Pick it up on Friday

Here is a pic of mine with my SAM7UF Attached File

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When deciding whether a particular bayonet fits your AK, keep in mind there are typically three bayonet mounting systems used on 99% of AKs. AK47s use "teeth" under the FSB to lock bayonets in place. AKMs use a lug on the gas block (AKMs) or under/behind the FSB (AK74s). AK74s also retain their gas block lug, but it's for non-bayonet accessories. Wiegers that had bayonet lugs used a separate barrel-mounted lug. There are also AKs which have a mix of AK47 and AKM attributes, so you would have to look at what style of FSB or gas block is used to determine the mounting system. For example, I have a Bulgarian ISD AKM that uses a stamped AKM receiver, but the rest of the gun is AK47, including the bayonet mount.

Arsenal is an exception to all the rules, making more than 20 different types of AKs. They have always made AKs with milled receivers, except for their AK74s, using a hot-die forging process for their milled receivers. They did however assemble AKMs from Russian parts so you will find rare circle 10 AKMs on stamped receivers. Bulgarian AK74s use stamped receivers. Their AR-M series (in 5.56 and 7.62) use milled receivers.



Some AKs cannot mount a bayonet at all, like the AMD-65 and "Krinks".

AK bayonets essentially come in four flavors: AK47 (6X2 or M1951), AKM Type 1 (6X3 or M1959), AKM Type 2 (6X4 or M1974), and AK-74 (6X5 or 6h5 or M1983).

AK47 bayonets only fit AK47s or hybrid AKs with teeth under the FSB. The only exception I know to this is the AR-M1 bayonet, which is a hybrid design of a Type 4 bayonet with AK47 teeth. AKM Type 1 bayonets only fit AKMs. There is one exception to that as well...some East German and Hungarian AKM Type 1 bayonets were factory modified by having the handle ends milled down to get past the AK74 flash hiders. AKM Type 2 bayonets fit AK74s and AKMs. AK74 bayonets fit AK74s and AKMs.

In the pic below, top-bottom: AK74, AKM Type 2, AKM Type 1, AK47, Chinese spiker (integral to FSB)


North Korean Type 58s (both models) can be used on any AK47s. Type 68 bayonets can be used on any AKM and AK74s. Vietnamese bayonets can be used on AKMs or AK74s.

The Chinese bayonets come in three flavors, AK47 Type 1 M1951 (for use on any AK47), AKM Type 2 (6X4 or M1974) and can be used on any AKM or AK74, and folding. The folding bayonets come in two types - clamp on and integral with the FSB (and Albanian folders, which are actually Chinese type in origin). Chinese Type 81s and 85s are specific to those rifles. As a side note, some Type 81s are modified to fit M1 Carbines - go figure.

You know what, I think I've highjacked enough of OP's thread. I'll probably do a separate post with pics covering all the different mounting systems and bayonet types.

Nice. if you get some Circle 10 poly mags, don't pass out when you see how beautifully they fit!

Sooooo beautiful!
How is shooting the underfolder? I'd like to let one now. Now I'm glad I just ordered the bayo after seeing yours.

@CarlosC
Wow, you certaily posted a headful of info! Looking at those pics made me order the chinese Type 81 even though it probably won't fit. Guess I'll have to get a Chinese AK sometime. I hope fadedsun is getting some good info too.
And it would be pretty cool if you start a thread on bayos, since you have the knowledge and material for it.

The underfolder is a lot of fun especially with the ALG trigger. It’s not as bad as many people say underfolders are. I need to find an optics mount for the SF now. Going to either mount a primary arms advanced micro dot or an Eotech XPs2. Looking at the master mount just can’t pull the trigger yet. Would prefer the new Arsenal mount but they are out of stock everywhere.

I was toying with the idea of getting an optic for mine too, but like you said no Arsenal mounts. No Arsenal anything!

I went ahead and got the AKmaster rear biased mount. Hope it works out.

Cool, let us know how it works.

Delayed until Monday

You guys are a bad influence. I went and ordered one also from K-Var with the "enhanced trigger" for $1799, plus 2 of the Circle 10 mags for $50 each. Yikes. But I'm worried that it's now or never. I'm getting back into the AK world like a crackhead on a bender.

I've been away from the X39 caliber for 10 years at least and I've been sitting on a few K of X39 with nothing to shoot it in. Mostly Chinese but some Yugo and Russian. Also some Chinese Polytech marked steel mags.

I'm also worried about the LOP (length of pull) on this thing with that weird Jerry-rigged folding stock. I have a similar or identical folding stock adapter on my Romy WASR-3 with a Bulgy triangle folder that I bought around 2004. It works fine, locks tight, but maybe 2" too long for me (I'm 5'10" so maybe you 6'6" gorillas will prefer it.)

I assume it will be possible to replace the folder with a more traditional non-folder in the future if it's too long for my little T-Rex arms?...

Picked it up today. It’s a work of art.

I have no ammo

I told myself I didn’t need another AK either. Just couldn’t help myself like you said. The folding stock is probably the best I’ve ever used. It is longer but I have no problem with it and I’m 5’6. If I was wearing armor I’m sure that would be different.

Got the mount today it’s really nice. I can’t get the top cover off without removing the mount because it sits so low. Definitely feels like quality. I have to take the sling off when installing and removing the side rail. The way the sling mount is on the receiver blocks the path of it. I’m waiting for a low mount to come in for my MRO. Tried my Eotech on there but I’m not doing a chin weld.

My SAM7 arrived today. Looks very nice, high quality. Machining and workmanship looks clean and even. Folding stock closes-opens and locks open solidly with no play. The LOP is a little long but perfectly workable. The muzzle, barrel, and chamber show beautiful clean work and CL.

The finish appears to be a painted-on type that has already chipped away at the magwell from a few gentle mag insertions. The trigger is OK. Certainly better than the typical double-hook full-auto type but I was expecting more from the upgraded trigger. There is also a little play in the gas tube. Yes it has the spring clip thing but still some slight movement. Everything else is rock solid.  Bulgy Circle-10 mags fit tight, one doesnt fit at all. My Chinese Polytech and Hungarian mags fit like a glove.

I will report back when I've had a chance to fire a few rounds.

Got to shoot my SF for the first time yesterday and it's officially my favorite AK! It's so buttery smooth and I was surprised how well gassed it is, especially compared to a Galil Ace

I finally got to shoot the SAM7. Function was 100% and that's the best I can say. Groups were hitting way low at 50 yds, maybe 4-5" low and to the left. I tried to adjust the front sight but that stupid "accessory kit" sight adjuster wouldn't budge the post and simply bent! Windage wouldnt budge either. I was able to kinda get on target (although still low) when I adjusted the rear sight to 300M! Ejection was typical AK with most casings landing about 15' away at about 2 o'clock. The brass was in good shape without the typical dents that other AK's leave on brass/steel.

I had an interesting collection of ammo to try from my ancient stock of X39 ammo. All groups were at 50 yards, 5 shots, open sights. These are just the better groups since some were pure shit but I blame myself (and that horrible trigger).

Old Yugoslavian ball (commercial from the 80's not the corrosive mil-surp stuff) with "IK-85" headstamp printed 2.05", 2.75", 1.80", and 2.35" at 50 yards.

S & B soft point (uk grain but probably 124) printed the best group 1.65"

Old Chinese FMJ from '92 shot pretty good with the best group being 2.20"

Chinese '92 solf point ammo printed the best of 1.75"

Winchester 123gr FMJ sucked with a 3.40" group

Remington R-P FMJ was so bad that I couldnt measure the groups, which were mostly off the paper (to the left again). It's possible that Remy loaded their shit with .308 bullets but know knows.

So far I give my SAM7 a "C-" assuming I can get that front sight adjusted, if not it's going back... The gas-tube/top handguard moves around and the finish will be damaged if you look at it wrong. I was too tired (and disgusted) to clean the gun or look inside for any a-typical wear or damage.

Magnamatic is the best AK sight tool by far, you can really crank on it without breaking it.

Get a sight tool. I’ve used a Tapco one for years.

I ordered one last night. I just hope it gets here fast.

I wondered if the sling mount was going to get in the way when mounting optics. It looked really close to me, I guess I was right, lol.

Dang! I hope mine isn't that far off the target!  I too noticed that the finish was pretty fragile near the magweel. Also when I installed the bayo, but that ok by me so long as it runs 100%. I hope you can get yours sighted in.

I’m just going to use some 550 cord to attach the sling to the mount. Kinda like how Robski does a lot of his slings.

Sounds like something I'll do when I get my mount.

Went to the range today and it was great

We need some pics.

What is the secret to getting the gas tube cover off?

Monarch steel 7.62x39 is Barnaul and non corrosive, right?

Nice range setup. Yeah monarch is non corrosive. The gas tubes on SAM7s are super tight. Did you try to use the bolt carrier like Robski from AKOU?

Not sure about that method. How’s it go?

Skip to about 5:20 mark.

Yeah, not having an issue with rotating the lever. It’s just when I have the lever rotated the gas block is so hard to actually get off. It’s like it’s pried on.

Gas tube thread

The Sam7UF was the one I originally wanted but they were all out.

What's the proper way to zero an AK?

I took my sam7 to the range today and I was hitting a steel 12" ar500 plate at 200, so maybe it's somewhat zeroed

Opinions vary but seems like most folks zero the irons at 100 to coincide with the 100-800M (or 1000) tick marks on the tangent sight (in case we get together and do volley fire to 800-1000M lol.) There is also the technique of zeroing at 25 yards with the rear tangent set at 200.

RDS (red dots) are probably better zero'ed at 50-200. There are a few threads below with lots of videos talking about zero'ing the AK.

I just got my Magna-Matic AK sight tool and it worked beautifully on my stubborn SAM7 front sight.

Also, the first gun I ever owned was a pre-pre ban Hungarian underfolder. Beautiful gun but it made me hate underfolder stocks. They are always a little loose and uncomfortable to the shoulder and face. The side folder on the SAM7SF is MUCH better. Oh and forget optics rail with an underfolder. Just my .2 c.

Many different ways. AKOU and Klayco47 have various videos on zeroing AK's. For 7.62x39 I like the 25 yard zero.

My brdm2 was designed for underfolders, not side folders

Bulgarian barrels, milled receivers, bolts, trunions are GTG.

The issue the past 5 years has been quality control at Arsenal. I’ve had some friends who spent $1200-1600 on various models with issues that were unheard of a decade ago. Fit and finish is no better than others from what I’ve seen.

Glad to hear your trigger is nice. My Galil ACE SBR’s is as good as an ALG and I appreciate the heavier trigger pull since it’s a military grade rifle. I guess I got lucky.

Can’t comment about barrel life. I do
know the ACE has a darn good barrel. Arsenal does as well.

The current political climate depresses me. I get pain in my abdomen when I think back to the mid-2000s walking into local gun stores where Saigas were $350 uncoverted. Goes to show we should jump on whatever we desire when we can.

https://shop.akoperatorsunionlocal4774.com/AK-Bootcamp-Book-NEW-EDITION-AK-Bootcamp-Book-NEW-EDITION.htm

brdm2? Forgive and enlighten my ignorance...

There are several gun racks on the inside that are deisigned for AKMS rifles.

Interesting, use the 300M mark on the leaf dial.

Oh beautiful. Thanks for the picture. That would have ben a perfect commuter in Jacksonville.