Romanian PM md. 63, 7.62x39 AK47

Following the Soviets lead with the adoption of the stamped receiver AKM, the Romanians began to tool up for the indigenous production of the full stock version of the Russian AKM. The Romanians designated this new model as the Pistol Mitraliera model 1963 (PM md. 63). The export version of the md. 63 was the AIMS. The export version was identical to the md. 63 with the exception of the selector markings. Selector markings for the military issued md. 63 consist of the letters S, FA, and FF. The export version selector markings were S, A, and R. Most md. 63 rifles placed in service prior to the late 1970’s use a muzzle nut, as the slant muzzle breaks did not enter service until the late 1970s. Early models of the md.63 also used hardwood palm swelled lower handguards and buttstocks, instead of the laminate furniture and signature “dongle”. My research has found the years 1965-1968 used hardwood palm swelled front lower handguards. The Romanians were notorious for interchanging serialized parts so it is very difficult to find a rifle or parts kit that is all matching.