I finally pieced together a Valmet Hunter and a partial m76 parts kit for my m76 clone project. It turned out nicely, so I thought I would share it with you guys.
It took quite awhile to acquire all of the parts and get time off of work to build it, but its done. I was able to find an original m76 barrel, trigger group, top cover, flash hider, pistol grip, hand guards and some Bulgarian Circle 10 .223 AK mags. I was lucky enough to find most of this all in one place.
The end result:
I wasn't able to document the whole process, but here is some of it:
It took a 12 ton press, Kroil and some heat to remove the gas blocks on each barrel and to re-install as well. I turned a solid piece of soft aluminum on my lathe to put between the press and work piece, so there wasn't any damage to the crown. Removing gas block to take off hand guard retainer assembly:
Shop made gas block removal plate:
Lathe turned sleeve for hand guard retainer assembly:
The reason a sleeve was made was to keep the gun non-restricted with an 18.5" barrel. I have an original m76 barrel that I could put on that has the proper threading, but it would be restricted. Since the 18.5" barrel doesn't have a large enough diameter for threading, a sleeve was made. A big thanks to my buddy Greg if hes reading this.
The gun has a Galil style folding stock and custom made receiver block that was done by a machinist. I'm looking for an original m76 tube folder, but I highly doubt that will happen. While its not a perfect clone, its close enough for me.
Now its time for the fun part...
I only had time for a quick 4 round group at 75 yards then I had to leave. I'll maybe do a better report next time. Shot with open sites.
It took quite awhile to acquire all of the parts and get time off of work to build it, but its done. I was able to find an original m76 barrel, trigger group, top cover, flash hider, pistol grip, hand guards and some Bulgarian Circle 10 .223 AK mags. I was lucky enough to find most of this all in one place.
The end result:
I wasn't able to document the whole process, but here is some of it:
It took a 12 ton press, Kroil and some heat to remove the gas blocks on each barrel and to re-install as well. I turned a solid piece of soft aluminum on my lathe to put between the press and work piece, so there wasn't any damage to the crown. Removing gas block to take off hand guard retainer assembly:
Shop made gas block removal plate:
Lathe turned sleeve for hand guard retainer assembly:
The reason a sleeve was made was to keep the gun non-restricted with an 18.5" barrel. I have an original m76 barrel that I could put on that has the proper threading, but it would be restricted. Since the 18.5" barrel doesn't have a large enough diameter for threading, a sleeve was made. A big thanks to my buddy Greg if hes reading this.
The gun has a Galil style folding stock and custom made receiver block that was done by a machinist. I'm looking for an original m76 tube folder, but I highly doubt that will happen. While its not a perfect clone, its close enough for me.
Now its time for the fun part...
I only had time for a quick 4 round group at 75 yards then I had to leave. I'll maybe do a better report next time. Shot with open sites.
Last edited:
