Pre Ban Finnish Valmet M71/S .223 16” Rifle AKM AK-47 Galil RK71 w Bayonet
SOLD FOR: $2,200
WOA#: WY231109MB001
Make: Valmet Inc, Interarms Import
Model: M71/S
Serial Number: 151693
Year of Manufacture: 1976-1986
Caliber: .223
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Gas Operated, Rotating Bolt
Markings: Left side of the receiver is marked “No 151693” and “VALMET / Made In Finland”. The right side of the receiver is marked “INTERARMS / Alexandria, Virginia”, “M71/S .223 Rem. / Semi-Automatic Rifle”. The rear sight is marked 1-5. There are several Finnish poofs on top of the chamber. The buttplate is marked “VALMET” with a proof.
Barrel Length: 16.5”. About 18” with flash hider.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable rectangular post set between two protective ears. The rear sight is a rectangular notch lead on a sliding escalator.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is wood with sling swivel on the bottom and serrated hard rubber buttplate. Grip and Handguard are checkered synthetic. There is a sling loop on the left side of the gas block. The muzzle is pinned with a Valmet Flash Hider which was designed to cut barbed wire as you would push the prong flash hider over the barbed wire and twist. If that would not break the barbed wire, then the soldier would fire the rifle to obliterate the wire. The stock and configuration of this rifle are in Very Good condition. The reverse checkering is crisp with little to no handling wear. The buttstock has a few faint frag lines primarily on the right side. There are no chips or cracks.
Type of Finish: Gray Parkerized / Phosphate
Finish Originality: Original
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minimal operation wear on the metal surface. There are some scuffs and light scratches on the dust cover, receiver, and metal parts. The screw heads are sharp and serviceable and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition given its age.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a Fiskars Bayonet and leather scabbard in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: The Valmet M71/S, often celebrated as the “AK Perfected” along with the M76 in its more traditional caliber and build style to the RK62, is a brilliant manifestation of Finnish ingenuity in firearms design. Originating from the esteemed Valmet Corporation in the 1970s, this rifle is a refined adaptation of the legendary AK-47, tailored to meet the rigorous demands of Finland’s challenging environments. The M71/S distinguishes itself through several key enhancements, most notably its superior build quality and materials. Unlike the standard AK-47’s stamped steel, the M71/S boasts a robust, milled steel receiver, enhancing its durability and overall structural integrity. This sturdy foundation is complemented by a chrome-lined barrel, offering greater longevity and resistance to harsh conditions.
A standout feature of the M71/S is its advanced piston system, an upgrade that significantly improves upon the original AK design. This refined mechanism ensures smoother cycling and reduced fouling, enhancing the rifle’s reliability and ease of maintenance. Such improvements not only bolster the M71/S’s functionality in diverse settings but also contribute to its notable accuracy, a trait not traditionally associated with its AK predecessors.
In terms of ergonomics, the Valmet M71/S represents a leap forward. Its design incorporates a more balanced and user-friendly configuration, featuring a comfortable stock and improved handling characteristics. This ergonomic consideration, combined with the rifle’s mechanical refinements, cements the M71/S’s status as a sophisticated evolution of the AK platform. Collectors and firearms enthusiasts treasure the Valmet M71/S for its unique blend of historical significance, engineering excellence, and a distinct lineage rooted in one of the most iconic firearm designs in history. The M71/S is not just a firearm; it’s a symbol of the continuous pursuit of perfection in the world of small arms which would go on to inspire Israel with the famous Galil. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
