RK 71

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RK 71 (M71) — a Finnish assault rifle by Valmet

The RK 71, also known as M71, is a Finnish automatic rifle designed and built by Valmet. It’s based on the RK 62, which itself was derived from the AK-47. Finland tested the RK 71 from 1971 to 1973 as a possible replacement for the RK 62, but logistical issues kept it from widespread adoption. The rifle was also exported to Qatar.

Variants and calibers
- RK 71: 7.62×39mm, 30-round AK-style magazine.
- RK 71 TP: folding stock version (longer and shorter configurations).
- M71/S: civilian/export version chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO (or .223 Remington) with 15- or 30-round magazines; designed to use a Valmet-specific 5.56 magazine.

Key features and design
- Gas-operated, rotating bolt action with a long-stroke piston (RK 71 family follows the Kalashnikov-type operating system).
- Made with a stamped receiver; some parts are not interchangeable with the RK 62, though the bolt and bolt carrier share similarities.
- Sight setup: open rear sight adjustable for 200–500 m, front post with a flip-up tritium post; about a 375 mm sight radius.
- The folding-stock variant received a reinforced locking system after field trials, but the update wasn’t adopted in the main series.
- A 1974–1975 conversion effort produced a 5.56×45mm NATO version (M71/S) for export markets.

Specifications (approximate)
- Weight: 3.5 kg empty
- Length: 928 mm (RK 71); 922 mm stock extended, 680 mm stock folded (RK 71 TP)
- Barrel length: 420 mm
- Muzzle velocity: ~715 m/s
- Rate of fire: ~650 rpm
- Effective range: ~300 m
- Magazine types: 30-round 7.62×39mm; 15- or 30-round 5.56×45mm NATO magazines

Service history
- Produced: 1970–1976
- Primary user: Finland (tried as a replacement for the RK 62)
- Export: Qatar (notably a chrome-plated 7.62×39mm variant for the Royal Guard)

Other notes
- Development included prototypes like RK X with stamped receivers and attempts to balance quick manufacturing with battlefield durability.
- The rifle also inspired a later design effort (TAK sniper rifle) but this project faced reliability and design challenges and was not pursued further.

In short, the RK 71 was Finland’s stamped-receiver assault rifle that saw limited adoption and several variants, including a 5.56×45mm NATO civilian model, but never replaced the RK 62 in Finnish service.