Pre Ban Finnish Valmet M76 W .223 Rem 16” Rifle AK47 AKM Galil, 3 Magazines
SOLD FOR: $2,902
WOA#: WY240303JP009
Make: Valmet Inc
Model: M76W (W denotes Wood Stock)
Serial Number: 161115
Year of Manufacture: 1976-1987, Imported 1984-1989. Likey 1986 based on serial
Caliber: .223 rem
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Gas Piston
Markings: Left side of the receiver is marked “161115 / Cal.223 Rem.” and “VALMET / Made in Finland” above the pistol grip. There are Finnish proof marks on the right side of the receiver and “Semiautomatic Rifle”. The rear sight is marked, “1.5-6”. The buttplate is marked “VALMET”. The bottom of the receiver is marked, “Valmet. Inc / Elmsford / New York”. The top of the chamber has proof marks. The left side of the rear sight is marked, “61115” matching the receiver. (please see Photos)
Barrel Length: 16”. 18” with flash hider
Sights / Optics: Front hooded sight (adopted by the Galil) with flip up night sight with tritium insert. Rear sight is an adjustable peep sight fixed to the dust cover at the rear of the receiver with the ability to be flipped over to reveal early tritium night sights. Very long sight radius notorious to the M76 allowing for increased practical accuracy.
Stock Configuration & Condition: Stock is factory Wood buttstock which is exceptionally rare as only a few Valmet’s were imported with wood buttstocks. Grip and Handguard are diamond checkered synthetic. There is a sling loop below the left side of the front sight on the block. M76 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 Excellent condition, peaks on the diamonds are pointy and show minimal wear. The wood stock has a few faint compression lines.
Type of Finish: Dark Gray
Finish Originality: Original
Magazine Quantity & Condition: Two 15rd and one 30rd Factory Valmet Blued .223 Magazines in Excellent condition. The leading edges are sharp and the spring is strong. They have some light handling and operation wear.
Bore Condition: The bore is Very bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minimal wear on the metal surface except for a few light scratches on the left and right side of the receiver most likely from storage and light handling. The screw heads are sharp and serviceable and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
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 total of 3 magazines, its attached green canvas sling, and a Red Velvet Lined Soft Rifle Case.
Our Assessment: If you are an AK enthusiast, I may already have to ask you to wipe the drool off your chin. Yes, this is indeed a Valmet M76W. Too good to be true? I thought so too, but it is oh so true. If there is one thing the Finnish supercede all others in doing, it is manufacturing near perfect firearms. Is this the AK47 perfected? Is it the pinnacle of all AK47 variants? The master design that all other variants bow down to? Yes. Yes indeed. The Valmet M76 rifles were the very first Kalashikov style rifles to ever touch U.S. soil. And what a treasure they were and still are today! Apart from carrying all the wonderful robust and reliable features of the AK47, the M76 innovated the entire system to make it far more accurate and steady. Between the tight fit dust cover to allow the rear sight an always 0’d position and the location of the rear sight at the back of the receiver creating a longer sight radius than any other firearm in its platform, and the very different form-fit gas system and revolutionary piston design, it is no wonder this firearm is so loved and highly desired by collectors everywhere. This gun is an AK at heart. The Finnish realized the potential of the AK and made some improvements to bring the AK to its full potential. So much so that other countries began adopting some of the designs for their own weapon systems. Which is why you might see the notorious Israeli Galil with the same front hooded sight and internal components. This firearm is royalty. It is the Safe Queen you should have. These guns are rare and this is an opportunity that can’t be missed. Bid for your Queen and claim this treasure! Good Luck! – L.S.
