Russian AKM 6X4 Scabbard Tension Spring Variations

Russian AK Bayonets

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Mr. B.
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Russian AKM 6X4 Scabbard Tension Spring Variations

Post by Mr. B. »

Recently I found this illustration page in a Russian reference. It shows the four different tension springs used in Russian AKM 6X4 bayonet scabbards. Just out of curiosity, I inspected the 39 Russian 6X4 scabbards I currently have. I hoped to find a correlation between early vs late issue or Tula vs Izhevsk usages.
Here is what I found. All of my Izhevsk 6X4 scabbards with matching early Type I to late Type III bayonets had the Type 15 springs, (top left, front and back). All of my Tula 6X4 scabbards with matching early Type I to late Type II bayonets had the Type 16 springs, (top right, front and back). I did not find any of the Type 17 or Type 18 springs, (bottom row). They are basically the same, just reversed images probably to simplify manufacture. I wonder where and when they were used?
Below are the illustrations, also front and back pictures of the spring in my collection. Mike
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Brian
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Re: Russian AKM 6X4 Scabbard Tension Spring Variations

Post by Brian »

Another great find and post. Thanks Mike!
Brian
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