RUSSIAN AK-47 TYPE III METAL FINISH

[mcmta]

ok, so what exactly did the Russians finish their 50's era ak-47 (type III) with? Was it blued, parked, painted, phosphated, etc?

Also, was the AKM originally painted, or did this come after 59?

Does anyone actually know this? Tantal?

Thanks

[Chamberlinx]

mcmta, I have seen T3's blued, phosphated
paint over blue, and paint over phosphated.
Not too sure on AKM, but my '71 Izhevsk barrel seems to be dark black/green paint over blued, as are my Russian Type III barrel assemblies. These barrels however are arsenel
replacements, and may not reflect actual production finish. AKM's pictured in common publications appear to be painted in the latter years. I have an original Type I barrel which was blued (only about 5% finish remaining). I own Russian top covers both
blued and parked. Same goes for safety selectors. Lots of production variances, which, unlike U.S. manufactures aren't easily
cataloged. Even the Type I, II, III designations are western attributes. Hope I haven't added to the confusion... -C

[Chamberlinx]

Also,
Check out this link over at "build it yourself" board:
http://www.ak-47.net/akcgi/Forum10/HTML/001536.html

Tantal gives his take on the creating the proper finish, as well as some info on what gets what....

[Beryl]

Hey, Chamberlain. I finally got my milled AK done. I did the stock with Minwax Red Mahogany and Birchwood Casey Stock Sheen & Conditioner. I can hardley tell the US wood from the original (has original lower handguard and pistol grip). I also didn't take too much care with the filing and sanding, so it has that "used" look to it. Still haven't milled the slot for the sling swivel, though.

[mcmta]

Chamberlin,

Thanks for the answer about the finish...it was what I thought. Seems the Russians have always just thrown their junk together.

Anyways, I was just wondering how can you differentiate between a type I barrel and a type III? I was under the impression all 47 barrels were identical, and the barrel only changed when the AKM came out. Am I totally wrong?

[Chamberlinx]

Beryl, let's get some pics up here! We want
to see how it turned out!
mcmta, there were at least 3 distinct barrel
designs for the AK-47, and going by gas blocks alone, at least 3 for the AKM as well.
Differences in AK barrels weren't just gas blocks, but also front sight blocks, rear sight blocks, rifling patterns, sling placements and as mentioned, finishing techniques. For a more in depth look, check out our previous posts on AK-47
variations- there is some neat stuff there.
Here you guys go:
http://www.ak-47.net/akcgi/Forum8/HTML/000087.html
http://www.ak-47.net/akcgi/Forum8/HTML/000115.html
http://www.ak-47.net/akcgi/Forum8/HTML/000106.html

By the way, the Russian "junk" is the only
"junk" I pay much attention to, so if you have any other comments or questions with
regard to Soviet AK's please fire away- it has been kinda quiet lately. http://www.ak-47.net/akcgi/wink.gif
-C

[This message has been edited by Chamberlin (edited 09-06-2000).]

[mcmta]

Chamberlin-

Thanks a bunch for that barrel comparison link, I had totally forgotten about that old thread. You're right, not only are the gasblocks different from type I and IIIs, but also the the location of the front sling loop, and I'll take your word on the rifling patterns.

I was checking out a type III kit, and it looked like whoever had the rifle when it was actually a "rifle" had slopped on thick, green paint all over the rifle. Seems that the rifle was nearly in the white from use and abuse, then to "dull" it a bit, the paint was applied.

Was this common practice in the Russian Army, or did this painting perhaps take place by a third world country who quite possibly could have bought it from Russia before it ended up here in the States?

[Chamberlinx]

Of the used Russian barrels I have for sale, quite a few have the green paint, with little or no original finish remaining. My parts came from Isreal, who captured probably thousands of Ak's from Afganistan and surrounding areas, back in the 70's. I would attribute this camo job to them, or other third world users, not the former Soviet Union.
-C

[Beryl]

I have never figured out how to post pics. I'll just have to send you some jpgs and you can post them.

[Chamberlinx]

Send em' on over! I'll post them for you.
-C