Know I must have posted this somewhere before, but it keeps me puzzled as I am still unable to decypher the serial code's relation to the production year.

The serial no is ИК 43 58xx

Based on Tantal's and Ekie's reference quide to production variations on the AK74 I come to the conclusion that the parts used on my AKS74 are 95% midproduction pre1985 type parts with some (bulgarian) differences on i.e. the bolt carrier production and a 90's style rear sight. Could very well be that the Bulgarians when starting the production of their version of the AK74 in 1985 kept to the model that appeared between 1981-194 and only just recently have modernized their arsenal production when entering NATO.

It's a nice puzzle to solve, but I don't know where to look. Kazanlak keeps radio silence as they don't appear to answer emails.

Thanks for any help

Bas