Finnish Valmet M78 .308 Win 22.5” Heavy Barrel Semi Automatic Rifle AK RPK
SOLD FOR: $3,625.00
LSB#: LSB251202KM058
Make: Valmet Inc
Model: M78 (Slant Cut Receiver)
Serial Number: 395429
Year of Manufacture: 1976-1986
Caliber: .308 Winchester / 7.62 NATO
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Gas Operated, Rotating Bolt, Fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “395429”, “VALMET / Made in Finland”. The right side of the receiver is marked “Valmet, Inc / Elmsford / New York”.
Barrel Length: 22 1/2” Heavy Barrel. 24” with flash hider / bayonet lug.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a L-type dual post with flip up night sight luminescent dot. The rear sight is a sliding u-notch sight marked out 1-5.
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 buttplate. The handguard is ventilated wood. The pistol grip is checkered polymer. 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. There is light handling wear. There are scratches and compression marks throughout. There are a few deep compression marks. The forend has a deep compression mark from the carry handle. The stocks rate in overall Very Good Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Original
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is fouling in the grooves. This bore would benefit from a cleaning. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows storage wear. The finish has turned to a deep patina throughout. There are scratches and oxidization throughout. The screw heads are sharp and serviceable and the rivets are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus 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 leather sling. This rifle also comes with an extra repro firing pin.
Our Assessment: The Finnish Valmet M78 in .308 Winchester is one of the most desirable civilian-legal evolutions of the RK 62/RPK lineage, representing the height of Finnish Kalashnikov refinement during the late Cold War era. Manufactured between 1976 and 1986 and imported into the United States through Valmet, Inc. of Elmsford, New York, the M78 blends RPK-style heavy barrel construction with Finnish machining quality and distinctive features such as the clubfoot stock and integrated bipod system. The slant-cut receiver, heavy 22.5 inch barrel, flash hider with bayonet lug, and correct Finnish M78 bipod place this rifle squarely within the rare and sought-after Valmet family that stands apart from standard AKM-pattern imports.
This example presents in very good plus overall condition, retaining strong original finish with light storage wear and minor oxidation visible throughout. The heavy barrel bore remains mostly bright with sharp rifling and no erosion observed, showing only light fouling that would benefit from cleaning. The classic clubfoot stock and ventilated wood handguard display honest handling marks, including compression impressions consistent with field carry, yet remain structurally sound. Complete with a leather sling and an additional reproduction firing pin, this M78 stands as a robust and increasingly scarce Finnish semi-automatic rifle that reflects both RPK-inspired design and Valmet’s renowned craftsmanship. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P