Pure AK features
East German MPi-KM and KMS-72 Selector Markings and Detents v1.1
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
East German 7.62x39 AKM-pattern rifles were designated MPi-KM in East German military service. While the East Germans did not produce an underfolding AKMS-pattern rifle, they did develop a sidefolding stock version known as the MPi-KMS-72 in East German service. Each of these rifles were capable of both semiautomatic (Einzelfeuer) and full-auto (Dauerfeuer) fire, and were equipped with two selector detent positions marked “D” and “E” respectively. The pattern of these letters and detents varied over the 26 years they were produced and is detailed in this article.
There appears to be some variation in the shape of the “D” selector marking, with some having a more rounded appearance than others. Also the exact dimensions of the detents varied from rifle to rifle, but the general shape and position trends are valid. In addition there were semi-auto only rifles designed for export or the civilian market which omitted the “D” selector marking and detent.
I would be interested to hear about other variations.
Copyright © 2009 Stephen Miles
Many AK collectors attempt to recreate near exact “clones” of original rifles within the limits of the law. While most US collectors do not have the appropriate licenses and tax stamps to build select-fire clones, many do recreate the cosmetic-only appearance of a military weapon with accurate reproductions of selector markings and detents. (Image Source: Author)
AKM Pattern: These cyrillic selector marks were on Soviet AKM rifles supplied to the East Germans beginning in 1961. Many of these rifles were rebuilt later with East German parts, but retained their cyrillic selector markings. Image is of a “Doublestamp” 1961 Izhevsk AKM rebuilt at Wiesa with East German parts. (Image Source: Author)
First Pattern (1964-1968+): The first East German MPi-KM rifles featured engraved “D and E” markings and the same flat selector detents as the AKM-pattern. Image is of a 1968 production MPi-KM. (Image Source: Author)
Third Pattern (1975-1979): This pattern changed the “D and E” markings to a stamped forward-slanted font. Image is of a 1975 MPi-KM. (Image Source: Peter 13)
Comparison: Left is a 1968 MPi-KM, right is a 1987 MPi-KMS-72. The forward-slant of the later pattern is readily visible. Also notice the earlier marking is engraved, while the later is stamped. (Images Source: Author)
Fifth Pattern (1987-1990): When East German MPi-AK-74N production was underway, many AK-74-pattern design features were incorporated into MPi-KM/KMS-72 production. This final pattern changed the selector detents to the same slanted dimples seen on the MPi-AK-74N. Image is of a 1987 MPi-KM. (Image Source: Internet Scan)
Second Pattern (1971-1974): This pattern changed the “D and E” markings from engraved to stamped font, and kept the same flat selector detents. Image is of a 1971 MPi-KM. (Image Source: Peter 13)
Fourth Pattern (1980-86): This pattern shortened the selector detents. There is still variation seen in length, but they are routinely shorter than earlier patterns. Image is of a 1980 MPi-KMS-72. (Image Source: Internet Scan)
