Small Caliber AK74 & AK74M - AK History Part III

[@ericvantassell6809]

one of my all time favorite misha quotes came from the "plum video" where you said something like "in case you're unaware, you just spent 30 minutes listening to a blind guy talking about color"

[@jthomasclark]

Probably the best channel on KZbin. I could watch this for days.

[@servicerifle16]

Another country that uses the AK74 is Kazakhstan, I got to shoot several mags through an AKS74 while I was there for joint training. Their basic training guys use AKMs though.

[@deedeewhipple4668]

Loved this. Some Romanian troop are using the AIMS-74 at least up to November of last year.

[@machfly5]

Do you know anything about the 1.25mm receiver on the 74M? There doesn’t seem to be a lot of information on the topic besides the fact that it happened.

[@ChrisUrsiny]

excellent video you are a wealth of good info.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Thank you for watching.

[@jtcorvin9614]

Man, all that I can say is thanks. Just a plethora of knowledge, laid out in a no bullshit, common man style. Thanks brother.

[@dangerousfreedom4965]

I would love to see a vid with you going over all the different triangle side folder stocks. I have one that is very different than any other I have ever looked at, the tubes are rolled over and almost closed. It is much smoother and well built design.

[@SixTwoHemi]

Wow your knowledge is mind blowing. Excellent video!

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Thank you much for watching.

[@fmart3315]

Great video, i normally don't watch videos longer than 20 mins but yours was very informative, I also love the ak74, my slr 105 is my favorite rifle

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Thank you for watching. The videos are as long as they need to be. Sometimes thats 5 minutes and sometimes 50. We don't rush, and at the same time don't try and padd things out.

[@pavegray]

I must comment, the wealth of history and knowledge you possess on these small arms is immense. Love the channel - keep doing what you are doing! However, what I really want to know is the secret to obtaining a collection such as you have.

[@ElTejon47901]

Become an FFL and do it for decades.

[@johndaugherty4127]

You are a machine! And a library! Thank you for the hard work and help you give all of us Newniks.

[@saiga12forme88]

Great video, thanks for doing it.

[@dbmail545]

I love to hear about my favorite cartridge and the guns chambered in it.

[@foresthermit2017]

Fantastic presentation! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge sir.

[@OriginalBongoliath]

I am one of the few to have an East German AK-74 with an East German barrel on a Childers receiver put together by Mario at Piece of History Firearms. However based on my previous experience with the wire folder I opted for a fixed stock and found a similar East German style buttplate to go with it. I still kept the wire folder. Besides the unique furniture it has flip up night sights on the front and rear sight. I have it right with my SGL-31-94 that also has a pistol grip reinforcement plate I had added.

[@OriginalBongoliath]

Also wanted to add North Korea, Mongolia, and all the former Soviet republics in Central Asia as well as the Caucuses still use 5.45.

[@danielmills9207]

Thanks for another great AK74 video! The selector on my interarms tantal will actually allow me to drop the safety from the left side of the gun but won't raise it to put it back on safe. Odd gun but I love it for its quirks. Keep up the good work!

[@DoctorRed79]

I just found this channel from a Chris Bartocci video. Your videos are fantastic! Thank you for all of your hard work and sharing the knowledge.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Thank you for watching. Yeah, I've been trying to sway Chris more into the AK camp haha.

[@luked2767]

North Korea uses 5.45, I would love an episode discussing the modern Chinese millitary 5.8mm round.

[@dbmail545]

Really? Dang, almost the only other country that does that's not a former Warsaw Pact country. Surprising that the Norks didn't go for the CPA cartridge.

[@MrCanyons]

Misha you should make a video about the aks74u all the parts kits that came in.. the Bulgarian virgin/de milled / Russian kits and the rare izzy aks74u's that have the different top cover and shorted rear hinge blocks ... also the differences of the bulgy rear hinge blocks for stamped and milled receivers ? I think this topic is never talked about much and it would be a great video to nerd out on ! especially the izzy aks74u's which are super rare and a lot of people dont know about them at all ! I'm sure there is so much more I dont know !

[@undeadgunslinger2537]

Love this channel almost as much as I love the AK, SKS, etc.

[@brianhess418]

Thank you for the info! Like to know about the .556 NATO AK platform history 😀😀😀

[@col.cottonhill6655]

He has some good vids on those. I love my Chinese Mak 90 in 5.56. one of my favorite rifles.

[@col.cottonhill6655]

@Brian Hess I hold on to all my prebanned import stuff with diamond hands. 💎 🧤

[@martinoliver8536]

your camera man does a really good job.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Thanks, I'll pass that along, cheers.

[@chrischiampo7647]

Outstanding Video Series Misha 😀😊

[@timlance7656]

Enjoyed this very much you are a great teacher i have learned alot i have to come and meet you. Im going to bring one for you to see. You will enjoy it.

[@InugamiTheHound]

Awesome video on ak74 24:21 the mag dimple and two rivets make a face LOL. Its like "please kill me!!" face

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

lol what?

[@kalashloy4179]

it's actually the spotweld marks lol but lmao tht's wht i'm thinking to, the dimples and the spotweld marks made a good :0 emoticon

[@johndaugherty4127]

Smokin' n the boys room! Smokin' n the boys room...

[@xCrimsonxTidex]

How did you get that SGL 31-94 muzzle break with the chrome lining at 36:30? If it is an actual Russian made one, doesn't that make the firearm not 922(r) compliant? I have a rare Izhmash AK9 polymer railed handguard and a FIME Group SGL 31-94, but I think it will go over the 10 foreign part limit.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

I looked for a Russian AK74M brake for a long time. They definitely aren't common. That one is from Coolfire, who i credit with helping me get several neat Russian parts for these guns and others I own. My goal has been to make these guns as close to original as is possible..at least practically speaking. Don't think I'll mess with installing the grip plate in the SGL though. That's a lot of work and would require refinishing and such, cheers.

[@Gorgi9999]

As always a wonderful informative video!!!! Next video could you give us more information about the effectiveness of the 5.45x39? THANK YOU!!!!

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Thank you for watching.

[@mattmorrison9379]

Misha I have a question for you..would you trade a 762x39vepr with slant reciever for a opap? Great video as always..thanks

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Me personally? Yep I sure would.

[@ZzBiohazzardzZ]

The SLR105 is beautiful, can't wait to get mine someday.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Thanks, and we have a shooting video of it recorded too. It will go up sometime next month probably. We have to finish out this series first though.

[@dbmail545]

CJ Chivers' book "The Gun" devotes a chapter to the development of the AK74. Supposedly the first 5.45x39 rounds would wear out a barrel in 1000 rounds of burst fire. The Soviets solved this with polygonal rifling, the first example of "R" style rifling that the CIA saw when they looked at a captured AK74 from Afghanistan.

[@dwaynewalker986]

Decades ago a gun magazine I read said that as a result of the Salvo program the U.S. Army determined that bullet wounds were as random as shrapnel wounds and began experimenting with flechette rounds, dual projectile rounds, and small caliber (.22) rounds. I suppose the idea being that after the Air Force and Artillery was done, they'd send in the Tanks and troops. Hose down an area and with all those bullets bouncing around you're bound to hit something. I guess 5.56 worked well enough until you started shooting from one mountain top to another.

[@mruler360]

I have an extra true black Izhmash AK74 magazine if you're interested. While similar to the Tantal magazines I find it a bit smoother in texture overall. I normally compare the feel of the polymer used in WZ88 magazines to something like a VHS tape or an inexpensive electronic device from the late 90s. There's just something distinctive to it.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

I appreciate the offer. Shoot me an e-mail: [e-mail] .

[@InugamiTheHound]

I do have question, When do the Ak change their gas block angle from 45 to 90 degrees?

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Thank you for watching. We do mention this a bit in the video. As to the exact year? It was in late 1977; perhaps 1978 as old parts were used up, but that's the rough timeframe. So right before the invasion of Afghanistan.

[@rogerloess2379]

What is the bullet shear that you mentioned?

[@martinoliver8536]

thanks jay!

[@h-towncc1588]

Very informative video. Beautiful AK-74s in here. Mishaco do you have any knowledge on the AK-74 builds by James River Armory? I have an opportunity to pick one up, though while doing my research information on them has been patchy. The nearest Armory I can find that resembles their build style is Lee Armory. Appreciate any information you have to share.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

I am sure they are fine. Many companies have done AK74 kit builds over the years. It is a real shame the SLR-104FR is gone as that was the best AK74 type to really ever be offered.

[@poolee77]

Hey Misha, just got my first Bakelite mag (Izzy) for my SLR104. Do you find they wobble more than polymer? Mine has quite a bit of play side-to-side.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

More than polymer? yes. More than steel, no, cheers.

[@crazyjblu]

Although you name him as “Cool Fire”, Firecool is a great resource for collectors. Also...the 5.5mm rear trunnions are a couple degrees different from the 4.5’s. Nice videos Mishka!

[@johnnytoobad2979]

Fire cool be on some BULLSHIT with his prices sometimes but I agree he's a great source for accurate parts for correct clones.

[@hunk9837]

This channel definitely deserves more subscribers 😎✊👍🏻

[@m.7n6]

I wish Romania could import the aims-74 again, I saw currently as of 2023 they brought back the wasr-3 in 5.56.

[@jamescarter4175]

Thanks again!

[@patstrzeszewski3240]

i wish arsenal produces these rifles again

[@Leman.Russ.6thLegion]

MORE AK VIDEOS!!!!!

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Is that a request or complaint? lol

[@360Prairie]

LOL Misha, I think it's a demand.

[@Spike-13]

Another top notch video! Thanks for the info

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Thank you much for watching.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Thank you for watching, cheers.

[@MattN47]

Hi Mishaco, Thanks again for a great video! Quick question: Why did so few countries (other than the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact countries), switch from the AK47 to the AK74?

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Thanks for watching. I address this in the video some, so probably best just to give that a watch. Sorry, long long day here and too tired to type out much right now, cheers.

[@backyardboosters9128]

Kinda late and the video notes why. But for any low attention span people some of the reasons are pretty simple. One is cost, two is having so many akm and ak47 rifles why switch. Three is 7.62x39 does a plenty adequate job for a standard issue rifle. Now that said 5.45 definitely has some benifits but like anything there's always give and take. With 5.45 you get a little less recoil, gain 100m to 200m effective range depending on equipment, and you gain a lighter load. Draw backs are simple, less ability to go through barriers, slightly more deflection, slightly less "stopping power".

[@Workfourthane]

Mishaco does a standard lower hand guard fit the AIMS74? I don't care for the loser hand guard dong style and would rather place a standard hand guard on one that I purchase. Thanks!

[@slavphil7532]

Yes it should. Be aware that it may be loose depending on your individual rifle and individual handguard. I had a sar 3 that was super loose with anything besides wood akm and ak-74 handguards and I had a wasrs that was the total opposite and you had to file to fit anything besides wood akm

[@mikeeeeee555]

I’ve learned a lot

[@zheka1780]

Misha, I think you didn't mentioned that currently there is a program to replace Ak-74M with a new design for the Ratnik combat module. The Ak-12 and AEK-545 are two designs, which are now competing in the final stage of Ratnik program

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Thank you for watching. Yes, I did mention AK-12 towards the end of the video, but don't have much to say regarding it as I've not been able to handle one myself...yet.

[@RadeUeMasq]

Ozark Bear Arms So far neither have been chose. Instead they went back to the basics & tossed in some things from the AK12. It's called the AK400. It's still in prototype at the moment.

[@tishared5160]

Rade Ue Masq I believe they did choose ak12 (or so called ak12), but like you said they did drop a lot fitures which initial ak12 had and now it is more ak74 or ak74m with some minor changes.

[@RadeUeMasq]

Tisha Red No I read up on it. It was said the AK12 didn't pass envoirmental tests. The only thing they really kept from the AK12 was the rails on the top cover. Which really isn't a new feature. The AK400 how ever was able to fix the loss of zero of sights on a railed top cover. So it looks like the AK400 is the winner but it's still not in production yet.

[@tishared5160]

Rade Ue Masq Well, at least that is what i have read some time ago, that army accepted ak12, but, honestly, I wouldnt bet on it, may be i missed something.There was so much controversial informattion about this ak12 thing and its transition. Army still have millions of ak74 and they needed something with interchangeable parts. All this ak12 story looks like a marketing hype, they just needed ak74m so far. Also have read somewhere that army asked to make ak74 modernisation, probably ak12 (last version) like.So you can sink in this ak12 story. About ak400 i have seen Larry Vickers video about that thing and probaly that is it. Not too much information about it and that makes me to doubt if it is not a marketing hype as well.

[@toki89666]

This video prompted a 1 hour long research into what exactly is Bakelite and what is AG-4 (also called AG-S4). Here's what I found. Bakelite is a Phenol Formaldehyde resin made by pressurized thermo setting. AG-S4 is a Phenol Formaldehyde resin that's impregnated with fiber glass strands. AG-4 or AG-S4 is literally just fiber glass reinforced Bakelite. The distinction is too pedantic even for me and I'm a major gun nerd that goes down deep rabbit holes of pedantry all the time.

[@clayc1287]

In your opinion what is the best source to read and learn about Ak development and use in theatre?

[@Scorpiuszeroone]

Great video!

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Thank you,

[@mustafaalgharibawi9556]

اريد احصل على هذا السلاح وأنواع الرصاص الخاص به بعلب ممكن اعرف كيف

[@adam3651]

Would love to see the differences on the internal components. Did the AIMS74 and Tantal have the same bolt dimensions as the AK74?

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Maybe we can do a closer look like that one day....this video was already getting overly long, so some of the details like that had to be left on the cutting room floor sadly. Thanks for watching, and we'll revisit the AK74 again several times I am sure.

[@slavphil7532]

The tantal I know for a fact can use standard 74 bolts and carriers the aims uses it's own wired system with a shorter akm style bolt

[@rogerloess2379]

When you said at 10:40 that it had a "steel jacketed lead core" did you mean the other way around? seems like steel jacket would wear the barrels out really fast

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Its entirely possible i misspoke..not sure would have to figure which spot in the video. The 5.45x39 round has several loadings and bullet types. The bullet is made of a varying mix of a steel "penetrator" and some led. This plus a hollow tip and a thin outer jacket to hold everything together. In Russia alone, there have been a dozen different individual types of the round, and then all those made in Romania, Poland, and Bulgaria (and more), cheers.

[@redheadedprincess100]

Mishaco always rides the bolt home is there Soviet doctrine on this ?

[@Fluxo2]

Ronnie Milsap of of Milsurp!

[@MrRiko263]

AK is forever!

[@jeremy8715]

SLR-104fr is a clone of the AKs-74?

[@patstrzeszewski3240]

it would be cool if FB radom also produced a 5.45 gun

[@H.Green83]

I would love to have an sgl 31-94 they are all pretty much over 2k if you can find them.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

With the irony being that people scoffed at the $1k pricetag they had when first released. Many didn't understand why I wanted one at the time even hehe.

[@xCrimsonxTidex]

Dude, I got one recently and I paid 2.5k for it. It really sucked, but it was totally worth it. It did come with an Aimpoint PRO with a RS Regulate mount, so that pretty much bumped it up $500. I'm thinking of selling it so that I can make a less of an impact in the expenses, or trade it for a Russian optic like the Obzor 1P63.

[@kasquaskannachehukapapansk9857]

Whats up with the sun glass's all the time? Also, what's this about 7.62x39 was very good cartridge for WW2?

[@ksztyrix]

Ronald Freeman It was developed during WW2, they combat tested SKS, RPD prototypes were made in 43

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

For the sunglasses thing, you should probably watch the Welcome To/About Me intro video. As for 7.62x39, it was a good and quite advanced cartridge for WWII. Intermediate rounds were just coming into use at the time, so yeah it was a good round I think.

[@kasquaskannachehukapapansk9857]

ROFL O K

[@mruler360]

Cenk Uygur Leisure Suit with Mustard on it He's blind.

[@TheAverageShooter]

Ever notice he charges the rifle with a mag in then pulls the trigger? lol. Empty or not, them safety rules. lol.

[@tomthejunkie6895]

this left me in need of expensive counseling

[@johndaugherty4127]

Tom the Junkie buy once cry once. There. No charge.

[@alexandruianu8432]

47:30 - Actually Cugir (pronounced koo-JEER) was always called Cugir - RATMIL, later ROMARM are national companies that handle export for various arsenals, including Cugir. Cugir is currently called FA Cugir (Fabrica de Arme Cugir). Back then, it would have been UM Cugir (Uzina Mecanică Cugir), as all the other state arsenals. Also, I think Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan still use 5.45 as standard besides RO/UA/RU.

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Thank you for watching. 'Cugir' is one of those things you can't win lol. If I'd just sid the 'Cugir' then soemone would have said "Actually that's the name of the town..' and so on. Hey, sometimes you just can't win lol but in the end, the important part is we know the factory we're talking about, cheers.

[@kalashloy4179]

so ROMARM is actually like ROSOBORONEXPORT of Russia and Norinco of China?

[@alexandruianu8432]

Yes - legally organized more like Norinco than the other.

[@simonerubino52]

My guess is the mags from the Bulgarians don't fit in the Romanian.

[@ksztyrix]

Are there any differences between Soviet and Bułgarian AK-74?

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Originally? no not really...at least aside from the furniture. The issue is that so many Bulgarian AK74s were built with Russian parts in the first place. The simplified 2 piece muzzle brake is unique to Bulgaria, as is the reddish-pinkish pistol grip. Bulgarian mags have a wider range of colors too.

[@ParsonWilkerson]

Not really man. small but essentially the same gun. All parts interchangeable. Some have ribbed dust covers some have smooth.

[@OriginalBongoliath]

ksztyrix Except for different arsenal markings and colors for the wood plus the fact the Soviets laminated their wood but the Bulgarians didn't, no not really.

[@ksztyrix]

Scott7891 Ok then. I heard somewhere that Bułgarian have not chrome lined barrel. But that must be US made from part kit. Fortunatly no such problems in Europe.

[@ParsonWilkerson]

Don't Arsenals have Bulgarian barrels? I have an slr104 and I could have sworn someone said it has a bulgy barrel.

[@tsmgguy]

It's an AKS-74N.

[@thegolflife7565]

Will we ever get more AKs in 5.45 or was this an end of an era? Assuming the barrel is concentric can you use the 5.45x39 with a 5.56 can or is it a larger diameter?

[@Japanese_moped_guy]

I LOVE me some Armerlite

[@shownee1]

i got myself a molot vepr fm- 7.62x39 AK47-11 for $799.99,, shipping $25 transfer fee $25 and $10 broker fee, it is 922R COMPLIANCE but the government still band my rifle , all i added was 2, 30-round polymer MAGPUL MAGAZINES $51 and a LanTac USA LLC Drakon Muzzle Brake, $145 and now i have people offering over $2500 for a rifle that has been band for less then a year, hell no i not selling it, thanks to the government hard on against Russia the price of that rifle will just go up and up

[@adamal-janabi5922]

20:05

[@rednecklowlife]

Your videos are very informative and interesting! You also have a awesome collection of weapons! I have only just begun to start to collect AK platform rifles. If I was only interested in these great rifles when I was younger!! Because I am old enough that I could have a huge collection and got them for next to nothing. Like they were priced 20 or 30 years ago! But I will buy them as I can find them. And pay the price they bring now days! Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge with us!!

[@ozarkbeararms8840]

Thank you for watching. Yeah, years ago was the time to buy AKs in large numbers.