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The Rare Romanian AK-74 Carbine: The PM md.94 with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

Royal Armouries
Published on September 10, 2025
Category: Reviews
Duration: 19:45

This video provides an in-depth look at the rare Romanian AK-74 carbine, the PM md.94, presented by firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson. It details the firearm's unique features, including its steel magazine, side-folding buttstock, and a distinct three-round burst mechanism. The expert explains the operational differences between this Romanian variant and other AK platforms, such as the Soviet AKS-74U, and discusses its potential export market and commercial sales.

Tags

PM md.94
Romanian AK
AK-74 Carbine
Three-Round Burst
Burst Mechanism
Firearm Disassembly
Firearm Mechanics
Jonathan Ferguson
Royal Armouries
Select-Fire

Quick Summary

The Romanian PM md.94 is a rare AK-74 carbine variant featuring a steel ribbed magazine, a side-folding buttstock, and a three-round burst mechanism. It was not officially adopted by the Romanian military and was often produced for export or commercial sales.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction to the Romanian AK-74 Carbine
  2. 00:19Identifying the PM md.94 (Model 86 Carbine)
  3. 00:52Key Features: Steel Magazine & Side-Folding Stock
  4. 01:15Buttstock Design: East German/Polish Influence
  5. 01:34Foregrip and Handguard Variations
  6. 02:09Magazine Capacity and Reloading Considerations
  7. 02:12Side Rail and Comparison to AK74N/AKS74
  8. 02:20Rarity and Focus on the PM md.94
  9. 02:30Recommended Resources: Rob Sto's Work
  10. 02:56Comparison to AKS74U
  11. 03:17Differences: Hinged Top Cover & Rear Sight
  12. 03:24Barrel Length and Muzzle Booster
  13. 03:45Gold Plating and Production Variants
  14. 03:55PM Model 94 vs. Model 86 Carbine Naming
  15. 04:05Manufacturing Date (1989) and Trunnion Marks
  16. 04:30Design and Manufacturing Timeline
  17. 04:46Military Adoption Status
  18. 04:53Predecessor: PM Model 80 (7.62x39)
  19. 05:00Caliber Usage: 5.45mm and 7.62x39
  20. 05:07Original Short Version with Pivoting Butt Plate
  21. 05:19PM Model 90 (7.62x39) Comparison
  22. 05:30Military Service of PM Model 90
  23. 05:37Commercial Sales and Markings
  24. 05:45Export Version Markings (S, Safe, Auto)
  25. 05:52Potential Security Service Purchase
  26. 06:00PM Model 80 for Vehicle Crews
  27. 06:14Confirmation of Non-Military Service for PM md.94
  28. 06:21Standard Romanian Features: Buttstock & Cocking Handle
  29. 06:32Canted Cocking Handle Explained
  30. 06:45Selector Markings: 'S', 'N', '3'
  31. 06:52Humorous Interpretation of 'Infinity' Marking
  32. 07:19Fire Modes: Auto, Semi-Auto, Three-Round Burst
  33. 07:34Three-Round Burst on Full-Size Rifle
  34. 07:41Nations Adopting Burst Fire
  35. 07:47Practicality of Burst Fire
  36. 08:04Burst Mechanism Overview
  37. 08:07Rear Sight Adjustment for Carbine Length
  38. 08:12400m Maximum Range
  39. 08:19Sparse Sight Ladder Design
  40. 08:25Comparison to 7.62x39 Equivalent Sight
  41. 08:33Sight Graduation Differences
  42. 08:47The 'P' Marking: Battle Sight
  43. 08:51Meaning of 'P' (Pishe/Battlefield Sight)
  44. 09:08Location of the 'P' Marking
  45. 09:17Rear Sight on the PM md.94 (No Flat/Marking)
  46. 09:25Minimum Setting (100m)
  47. 09:35Straight Ramp Design
  48. 09:45Romanian Specific Markings: Kougar Plant
  49. 09:50Inspection Markings
  50. 09:59Manufacturing Plants in Romania
  51. 10:05Kougar Plant and US Commercial Market
  52. 10:12Known as the Draco in the US
  53. 10:15Legal Definition of Draco Pistol
  54. 10:24Rarity of Select-Fire Versions
  55. 10:32Buttstock Release Mechanism
  56. 10:45Front End: Combined Gas Block/Front Sight
  57. 10:50Unique Front Sight Pattern
  58. 10:57Distinctive Hole in Front Sight
  59. 11:03Comparison to AKS74U Front Sight
  60. 11:10AKS74U Sight: Sparse and Less Chunky
  61. 11:17AKS74U Sling Loop Integration
  62. 11:23Sling Loop on Handguard Cap
  63. 11:33Finish: Semi-Gloss Black over Phosphate
  64. 11:43Phosphate Finish Variations
  65. 11:52British Proof Marks
  66. 11:55Legal Importation in the UK
  67. 12:06Flash Suppressor: Conventional Flared Bird Cage
  68. 12:12Not Requiring a Muzzle Booster
  69. 12:23Typical on Short Romanian Variants
  70. 12:32Disassembly for Internal Inspection
  71. 12:38Three-Round Burst Mechanism Detail
  72. 12:58Internal Components: Bolt Carrier and Piston
  73. 13:15Conventional Length Bolt Carrier
  74. 13:24Shortened Piston (vs. AK-74U)
  75. 13:36Gas Tube Removal
  76. 13:42Focus on the Burst Mechanism
  77. 13:47Detailed Camera View of Burst Mechanism
  78. 13:51Toothed Lever Function
  79. 13:57Trigger Disconnection After Three Shots
  80. 14:07Comparison to M16 Burst System
  81. 14:09Non-Resetting Mechanism
  82. 14:13HK Burst System (Resets Automatically)
  83. 14:15Always Three or Two Rounds
  84. 14:19Colt and AK Burst System Limitations
  85. 14:22Complete Burst Required
  86. 14:30Outpacing Rate of Fire Issues
  87. 14:40Unsatisfactory Burst Mechanism Design
  88. 14:45HK System Complexity
  89. 14:56Demonstration: Hammer Cocked, Burst Selected
  90. 15:04Rear of Tooth Lever Pushing Sear
  91. 15:09Hammer Falls
  92. 15:12Sear Pushed Back by Lever
  93. 15:19First Shot Trigger Pull
  94. 15:24Trigger Release and Hammer Reset
  95. 15:31Bolt Carrier Returns Forward
  96. 15:35Tooth Lever Holding Back Sear
  97. 15:40Auto Sear Tripped, Hammer Flies Forward
  98. 15:45Lever Drops Down One Notch
  99. 15:52Lever Drops Down into Next Notch
  100. 16:00Auto Sear and Burst Mechanism Sear Disengage
  101. 16:06All Three Things Disengaged
  102. 16:10Hammer Falls for Third Time
  103. 16:12Tooth Lever in Bottom Position
  104. 16:17Sear Can Now Go Forwards
  105. 16:21System Cycles Third Time
  106. 16:24Comes Forward, Auto Sear and Finger Operating
  107. 16:30Burst Mechanism Not Operating
  108. 16:33Secondary Lever Forward Position
  109. 16:41Gun Does Not Fire
  110. 16:44Recap: One, Two, Three
  111. 16:46System Resets When Trigger is Released
  112. 16:51Fire One, Bolt Cycles
  113. 16:54Lever Drops Down One
  114. 16:58Drops Down Two
  115. 16:59Drops Down Three
  116. 17:01Out of Engagement
  117. 17:04Difficulty Explaining Without Cutaway
  118. 17:07Reference to World of Guns
  119. 17:11Understanding Burst Mechanisms
  120. 17:16Avoiding Full Disassembly
  121. 17:22Another Kalashnikov Variant
  122. 17:24Romanian Kalashnikov Variants
  123. 17:29Cataloging the Collection
  124. 17:32Scale of Collection Cataloging
  125. 17:40Abundant Task
  126. 17:44Presenting Interesting Items
  127. 17:50Rare, Unusual, or Interesting Features
  128. 17:55Limited History for This Specific Model
  129. 18:01Military Equivalent of Draco Pistol
  130. 18:08Reiteration of Rob Sto's Work
  131. 18:11Collection Involvement
  132. 18:16Thanks for Watching
  133. 18:20Museum Buildings to Visit
  134. 18:31New Lapel Pin/Brooch: Sexton Self-Propelled Gun
  135. 18:42Fort Nelson Artillery Museum
  136. 18:48Shop Merchandise
  137. 18:55History of Weapons and War App
  138. 19:01Ad-Free Content and Other Channels
  139. 19:10Bonus Content
  140. 19:15Paid Service Recommendation
  141. 19:20YouTube Engagement: Subscribe, Bell
  142. 19:27Gladiators Exhibition
  143. 19:32Next Episode: What Is This Weapon?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Romanian PM md.94?

The Romanian PM md.94 is a rare variant of the AK-74 carbine, developed as a shortened version of the PM md.86 rifle. It features a steel magazine, a side-folding buttstock, and a three-round burst mechanism, distinguishing it from other AK platforms.

What are the key differences between the Romanian PM md.94 and Soviet AK-74 variants?

The PM md.94 typically uses a steel ribbed magazine instead of polymer ones found on some Soviet AK-74s. It also features a distinct side-folding buttstock, often based on East German or Polish designs, and a canted cocking handle, a common Romanian characteristic.

How does the three-round burst mechanism on the PM md.94 work?

The PM md.94's burst mechanism uses a toothed lever that counts off shots. After three shots, it disconnects the trigger. Unlike some systems, it does not automatically reset, meaning a full burst must be completed for proper function on subsequent trigger pulls.

Was the Romanian PM md.94 adopted by the Romanian military?

To the expert's knowledge, the PM md.94 was never officially adopted by the Romanian military. Many were produced for export or commercial sales, with the 'Draco' pistol being a legally defined variant imported into the US without a buttstock.

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