PM md. 63/65
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The Pistol Mitralieră model 1963 (abbreviated PM md. 63 or simply md. 63) is an assault rifle patterned after the AK-47, and chambered in the 7.62x39mm cartridge. It's exported as the AIM.
The Pistol Mitralieră model 1965 (abbreviated PM md. 65 or simply md. 65) is the underfolding stock version of the md. 63, and is exported as the AIMS.
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History
In the early 1960s, the Romanian Army used mostly PPSh-41, Oriţa submachine guns and imported AK-47 rifles. With the development of the stamped Type 4 AKM receiver, and the Soviet Union's call to each of the Warsaw Pact's nations to produce their own assault rifles chambered in 7.62mm, be they AK-47 pattern or not, the Romanian State Arsenal developed an AKM clone featuring a forward-pointing front handgrip molded into the lower handguard, called the Pistol Mitralieră model 1963. The underfolding stock version is designated the Pistol Mitralieră model 1965, and features a rear-pointing front handgrip, allowing the underfolding stock to be completely retracted.
Features
The PM md. 63/65 is almost identical to the AKM/AKMS, and thus is simple, inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to clean and maintain. The bore and chamber, as well as the gas piston and the interior of the gas cylinder, are generally chromium-plated. This plating dramatically increases the life of these parts by resisting corrosion and wear. Most md. 63/65 rifles lack a muzzle break, but instead use a muzzle nut, as muzzle breaks entered production only in the late 1970s. The navy is the only remaining large scale operator of the md. 65 because of the weight of the metal underfolding stock.
The fire selector markings are as follows, from top to bottom: S, A, R.
Operating Cycle
To fire, the operator inserts a loaded magazine, moves the selector lever to the lowest position, pulls back and releases the charging handle, and then pulls the trigger. In this setting, the gun fires once requiring the trigger be released and depressed again for the next shot until the magazine is exhausted. With the selector in the middle position, the rifle continues to fire, automatically cycling fresh rounds into the chamber, until the magazine is exhausted or pressure is released from the trigger.
Disassembly
Dismantling the md. 63/65 is identical to dismantling the AK-47 and it involves the operator depressing the magazine catch and removing the magazine. The charging handle is pulled to the rear and the operator inspects the chamber to verify the weapon is unloaded. The operator presses forward on the retainer button at the rear of the receiver cover while simultaneously lifting up on the rear of the cover to remove it. The operator then pushes the spring assembly forward and lifts it from its raceway, withdrawing it out of the bolt carrier and to the rear. The operator must then pull the carrier assembly all the way to the rear, lift it, and then pull it away. The operator removes the bolt by pushing it to the rear of the bolt carrier; rotating the bolt so the camming lug clears the raceway on the underside of the bolt carrier and then pulls it forward and free. When cleaning, the operator will pay special attention to the barrel, bolt face, and gas piston, then oil lightly and reassemble.
Patriotic Guards version
The most-produced civilian export variation of this rifle is that of the 'Garda' designation, produced for the Romanian Patriotic Guards. These rifles have a letter 'G' engraved on the left side of the rear sight block. The civil guard versions are modified by the removal of the sear and the modification of the disconnector to be semi-automatic only. Tens of thousands of these have been imported into the United States and sold as 'parts kits' (the receiver is destroyed by torch-cutting per BATF regulations – without the receiver, the kit is no longer legally considered a firearm). They are colloquially known among firearms enthusiasts as "Romy G's".
Other civilian versions
Other civilian 7.62mm Romanian AK clones are: SAR 1, WASR 10 (including WASR 10/63), Romak 991, Romak 1, WUM 1. The Wieger rifle lookalikes known as the STG-2000 and STG-2003 are based on WASR 10 rifles, which are the only ones still in production.
PM md. 90
The Pistol Mitralieră model 1990 is the 7.62mm response to the 5.45mm Puşcă Automată model 1986. It is internally identical to a PM md. 63/65, and outwardly differs in that it has a wire folding stock identical to the PA md. 86 stock, and that all of the rifles are fitted with slant brakes.
Krinkov version
The carbine (short barrel) version of the model 90 was designed for tank crews and special forces. The barrel is shortened, the front sight is moved on the gas block, and a new flash hider is installed.
Users
Initially used exclusively by the Romanian Army in the 1960s, they were widely exported in the 1970s and after the PA md. 86 entered production. A large number of these rifles got into the hands of Arab paramilitary organizations. Muammar Gaddafi is also known to have supplied some of his imported rifles to the Provisional Irish Republican Army, whose members have regularly been seen brandishing the weapons in propaganda videos.
- Romania: Used by Navy personnel, border guards, tank crews, reserve troops and in training.
- Moldova
- Morocco
- Georgia
- Jordan: Sold in 2005-2006, some of which were found to be defective. The Cugir plant and Supreme Council for National Defense lost credibility as a result.[1]
- Libya
- Ireland: Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA)
- Palestinian National Authority
- Iraq: Used by insurgents, and also military and police.
Afghanistan Army, Police and Border Police starting in 2005. Also found in use during the Lebanese Civil War 1975-1990, The Angolan Armed Forces (FAPLA) and used in Mozambique by RENAMO and FRELIMO forces during the 1970's and 1980's.
Resources
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References
External Links
- Romanian Export Kalashnikov versions at Romanian Kalashnikov Rifles
- Kalashnikov guns website (confuses the md. 63 designation for the md. 65)
- SC Fabrica de Arme Cugir SA - Arms Factory - md. 63 Assault Rifle
- SC Fabrica de Arme Cugir SA - Arms Factory - md. 65 Assault Rifle
- SC Fabrica de Arme Cugir SA - Arms Factory - md. 90 Assault Rifle
- SC Fabrica de Arme Cugir SA - Arms Factory - md. 90 Carbine
| "PM md. 63/65" is part of a series on the AK-47 and its cousins |
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