So Finland has announced that her defense forces will not be abandoning the venerable Rynnäkkökivääri malli 62, but will be upgrading the weapon with picatinny rails Mag-pull telescopic stock and optics and lights. One can see the modified weapon in the hands of the fighter.

Photo by Puolustusvoimat FDF

This makes sense because there is nothing “wrong” with the rifle. The round is tried and true 7,62x39s, Rifle is accurate enough, and optics and rail will help to bring SAKO’s and Valmet’s mechanical accuracy to fore even more. Round per se is not the optimal for every use, but approximates optimum performance so closely that it is indeed “the best” for the use in these necks of woods.

Added telescopic stock helps shorter and female conscrips to find better shooting position with the rifle, which will bring the optics even more into the fore.

Also adding third mounting point for sling is a plus. Now sling can be mounted single or two point. A Good thing surely.

Mostly I’m happy as these modifications have to be made in country, meaning that there will be a lot of work for gunsmiths in FDF employ.

If the optics will be something along lines like these, I’ll be happy. Browne 4×32 with 7,62×39 reticle is just what the doctor ordered for the RK-62. I DO feel that 600m reticle is a bit over the top, but one can harass the hell out to those distances with the round as well.

Ps. I was really happy of guessing the mods they would have to see to in order to keer the rifle shall we say competetive. I was wagering move to 5,56N, but fortunately that did,t pan out.