AK74/AK47 Compatability?

s2thalayer · December 19, 2012, 02:45 PM

In the recent rifle panic going on, I, like everyone else am wanting to grab up a few AKs/ARs if for nothing else but trading value later if they are banned. However, the only thing I can find reasonably is an AK74 "lower receiver". I personally wasn't even aware they were called lowers. Anyway, I've built a couple AKs and a couple ARs, but never a 74. What parts are compatible with the 74 from the 47? I know of course the barrel is not. Anyone have any idea if the gas tube/dust cover/trigger is the same?

Any help is appreciated.

Dfariswheel · December 19, 2012, 07:31 PM

As is often the case, people mis-state things.
There is no AK "lower". The AK has only a receiver.
Rifles like the AR-15 have an upper and lower receiver.

Most AK-47 and AK-74 parts are interchangeable.
Some that are not are:
Barrel.
Bolt assembly.
Bolt carrier is specific for the -47 or -74.
Gas piston, is usually slightly longer in the -74 but many are used in either rifle.
Muzzle attachments.
Receiver.
Magazines.

Most other parts "can" be interchanged although many -74 parts were redesigned to be lighter and are different. However, they can usually be used in both rifles.
Triggers are the same with the only difference being single or double hook triggers. Some receivers are made to use both, and a single hook trigger type receiver can be easily modified to use a double hook trigger, and a single hook trigger can be used in a double hook receiver.

December 19, 2012, 02:45 PM	#1
s2thalayer Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2009 Location: Danville, VA Posts: 101	AK74/AK47 Compatability? In the recent rifle panic going on, I, like everyone else am wanting to grab up a few AKs/ARs if for nothing else but trading value later if they are banned. However, the only thing I can find reasonably is an AK74 "lower receiver". I personally wasn't even aware they were called lowers. Anyway, I've built a couple AKs and a couple ARs, but never a 74. What parts are compatible with the 74 from the 47? I know of course the barrel is not. Anyone have any idea if the gas tube/dust cover/trigger is the same? Any help is appreciated.

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December 19, 2012, 07:31 PM	#2
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	As is often the case, people mis-state things. There is no AK "lower". The AK has only a receiver. Rifles like the AR-15 have an upper and lower receiver. Most AK-47 and AK-74 parts are interchangeable. Some that are not are: Barrel. Bolt assembly. Bolt carrier is specific for the -47 or -74. Gas piston, is usually slightly longer in the -74 but many are used in either rifle. Muzzle attachments. Receiver. Magazines. Most other parts "can" be interchanged although many -74 parts were redesigned to be lighter and are different. However, they can usually be used in both rifles. Triggers are the same with the only difference being single or double hook triggers. Some receivers are made to use both, and a single hook trigger type receiver can be easily modified to use a double hook trigger, and a single hook trigger can be used in a double hook receiver.