AK-47 vs. AK-74

[Prince Yamato]

Ok, this thread is NOT about ballistics. It's about part interchangeability. I have a WASR-2, which I like, but I would like to "spice it up" a bit. No, not bubbatize, just add some nicer stock sets, etc. Here's the questions:

1) Are gas tubes interchangeable?

2) Can I change out the AK-74 bolt carrier for a stainless AK-47 one and then put the 74 bolt in the 47 carrier?

3) Could I change out the 74 bolt carrier for a Galil carrier and put the 74 bolt in the galil carrier? (I like that little flip up charging handle.)

4) Related, do Galil .223 mags fit into a 74 magwell? If so, with minimal work and a 74 follower, would a 50 rnd galil mag load roughly the same amount of 5.45x39 ammo and feed it properly?

5) Sometimes I see full-auto bolt carriers for sale. If I bought one, it would work in my AK, right? It doesn't make my AK a machinegun (legally at least, I know you need the auto sear for rock n roll)

 

[Prince Yamato]

durka durka durka... don't post questions till I've had enough coffee... I answered them all myself... besides, Galil stuff looks a little too expensive...

 

[dstorm1911]

The bolts and bolt carriers are totally different

Gas tubes, generally

No swap with the Galil either yet again different dimensions

And EVERY parts kit ak has a full auto bolt carrier........ so no without the third pin hole and reciever rail mods it cannot be turned into a machine gun......

if ya want the upswept charging handle get a Romanian Actual military AIM74 bolt carrier......

The only interchangable parts between 7.62 and 5.45 are furniture, FCG, recoil assembly


the rest is caliber specific

 

[Prince Yamato]

sigh... no Galil charging handle for me... unless I get a Galil.

 

[TOU]

3) Could I change out the 74 bolt carrier for a Galil carrier and put the 74 bolt in the galil carrier? (I like that little flip up charging handle.)

Dude, I am so with you on this. I've been trying to think of an easy and cost effective way to modify all my Saiga's with option. I wish it was as easy as bolting something on. Hmmmm....Maybe hone it, thread it and put a set screw with Red Lock-tight with the appropriate handle. Hmmmm....I need to think on this some more.

 

[dstorm1911]

tou, just keep in mind that the bolt handle has to be able to witstand the force of trying to hammer the bolt open in the event of a stuck case in the chamber... Also that the AK bolt charging handle cycles with the bolt carrier on every shot.. ALOT of inertia force

 

[TOU]

Yeah...basically thinking out loud. Nice concept but in reality, it's probably a bad idea. Love those Galil charging handles though!

 

[Prince Yamato]

You know, if would be cool if some manufacturer offered that as an option on their bolt handles *COUGH* *COUGH*.

Didn't some of the norincos used to come with an SKS style handle?

Also, I would love some 40+ round mags for the AK-74 that didn't cost like $100. I'm not paying more than $40 for something made of plastic. I emailed Century a couple months ago about importing a boatload of 40s and they said they'd consider it. This is why I asked about the galil mags. But they won't fit?

 

[HorseSoldier]

1) I don't think so, but may be wrong (my Tantal and Yugo underfolder don't, but if you went with all-Russian or all-Bulgarian or whatever, maybe).

2) No

3) No, don't think so.

4) No, from personal experience trying the same thing.

5) No idea on that.

 

[ATC]

Here's something to help get your mind working on new ideas.

Red Jacket Firearms:
http://www.redstick-firearms.com/index.html

 

[TOU]

Looks like Redjacket will convert it to the Galil style charging handle. Cost $125

http://www.redstick-firearms.com/services/services.html

 

[MD_Willington]

You can make your own Galil look a like handle.

Take a foreign gas piston, cut it off at the piston end.

Take your carrier and remove the stock charging handle.

Weld the cut off gas piston to the carrier where the original handle was...

 

[Prince Yamato]

4) No, from personal experience trying the same thing.

It's refreshing to know that I'm not the only person in this world that thinks up things like that