In need of help from the AK-74 gurus!!
Hello all. I am in the market for an ak-74 and am trying to decipher all of the lingo. There are so many different models and remakes of this gun, it's hard to figure out what's what, and what's worth buying. I'll list my questions below and hopefully someone can run through and answer most of them. I think I have pretty much decided on a saiga if that helps anyone with my questions. All info received is appreciated, so thanks in advance! 
What is the difference between stamped and milled receivers? I realize the physical difference in manufacturing, but what about performance wise? And can you tell one from the other visually?
Can aftermarket ak-47 parts such as pistol grips, stocks, foregrips, etc. be interchanged with ak-74s? Do they require modification?
Thank you
Tim
What is the difference between stamped and milled receivers? I realize the physical difference in manufacturing, but what about performance wise? And can you tell one from the other visually?
Can aftermarket ak-47 parts such as pistol grips, stocks, foregrips, etc. be interchanged with ak-74s? Do they require modification?
Thank you
Tim
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Buy a cheap one=that way if you don't like it, you haven't lost as much and you're more likely to get most of your investment back. I bought one of the CAI 5.45x39's and it has turned out pretty good. It shoots most ammo OK but an occassional flyer from Wolf 70 grain. 0 -
Thanks for your input. I'm pretty sure I'm just going to buy a saiga. Worst case scenario I throw it in the cabinet and forget about it.
Do you have an answer to any of my questions on receivers or aftermarket parts?
Thanks
Tim0 -
quote:Originally posted by phlipcyde
What is the difference between stamped and milled receivers? I realize the physical difference in manufacturing, but what about performance wise? And can you tell one from the other visually?
The biggest FUNCTIONAL difference between stamped and milled receiver guns is that the milled ones are a good bit HEAVIER. That may be a positive (lower recoil) or a negative (more weight) depending on your point of view.
From a buyer's/collector's standpoint the milled receiver guns are generally considered more desirable and usually cost a little more. Whether or not they are really any "better" in terms of durability is debatable. I'd say probably not. . .the stamped receiver guns do seem to hold up quite well over relatively long service lives.
Can you tell them apart visually? Sure. Milled receiver guns have enlarged rectangular "lightening" cuts on the sides of the receiver. Stamped guns will have their parts held in place by rivets which can be seen on the side of the receiver:
quote:Can aftermarket ak-47 parts such as pistol grips, stocks, foregrips, etc. be interchanged with ak-74s? Do they require modification?
Well to be absolutely clear, the gun most people know in the USA as an "AK-47" is actually an AKM (which is a later upgrade), and most of the parts labelled as for AK-47s are actually for AKMs.
So that said, yes, most AK-74s will accept the standard AKM furniture, and some (but not all) of the internal parts also interchange.0 -
quote:Originally posted by beantownshootah
quote:Originally posted by phlipcyde
What is the difference between stamped and milled receivers? I realize the physical difference in manufacturing, but what about performance wise? And can you tell one from the other visually?
The biggest FUNCTIONAL difference between stamped and milled receiver guns is that the milled ones are a good bit HEAVIER. That may be a positive (lower recoil) or a negative (more weight) depending on your point of view.
From a buyer's/collector's standpoint the milled receiver guns are generally considered more desirable and usually cost a little more. Whether or not they are really any "better" in terms of durability is debatable. I'd say probably not. . .the stamped receiver guns do seem to hold up quite well over relatively long service lives.
Can you tell them apart visually? Sure. Milled receiver guns have enlarged rectangular "lightening" cuts on the sides of the receiver. Stamped guns will have their parts held in place by rivets which can be seen on the side of the receiver:
quote:Can aftermarket ak-47 parts such as pistol grips, stocks, foregrips, etc. be interchanged with ak-74s? Do they require modification?
Well to be absolutely clear, the gun most people know in the USA as an "AK-47" is actually an AKM (which is a later upgrade), and most of the parts labelled as for AK-47s are actually for AKMs.
So that said, yes, most AK-74s will accept the standard AKM furniture, and some (but not all) of the internal parts also interchange.
Wow! Perfect, perfect answer. I could not have payed for a better response. Thank you so much for the detailed and informative answers.
Tim0
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