Has anyone else noticed the difference in the molding of Russian AKM 6X4 Type I bayonets from the Tula Arsenal? The Type I bayonets are the ones with the machined cross guards with flush ground rivets. I have both the early style with the arsenal mark on the flat behind the muzzle ring and the late style with the only arsenal mark stamped on the front of the cross guard by the blade. Both of these have molded grips with a flat front where they meet the cross guard. Both of the grips are smooth with out any mold marks. The grips on all the other AKM 6X4 bayonets in my collection from both arsenals taper to meet the cross guard.
Below are pictures of early and late Tula AKM 6X4 Type I bayonets compared to a Tula AKM 6X4 Type II bayonet. Mike
Tula AKM 6X4 Type I Bayonet Grips
Moderator: Mr. B.
Re: Tula AKM 6X4 Type I Bayonet Grips
Here are pictures of Russian AKM 6X4 Type I bayonets from the Izhevsk Arsenal. These are the early and late style Type I bayonets showing the molded grips tapering to the cross guard. Compare to the squared off fronts on the Tula Type I bayonets in the lower picture below. Mike
Re: Tula AKM 6X4 Type I Bayonet Grips
i suggest that the grip was milled/grinded in the same time as the crossguard.
Re: Tula AKM 6X4 Type I Bayonet Grips
I checked mine, same on my bayonet, but no gap/backlash between grip and piedestal crossguard part instead of the later versions that are not adjusted.
Re: Tula AKM 6X4 Type I Bayonet Grips
Hi Marc,
I examined my two examples a little closer. I do not believe that the front of the early grips have been milled or ground. They retain the smooth reflective mold finish on the front edge. No signs of any milling or grinding after being molded. Also I noticed that the front edge is not flat or parallel to the cross guard. The front seems to be molded with two different angles. The fit at between the grip and the cross guard seems to be the same between the early Type I and the later Type II Tula bayonets seem about the same to me. I believe that the early Tula grips had a unique mold which was later phased out. Perhaps with the change over to the Type II bayonets?
Stay safe, Mike
I examined my two examples a little closer. I do not believe that the front of the early grips have been milled or ground. They retain the smooth reflective mold finish on the front edge. No signs of any milling or grinding after being molded. Also I noticed that the front edge is not flat or parallel to the cross guard. The front seems to be molded with two different angles. The fit at between the grip and the cross guard seems to be the same between the early Type I and the later Type II Tula bayonets seem about the same to me. I believe that the early Tula grips had a unique mold which was later phased out. Perhaps with the change over to the Type II bayonets?
Stay safe, Mike
Re: Tula AKM 6X4 Type I Bayonet Grips
Here are some more detailed pictures taken later with better light? Two of the early Type I grips and the last is a Type II for comparison. Notice what happens to the dull rough finish where the mold grips have been ground to remove trim flash. Mike
Re: Tula AKM 6X4 Type I Bayonet Grips
I verify mine you're perfectly right Mike, mold are differents