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RK 95 TP
RK 95 TP
from Wikipedia

The RK 95 TP (Finnish: Rynnäkkökivääri 95 taittoperä, lit.'Assault Rifle 95 folding stock'), officially 7.62 RK 95 TP and commercially known as the M95, is a 7.62×39mm Finnish assault rifle adopted in relatively small numbers by the Finnish Defence Forces in the 1990s.[2]

Key Information

History

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The rifle was developed in the late 1980s in response to a requirement to replace the 7.62mm RK 62 service rifle. Between 1988 and 1990, the SAKO company developed the M90 prototype, which was a substantially upgraded variant of the RK 62. Changes to the original design included the fire control and safety selector, whose lever was transferred to the left side of the receiver housing, the cocking handle cut-out in the bolt carrier assembly was covered with a strip of metal.

The cocking handle itself was placed at an upward angle (enhancing left-handed reloading), the rear sight assembly was installed on a sliding tangent with 150 and 300 m range adjustments[3] and the rifle was equipped with a folding tubular stock with a latch modeled on the locking solution employed in the SIG SG 540 rifle. The M90 was also equipped with a multifunction muzzle device and manual gas valve, enabling the use of rifle grenades.

Some advertisements released in Finland in the 1990s suggested that SAKO was going to produce the M90 in 5.56 NATO caliber.[3] However, this type was never produced.[3]

Two prototypes were developed by SAKO, known as the RK 92, were delivered to the FDF for combat trials.[4]

After undergoing further testing and implementing several changes (among them, the selector mechanism was reverted to the familiar RK 62 configuration) the rifle was introduced into service with the Finnish Army as the 7.62 RK 95 TP. Deliveries to the Finnish started in 1995 and ended at 1997 with further orders ceasing in 1998.[5][6] The first RK 95 with the serial number 960,001 was presented by SAKO representatives to the Military Museum in Helsinki, which is on display.[5]

Prior to the adoption of the RK 95, several Chinese and East German-based AKs were purchased by Finland to easily arm mobilized Finnish soldiers in the 90s.[7]

In 2015, the RK 95 is supplemented by the FN SCAR-L, which is used by Finnish special forces units.[8]

On April 18, 2023, it was reported that Sako made several RK 95s in a gold finish for export to the UAE in the late 1990s for the Amiri Guard.[9]

Design

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Operating mechanism

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The RK 95 TP is a select-fire, gas-operated firearm using the Kalashnikov-pattern operating system with a long stroke gas piston rod coupled to the bolt carrier as in the AK rifle. The rotating bolt locks into battery via two locking lugs.

Features

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The weapon's spring extractor is installed inside the bolt head and enclosed in one of the locking lugs while the ejector is a fixed protrusion of the internal bolt carrier guide rail. The firearm uses a hammer-type firing mechanism and a trigger group that enables semi-automatic and fully automatic firing modes. The fire selector switch, which is also the manual safety toggle, can occupy one of three positions: the top "safe" setting (the trigger and bolt carrier are both disabled mechanically), the middle setting (marked with three dot symbols) produces continuous fire and the bottom setting (single dot) activates a disconnector for single fire mode.[6]

The weapon's barrel has a multipurpose muzzle attachment, which performs the role of a muzzle brake, flash suppressor and a mounting base for launching rifle grenades.[4] The gas block incorporates a manually adjustable gas regulator that isolates and disconnects the gas system in the closed position and a lug at its base—used to attach a blade bayonet (i.e. KCB-type bayonet).

The RK 95 TP has a plastic-coated tubular metal shoulder stock that folds to the right side and features an internal compartment used to store a cleaning rod.[5] Both the forward handguard and pistol grip are made of a lightweight synthetic.

For maintenance the weapon is field stripped into the following components: the receiver and barrel, bolt carrier, bolt, return mechanism, gas tube, receiver cover and magazine.

Feeding

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The RK 95 TP is chambered for the intermediate 7.62×39mm M43 cartridge, due to its reliability in cold and harsh weather/terrain conditions.[5] The rifle feeds from curved box magazines made of an impact-resistant polymer (empty weight: 0.16 kg), with a 30-round capacity of double-stacked cartridges.[6] These magazines are also interchangeable with standard AK-47/AKM magazines.[6]

Sights

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The rifle comes with adjustable iron sights, consisting of a forward post and an L-shaped dual-aperture rear flip sight with settings for firing at ranges of 150 and 300 m.[1] The front sight, corrected for windage and elevation, is mounted in a semi-shrouded post on top of the gas block, and the rear sight—on the receiver top cover.

For operation in low-level lighting conditions the rifle uses subdued self-luminous tritium gas vials,[5] installed in a separate folding post attached to the base of the front sight and deployed manually, and in the rear sight assembly in a fixed notch sight, exposed by rotating the rear sight arm 180° forward around its pivot axis.

Additionally the rifle can be adapted to use various optical sights (e.g. the Trijicon ACOG or night vision equipment such as the Patria VV 2000 passive night sight), through the use of a receiver-mounted side-rail.[4][7] A detachable cheek riser is employed when using optics.

Accessories

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The rifle can be used with a barrel-mounted bipod[7] or a 40 mm underslung grenade launcher attachment. A railed gas block attachment was also developed for the weapon and is used to mount tactical accessories. It can also use a mounted suppressor.[2]

Variants

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M92S

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A civilian 7.62mm-caliber semi-automatic variant was manufactured and marketed as the M92S.[10] This was marketed to civilians, as well as for law enforcement sales.[11] One way to tell this apart from the RK 95 TP is the absence of an automatic sear axis.[11]

M95S

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The M95S is a semi-auto variant of the RK 95 TP.[11]

M95

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An export variant of the rifle was also produced, modified to use the 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge with the SS109 bullet, fed from plastic 30-round curved magazines.[6]

The barrel has four right-hand grooves with a rifling twist rate of 185 mm (1:7 in), and has a muzzle velocity of 920 m/s (3,018 ft/s) using standard ammunition.

Small numbers of this variant were made in order to show to clients for potential contracts that call for the purchase of the RK 95 TP in 5.56 NATO caliber in trade shows and arms conventions.[11]

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Users

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A map with users of the RK 95 TP in blue

References

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Bibliography

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The RK 95 TP is a select-fire developed in and adopted by the in 1995 as the standard for certain units. Known commercially as the M95 and manufactured by (following the merger of and into Sako-Valmet), it features a folding stock—denoted by the "TP" suffix, short for taittoperä (folding buttstock)—and is based on the Kalashnikov operating system with enhancements for improved and reliability in harsh Nordic environments. Development of the RK 95 TP began in 1988 in response to the Finnish military's need to modernize the aging RK 62 assault rifle, a locally produced variant of the Soviet AK-47 introduced in the 1960s. The project culminated in the M90 prototype by 1990, which underwent extensive testing before the final RK 95 TP design was selected in 1995 after evaluations confirmed its superior firing properties, accuracy, and adaptability compared to the RK 62. Production was limited to a single run of approximately 20,000 units, completed by 1997, due to budget constraints and sufficient stockpiles of existing rifles; serial numbers began at 960 001. Despite its high quality, the rifle saw no significant export success and remains in limited service primarily with specialized Finnish units, such as scouts and special forces, though as of 2025 it is being replaced by the Sako ARG in 5.56×45mm NATO. Key design features of the RK 95 TP include a gas-operated, long-stroke mechanism with a , a reinforced receiver for enhanced durability, and a redesigned muzzle device that functions as a flash hider, compensator, and launcher adapter. It incorporates an extended magazine release paddle, an angled and replaceable charging handle inspired by the Israeli Galil, and adjustable with settings for 150 meters, 300 meters, and a night sight position. The rifle supports a 30-round detachable magazine, achieves a cyclic rate of 600–750 rounds per minute, and has an effective range of 300 meters, with options for mounting via side rail provisions and compatibility with accessories like a 40mm or bipod. Variants include the standard RK 95 TP with folding stock and a fixed-stock version designated M92S, though a chambering was also developed but not widely adopted. Overall, the RK 95 TP represents the final evolution of Finland's indigenous AK-derived rifle lineage, emphasizing and cold-weather performance.

Development

Background and origins

The RK 95 TP emerged as an evolution of the earlier assault rifle, originally known as the Valmet M62, which had served as the standard Finnish service rifle since 1962. This progression was driven by the post-Cold War era's demands for enhanced reliability in harsh winter conditions, better for modern , and continued compatibility with the widely available ammunition inherited from Soviet designs. The , itself a refined derivative of the , had proven durable but showed limitations in user comfort and adaptability as Finnish military needs evolved beyond the immediate postwar period. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the identified the need to modernize or supplement their aging stocks, prompting a push for a new that maintained operational familiarity while addressing contemporary requirements. Development was initiated around , following the merger of and into Sako-Valmet, which consolidated Finland's domestic arms manufacturing capabilities. This effort emphasized self-reliance in production, reflecting Finland's longstanding policy of military neutrality and independence from foreign suppliers during a time of shifting global alliances. Influenced by the robust and design philosophy—particularly the long-stroke gas piston operating mechanism—the project explored initial prototypes such as the RK 92 in the late to test refinements. These early efforts, centered around 1990, aimed to balance proven reliability with incremental improvements suited to Finland's unique environmental and strategic context.

Design process and adoption

The design process for the RK 95 TP began in earnest in the early 1990s, building on prototypes developed by following the merger of and into Sako-Valmet. Prototyping spanned from 1990 to 1994, with initial models like the M90 introducing key enhancements such as a side-folding stock, ambidextrous controls, and an improved gas system designed for better performance in extreme cold. These prototypes underwent iterative refinements, including plastic coatings on the stock for winter usability and a reinforced receiver, all tested under Finnish environmental conditions to ensure reliability in sub-zero temperatures. Field trials conducted by the from 1994 to 1995 evaluated the prototypes' accuracy, reliability, and maintainability in operational scenarios. Testing emphasized the rifle's performance in harsh winter settings, where the enhanced gas system and folding stock proved effective for mobility and function in snow and ice. The trials confirmed the design's superiority over the in and versatility, leading to final adjustments before formal evaluation. The officially adopted the rifle in 1995 as the 7.62 RK 95 TP, designating it as the standard for select units. Production commenced at Sako's facility in , with an order of approximately 20,000 units placed in 1996 at a cost of $16 million USD, including spare parts. By the late , total production reached around 20,000 rifles, with deliveries completed by 1997 and the production line closing thereafter. Adoption faced challenges due to the rifle's high unit cost compared to existing RK 62 stocks, resulting in restricted issuance primarily to elite units like scouts and . Budget constraints, including priorities for acquiring F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, limited further , preventing a full replacement of the and contributing to the original design's lack of modular rails, which later required upgrades.

Design

Operating mechanism

The RK 95 TP utilizes a long-stroke gas operating system derived from the Kalashnikov design and inherited from the earlier rifle, ensuring robust and reliable cycling in adverse conditions. The gas port is positioned in the barrel directly beneath the front sight base, directing high-pressure propellant gases into the overlying to actuate the mechanism. An adjustable gas regulator at the gas block allows for two primary positions: one for normal operation with standard ammunition and a cutoff position that isolates the gas system, enabling the rifle to launch rifle grenades without cycling the action. The cycle of operations begins upon firing, when expanding gases from the burning are diverted through the gas into the , imparting rearward force on the long-stroke rod, which is rigidly coupled to the bolt carrier group. This drives the entire assembly rearward along the receiver, with a cam pin in the bolt carrier rotating the two-lug counterclockwise to disengage it from the barrel extension's locking recesses. The bolt face then extracts the spent cartridge case via a spring-loaded claw and ejects it through the side , while the is cocked by the carrier's movement. A recoil spring, housed in the receiver's rear buffer tube, compresses during this phase before expanding to propel the bolt carrier forward, where the bolt strips a fresh round from the and chambers it, rotating clockwise to lock. The supports semi-automatic and full-automatic fire modes via a -fired trigger mechanism, with a selective fire lever on the receiver's left side. The cyclic is approximately 700 rounds per minute in full-automatic mode, while the effective range with is up to 300 meters. Compared to the , the RK 95 TP incorporates refinements to the gas system for enhanced reliability, including a more precise adjustable regulator that better accommodates varying loads and environmental factors, contributing to consistent performance in extreme cold down to -50°C—a critical requirement for Finnish operations. The barrel bore is chrome-lined to resist and maintain accuracy over prolonged use in harsh, humid, or environments. These modifications interact briefly with the feeding system by ensuring smooth chambering from the detachable box during the forward spring return.

Key features and ergonomics

The RK 95 TP incorporates several user-centric design elements to enhance handling and adaptability in diverse operational environments. Its folding stock collapses to the right side of the receiver, reducing the overall length from 935 mm when extended to 675 mm when folded, which improves maneuverability in confined spaces while providing a stable shooting platform. The stock features an adjustable cheek riser that optimizes eye relief for various users and facilitates operation with cold-weather gloves, a consideration for Finland's harsh climate. This design contrasts with the fixed or less adjustable stock of the predecessor , offering greater versatility without compromising structural integrity. Controls on the RK 95 TP emphasize ergonomic accessibility, with a redesigned magazine release that allows activation using the trigger finger for right-handed shooters and a charging handle angled at approximately 45 degrees that can be replaced for left-handed use. The fire selector switch, while retaining a traditional left-side placement, integrates smoothly with the rifle's gas-operated mechanism to enable safe, semi-automatic, and full-automatic firing modes. These enhancements promote intuitive operation for both left- and right-handed users, reducing training time compared to earlier models like the RK 62. Weighing 3.5 kg unloaded (without magazine and accessories), the rifle balances well for extended carry and firing, supported by a 420 mm barrel with a 1:240 mm right-hand twist rate optimized for the stability of 7.62×39 mm ammunition. Safety features include a dust cover equipped with a tightening lever to secure it during operation and a two-position gas valve on the gas block that allows cutoff for rifle grenade launching, marked "K" for closed position. The remodelled polymer handguards are slimmer than those on the RK 62, providing an improved grip, while the integrated muzzle brake effectively dampens recoil and minimizes muzzle climb for better control during sustained fire.

Feeding system

The RK 95 TP employs a detachable box feeding system, utilizing standard 30-round curved magazines compatible with the RK and other AK-pattern rifles, eliminating the need for proprietary components. These magazines hold double-stacked cartridges and are optimized for Finnish surplus ammunition, including steel-core variants, ensuring reliable performance across common loads. Reloading is facilitated by an extended paddle-style release located immediately behind the , enabling quick ejection with the trigger finger for enhanced speed under stress. The rifle's feed ramp, integrated with the reinforced receiver, promotes smooth chambering of rounds, contributing to consistent operation even with varied types. This system briefly interacts with the long-stroke gas mechanism, where the bolt carrier strips cartridges from the during the recoil cycle. The design exhibits exceptional tolerance to environmental stressors, such as dirt accumulation and cold-induced lubrication challenges prevalent in Finnish terrain, maintaining functionality where lesser systems might falter. Finnish military evaluations highlight its outstanding reliability, with reinforced components like the bolt assembly minimizing stoppages in rigorous field conditions.

Sights and mounting

The RK 95 TP features standard designed for reliable aiming in various conditions, including a hooded front post sight mounted on the gas block of the barrel and an adjustable rear U-notch sight on the receiver. The rear sight incorporates a flip mechanism with apertures set for 150 m and 300 m ranges, along with an intermediate position to accommodate the night sight for low-light use, while the front sight handles all zeroing adjustments for and . The battle sight zero is calibrated at 300 m, aligning with the rifle's effective engagement range using these sights, and the overall sight radius measures 465 mm to support precise alignment. Mounting options on the RK 95 TP emphasize compatibility with both legacy and modern optics, centered around a side rail on the left side of the receiver that follows the Soviet dovetail standard for attaching long-eye-relief scopes such as the PSO-1. This rail enables the use of image intensifiers, red dot sights, and rifle optics, with a detachable cheek riser provided for proper eye alignment when optics are employed. For integration with Western accessories, aftermarket Picatinny rail adapters can be fitted to the side mount, allowing the attachment of compact sights like the Aimpoint series without compromising the rifle's balance. The rifle supports a range of accessories via dedicated attachment points, including a bayonet lug under the front sight base for close-quarters utility, standard sling swivels for carry options, and provisions for a lightweight bipod that mounts to the barrel for supported firing positions. Additionally, the muzzle device integrates with sights to facilitate the launch of 40 mm rifle , enabling support while maintaining compatibility with the for aiming. Despite its modularity, the original RK 95 TP design is limited by the absence of a full-length top rail, relying instead on the side-mounted system that positions optics higher and may restrict certain low-profile Western sights; this shortfall has been mitigated in subsequent variants through enhanced rail configurations.

Variants

RK 95 TP standard

The RK 95 TP standard serves as the primary military configuration of the Finnish assault rifle, chambered for the cartridge and equipped with a fixed 420 mm barrel. This select-fire weapon supports both semi-automatic and full-automatic modes of operation, with a cyclic rate of 700 rounds per minute and a practical full-automatic rate of 120-180 rounds per minute, including magazine changes. Primarily issued to and reserve units of the , it weighs 3.5 kg without the magazine and emphasizes reliability in harsh environments. Key military specifications include a finish on metal components for enhanced resistance, particularly suited to Finland's variable . Soldiers receive the bundled with standard accessories: six 30-round detachable box magazines (each weighing 0.8 kg when loaded), a gun cleaning kit, a sling, and a sight adjustment tool. The incorporates a foldable side stock for compact storage and transport, along with a remodelled handguard for improved during prolonged use. Performance characteristics highlight a of 715 m/s, enabling effective engagement ranges up to 300 m. is effectively managed by an integrated , which reduces muzzle rise and supports sustained fire while maintaining shooter control. Accuracy benefits from reinforcements to the bolt assembly and receiver cover, providing stable support for the —featuring a front sight adjustable for zeroing and a rear sight with settings at 150 m and 300 m—resulting in reliable grouping at typical combat distances. Maintenance protocols in Finnish service prioritize simplicity and adaptability to extreme conditions, including cold-weather procedures that involve warming components before disassembly to avoid ice buildup in the gas system and bolt carrier. Disassembly begins by rotating the receiver cover lever downward, followed by removal of the recoil spring assembly, barrel, and gas tube, with emphasis on thorough of the phosphate-treated surfaces to preserve resistance. These steps ensure operational readiness during sub-zero temperatures common in northern operations.

Semi-automatic models

The semi-automatic models of the RK 95 TP represent civilian adaptations of the Finnish assault rifle, configured exclusively for semi-automatic fire to meet sporting and regulatory requirements. These variants eliminate the full-automatic and three-round burst capabilities of the military RK 95 TP standard model. Produced by , they feature fixed stocks in place of the folding design used in , enhancing stability for non-tactical applications. Production of these models was limited, consistent with the overall small production scale of the RK 95 series. The M92S stands as the primary semi-automatic variant, manufactured in limited quantities as a high-quality derivative of the RK 95 TP platform. Renowned for its and reliability, the M92S is chambered in and incorporates ergonomic improvements derived from the original design, such as an adjustable gas system. Production ceased after the mid-1990s, rendering these rifles rare collectibles among enthusiasts of AK-pattern firearms. An additional sporting version, designated the M95S, was developed with a focus on markets, featuring a fixed configuration similar to the M92S. Marketed briefly post-1996, it included provisions for suppressor attachment via a threaded muzzle, distinguishing it from unmodified military examples. Key differences from the military RK 95 TP include a reinforced receiver optimized for sustained sporting use rather than durability, alongside the absence of selective-fire mechanisms. These adaptations ensure compliance with international laws while preserving the rifle's core ballistic performance and .

5.56×45mm NATO adaptation

The adaptation of the RK 95 TP, designated the Sako M95, was developed in the late 1990s by Ltd. as a proposed to facilitate compatibility with NATO-standard and . This modification addressed the need for Finnish manufacturers to offer rifles suited to international markets, where the cartridge of the standard RK 95 TP was less common. The adaptation retained the core design principles of the RK 95 platform, including its gas-operated mechanism, but incorporated targeted changes for the smaller, higher-velocity 5.56×45mm round. Key alterations included a redesigned gas system with an adjusted port size to manage the increased and of the 5.56×45mm cartridge, as well as a new barrel profile featuring a 1:7 twist rate optimized for stabilizing NATO-standard projectiles like the 62-grain SS109 (M855) bullet. These changes resulted in lighter recoil compared to the version, improving controllability during sustained fire, while achieving a of approximately 900 m/s from the 420 mm barrel and an of up to 600 meters. Magazine compatibility was enhanced through the use of 30-round curved polymer magazines specifically designed for 5.56×45mm, with provisions for adapters to allow interchangeability with standard 30-round magazines. Production of the M95 in 5.56×45mm remained limited to prototypes for evaluation by Finnish forces and small export runs to allied nations seeking a rugged, AK-derived rifle in NATO caliber. It was not adopted for domestic service, as the Finnish Defence Forces maintained a strong preference for the 7.62×39mm cartridge due to its proven terminal ballistics in forested and cold-weather environments. Approximately a few dozen units were produced for export testing, underscoring its niche role rather than widespread deployment.

Operational use

Finnish service

The RK 95 TP has been issued in limited numbers to the , primarily equipping frontline units such as the Guard Jaeger Regiment, , and forces, while serving as a supplement to the older in reserve formations. Since its adoption in 1995, the rifle has been allocated selectively to active-duty personnel to enhance capabilities in demanding environments, with the RK 62 remaining the standard for broader reserve mobilization due to its larger stockpiles. Integrated into conscript training programs starting in , the RK 95 TP forms a core component of Finnish , with emphasis placed on its handling in urban operations and winter conditions to prepare soldiers for national defense scenarios. Conscripts receive instruction on the rifle during basic and advanced courses, focusing on its reliability in sub-zero temperatures and tactical maneuvers in forested or built-up terrain, aligning with Finland's territorial defense strategy. In recent developments, the 2023 framework agreement between , , and for procuring a new family of assault rifles, including 5.56×45mm NATO-compatible models, signals a gradual modernization effort, though the RK 95 TP continues to play an active role without immediate full replacement as of 2025. The rifle has been employed in multinational exercises, such as Arctic Forge 2025, where Finnish forces demonstrated its performance in cold-weather weapons handling alongside allied partners. The RK 95 TP has demonstrated high reliability in service, particularly in harsh Finnish winters, owing to its robust design suited for extreme cold and rough terrain, though its 3.7 kg weight has drawn some critique for reducing mobility in prolonged patrols. Recent updates include integration with modern via side-mounted rails, enhancing accuracy in low-light and urban settings during ongoing training evolutions.

International operators and exports

The RK 95 TP has seen limited export success, primarily due to its high production costs and competition from more affordable AK-pattern rifles available on the global market. A notable export involved a small batch delivered to the in the late 1990s, including specialized variants with 24-karat gold-plated metal parts for the Amiri Guard. semi-automatic variants, such as the M92S, have been marketed internationally, though sales volumes remain low and are largely confined to collectors in and . These models feature modifications to comply with non- regulations, including the absence of full-automatic capability. Exports of both and versions reflect the rifle's niche appeal and Finland's focus on domestic needs. As of 2025, no foreign militaries actively employ the RK 95 TP in service, with international interest waning amid broader shifts toward NATO-standard 5.56×45mm platforms. and Sweden's joint procurement of new Sako-developed rifles further underscores this transition away from AK-derived designs.

References

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