Palveluskivääri

Palveluskivääri is a Finnish term that translates to "service rifle." Historically, it referred to the standard-issue bolt-action rifles used by the Finnish military. These were often variants of Russian Mosin-Nagant rifles, modified and adapted by Finnish manufacturers like SAKO. The primary purpose of the palveluskivääri was to equip the Finnish Defence Forces with a reliable and effective infantry weapon.

Following World War II, and particularly as semi-automatic and later assault rifles became the norm globally, the concept of the palveluskivääri evolved. In modern Finnish military parlance, it generally refers to the standard-issue assault rifle adopted by the Finnish Defence Forces. The RK 62, a Kalashnikov-pattern rifle, has been the predominant palveluskivääri for many decades.

The RK 62 is known for its robustness, reliability, and suitability for the harsh conditions often encountered in Finland. It fires the 7.62x39mm cartridge. While the RK 62 remains in service, Finland, like many other nations, has been evaluating and introducing newer rifle designs to maintain its military's technological edge. These newer systems may eventually supersede the RK 62 as the official palveluskivääri, reflecting ongoing advancements in small arms technology and evolving military doctrine. The term itself remains a fundamental part of Finnish military terminology.