how to id recievers on aks

an ak-47 is a machined receiver
an akm is stamped sheet metal(the "m" stands for modernized)
i'm not 100% but i think no ak-74's were machined.the receiver should be of smaller dimensions.

ak47 and akm is 7.62x39
ak74 is 5.45x39
 
Easiest way to tell a stamped receiver from a milled one (on a picture) is presence of rivets on the stamted ones. You will see (usually) 3 rounded rivet heads on the front and 2 in the rear. Most milled receivers have lightening cuts on the sides above the magazine well. These are not present on all machinned receivers though.

There is no way to tell an AKM receiver from an AK-74 one by just looking at the picture. The only differences that i know of are:
-slightly narrower magazine well on the 74
-some very minor internal differences
-stampings on the receiver, obviously

Most AK-47's had milled receivers, early ones (Russian Type-1) were stamped, but you will probably never see one. Most AKM's and AK-74's had stamped receivers. However both exist with milled receivers also.
 
I also have observed one ak made up of parts from the middle east and they had used the receiver off an RPK whats the difrence with that one is the receiver heavier?
 
RPK receivers are typically made of thicker sheet metal - 1.5/1.6mm vs 1.0 mm. Most also have a bulge on the side(s) in front to accommodate a bigger front trunnion (RPK's have a heavy barrel, so bigger trunnion is needed)

P.S. Contrary to what toyboy said, all stamped AKM and AK-74 receivers are exactly the same dimensions on the outside.
 
Difference between AK and AKM are pretty simple to look for, stamped vs milled should be plainly obvious. 47 vs 74 however, the changes are so minute that you probably will need a ruler to notice them. Assembled rifle is another story though.
 
Back
Top Bottom