Does anyone know why they painted the Plum mags black on the top and bottom?  I don't recall any other buttstocks, handguards or pistol grips in plum that have been painted.  Just an interesting question I've allways had.

Ken

(FWIW: anyone know why they did "Plum" at all vs. Black plastic?)

LOL are u serious? talk about a history lesson

Do you know if the "orangish" ak74's were like this too? (i mean, because of a 'shortage')

My understanding of the black/plum issue was that the Soviets had a hard time making a black polymer that would not be brittle or stand up to the heat of a fired weapon. Plastics are a tricky science. I work in aviation and it is common practice to use black plastic zip ties in area exposed to direct sunlight as white ones will get brittle in no time and crack. Does not make sense thinking plastic is plastic but color does play a role.

Hootbro

According to Tantal, dark plum is accurate for the AK-100 series anyway. They only look black in pics. Might want to ask him about it.