Just got an AKS74U, need help identifying origin

[SmA SiG]

Hello everyone,

So I just got an AKS74U. This is outside of the US, the thing looks brand new. But what seems weird is that it has the Bulgarian "10" Symbol on the left side of it. And right under that symbol is the Star Tula symbol. Does this make sense?

Also, how can I identify an authentic one, be it Bulgarian or Russian.

Another concern I have is that it may be Chinese disguised as Bulgarian/Tula, did the Chinese ever make the AKS74U.

Thanks,

 

[briansmithwins]

Pics would be very useful.

China has never used the 5.45x39 cartridge (that I know of) so you should be able to rule them out.

((10)) is the Arsenal stamp for Bulgaria Arsenal and a 5 pointed star would be Tula. Bulgarian and Russian (Sov design) AKs share a whole lot of design points

Are both markings on the forward trunnion? Is there a year indicated?

Do the markings look stamped or possibly hand cut?

BSW

 

[nalioth]

Yes, pictures would be welcome.

China has never used the 5.45x39 cartridge (that I know of) so you should be able to rule them out.

They've never used the 5.56x45, either, but that didn't stop them from shipping several boatloads of .223 AKs over here.

 

[briansmithwins]

Well, yes, but the Chicoms had a market for .223 AKs. 5.45mm, not so much.

Besides, they seem to be pretty heavy into the 5.8mm now.

Still racking my brains for differences between Bulgy and Russian AK74s:

What marking is the battlesight setting on the rear sight?

Any stamping on the pistol grip?

Tantal has some great reference pics too: http://www.avtomats-in-action.com/index.html

BSW

 

[caribou]

What does your 'gas can' look like on the muzzel? Its the muzzle device that looks like a minature sicelnce threded to the front.
It reduces flash, but more importantly keeps the gas pressure in the barrel up for a bit longer to ensure propper pressure on the piston/bolt carrier. Not enough push is a problem in most automatics with short barrels, and this muzzle device cured that.

The Bulgarian ones are blunt ended 'can' like, the Russian ones have a little cone on the end, with notches.

What do your selector markings look like?

 

[Groza9X9]

The russian ones have a letter "P" and the numbers "4" and "5" on the rear sight. i've never seen a bulgarian AKSU, but im assuming the letter will be different.

 

[SmA SiG]

wow, some good information!

Thanks,

China has never used the 5.45x39 cartridge (that I know of) so you should be able to rule them out.

That's a relief, what usually happens in this part of the world is they disguise Chinese arms as other arms. An example is the Norinco NP34 (fine gun by the way) disguised as a Sig P228. I own Sigs and can easily tell.

Are both markings on the forward trunnion? Is there a year indicated?

Pictures attached, there is no year indication.


I'm suspicious of the 2 different factory markings.

What do you think?

 

[SmA SiG]

Set number 2

 

[SmA SiG]

Set number 3

 

[caribou]

Bulgarian Trunion, Russian Reciver?

Not Impossible.

 

[nalioth]

I suspect the star was added post-manufacture by someone who wanted a Russian.

It doesn't have park (or bluing) over it.

 

[max popenker]

for me it appears as Bulgarian, not Russian
the selector marking read "АВ" (AV) and "ЕД" (ED), while on all Russian guns the latter should read "ОД" (OD)

 

[SmA SiG]

I suspect the star was added post-manufacture by someone who wanted a Russian.

It doesn't have park (or bluing) over it.

Please explain what you mean by park or bluing.

Also attached is a high resolution shot

 

[nalioth]

I suspect the star was added post-manufacture by someone who wanted a Russian.

It doesn't have park (or bluing) over it.
Please explain what you mean by park or bluing.

Also attached is a high resolution shot

Park is short for parkerizing
Bluing is another type of firearm finish.

The star appears as if it were enscribed on the receiver after the manufacturer completed the gun (including it's finish).

Think of it like this: If you walk by someone's new car and drag your keys across the paint, you'd know those scratches weren't part of the original design because they don't match.

 

[SmA SiG]

Well. After lots of research, got a local expert to take a look.

It is Chinese! Apparently the Chinese refurbish these things.

Well it's going back, really frustrating shopping guns here cause usually the sellers also have no idea.

Once I get an original Russian or Bulgarian I'll post some pictures.

Thank you to everyone for giving information.

 

[CnRnut]

Might I ask what that cost (in US Dollars) ?
How I long to add one to my collection.

 

[caribou]

A Chinese forgery of a Bulgy/Russ AKSU.........Shuks...I'd like one, even if it were a "Fake" ~~LOL!!~~

 

[nalioth]

A Chinese forgery of a Bulgy/Russ AKSU

How did we get from "refurb" to "forgery"?

It is Chinese! Apparently the Chinese refurbish these things.

You know, the Chinese might not have done anything to it besides cleaned it up.

 

[sarduy]

you have a Bulgarian AK74U my friend.

 

[SmA SiG]

Might I ask what that cost (in US Dollars) ?
How I long to add one to my collection.

The market price here for an authentic one varies from 2,000-2,500 (depending on condition)

I haven't paid for the one pictured yet, but the guy was asking for 2,000 which is a total rip off because the real price for a Chinese refurbish is around 1,300 here.

You know, the Chinese might not have done anything to it besides cleaned it up.

They may have painted it also. I just got an authentic one now, and the difference is amazing. The finish is much smoother on the authentic one and isn't grainy. The side folder is much better quality, thicker metal, etc.

So this one is a Tula with the year 84 on it. I'll post some pictures soon.

 

[SmA SiG]

Here are the pictures.

Interesting differences:

The ridges at the end of the folder.
The little gaps between the gas tube and the bottom
The Tula Star sign is engraved and not colored in white
Non grainy finish, notice the grainy finish in the other one.
The letters at the safety lever

 

[SmA SiG]

Set 2

 

[SmA SiG]

just thought I'd revive this.

any comments on the finish?

Thanks!

 

[Hizzie]

Chop Shop special.