AK experts - what are the differences between AKM and RPK based AKs

BrettB

BrettB

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Advantages / disadvantages ?
Any cross compatibility on components?

Nothing urgent - this is mainly a discussion in my quest to learn more about the AK rifles in general
 
By "RPK-based AK," do you mean an actual RPK? Reinforced/bulged front trunnion, heavier profile and longer (23") barrel, windage-adjustable rear sight, carrying handle, factory bipod, and that's about it. There is also the RPK-74 chambered in 5.45x39. Pretty much everything on the RPK and the AKM is interchangeable, from the gun parts to the furniture to the mags. You'll often see AKM variants like the Yugo/Serbian M70 and the Russian VEPR described as utilizing an RPK front trunnion. Bullet velocity is faster due to the longer barrel and arguably a touch more accurate, but my Romanian AES-10B and my not-quite-an-RPK Chinese NHM-91 rifles never shot any better than a WASR (speaking of, if you want an RPK the Romy AES-10B is fantastic, but I'd steer clear of the non-"B" designation AES-10, which is literally a WASR with a long barrel).

They are fun (and heavy) guns and definitely stand out from the Kalash crowd, but I think the purpose they serve American shooters is just that - something different. Don't expect to double your accuracy with one. They do look cool as hell with a drum mag though, and with the bipod extended they give you a bit more ground clearance for a 40-round (or a 45 rounder if you have a RPK-74) mag, which is pretty much required gear if you have one of these.

ETA - shameless plug/not-so-humble brag:

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Are you talking about how some zastavas have a 1.5 mm receiver vs the traditional 1mm?
 
Prudii said:
Are you talking about how some zastavas have a 1.5 mm receiver vs the traditional 1mm?
Click to expand...

I probably should have been a bit more clear in my initial reply. In addition to a bulged front trunnion, the RPK also sports a 1.5mm thick stamped receiver (also like Zastavas and VEPRs), so it's going to be a tighter fit for a standard AKM buttstock designed for a 1.0mm receiver.

Hammers and files are definitely your friend when it comes to messing around with different AKs.
 
IUHoosier429 said:
I probably should have been a bit more clear in my initial reply. In addition to a bulged front trunnion, the RPK also sports a 1.5mm thick stamped receiver (also like Zastavas and VEPRs), so it's going to be a tighter fit for a standard AKM buttstock designed for a 1.0mm receiver.

Hammers and files are definitely your friend when it comes to messing around with different AKs.
Click to expand...
I had to work on a wood stock with file and hammer to change out a buttstock on a MAK 90 as well
 
Yeah @BrettB, the MAKs have a 1.6mm thick receiver if I recall correctly. Hell, I have Romanian Garda kits where one stock will fit one rifle, but not the other Romy G without filing or sanding.

Sure they're generally easy to work on, but AKs almost always require some sort of work regardless!
 
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