Akm question

[fromtheplaines]

I just recently picked up a romanian akm. From the back of it, it looks to be a stamped model. On the safety side of the rifle above the trigger there is normally a indent from what I have read. This one doesn't have that, it's flat across. I haven't been able to find another like that. Had any one else seen something like this? I don't know if it's a odd model or a something else, I am going to try and figure out how to attach a picture

 

[Sam1911]

To attach a picture, click "Go Advanced" then scroll down and find "Manage Attachments." Upload your pic.

Then you can right click on the attached photo link and copy that link address.

Type [noparse]

[/noparse] and hit Submit Post.

 

[fromtheplaines]

Ah thanks for the heads up

 

[AethelstanAegen]

I'm guessing from the description, the OP is talking about magazine dimples. Some companies stamp those in others don't. As long as the magazine doesn't have too much wobble, it shouldn't affect anything.

 

[Sam1911]

There are models that don't have magazine dimples (like the oddball "single stack" WASRs) but those are on both sides and not really above the trigger.

I'm not sure what else it could be, though.

 

[Adam123]

If it has mag dimples, it's most likely a US-built WASR from a parts kit. I am fairly sure these have US barrels (not a good thing compared to a CHF, chrome-lined foreign barrel). They aren't that great and to make matters worse, it's probably built by Century.

If you are talking about the indent in the receiver under the safety, that is normal for a Romanian-built WASR.

 

[Sam1911]

If you are talking about the indent in the receiver under the safety, that is normal for a Romanian-built WASR.

Can you find a pic? I'm having a hard time visualizing this.

 

[OleReb]

Without seeing any pics I am guessing its a Wasr and what your talking about are mag well dimples,single stack wasrs and double stack wasrs do not have them,atleast the ones I have had over the years didn't. Its also possible your talking about selector notches on the right side which a lot of brands do not have. Without pics its very hard to say.

 

[YZ]

Fromtheplaines

WASR is not a Romanian acronym, it stands for a certain international agreement under which the parts are imported. In fact most do come from Romania. As the others have said, the dimples are not a defining feature, they only serve to secure the sometimes wobbly AK mags. The mix and match AK parts are an industry standard. Likewise, your receiver is stamped - so are the original AKM's. Commercial sellers will tell you, for obvious reasons, that a larger machined bolt is better, and a thicker receiver is stronger. Truth is, you'll get a heavier rifle, a little easier to shoot targets. Otherwise, unless you dispense 600+ rpm all the time, it's dead weight.

If your WASR AKM has an upgraded trigger assembly such as Tapco, you got a good, real world (semiauto) AK.

 

[Sam1911]

the dimples are not a defining feature

Actually, the LACK of dimples is a defining feature of the WASR rifles I'd say. All AKMs and later stamped variants are dimpled to support the magazine, I believe, except for the WASRs.

 

[YZ]

I saw this dimple obsession pop up every now and then. I can only imagine a chuckle on Mr Kalashnikov's dimpled face when he saw the world repercussions of this trivial QC improvement.

 

[Sam1911]

What's a dimple obsession?

 

[YZ]

Wanting a dimpled receiver, because it is always better and more pure.

 

[Sam1911]

Oh! I didn't get that impression. I just think he's curious to figure out what he's got.

 

[YZ]

Not him at all, only aside from him. We are talking real stuff, its a pleasure.

 

[Adam123]

Can you find a pic? I'm having a hard time visualizing this.

Look at the receiver, right where the safety pivots.

 

[Sam1911]

Ahhh, gotcha, thanks.

 

[Adam123]

No problem, Sam.

To all pro-dimple people. VEPR rifles have no dimples and they are, without a doubt, the best mass-produced AK variant available. Dimple snobbery is only embraced by a select group uneducated Kalashnikov toting aristocrats.

 

[xxjumbojimboxx]

Hah!

 

[OleReb]

My favorite AK that I built doesn't have any selector dimples,the only reason I would care was if it was a true select fire rifle.

 

[fromtheplaines]

The picture Adam placed in above, is exactly how mine looks. Thanks for all of the responses part of owning this stuff is trying to figure out the history. And I have heard all about milled and stamped and the lack of the dimples through me

 

[ThePenguinKnight]

My Saiga does not have the mag well dimples. If I attempt to rock in a mag at just the wrong angle, it will hang up. I have come to understand that the dimples are meant to work as guides to prevent that situation, but I can't be certain since I've never owned an AK with dimples. I wouldn't say I am obsessed, but if the dimples really do help prevent mag hangup, then I would really prefer to have them. That said, I love my Saiga and am very happy with it.

My rifle also has the indention under the safety as pictured above. I'm curious what purpose it serves...

 

[YZ]

Penguin

The dimples, again, are a quick fix for the mag wobbling inside the magwell. The AK's are not known for precision built. The Saiga magazines are slightly different and not interchangeable with mil-spec AK type. Between the wobbling and the hanging up, it may take some mixing and matching to get a good mag fit.