Got my First Valmet Today (M71 s) .223

[JOEZETA]

just got it today...not familiar with them....looks just like an AK to me.....Couple of questions for the experts:
Are the hand guards removable? along with the gas tube?...This model came with the plastic stock, Any source for the Wooden stock? Came with no mags, i got one coming from Tromix- conversion mag which i hear work well....any other tid bits appreciated.
Thanks all...Joezeta

[B Wood]

Joe,

Congratulations on your first Valmet!

I also have a model 71/s. The handgaurds can be removed but it is kind of a pain.

In front of the handgaurd is a star shaped nut. First remove the top cover.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1008340&a=7424196&p=25941206
After removing the top cover, remove the recoil spring assembly and the bolt carrier...then slide the gas tube back.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1008340&a=7424196&p=25941201

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1008340&a=7424196&p=25941199
After removing the gas tube, you must loosen the retaining nut any way you can.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1008340&a=7424196&p=25940469
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1008340&a=7424196&p=25940472
It will screw off the threads and go forward. Once it goes forward, you can remove the handguards. I wouldn't do this too often. It appears as though there must have been a tool to do this at one point.
Good luck!

Check out the Valmet club at http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/valmetweaponsclub
There is a lot of good info there!

Here are a few pics of my Valmets:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1008340&a=7425927&p=25936929
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1008340&a=7425927&p=25936926


Brian

[This message has been edited by B Wood (edited 08-09-2000).]

[This message has been edited by B Wood (edited 08-09-2000).]

[This message has been edited by B Wood (edited 08-09-2000).]

[This message has been edited by B Wood (edited 08-09-2000).]

[This message has been edited by B Wood (edited 08-10-2000).]