication? Just buy an Arsenal Inc. SA-M5 or M7 and be done with it?
Thanks for the info Templar,
I am SO CLOSE to pulling the trigger on an SA M7 Classic that I know of, and I just may buy it.
The Valmet is not really complicating things for me, and it’s certainly not got anything to do with the Classic purchase.
Just something else I’ve had my eye on for a while now. I love the features of the Valmet, and since I cannot bring myself to drop the money on a Galil, the Valmet might have to do. I personally love the Valmet, despite the non chrome lining. I just love the Valmets and Galils.
You know what I would like to know about the Valmet? The M76’s forearm/handguard is simply beautiful to me, and I was wondering if one would fit on an AK? You know, the M76 handguard that has the checkering on it? Are they wood or metal? I would really like to fit one to an AK as I have never really found an AK forearm/handguard I like, aside from the Galil/Valmet ones…
Not to worry, as I said, the Valmet is an “extra” I might jump on, and the Classic would be the real user…
I have one with a nice stash of mags that I am going to sell soon to finance my M16. As Larry Vickers said, a Valmet in .223 is probably the gun the army should actually be issuing.
