RARE Pre Ban Finnish Valmet M78 5.56/.223 23” Heavy Barrel Rifle AK47 RPK
SOLD FOR: $3,325
WOA#: WY240215KN024
Make: Valmet Inc
Model: M78 (Straight Cut Receiver)
Serial Number: 157480
Year of Manufacture: 1976-1986
Caliber: .223 Rem, 5.56 NATO
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Gas Operated, Rotating Bolt
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “157480”, “VALMET / Made in Finland / M78 5.56mm / (.223 REM). The right side of the receiver is marked “ODIN INTERNATIONAL, LTD. / Alexandria, VA”. The buttplate is marked “VALMET”.
Barrel Length: 23”Heavy Barrel 24.5” with flash hider.
Sights / Optics: Early Valmet Front sight with elevation adjustment and flip up night sight luminescent dot. The rear sight is an M71 style Valmet sight with open rectangular notch and two luminescent dots. The rear sight is mounted to the piston tube.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is a classic M78 clubfoot wood stock with sling well and bar on the left side, and Valmet serrated polymer buttpate. The handguard is checkered synthetic. The pistol grip is checkered polymer as well. There is a sling loop below the left side of the gas block. The bottom of the flash hider has a bayonet lug. The barrel is mounted with a Finnish M78 Bipod with clip retainer under the gas block. The stocks rate in overall Very Good condition. The checkering is crisp. There are only a few compressions on the buttstock. The buttplate has some more prominent handling wear.
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Original
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One Pre-Ban Israeli Orlite-Eng. Co. polymer 30rd 5.56 Galil magazine. This rifle will accept Galil 5.56 pattern magazines.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some minor corrosion in the lands and on the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows spots of finish loss on the receiver and barrel exterior. There is some corrosion inside the piston tube. There are some generally spread scratches and scuffs on the metal. The right side of the dust cover behind the ejection port has some wear and brass buildup from operation. The screw heads are sharp and serviceable and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. There is a good amount of thick grease on the BCG. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition for a Pre Ban Rifle and early Valmet Import.
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 one magazine and its black leather sling. The sling has some memory but remains for the most part pliable. There is some light handling wear but no rips or tears.
Our Assessment: This Pre-Ban Finnish Valmet M78 in 5.56mm transcends the realm of mere firearms, embodying a rare jewel in the crown of military-grade weapons made for the civilian market. Crafted with the unparalleled precision and robustness that Finnish gunsmithing is renowned for, this rifle is not just a testament to the art of arms manufacturing; it is a storied artifact that echoes the rich heritage and tactical ingenuity of its Nordic creators. The choice of the 5.56mm NATO cartridge elevates the M78 beyond its counterparts, offering a harmonious blend of firepower and control, making it a coveted piece for discerning collectors and aficionados of military history.
The Valmet M78’s design excellence is evident in its meticulous construction, featuring a heavy, precision barrel and a refined gas-operated action that together ensure unmatched accuracy and reliability. This rifle’s Pre-Ban status further elevates its desirability, encapsulating a period of manufacturing purity untouched by subsequent regulations. Each component, from its rugged exterior to the intricate internal mechanics, is a testament to the legacy of Finnish craftsmanship—a legacy characterized by an unyielding commitment to quality and performance.
This is a true Safe Queen or range day King, the Valmet M78 surpasses mere ownership; it represents a guardianship of history, an investment in the embodiment of tactical elegance and mechanical perfection. This rifle is a beacon for collectors seeking not only a piece of history but a pinnacle of design and functionality, a tangible connection to the past that continues to set the standard in firearm excellence. The Valmet M78 is more than a firearm; it is a masterpiece, a rare and enduring symbol of the artistry and innovation that define the finest in military armaments. This is the AK perfected. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
