I did this up as a post on another sight to help answer AK bayonet questions. I hope it helps...
Okay guys, I know this question comes up every once in a while, so I figured I'd do up a post on the the different types of bayonets and the ways they mount.
First, we have three basic styles of AK rifles. On top is an AKM, in the middle is an AK-47 hybrid, and on the bottom, you have an AK-74. Each here is shown with their respective bayonets.
Next, I have a picture of the mounting systems employed by each type of AK. AKMs and AK-74s use a mounting lug either located on the gas block (AKM) or on the front sight assembly (AK-74). The AK-47 uses two fang-shaped protrusions that extend down from the front of the front sight assembly.
The final odd one is the system used by the Chinese on some of their AKs. The Chinese mounted their bayonets permanently on an extension of the front sight assembly. The lug on the Chinese AKs juts out from below the front of the sight.
Stottman picture
Here we have the AKM with its bayonet partially slid on. As you can see the AKM's bayonet locks onto the lug on the gas block.
On the AK-47, the locking is done at the front sight.
and on the AK-74, the locking is accomplished by a bayonet lug (same style as the one used on the AKM), but positioned at the rear of the front sight assembly.
In these next three pictures, the bayonets are secured to the rifles...
One of the ways to add a bayonet to a de-banned Chinese rifle is by using a Chinese retrofit kit specifically for this application. On this Chinese AK, the original bayonet mounting system was ground off for import. Sad, isn't it? Fortunately, the retrofit kit allows you to add the bayonet back on securing it with a clamp and through the rear pin on the the front sight assembly.
Whether you manage to get an original front sight assembly or a retrofit kit, you still have to use a lower hand guard that has been relief-cut for the bayonet to fit into when stowed.
By the way, here are the different types of bayonets I have. The only one missing is the newer Type 4 (M1983), which I, unfortunately, do not have an example of.
The Chinese spike is unique to that mounting system. The Type 1 can only be used on the AK-47 mounts. The Type 2 can only be used on AKMs. The Type 3 and Type 4 can be used on AKMs and AK-74s.
On the retrofit kits, the bayonet is secured in the stowed and deployed positions by locks on the mount. The bayonet is spring-loaded so as it swings into the full closed or open positions, it snaps in place. The other place the bayonet is secured is through a loop that goes over the end of the barrel nut.
Also, if you got a WASR-10, make sure that your Bayonet lug was not neutered, otherwise you'll have to do some work on it to make it accept a Bayonet... what that work is I don't know...
Here's my SA M7 SF with the bayonet on it, sorry for the lack of photo taking skillz
Originally Posted By MAKAK47:
Also, if you got a WASR-10, make sure that your Bayonet lug was not neutered, otherwise you'll have to do some work on it to make it accept a Bayonet... what that work is I don't know...
The work necessary is actually quite simple.
1. Remove any muzzle attachment on the rifle
2. Remove the pins (from left to right as viewed from behind) from both the front sight assembly and the gas block
3. Remove the front sight assembly. Chances are it is very tight in there. Use that opportunity to clean up that area of the barrel and the inside of the front sight with a little sandpaper. It will help it go on easier.
4. Remove the gas block. Normally, they are not in there as tight as the front sights.
5. Transfer the location of the pin holes from the old gas block to the new one. Use a small drill bit to get the holes started.
6. Install a new, an un-neutered gas block on the barrel and line up the holes with the grooves on the barrel
7. This is critical...once the gas block is positioned where the pin holes will be aligned, put a small drill bit into the large opening in the gas block (the end where the gas tube fits). tilt the bit so it goes down the gas port, through the gas hole drilled in the barrel and into the barrel itself. What you want to make sure is that the position of the new gas block is aligned with the gas hole in the barrel. If it covers the hole, you'll wind up with a single shot AK.
8. Drill out the holes in the gas block with progressively larger bits - from both sides - until you have holes the same size as the originals
9. Install the front sight assembly
10. Press in the retaining pins from right to left in both the gas block and the front sight assembly
Here is my Maadi with its new gas block attached, and the old one next to it.