KK 62

Infobox Weapon
name=KvKK 62


caption=The KvKK 62 machine gun
origin=flag|Finland
type=Light machine gun
is_ranged=yes
service=1962-present
used_by=Finnish Defence Forces
wars=
designer=Valmet
design_date=1950s
manufacturer=Valmet
unit_cost=
production_date=
number=
variants=
weight=kg to lb|8.5|sp=us|abbr=on|precision=2|wiki=yes
length=mm to in|1085|abbr=on|precision=1|wiki=yes
part_length=convert|470|mm|abbr=on|1
crew=
cartridge=7.62x39mm
caliber=
action=Gas-operated, tilting breechblock
rate=1000-1100 rounds/min
velocity=
range=
max_range=
feed=100-round belt in detachable cloth container
sights=Iron sights

The KK 62 light machine gun was designed in late 1950s and first prototypes appeared circa 1960. It was finally adopted as a standard machine gun of the Finnish Defence Forces (FDF) infantry in 1962 as the "7.62 konekivääri 62", with first guns entering service in 1966. It is still in service, although most of KK 62 MGs will be replaced by the PKM general purpose machine gun, which offer greater firepower and better reliability.

The KK 62 is a gas-operated, belt-fed light machine gun. It uses a tilting bolt, that locks into the roof of the receiver, and the overall system of operation is based on Czech vz. 52 machine gun. The KK 62's receiver is machined from steel, and a tubular metal buttstock houses the recoil spring. The KK 62 is fed from the right side, from 100-round belts that are carried in pouches that clamp onto the receiver wall. The KK 62 has no quick-change barrel, which is a serious drawback when sustained firepower is required. The cleaning rod is attached to right side of the butt and receiver. A side-folding carrying handle is provided just ahead of the feeding block. The KK 62 also has a folding bipod.

The weapon has good accuracy at extended ranges and a high rate of fire, as well as ammunition, which can be interchanged with any FDF standard assault rifles (from RK 62 to Rk 95 TP). The major drawbacks are the lack of a quick-changeable barrel and sensitivity to dirt and humidity - the KK 62 requires much more care in a combat environment than most FDF assault rifles.

External links

* [http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/kalustoesittely/index.dsp?level=63&equipment=42 Finnish Army website]
* [http://world.guns.ru/machine/mg31-e.htm Modern Firearms]