PKM manufacturer question.

Oldschool45B · 03-13-2009, 10:59

I know this is not a usual 18B question, but we have a wealth of experience here so I am hoping somebody can help me out. I just bought 2 new and complete PKM kits that we are building but they have some strange markings on them. There is no country of origin on the receiver stubs, the markings on the feed tray cover consist of a large triangle with "M80" in the middle and the SN. The selector markings on the trigger are "safe" and "fire" in english.

I have heard all kinds of theories about what they might be, from Yugoslav manufacture for the CIA to just plain old Yugoslav. But in looking at Yugoslav weapon websites that has turned up a dead end. If anyone has any experience with them (reliability etc.) or knows who made them please let me know!

Thanks guys!

Pete S · 03-13-2009, 11:49

Edit: Nevermind, I was wrong.

trent · 03-14-2009, 01:05

According to my super-duper 18B, he says Soviet Russia.

Oldschool45B · 03-14-2009, 07:10

I have a couple of Russian kits, they are significantly differeent markings. The Izmash factory have the arrow in the circle and the Molot factory has the star in the shield. They also have factory proof markings on each piece and serialize each individual part. Thats what is so strange about his kit. Other than the triangle with the M80 is the only marking that is on the weapon or receiver stubs. My Russian kits have a lot of markings on them. I also have a Romanian, Hungarian, and Bulgarian kits and none of them have the markings in english

I have spoken with a gent at NIGC and he ask for pics of the kit. He is not sure what its origins are either. If I can get it figured out I will post pics and the info.

Oldschool45B · 03-14-2009, 07:40

UPDATE. I just found out that these are made in China for export. For a Chinese made gun they sure are nice in the fit and finish. I will post pics when I get back from school.