Mud Test: Arsenal SLR104 (AK74) & Valmet M76

We mud test an Arsenal SLR104 (5.45x39) and a Valmet M76 (5.56x45).
Ever since the original Romanian AKM mud test we've been told that a "quality" AK would pass, in otherwords equal the successes of the multiple AR15s we've done.
Let's find out.
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[@mashmo0823]

Gun Jesus sacrificing his beloved Valmet for our sins. Blessed be His name.

[@A8vscRrabbit]

mashmo0823 amen........or Allah Akbar. Hahaha

[@speedwaypinoy]

Thy Auctions Come, their History Done. On Bids, as it is in KZbin.

[@Devin_Stromgren]

Give us this day, our daily video, and explaneth to us the provenance of this weapon, as your source material explaineth to you.

[@randyallen2771]

Peace be upon him. .....

[@CAepicreviews]

How much is a Valmet M76?

[@Greasymarsupial]

The rifle was not oiled with vodka and lacked the Adidas logo TEST NOT ACCURATE

[@Greasymarsupial]

StudyinSteel Or cosmo

[@SuperSecretSquirell]

I wonder if anyone has ever seen you two walking off into the desert with a wheel barrow, a shovel and guns and thought about calling the authorities? Lol

[@bladudemovies]

Still waiting for a G11 mud test.

[@GraafBerengeur]

"I've learned that the general audience that watches this content has an irrational emotional attachment to a mechanical device." Exactly.

[@robertgaudet7407]

He spends a lot more on his mechanical devices than I do though. Love my AKs, this is a good reminder to either A. not immerse your rifle in mud, comrade or B. clean your rifle pretty soon after you immerse it in mud, comrade.

[@michelemariotti8198]

A basic description of the second amendment

[@thesturm8686]

The main reason i like AKs over ARs is literally sentimental reasons

[@GazRocks1905]

The Wheelbarrow seems to be absolutely reliable in these tests, even after so many years of mud. :-)

[@JonathanChappell]

"Some guy on the internet told me an AK will work even if it's full of mud so now I won't believe it when I see one fail with my own eyes" - Everyone who's jimmies are rustled by these videos.

[@ruslangari2605]

vk.com/id101881941

[@csipawpaw7921]

When you said the people have an irrational attachment to a weapon reminded me of my father. He was in WW2 and talked about how he often went into combat with an M1, B.A.R. ,Thompson or something else and would come out with something different. When his weapon ran out of ammo or was damaged he picked up what was at hand. There were weapons he liked. But he made sure he knew how to use them all. Both American and German. He used everything from a Bazooka to his bare hands. He survived, not because of his weapon but because of his training, skill sets, and determination. He also saw people who died because they ran out of ammo and never thought to pick up the K98 at their feet.

[@CssHDmonster]

You guys didnt use the illegal german prototype remake of the ak, no wonder the test didnt work

[@Carbide195]

KelloPudgerro Gerät 06H, what Gerät 06H? This is just a loose assortment of lead pipes and wood, officer!

[@AGS363]

The Wieger STG 940?

[@herosstratos]

KelloPudgerro Early German production MPi AK-74 had problems with to tight tolerances in production.

[@williemickbillie]

I feel like the charging handle throws mud right into the chamber on its forward stroke! Great vids guys

[@esaskykke7600]

*ASETARKASTUKSIIN AIKAA 2 MINUUTTIA!*

[@anza77]

2min? 🤔.....

[@_MaZTeR_]

Paskaa patruunapesässä, korjatkaa

[@zacharyscott8083]

no hablo homie. Translation?

[@billdawg795]

I'm only 11 seconds in I don't know if I want to watch you pour mud on a valmet. It may literally hurt my insides

[@frankholub4673]

Well it certainly hurt the Valmet's insides...

[@Hostilenemy]

I'm sorry but this test is totally bogus. You didn't use Warsaw spec mud.

[@signs80]

Russian Bakelite mud

[@Apolloneek]

Fulda gap mud is best comrade

[@Legitpenguins99]

"Muds defective comrade"

[@mr.laughington5740]

It'll fail quicker if you use that kind of spec

[@mattcarden7824]

The last ak variant I hope you guys get to test is the Galil Ace. The reciprocating cover and sealed receiver should solve the issue of the mud in the locking lugs. Great video!

[@wierdalien1]

Matt Carden that would be cool

[@LauriJantunen]

Since the old school charging handle pushes crap in, I would be intrigued to see even the regular galil in this

[@mattcarden7824]

Jantunen yeah I believe the old school galil would fair exactly the same as these ak's. I think the new "Ace" version would stand a pretty good chance

[@mollymcallister1671]

Wouldn't change much I think. The ejection port is too big and too high for the sealing of the rear of the receiver to make much difference if you watch the video here and pay attention to the type of malfs they're getting.

[@TroopperFoFo]

I want them to mud test an Ak-12 but that is probably never going to happen. I love how that gun looks.

[@TheFranssiBrother]

"Oh great. Anew mud test what'll it be this ti..." *Sees Valmet* Oh no... NO

[@Gunsbeerfreedom87]

But Karl, I don't have any skills to form an emotional attachment to.

[@jokuvaa2552]

Finally a Valmet. Thanks guys. You have shattered my illusions.

[@herrskeletal3994]

And the stock on the Valmet.

[@POPJack1717]

They used to sell these on Atlanticfirearms

[@RandyL0neWolf]

Please yuse a valmet with lapua

[@first6digits]

When you mortared that valmet it caused me physical pain

[@thelol1759]

first6digits sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do :(

[@Klovaneer]

Is it really an AK if you can't -mortar- leg it? :thonk:

[@chaddoan4659]

I'm a big fan of the mudtest content on In Range. This is what originally attracted me to In Range and I would love to more rifles tested in this manner. That includes testing newer designs such as an FN Scar or a Steyr AUG and maybe a few more AR or AK variants such as a gas piston AR or a Galil. Thank you for the informative and entertaining content. Please keep up the good work.

[@MASSspec1990]

I think the biggest thing to take away is the need for knowing how to fix problems on your chosen platform and the general trade off on what you want.

[@spankysbasement]

I was actually very impressed with how well the AK and the PTR did in these test with both not being a closed system.

[@wingracer1614]

love the slowmo's. Looks like the charging handle is actually throwing mud into the chamber as it closes.

[@derekdziobek5998]

Ah, there's a Valmet in my helmet.

[@RewardedRocki]

Man, I miss Dugan

[@masada03]

Damnit Dugan, come back! We need you.

[@tstststs]

Masada he's actually fairly active on his instagram. But it's more political commentary now.

[@masada03]

Ya, just wish he would make more videos. Even if they aren't the full length things he was doing I'd still be happy.

[@kurtbergh]

Brilliant video, guys! Finally l've got a video l can refer to when talking to other people who have served in the Finnish military. Now l can say with confidence that my personal AR actually is more reliable in some conditions.

[@McScrubington]

I feel like people loving AKs beyond reason are the same kind of people who say that Japanese "Hand forged folded steel Katana" are the best blades in the entire universe. Great video by the way, keep it up :) edit: didn't scroll down the comment section before writing mine, seems like i'm not the only one thinking that, unsurprisingly.

[@LinkHyrule03]

The difference is that the Japanese put craftsmanship, art, precision, and care into the production of high quality swords. Ak's are just poorly-designed guns.

[@MandalorV7]

LinkHyrule03 Katanas were made with the best metal and technique they had at the time. The same cannot be said for some AKs.

[@Youthsoldiers1992]

Or like the IPhone vs. Android war.

[@samnottheotherone4363]

@@LinkHyrule03 The steel is still bad in Japanese blades. They look good though.

[@Miami1991]

@@LinkHyrule03 not poorly designed if the same basic operating system (rotating bolt) and ergonomics have lasted 70 years up into the newer variants of AKs like the AK107 and AK12. You are dead wrong

[@Thejebe]

"Help me, Varusteleka! You're my only hope!" Oh god my sides

[@jefftuckercfii]

Been a long time since any comments here, but I just saw this vid today (I've been binge watching InRange videos). As soon as I saw Ian beat that Valmet stock into the ground on its toe, I knew it was only a matter of time and sure enough, craaaaaack!!! If you're going to buttstroke the gun into Mother Earth, please do it toward the heel or with the flat of the butt plate. Ask me how I know. That being said I enjoy all your videos, guys, please keep it up. The COVID scare has given me a chance to go back and watch the older vids since I'm not working right now. Keep poking holes in myths for us. I for one am glad to see it.

[@herraman2244]

You guys are great your in range series is a good one. You are right, you just can't please everyone. I have made my own dumb comments in the past, but all in all I enjoy what you do here and will continue to watch, and when times are better for me I will also support you guys.

[@steezydan8543]

The Valmet with the mud on it looks strangely cool. When it dried it almost fit in with Ian's camo.

[@DerMetzgerFrank]

Those Russian plumb mags are a beauty

[@hoangvan0925]

If you think those are beautiful, you should take a look at the Molot ribbed RPK-74 mags. Those look even more beautiful.

[@DerMetzgerFrank]

Yes you are right! those are awesome too.

[@scruggs6633]

Ribbed for pleasure

[@LinkHyrule03]

Love the tests, guys, very well done! I'm very interested in seeing the eventual mud testing of the FS2000.

[@kracerx]

Dedication to your craft - also know as smashing your unicorn of a Valmet stock to please internet trolls. Seriously - I love what you guys do and appreciate the great content. Keep up the good work!

[@obiwanschinobi]

When Ian pores mud on that Valmet, all I could here was; Perkele!

[@jwc00789]

Excellent Test! My condolences for the loss of your Valmet Stock! :( Would like to see a mud test on the Walther P38.

[@JohnLothe]

Man I love these videos. You guys have a blessed job

[@junglejim1221]

I read alot of comments, I see what you all are doing with testing it. I've heard myself from alot of people that the AK could run even full of mud. So, I loved the SP1colt video, n this is a great one aswell.

[@lsdzheeusi]

"Jenkins. Chap with the wings, there ... FIVE ROUNDS RAPID!"

[@remko1238]

This never gets boring,, best YT channel,, best gunn couple 🤜🏿

[@ed5042]

am SOOO glad you guys have a sense of humor about the net 'Norons' I just made that up!!!

[@ltcjohnson1966]

As always, good informative work. It is very gratifying to hear gun-dudes correctly use somewhat bigger words than most normal conversational gun-dude speech. I mean like, Indubitably dude.

[@sakils2]

BUT MUH INFALLIBLE AVTOMAT KALASHNIKOVA!!!

[@khurramzafar]

ZHA FILTHY AMERICAN IMPERIALIST PEEGZ KANNOT UNDASTAN MY GLORIUS RYFLE BLYAT!

[@a.c.m.4548]

I HAVE AN IRRATIONAL FEAR THAT A GUN I DON'T ACTUALLY OWN WILL FAIL A TEST THAT CAN REPLICATE REAL WORLD CONDITIONS THAT I WILL NEVER BE IN.

[@baker90338]

I HAVE AN IRRATIONAL URGE TO RANDOMLY TYPE IN FULL CAPITALIZATION IN AN ATTEMPT TO DISCREDIT THE INDIVIDUAL WHO CREATED A TEST TO SEE WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF ONE DROPPED AN ARMAMENT IN MUD BY USING EMOTIONALLY CHARGED ARGUMENTS.

[@a.c.m.4548]

Are you slow in the humour uptake?

[@mlg_420quickscope]

@@baker90338 You and at least three other people didn't get the joke.

[@daringdanny9396]

love it guys! I can't wait for the sand test!

[@mojavedesert8723]

There's nothing better than to come back from filling sandbags and see a inrange mud test.

[@antti_did_a_thing]

I always found the M76 wooden stocks a bit funny looking, since I'm used to the tubular steel stocks that they have with RK62. Apparently it's also an option with the M76. So I'd recommend that if you're tired of breaking your wooden stock! (The cool looks are a plus too! :D)

[@smokeydops]

So I'm seeing down here UK AKs, German prototype AKs, and the obvious Russian AKs. Let us go to the next level. it failed because it wasn't a Japanese AK Steel folded over one thousand times, it will ABSORB the mud ! or something

[@Coltgov191145]

I love it when you guys shred people with knowledge instead of stereotypes....

[@jarlestorm1428]

I´d say this is the ultimate reliability test!!! you guys are nuts!!! I´m only sayin this out of jellaousy... fun video, fun series!!!

[@BlueskKulls]

sandtests sound like a great idea

[@dogboy0912]

Despite popular belief, most of the U.S. southwestern desert is more dirt rather than sand. Sand is a bit fancy, though you could just get a few bags from the big Orange HD.

[@65Red]

I think the biggest issue with American AK owners is they think the rifle is indestructible and can just eat through any mud or rocks that enters the receiver. This is a myth. The AK's renowned reliability comes from it's ability to not require maintenance for long periods of time and the simplicity of clearing / cleaning it. In a firefight, if you SOMEHOW find a weapon in the condition as the one in this video, you pop the dust cover, shake everything out and go to town. An AR is less likely to get outside elements inside of the action; HOWEVER, if you do get junk around the trigger and behind the bolt, it is significantly harder to remedy than an AK is. Also, milspec AR's eat where they shit so cleaning has a much higher emphasis regarding extended use. The fact of the matter is, both guns have tons of myths that surround them and their owners like to get REALLY attached to them. AR's are reliable and are NOT the most accurate rifle ever made. AK's are accurate and are NOT impervious to mud and other outside elements. Once you accept the limitations of your rifle, you can fully appreciate it's function. Sincerely, a Vepr AK74 owner

[@41tl]

I'm currently at 850 rounds through my $350 PSA AR-15 without cleaning or lubrication. Just sayin'.

[@AZNwannabe06]

Valmet: When fit and Finnish matters

[@spliffuz2153]

Great work guys

[@patrickhaggerty7830]

I like AKs a lot, I have a 7.62 and a 5.45 version (the 7.62 being an Arsenal!). I also shoot an M4 as my primary weapon in the Army. I think it's ok to love both systems, and as sad as it makes me seeing these results, it makes me happy knowing that what I'm carrying as a soldier vastly outperforms the AK platform in rough conditions.

[@stephenmyers7076]

Please forgive me but I just can’t resist. I read this comment probably 10 years ago and I straight up stole it because it made me laugh hysterically like a nut from the nut house. “I felt a great disturbance in the force, as if millions of AK lovers cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced “. 😂

[@karllambert2350]

Oh the sacrifice you guys make .... Hail and we'll met Thank you for your vids

[@Theoarma]

That is IDENTICAL!!

[@seancrooker6771]

I tried a mud test on two of my aks after the last video just to see and the same thing happened, the action has loose enought toloarance to push mud out of the way but once it got into the chamber it was done, which is a death nail for any gun.

[@kevinstafford4475]

Outstanding video. I really think Karl hit the nail on the head when he talked about the irrational attachments folks have with their firearms. My take on the AK, it's a very good combat machine and like all machines it can fail or get gummed up. Same for any other piece of machinery. With that said, and having had the opportunity to carry both the AK and AR (M4) on combat missions, I will take the AR platform any day of the week. This is not a knock on the AK as it is a great weapon but it does have flaws and it is getting a bit long in the tooth as well as the fact I like the ergos of the AR platform better. Keep stirring the pot, these vids are fun just for some of the comments.

[@LionofCaliban]

I have to admit that I'm not surprised by this, on a few levels. Also, quite surprised. Just reinforces the point you guys made about tolerances and trade offs. The tighter the tolerances, the harder it seems to be clear of this type of crap. Not only that, the more obvious, spectactular, the failure is, when it finally reaches that point.

[@suikakujun]

As the mud on Ian's gun were drying it become more and more alike in color and pattern to the british dpm shirt he was wearing.

[@thunderbug8640]

On the high speed at 13:50 you can see the mud get chucked off by the firing and then see it get pushed forward by the charging handle, some of that has to go into the gun could that be the main cause of the failure?

[@retakrew]

would be interesting to see an AK mud test with no charging handle

[@johnyricco1220]

It does seem like the cocking handle itself was trapping a lot of mud, and shoving that into the chamber. Would be interesting to test a Galil Ace which removed the handle.

[@quentinking4351]

Thunderbug Holy crap, you're right. Good eye! Now very interested to see a Galil ACE, especially with the Tavor's bad mud test performance. Makes me curious

[@brianng9765]

retakrew7 you probably talking about the galil ace

[@captapraelium1591]

A rearward-swept charging handle would avoid that.

[@mickeydown556]

IT looks like the charging handle grabs the muds and slings it forward. Therefore, the sling mud mashes it into the chamber.

[@nates9536]

Beautiful outro you guys

[@jshaw1503]

Thanks for testing an arsenal. Hope it shuts people up.

[@GoreTorn16]

I'll admit, when I saw mud lathered on the Valmet M76, I cringed so hard! That's my dream rifle!!!!

[@Dan-lt3nk]

The Top Gear UK of gun shows. Not a gun owner (damnable European laws) but love the content, guys. That poor poor Valmet.

[@Kraakesolv]

Lord of Flies Many European countries allows you own guns, so be more specific.

[@TheLakabanzaichrg]

that valmet looks badass.

[@solongandthanksforallthefi8365]

It makes me happy how the mud matches his camo

[@carlsmith8176]

After this test I'm really interested to see how a FNC or a galil ace would do, considering the unique dust covers they have, is the galil ace the only ak that could pass the test?

[@YouCaughtCzars]

I kind of feel the same way about a standard TAR-21 vs. the X95, the original seems like it's better sealed and the ejection paddle isn't a button so it shouldn't run into the mag ejection issues they had on the X95. The gap behind the trigger, however, would still absolutely get clogged to shit.

[@grimstuka]

You should test an FNC or SIG 550 to see if that spring-loaded dust cover helps.

[@kevinsparks5611]

Looked at the AK and Vz57 videos. Was hoping to find a Valley one. Happy to see it :-)

[@legionitalia309]

One theory, bolt face surface area. The large flat face of the bolt carrier is pushing the mud in the chamber faster than the round can seat. In the high speed it even looks like the charging handle itself is pushing a wave of mud in front of it. Cool video guys, would live to see a follow up on the results of cleaning/failure analysis.

[@danielsullivan4360]

UNFAIR TEST! with the AR-15 you used a flat-nosed shovel, and with this you used a spade.

[@pinzgauernorcal]

Your mud is scientifically inconsistent, just kidding, Thanks for the videos.

[@Magic-V8-P71]

3:59 what he said was actually probably the best thing I've heard from any gun video. He is very right on that

[@m1garandlvr420]

I love the fact that Carl doesn't pull any punches. He says what he means and means what he says.

[@jediraptor07]

Let the butt-hurt commence! [insert evil cackling here]

[@willcaputo1]

Raptor literally, given the outcome

[@jediraptor07]

LOL! Truth be told, I didn't even watch the video when I left the original comment (I was scarfing down breakfast before running out the door to work), I just knew that the haters were gonna dogpile on this one. But holy flark, you weren't kidding. I'd say that was the worst Princess Leia impression I've ever seen... but honestly, mine's probably worse.

[@notagoodsitrep]

Inb4: "Cyka blyat idi nahui *desk abuse intensifies*"

[@COMB0RICO]

Thanks from Texas.

[@TheOlsonOutfit]

Love the ending

[@skjporkchop]

Guys! Guys! I learned something....... I learned that if I wanted a gun to pass an extreme mud test I want an AR, but if I wanted a rifle for genral use I could use most any rifle. The rifle is a tool the rifleman is the weapon.

[@Devin_Stromgren]

That is the conclusion I reached as well.

[@danieldunlap4077]

Except for the L85, pre-A1

[@skjporkchop]

In the context of these mud tests it did the best.

[@Cowboy28074]

Perkele!

[@DuzzinsSama]

THAT IS IDENTICAL

[@darrenwilliamson7944]

Putting the Valmet to a mudtest is like driving a Ferrari off a cliff to see if its going to dent.....LOL You guys are awesome!

[@Myhouse69420]

I noticed on the slow mo footage the charging handle knocked mud into the chamber. Do you think a galil ace would do better than a traditional ak variant.

[@KalleKilponen]

I was thinking of the RK-95 myself (with it's rounded and upwards angled charging handle) but the Galil indeed seems like a logical gun to test. But I bet the guys are getting sick of doing mud tests on AK variants.

[@Myhouse69420]

I'm talking about the galil ace not the original galil

[@Myhouse69420]

A Nonymous I hear what your saying. but I'm still curious, especially when considering the fnc style cover on the left side charging handle.

[@kieranfitz]

Thing to remember about sand tests, desert sand is different from beach sand is different from builders sand.

[@Quoodle1]

Different deserts have different sand. But then again, muds are different too (Humus vs. clay) I also suspect more damage with sand than mud.

[@BlackJack-pf8kd]

You had my hopes up for the first test on the ak

[@KareliaInMe]

When you put the mud on the Valmet M76....made me cry.. :'( :D

[@BigMeanie69]

Great video, but I miss the "mud-crawling" and "sand-blowing" tests. I know they must be harder and more uncomfortable for you guys, but they seem to be more "realistic".

[@chuckjorris7952]

Big Meanie Tey have done the mud crawling only once because it isn't available most of the time... Arizona is mostly desert with little to no humidity.

[@gebeme11]

I think the problem was repeatability of testing. And also that crawling through mud and getting blasted in the face by sand probably sucks.

[@Porty1119]

Difficulty and discomfort just makes it more fun. Arizona actually gets a truckload of rain during the summer monsoon. The ensuing flash floods are extremely hazardous.

[@Shatnerpossum]

Yugos also did a lot of export models. Iraqis used the Yugo variant too. Not better, but hey we won't turn down more AK videos...

[@Sh4dowFawx]

As the valmet dried it began to blend into Ian's dpm blouse 😁

[@t328]

Great video I agree as long as it's built to speck it's an AKM regardless of what country

[@DanTaninecz]

Karl, remember also the selection bias of *who* comments on such a video. You primarily see the emotional comments because those are the people driven enough to say something.

[@Feynix_BLAZE]

No one is at all mentioning that the mud they used for the ak 47 is a lot thicker than the mud they used for the ar 15

[@andrewyegge6018]

There needs to be an inrange t shirt that says "we mortar valmet's". I will take three.

[@DanielESmith-iz7lx]

That you guys would do that for your viewers says volumes!!!

[@DutchVidya]

I love the AK but it's not because I buy into any BS. I just prefer the irons and handling on it.

[@DutchVidya]

qk1001 Several, from ARs to the L85 to bolt actions to shotguns to belt fed machine guns. I just have an aesthetic preference and find the AK platform enjoyable to shoot.

[@wierdalien1]

qk1001 is it? Just because something is better doesnt mean you get along with it better

[@DutchVidya]

qk1001 Uh huh, whatever dude. I was just expressing my fondness for a specific platform that I have used more often than others over the years. It wasn't some dig at other weapons being bad. I don't think the AK is 'better' I just said I prefer it. Fuck me for having an opinion though right?

[@DefZen343]

Its just your wording dude, you said you preferred the irons and handling but you prefer it over what? You should have just said you prefer its aesthetics and history or something :D

[@BelialsGenuflect]

You like shitty tangent sights with a bad sight radius? ok.....got it. I'm sorry I own an AK and a VZ, I love them both but the sights? Seriously? They're shit.

[@sgthl]

And there´s the reason we only used steel for the buttstocks on our military RK62s and RK95s in Finland (and only milled guns after a short tryout of the stamped guns that proved them non-conscript proof :D ). Now the armed forces are moving into "magpul" stocks etc, which is a mistake. They will fail in the cold. Plastic/polymers and extreme cold don´t mix too well.

[@treizTUBE]

Another sacred cow cook off. Smells good!

[@MiikaLaari]

In Finland biggest worry with Valmets (RK62 and RK95) were with ice in winter. Heated tent and -20°C outside is bad combo, moisture condenses into the ice cold rifle. So we cept them close to the tents walls were it was coldest inside to prevent condensation. Another thing, mil spec RKs doesn't have wooden stocks, 62 has steel tube style, inside it is cleaning equipments, and 95 has folding polymer stock