One of the most distinctive features of the Valmet rifles, including the M62 and all subsequent variations, is the open-ended, three prong flash suppressor with a bayonet lug on its lower side.

It featured a metallic buttstock, a plastic handguard and pistol grip but lacked the trigger guard (it was hoped that it would make firing this weapon easier in cold Finnish winter when soldiers wore warm mittens).

The very first prototypes, closely modeled after Polish licence made AKs, had tinted birchwood stocks.

In August 2015, the Finnish Defence Forces announced that they will gradually modernize existing RK 62 rifles.

An option for mounting a top rail for telescopic sights and night vision devices will be added to all rifles; likewise, the barrel will get an attachment point for tactical lights and lasers.

[citation needed] The biggest single improvement, apart from the metallurgical quality of the receiver and the overall quality of the barrel, are the sights: most AK variants have the rear sight mounted on top of the gas piston housing on top of the receiver.

A port in the shoulder pad allows storing items (e.g. the cleaning kit) in the tubular buttstock.