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.
