The AK selector/safety

[tire iron]

c_yeager,

Regardless of whether he came up with it on his own or whether he borrowed if from J.M.B. - the intent was the same - that it not be easy to manipulate.

Thanks for the post.


BusMaster007,

Thanks for the kind word and thanks for the post!

cheers

tire iron

 

[Jim K]

I think the idea was that the safety would also serve as a dust cover. That was the idea on the Remington Model 8/81.

Jim

 

[MeekandMild]

And contrary to popular belief, the F/A (full auto) position was first, knowing the conscript - in the 'heat of the moment' - would 'push right on through' to the last position - semi-auto.

Thank you for the interesting history lesson. I think this is one of the things I like best about THR, the fact that there are knowledgable people who can explain some of the finer points which would otherwise escape my attention. Now whenever I go to a gun show and look at the MGs I will look to see which ones have this feature and will know why they do!

 

[tire iron]

Jim Keenan,

Thanks for the clarification.



MeekandMild,

Only the AK family of firearms was designed so. All others (that I am aware of) were made to go from 'Safe' to 'Fire' to 'Auto', using a 'rotating' selector like on the AR, FN, HK, etc. The motor skills to move the AK selector are 'gross motor skills' - meaning one will just PUSH it down and won't really be able to stop 'half way' (where the F/A position is). The downward motion stops when the lever 'bottoms out' - which with the AK is the 'Semi-Auto' stop.

Thanks for the kind words and thanks for the post.

cheers

tire iron

 

[Blackjack1]

Thanks tire iron for your most generous evaluation of my new product, I would also like to add that I have several modified AK-47 followers available that will lock back the bolt after the last round is fired.

 

[Correia]

Blackjack, but does the bolt just drop when you pull out the spent mag?

 

[Blackjack1]

Presently yes, the follower only holds the bolt back while the mag is installed. It's good for knowing when you are empty. I am working on a true hold open function but it's no where near done.