AK: Milled vs Stamped, whats the difference?

[TheMan42]

Although I do own a few AKs, I still am a noob when it comes to terminology and technicalities, what is the difference and benefits between Milled and Stamped AK receivers.

Also another question, why do some AK barrels appear to have that slanted looking "cut off" end to them?

Any and all info is appreciated.

[RocketFoot]

Milled receivers are basically machined from a solid block of metal wheras stamped receivers are stamped out of a flat piece of metal and then bent to create the receiver. Milled receivers are generally thought to be a bit stronger and more rigid than the stamped receivers...but also much more expensive.

The slanted muzzle is just a different type of muzzle brake. It's called the slant brake and is very common to AK variants. It's designed to kick the muzzle down and at a slight angle to help reduce mizzle flip.

[mojo]

RF nailed it pretty much.

It's pretty easy to tell the difference between the stamped and milled.

For stamps, look for all the rivets plus the have little dimples* right above the magwell.

For milled, the easiest is to look for the the cuts milled into the receiver above the magwell ... much larger than the dimples in on stamps.

I don't have any pics right now ... but go to the thread about the milled PRK. The first set of pics are from stamped RPKs, then look at the pic of the kit.

[RocketFoot]

Here's a quick pic I found...top is Milled, bottom is stamped:

[TheMan42]

Thanks guys, I appreciate it

[RaisedByWolves]

The milled guns should, and I say this carefully, Should be a lil more accurate over time.


The stamped guns have the barrel set into a block (Trunnion?) that is riveted to the receiver and could shift over time and or loosen. The milled recievers have the barrel pressed into the receiver, which is a much more secure way of attaching it and this should lessen barrel harmonics and should stay secure forever.



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[mojo]

Some milled AKs have the barrels screwed into the receiver, also

[RoyJackson]

A book on the history of the AK discussed the milled vs. stamped receivers.
The early AK were stamped, but the technology for a massed produced precision stamping (of the receiver) wasn't available. That's when they went to machining for a few years in the mid 1950's.
When more precise equipment was available, the receivers were again, stamped, and as durable as the milled receivers.

So, the real difference between the milled and stamped K's is weight. And, cost since the milled receivers are perceived to be stronger.

[Snert]

Is there a way to tell a parts kit apart??

In otherwords is there a way from pics of a parts kit of a stamped from milled kit?

If one was to buy/find a parts kit, what would be the recomended reciver to use for a build..

Looking for a yugo underfolder...or if someone here has one to sell at a reasonable price..

Snert..

[RaisedByWolves]

A book on the history of the AK discussed the milled vs. stamped receivers.
The early AK were stamped, but the technology for a massed produced precision stamping (of the receiver) wasn't available. That's when they went to machining for a few years in the mid 1950's.
When more precise equipment was available, the receivers were again, stamped, and as durable as the milled receivers.

So, the real difference between the milled and stamped K's is weight. And, cost since the milled receivers are perceived to be stronger.

Something about this doesn't sound right.



How could you make a machine that could mill the receiver to exacting tolerances but not be able to make a die to stamp out the parts to and acceptable tolerance? Theres literally as much machining going on to make 10 milled receivers as there would be to make the stamping die and there's even less to the form die.



Taking production costs into consideration, you could stamp out and throw away 20 stamped receivers for less cost than boogering up one milled one on the last step of the machining process.

Some milled AKs have the barrels screwed into the receiver, also

True, I was just using the more rigid setup as an example.


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