AKM vs Sa vz. 58: how to tell them apart

Two military rifles that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

AKM

Rifle, Soviet Union. In service since 1959

What gives it away

Wooden stock and furniture, steeply curved 7.62 mm magazine, gas tube over the barrel and a slant-cut muzzle device.

Used by

Worldwide

Sa vz. 58

Rifle, Czechoslovakia. In service since 1958

What gives it away

Looks like an AK at first glance, but the receiver is flat and smooth with no stamped top-cover rib, and the furniture is wood-chip plastic.

Used by

Czech Republic (being replaced), Ukraine, Vietnam and others

AKM · Sa vz. 58 · All guides