AKMS update

[snayperskaya]

Had some time spare yesterday morning so decided to bite the bullet and fit the Soviet stock assembly to my Romanian underfolder.The locking pin on the Romanian mechanism sits horizontally in the rear trunnion and only locks on the l/h side whereas on the Soviet version the locking pin sits vertically and locks on both sides with an additional external locking piece on the r/h side so it was out with the Dremel and a drill to create new vertical notches for the locking pin and two holes for the lugs on the locking piece.
It now has a complete Soviet stock that sits at the correct angle (the Romanian setup slopes downwards when unfolded) and locks up solidly in both the folded and unfolded positions.It feels and looks much better than the original stock.

[meles meles]

How solidly does the stock lock into place? Any vibration or flex when it is fired?

[snayperskaya]

How solidly does the stock lock into place? Any vibration or flex when it is fired?

It locks up very solidly, unlike the original Romanian one.This is probably down to the Soviet one locking on both sides.I haven't fired it with the Soviet stock fitted but would say it will be better as it sits at a straighter angle to the bore, whereas the angled Romanian stock seemed to have a pivoting effect if that makes sense.
To be fair the underfolding stocks are not as solid as a sidefolder for example, but I do prefer the look of an underfolder.

[Swifty Boy]

That looks ace! Looks better than the Saigas too because of the receiver dimples.

I might have to ask you for tips when I get mine and do the same to the stock. Just waiting for FAC to come back now.

[snayperskaya]

That looks ace! Looks better than the Saigas too because of the receiver dimples.

I might have to ask you for tips when I get mine and do the same to the stock. Just waiting for FAC to come back now.

Thanks mate

With regard to the dimples 7.62 Saigas usually have them, .223 Saigas usually don't.To be honest i haven't seen a 7.62 Saiga in the UK that don't have them.I want to do an AKS-74 rep using a .223 Saiga but the lack of dimples is putting me off...........if anyones got a .223 with dimples let me know.

[ovenpaa]

You could always add your own dimples.

[snayperskaya]

You could always add your own dimples.

Apparently its very tricky to do without buggering up the receiver.At the factory they are stamped in before the receiver flat is bent and heat treated.Some of the guys on ar15.com have done it, some with success and others failed miserably.The Yanks have easy access to spare receivers whereas we don't unfortunately.
When the receivers are on the line at Izhmash they initially start out the same.At some point in the process (before the mag well is stamped out) some go the be 7.62 receivers,some for .223 (for export only) and some for 5.45 and apparently the .223 receivers that have dimples would have been destined to be 7.62 ones, some are even stamped "7.62x39" which is then stamped over.

[huntervixen]

Looks very nice indeed mate, so from an engineering point of view, what are the dimples for, is it reinforcement for the stamped receiver?

[snayperskaya]

Looks very nice indeed mate, so from an engineering point of view, what are the dimples for, is it reinforcement for the stamped receiver?

They act as reinforcement and mag support but also aid in finding the magwell in low/zero light conditions.I've tried it in the dark and they really do help.

[Swifty Boy]

Hi, I finally got my AKMS and have fitted the stamped stock using the Romanian locking mechanism whilst I wait for the proper mech. to arrive from the US.

Did you find you had to modify the stock to clear the selector switch, in particular the screw head? Mine seems to want to rub against it. I can't imagine that the spacing of the receiver holes is different between Romanian and Russian / Bulgarian / Yugo AKs so just interested really....I'll modify the stock if necessary but will wait for the proper locking mech. to arrive before I do anything.