I have a semi-auto AK-74 built with a Hungarian receiver and a Bulgarian parts kit.  Would it be possible to swap out the Bulgarian AK-74 gas block with a Polish AKM gas block?  Would it still fuction properly without modifying the barrel?  My goal is to have an early version of the AK-74 for the collection.

Back in the early 80's (Before BDU's!!), while stationed in Germany with the army, I remember handling one of the "New, Mystical and Super Deadly" AK-74's with a folding metal stock.   Also, during this OPFOR training session, we had the chance to handle other infantry weapons from the "Evil Empire" which was pretty cool thing for a teenage kid!!   I'm just glad that I (we) didn't have to fight off the "hords" of T-62, T-64, T-72, T-80 tanks while in a U.S. M-60A1 tank at the Fulda Gap!!!  Thank God for the M-1!!!

Thanks for any advise!!

different euopean AKM parts should fit on different european AKMs, as they are all suppose to be made to the same specification, and should be interchangeable. I can''t give you a difinate yes or no, but it's a 99 percent certainty it will fit.

Hey- I first fell in love with AK's during those OPFOR training sessions, too.

You can't put a 45-degree angled Polish PMKMS gas block on a Bulgarian AK-74 barrel, which has a 90 degree block, without some work.

While the journal for the gas block should be the same (.594), the gas holes are in different locations. you'll have to weld it up and re-drill it.  

Thanks Richard!!

You could always just get a sar-2 and put a new FSB on it, new wood, refinish....probably easier than messing with the barrel :o

I thought about that, but I have plans to add a Romanian Side Folding Stock, Bakelite Handguard w/ Pistol grip to the SAR 2 I currently own.