Galil&Sako?

[B-52]

What is the connection with Galil assault rifle and Finnish Sako RK-62 assault rifle? Is the Galil copy of Sako RK-62?

[JY]

Hi B-52;

Good to see new "faces" on the board!Good question, as the story goes when the IDF decided to can the FAL due to bad performance in desert operations, they wanted a weapon similar to the AK47 that some wanted to adopt outright. After studying the merits it was decided to modify the AK to IDF standards and needs. The reciever used was a Valmet M62(milled reciever) with a modified Stoner barrel and magazine. This eventually led to the Galil, the basic design of the Valmet reciever was retained with the left side lightening cut modified into a scope mount base.

A true story is that during field testing the weapon performed flawlessly, until near the end when it developed a feeding problem. The weapons were turned in for examination, no problems could be found. They were resent to the field and again after a few weeks the weapons were returned with feed problems. Again they went over the rifles and again sent them to the field, again the word came back that feeding problems had occurred. With this the designer and staff went to the field to see these feeding problems they could never find. Upon arrival, sure enough problems were occurring jambs ran rampant! During the lunch break the designer and staff were sitting talking over what could have went wrong, when they observed several of the infantrymen opening bottles of "beverages".....using the magazines! AH! The lights went on! They returned to the shop and designed a BOTTLE OPENER into the bipod leg retainer, and the feeding problems went away, problem solved!

Again welcome to the site, take care...Jim

[Tuukka]

Nice to see questions of my countrys weapons (Finland). The first Galils used Finnish parts, this is what i have heard from Finnish gun experts. I believe that the Valmet and Sako rifles are the best Ak type weapons in the world, they are well made, robust, deadly accurate.

[Tuukka]

I just confirmed from my college at our weapons shop/indoor range, that the Finnish parts went to Israel from Interarms owner Sam Cummings

[JY]

Think that's what I said Tuukka, got the information while in Israel from the horses mouth 8)Take care...Jim