An AK-47 is an AK-47. I mean, they’re all the same, right? If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all, haven’t you? Perhaps not. Is there really much of a difference when comparing a milled vs stamped AK receiver? Let’s take a look!
Some Explanation Behind Milled vs Stamped AKs
We hear the terms “milled” and “stamped” when referring to receivers. What does that mean? It refers to how the gun’s receiver is made. Milled receivers and their internals are machined from a solid steel block. Stamped receivers are made with a piece of sheet metal formed into the shape of the receiver.
If you do any research at all by perusing the “errornet”, you’ll find two vocal camps of shooters with strong opinions on whether stamped or milled receivers are superior. Each side is foaming at the mouth and prepared to kick, scratch, and bite each other to death in the debate over which receiver type is “better”. Off to the side of that melee is a small group of guys saying, “Hey, it’s an AK. I really don’t care what type of receiver it has because it’s probably going to work no matter what.” After the “Milled vs Stamped AK” groups have killed each other off, this non-comital fringe group can come in and take all of their weapons.
I’ll weigh in here and let you know what my personal thoughts were years ago when I initially got into the AK platform. At first, I thought it stood to reason that an AK receiver milled from one solid chunk of steel would be more durable. It’s thicker and seems more robust. I mean, come on, it’s from a solid piece of steel! It just has to be better. Was I right? You’ll have to read to the end to see if I was right or wrong. No skipping ahead! I’ll know if you do because I’m watching.
In the Beginning
It’s worth noting the original AK-47, referred to as the “Type 1”, was stamped. However, this process was discontinued because the stamping and assembly technology of the time had a high rejection rate. Because of this, the Soviets then used milled receivers. Since the milling process was more involved and expensive, they eventually perfected the stamping process and went back to it. To this day, the Russians still use the stamping process.
Stamped Receivers
All AKMs have stamped receivers, which means the barrel is pressed into the front trunnion. This makes modifying the barrel difficult.
Advantages
Stamped receivers are lighter than their milled counterparts, giving them an advantage in this category. Another advantage is the availability of interchangeable parts that fit stamped AKs.
The Russian military uses stamped receivers, and they have proven to be amazingly durable. Some rifles have been on the battlefield for decades and are still going strong.
Milled Receivers
AK-47s have milled receivers (though, as noted, the very first ones were stamped). Normally, AK-47 barrels are screwed and torqued into place. Because many original AK-47s were milled from solid steel, collectors and purists seem to enjoy milled receivers nowadays. They simply appeal to the traditionalists.
The internals, such as guide rails, magazine well, latch surfaces, bolt locking surfaces, bolt carrier stop, and the barrel and buttstock receiving sockets, are all cut from a single piece of steel.
Advantages
Because they require more fitting, milled receivers usually have a smoother action. However, they are heavier, which can be a disadvantage. Considering the added weight reduces recoil slightly, it’s also somewhat of an advantage. Milled guns tend to hold their value a bit better because they are not as plentiful as stamped receivers.
There are those who believe the added rigidity of milled receivers makes them more durable and even more accurate. In fact, milled receivers hold up better in the long run — especially in full-auto AK-47s. With that said, most of us mere mortals won’t put enough rounds downrange to shoot an AK to death. Further, some believe the milled receiver is more aesthetically pleasing.
Disadvantages
Because they start off as a block of steel, they’re more labor-intensive and expensive to produce. They’re also heavier than stamped receivers. Unfortunately, parts are not as compatible/interchangeable with milled AKs vs their stamped counterparts.
Actual Experience with Milled vs Stamped AK Receivers
I’ve had my share of AKs over the years by buying, selling, and (mostly) trading them. I’ve had ones made by MAADI, Arsenal, WASR, Century Arms, and several others that I can’t remember at this point. I estimate I’ve owned at least ten AK platform rifles over the decades, if not more. A few had milled receivers, while others were stamped receivers. Back in the early 1990s, 7.62x39mm ammo was cheap (as in $2.00 per box of 20 cheap). Because of this, I’ve put a few rounds down range through the AK platform over the years.
Honestly, I couldn’t tell one bit of difference between milled vs stamped AK receivers. Even the WASRs, which many people turn their noses up at as being “low quality”, functioned quite well. Currently, I have a Century AK-63D with milled receiver and under-folding stock. Overall, I’m quite happy with its performance. Would I have hurt feelings if it was a stamped receiver? Not one bit. The rifle’s action is very smooth, it’s beautifully finished, and 100% reliable.
Overall
Purist and traditionalists enjoy milled receivers because that’s how original AK-47s were made despite being more expensive. Stamped receivers are popular because they’re lighter, have more interchangeable parts, and cost less.
In the end, there is probably no huge difference between stamped versus milled receivers from a practical aspect. But, it sure does give gun enthusiasts another point to debate about, which many are more than willing to do.
If you want to use commonly available AKM furniture (stamped receiver), most of it will not readily fit milled AK-47 receivers. While the milled AK receiver will likely outlast a stamped receiver in the long run (especially firing full auto), most of us probably won’t put enough rounds down range to kill either one.
With all that said, there are literally millions of stamped AKs in circulation for decades that are still going strong. Most of those rifles were not coddled, with many used in Vietnam, Iran, Afghanistan, and a hundred other places around the world. A good portion of them were not properly cleaned or taken care of, yet they’re still chugging along. Suffice it to say whichever type of receiver you choose, it’s probably going to outlast you — and your grandchildren.
If you’re looking for a shooter rifle, buy whatever you’d like. If you plan on adding dozens of aftermarket parts to it, the stamped version is easier to modify. I keep my rifles basically stock, so it doesn’t really matter to me.
Would I personally gravitate toward either a milled or stamped receiver? Not on your life. I don’t care what receiver it has. As long as it’s a quality AK, I’m good with it. I’m not picky.
