East German AK47 Variants

The MPi family from Suhl and Wiesa.Some of the best built Warsaw Pact rifles.

1The East German Kalashnikov

East Germany built the AK-47 as the MPi-K and the AKM as the MPi-KM, with the folding stock MPi-KMS. Rifles were made at Suhl and at the Ernst Thaelmann works, marked with a circle in a diamond and a K in an oval.

East German rifles have a reputation for fine fit and finish, and the MPi-KM is known for its plastic stock with a stippled pattern. In the 5.45×39 era came the MPi-AK-74N, MPi-AKS-74N and the short MPi-AKS-74NK. After reunification many East German parts kits came to the United States.

2Rifles in the Archive

From the original AK-47.us rifle pages, 2005 to 2008.

MPi-AK 74N

starting in 1985 · 940 mm · 3450 g

5.45×39 Cartridge. Stamped Receiver.

MPi-AKS 74N

starting in 1985 · 735 – 935 mm · 3540 g

5.45×39 Cartridge. Stamped Receiver.

MPi-AKS 74NK

starting in 1988 · 605-805 mm · 3400 g

5.45×39 Cartridge. Stamped Receiver.

MPi-KM

880 mm · 3400 g

7.62×39 Cartridge. Stamped Receiver.

MPi-KM Folder

starting in 1985 · 690 – 985 mm · 3540 g

7.62×39 Cartridge. Stamped Receiver.

3Factory Markings

Circle in diamond mark

Suhl factory

Shining C mark

K3 in an oval mark

Ernst Thaelmann VEB(*), Suhl Browse German AK-47 Types, Rate and Review them MPi-AK 74N

4Military Model List

Models listed on the 2014 AK-47.us Kalashnikovs by Country page.

5Bayonets, Kits and Buying