<P> The forward barrel trunnion has a non-threaded socket for the barrel and a transverse hole for a pin that secures the barrel in place . On some models the rear trunnion has two extended mounting arms on both sides that support the buttstock; other fixed models use a stepped shaped trunnion that covers the full width of the inside of the receiver . </P> <P> The AKM's barrel is installed in the forward trunnion and pinned (as opposed to the AK - 47, which has a one piece receiver with integral trunnions and a barrel that is screwed - in). Additionally the barrel has horizontal guide slots that help align and secure the handguards in place . To increase the weapon's accuracy during automatic fire, the AKM was fitted with a slant cut muzzle brake that helps redirect expanding propellant gases upward and to the right during firing, which mitigates the rise of the muzzle during an automatic burst when held by a right - handed firer . The muzzle brake is threaded on to the end of the barrel with a left - hand thread . Not all AKMs had slant muzzle brakes; some were also fitted with the older muzzle nut which came from the AK - 47 . Most AKMs with muzzle nuts were older production weapons . The AKM's slant brake can also be used on the AK - 47, which had a simple nut to cover the threads . </P> <P> The gas block in the AKM does not have a cleaning rod capture or sling loop but is instead fitted with an integrated bayonet support collar that has a cleaning rod guide hole . The forward sling loop was relocated to the front handguard retainer cap . The handguard retainer also has notches that determine the position of the handguards on the barrel . The AKM's laminated wood handguards have lateral grooves that help securely grip the rifle . </P> <P> Gas relief ports that alleviate gas pressure in the piston cylinder (placed horizontally in a row on the gas cylinder in the AK - 47) were moved forward to the gas block and placed in a radial arrangement . </P>

What's the difference between an ak47 and an akm