Slabs and Waffles and Bakes, Oh My! A History of Soviet AK Magazines

Published on December 13, 2016
Duration: 9:34

This video details the evolution of Soviet AK magazines, from the heavy 1948 'slab-side' steel variants to the lighter, ribbed steel magazines introduced in 1954. It covers experimental aluminum 'waffle' magazines from the early 1960s and the development of durable glass-reinforced polymer (often called Bakelite) magazines in the mid-to-late 60s. The progression also touches on AK-74 and RPK variants, highlighting material and capacity differences.

Quick Summary

The evolution of Soviet AK magazines includes the heavy 1948 'slab-side' steel, the standard 1954 ribbed steel, experimental 1960s aluminum 'waffle' mags, and the durable glass-reinforced polymer (Bakelite) mags from the mid-60s onwards.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Soviet AK Magazines
  2. 00:41Slab-Side Magazines (1948)
  3. 01:31Standard Ribbed Magazines (1954)
  4. 02:44Aluminum 'Waffle' Magazines (1961-1963)
  5. 04:03Bakelite Polymer Magazines (1965-1968)
  6. 06:59AK-74 and RPK Variants

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the first Soviet AK-47 magazines called and what were they made of?

The original 1948 AK-47 magazines were known as 'slab-side' magazines. They were constructed from 1mm thick steel, making them extremely robust but also quite heavy.

When were ribbed steel AK magazines introduced and why?

Standard ribbed steel magazines were introduced in 1954. They utilized thinner gauge steel reinforced with four stamped ribs for increased strength, becoming the widely adopted global standard.

Why did the Soviets experiment with aluminum AK magazines?

In the early 1960s, the Soviets experimented with aluminum for AK magazines primarily to reduce the overall weight of the firearm system. These were often identifiable by a 'waffle' pattern for reinforcement.

What are 'Bakelite' AK magazines actually made from?

The magazines commonly referred to as 'Bakelite' are actually made from glass-reinforced polymer. Developed in the mid-to-late 1960s, they offered better durability and corrosion resistance than earlier aluminum or steel designs.

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