KK 62

Lore & Background

The KK 62 was designed in the late 1950s, with the first prototype ready for testing in 1960. It was officially adopted as the standard infantry support weapon of the Finnish Defence Forces in 1962 as the 7.62 konekivääri 62, and the first weapons were delivered in 1966. The overall system of operation is modeled on that found in the Czech LK vz. 52/57 machine gun. The receiver is machined from steel, and a tubular metal buttstock houses the recoil spring. To facilitate shooting with heavy mittens, there is no trigger guard; a substantial vertical bar in front of the trigger is used for pulling the trigger/handgrip assembly and bolt back when loading.

The KK 62 is fed from the right-hand side from 100-round belts carried in pouches that clamp onto the receiver wall. It has no quick-change barrel, a serious drawback when sustained firepower is required; the original usage doctrine was based on agile hit-and-run tactics rather than suppressive fire from a strong position. The cleaning rod is attached to the right side of the butt and receiver. A side-folding carrying handle is provided in front of the feeding mechanism, and it is equipped with a folding bipod. The KK 62 uses the intermediate Soviet 7.62×39mm M43 cartridge, interchangeable with any FDF standard assault rifles from the RK 62 to the RK 95 TP. Major drawbacks include the lack of a quick-change barrel and sensitivity to dirt and humidity, requiring much more care in a combat environment than most FDF assault rifles.

Reader's Guide

The KK 62 represents a specific approach to infantry support, prioritizing mobility and hit-and-run tactics over sustained suppressive fire. Its design, based on the Czech LK vz. 52/57, was adapted to Finnish requirements, including the use of the 7.62×39mm cartridge common with FDF assault rifles. The lack of a quick-change barrel and sensitivity to dirt and humidity are noted drawbacks, reflecting the weapon's intended role in agile operations rather than static defense. Despite these limitations, the KK 62 remained in service for decades, with a replacement—the PKM general-purpose machine gun—only entering use later. Its continued presence in the Finnish Defence Forces, alongside the adoption of a successor, underscores its role as a transitional design that served until a more versatile general-purpose machine gun could be fielded. The weapon's legacy is tied to its specific national context and the tactical doctrine of the Finnish military during the Cold War era.

Did You Know?

• The KK 62 has no trigger guard to facilitate shooting with heavy mittens.
• The KK 62's overall system of operation is modeled on the Czech LK vz. 52/57 machine gun.