AK noob question ... is this okay??

[jad0110]

I just received my first AK variant, specifically a Yugo M70AB1 that I ordered from AIMSurplus. Wow, this is one of the nicer AKs I've handled, though I admit I am a beginner here. The finishing is quite good, and the bolt operates smoothly (for an AK ).

I do have one concern. I am aware that the AK design, unlike the SKS, lacks a "lockback feature" for the bolt, wherein the bolt locks back upon ejecting the last round in the magazine. However, this particular AK's bolt does lockback on an empty mag. Note that I've not yet fired it, I just tried both empty mags in it while cycling the action.

The follower on the magazine has a raised hump of sorts (don't know what the term for it is). The bottom of the bolt contacts this "hump" upon ejecting the last round on it's return stroke. I've included a picture of one of the mags and a pic of the bolt "locked back" on the magazine follower. When you remove the mag, the bolt closes shut.








Is this normal? The gun appears great otherwise. The magazines insert positively without any fuss. They fit pretty snug, with just a tiny bit of play. Certainly better than some WASRs I've handled.

Thanks for the help, this AK noob really appreciates it!

 

[dstorm1911]

perfectly normal since that is a Yugo magazine, the Yugo mags and Chinese T-68 mags were the two only countries to do that with their mags, most other AK mags will not have this feature..... I've gotten so spoiled that Yugos are the only 30 round mags I use anymore and T-68 mags for 20s (very expensive when you can find them) Aim simply sent you the correct mag for your rifle instead of a generic Eastern European mag....... consider it a bonus as they cost about twice as much as standard mags

 

[Mojo-jo-jo]

Yep. Like dstorm said, the Yugo magazines have the hold-open feature.

Some folks don't like it because it makes it a little harder to extract the empty magazine. If you don't like it, just get some Romanian magazines and it won't hold open any more.

 

[jrfoxx]

Yup.dstorm1911 speaks the truth.

 

[jad0110]

Awesome!!!

Thanks fellas, I was a little worried there for a second! What a relief.

I'd always heard that the Yugos were a great value, hence the reason for purchasing this one. $419 plus $9 shipping (no sales tax) with two 30 round Yugo mags was a pretty decent deal I'd say. I did buy a cleaning rod for it, as it just looked naked without it .

Some folks don't like it because it makes it a little harder to extract the empty magazine.

I guess I can understand that, but I don't find it that much more difficult to remove. The fact that I can tell when it's time for a mag change with a simple glance at the charging handle more than makes up for that.

Excellent! I'm just praying the rain holds off tomorrow so I can go try it.

 

[dstorm1911]

actually ya'll notice a change in the sound when the bolt locks open..... no need to look

 

[newsavageowner]

I think what he's really asking is whether it's normal for the bolt to hold open without a mag in the well. My M70AB2 does the same thing, and my Romanian WASR does too...at least it did when I first got it. Now that it's been broken in a bit the bolt will no longer lock back without using a magazine with a BHO follower. I think your Yugo M70 is just new, once it's broken in a bit more the bolt will likely only lock back when there's a magazine well with a BHO follower (such as a Yugo mag). Those who know more about this than me may soon chime in...not claiming to be an expert by any means.

 

[newsavageowner]

Opps...I misread your post the first time, I stand corrected. Sorry bout that.

 

[merk]

Could a WASR 10 take Yugo mags?

 

[ZombiesAhead]

Yes. Mine does.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

The only significant difference between Yugo and other Combloc AK mags is the follower. One can make hold open mags from standard mags by modifying the follower so it's like the one on Yugo mags.