There is often much discussion about the proper dimensions for the barrels that fit the family of rifles spawned by Mikhail Kalashnikov's legendary AK-47. I have examined many new and used barrels and compared dimensions to the requirements for the parts that fit them.
So; what fits what? The drawings below will let you know that:
| An AKM barrel can be machined to become a correct AMD-65 barrel - yes it can! |
| The barrel for the AK-74 is unique and many AKM parts will not fit it. |
| The front barrel trunnion for the AKM and the AK-74 have a different bore diameter; 23,0mm versus 22,0mm, so don't get suckered into buying the incorrect parts. |
| The barrel for the Polish wz88 (the legendary Tantal) is unique among the AK-74 series and requires a special barrel. The barrel for the AK-74, if modified, works for the most part but when finished it is about 7,0mm too short. I guess that a person could hide these details with the muzzle suppressor, but it was built longer for a engineering/performance reason. |
| The barrel for the Yugoslavian M70 AK is quite different in journal diameters compared to the barrel for the AKM. |
| The barrel for the Yugoslavian M72 RPK is quite different from the barrel of the Romanian RPK. |
See the barrel diagrammes here in .dwg format or .pdf format. Right-Click The Link And Select "Save Target As..." To Download The Files:
Kalashnikova Barrels .dwg (Requires Cad Reader)
Kalashnikova Barrels .pdf (Requires Adobe Reader)
You probably know by now that the assembly of the Kalashnikova rifle receiver requires special rivets of exacting dimensions. After using rivets from various manufacturers I know that the units from AK-Builder.com are the best in regards to fit and dimension control. To make things a bit easier I compiled a sketch of rivets I have used, and made simple templates that show their locations in various receivers. If you are adding a scope rail to your rifle you will need to customize some stock rivets to fit. The rivet types as well as the receiver diagrammes are shown in .pdf format. Right-Click The Link And Select "Save Target As..." To Download The Files:
AK-74 - Fixed (Tang) Buttstock
I have many drawings of associated parts, including receivers, that can be snapped for all dimensions if one uses the appropriate CAD reader or programme. I long ago discovered that most drawings of the AKM receiver found on the internet are WRONG in regards to dimensions and other properties. My receiver drawings are the results from the precision inspection of many parts including original chopped-up receivers, all associated parts, new units offered by the premium builders, and the CAD assembly of these parts with proper G,D,&T applied.
The dimensioned receiver drawings are presented in the .pdf format, and one can use Adobe Reader to view all of the critical dimensions. Note - I will add hole dimensions and more views later but the type of file I must use will require you to have a CADD programme or reader. Right-Click The Link And Select "Save Target As..." To Download The Files:
Please understand that any drawings found on my website for reference only, and not to be used for the manufacture of finished components! Also, realize that the building or maintenance of a correct and SAFE Kalashnikova-type rifle requires the skills of an excellent machinist who understands the term PROPER HEADSPACE! In other words, keep "Bubba" away from your rifle.
If you choose to download these files you agree to do nothing illegal with them. In the U.S.A. it is not illegal to possess the knowledge of firearms manufacture, nor is it illegal to manufacture certain types of firearms for your PERSONAL USE ONLY! Just forget about building anything that is select-fire (such as a full automatic rifle or machine gun) or converting anything to become select-fire and you MAY be on the correct side of the law. The AKM and its variants is(are) the most abused rifle(s) regarding the illegal work of amateur "gunsmiths".
I advise you to be fluent in the regulations of the BATFE as well those special rules in your State of residence and local government as the Federal law is often convoluted by local statues. Do not own, buy, sell, trade, build, or repair anything until you are 100% sure it is legal to do so. I do not recommend breaking the law as there is NO PAROLE in the Federal system. A "fun" shop project that is not carefully researched can cause a lifetime of grief.
In the end - it is not a crime to have the knowledge and the documentation, but it may be illegal to transform either into the physical form. Know the laws - don't be stupid!