[anyirons]

I see in Stottman's "AK's of the World Photo Guide" a Izhmash 1970 AKM with a laminated grip. It is my understanding the Russians switched to bakelite on the AKM in the early '60's. My question is, is it common and or correct to find 1970's AKM's with laminated grips? I would like to use one on an Izhmash 1971 AKM (PLO kit) but only if considered correct.

 

[jithaca]

My guess is that the grip has been replaced. Unless the factory was out of Bakelite grips and they installed an AKMS laminate grip on it to get it out the door.

 

[Greentimber]

My near mint 1977 AKMS has a laminated p grip. My 1970 and 1971 have bakelite.

 

[Mike_F]

I'm pretty sure AKMS rifles always had laminated pistol grips. It was just the AKM rifles the switched to bakelite.

 

[Stottman]

The AKMS used a laminate grip during production, except for 1977 when they switched out to a shiny plum grip at some point.

The AKM started with a laminate grip, but changed out to the maroon pistol grip at some point.

The 1970 AKM in by guide has had the pistol grip changed out at some point.. Its a big fat AK47 type pistol grip to, so there is no doubting it.