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Posted: 12/9/2004 4:49:39 PM EDT
I picked up a AK47 parts kit from a local gunshow about a month ago. The dealer claimed that it was from East Germany, but I haven't seen any kits from there before. It has a wire side folding stock, redish brown pistol grip, and laminated front stock set. The serial number is preceded by DR, so any thoughts?     I hope these pics help. 
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What kind of finish does the metal have Anthony, black enamel or maybe a phosphate? If it's more of a matte blue, it's probably Romanian, but the East Germans used both real "parkerizing" and later a really nice black enamel finish. Any part of the receiver stub left that might have selector markings? Does it have a slant brake? The Romanians didn't use the slant brake on their AKM, they just used a thread protector. How does the folding wire stock latch work? Is it a push button or a lever? DDR stocks used a lever, the Romanians historically used a push button, but the very latest Romanian side folders coming in are using a simplified type of lever. |
Just being a nitpicker, but the Romanian AIM, also known as the AKM actually did use a slant muzzle brake. It was less common to see a Romanian AIMS underfolder with a slant brake, and much more common to see it with a muzzle nut. |
If it is a Romanian military demill parts kit, why the hell wouldn't it have a threaded muzzle? I don't think we are talking about a commercial Romanian parts kit here.... Sure there is a hundred other things you can ask about, including type of finish, but until we get pics and more details it is pointless to speculate... EHilderbrand and I were just refuting some of the checklist items that Templar laid out as possible ID points.... we ain't fighting!!! -C |
Thanks Tim and thanks to everyone for the imput so far. I took some pictures, and I will post them when I get home this evening. |
| DDR MPi-KM's did not have laminated handguards just hardwood lower and baked upper or if the kit is dated in the 80's it would have all baked brown front handguards. Assuming the handguards are original. The DDR Arsenal marks are plain- year with letter and serial # no symbols. If it was a PLO kit like mentioned anything can show up on them. Finish would most likely not be original anyways. |
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Certainly don't look Romanian to me.... I would say DDR as well.. Why did you block out the serial number on the parts kit trunion! If you sell this barrel, please let me know, as I have a friend looking for a nice DDR barrel. I have three '70-'71 DDR barrels-at our wharehouse, but they aren't as nice. They came in on the very first PLO/Isreal import kits, some 9 years ago now... Thanks for the pics, -C |
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If the sling loop on the handguard retainer is long (roughly the same height as the retainer itself), the barrel assembly is most likely early DDR (later ones had a different gas block). Unless you're missing a handful of parts, that butt stock looks like the new romanian style. Grip is definately DDR. Handguard, who knows. |
Tim the bore is pretty good shape. I ran a couple of patches through it when I brought the kit home and it looks good and clean, and the rifling looks great.
Here is a better pic: 
I'm just used to blocking out the numbers in photos I post, that it's a matter of habit now. I forgot that the serial number will be on the receiver(whenever I brake down and buy one). As it stands now, I'm planning on keeping the kit for a build, but I'll let you know if I change my mind.
Yes there are some parts missing. I started pulling everything apart to begin refinishing them. I'm planning on having most of the prep work done when I finally get my receiver. Thanks again to everyone for all the input. I had bought this kit because I hadn't seen to many out on the market with this type of folding stock. I figured it couldn't hurt to add an AK in this configuration to my collection. It just makes it better that it is of a less common offering.
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I am pleased with the kit, but I hadn't considered leaving the original finish on it. I guess a rifle with well worn finish would help keep that original look. I'll have to think about this one. |
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Looks like the lower is early style Russian AKM, and the upper might be German AK-47. Pistol grip is obviously good to go. Here is what I would suggest for the MPi-KMS72 that you have here for authentic look...not pretty but historically accurate. (BTW, your trunion is definately DDR, year code, two letter followed by 4-5? digit number). Look at Rob's post below, and follow it down to the DDR section... look for the 1977 dated MPi-KMS-72.. Your gun should have the brown plastic upper, with the solid beech lower. Northridge Inc, might have the parts you need....I know they just had some really nice DDR new wood fixed buttsotcks..they have a few DDR parts. Stottman's pics -C |
I'll do some more checking around on this. Damn you guys, this was supposed to be a nice easy build, now I'm going to have to do research.  Thanks for the advice and the link to the pics...it definitely isn't dial up friendly through. 
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Thanks for the pic. Do you think they used a lighter wood for that rifle, since it was so special? |
Nope, absolutely not; when those lowers are new, they are just nice pieces of light colored wood.... I have had a few over the years. Light wood and dark chocolate plastic uppers.... once you start seeing them in the books, and see pictures of them in the field you get used to the combo don't worry -C |
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