Russian AKM 6X3 Type I Release Button Variations

[Mr. B.]

Here is a minor variation in Russian AKM 6X3 Type I bayonets that is rarely noticed. The catch release buttons are often in different shapes and colors. To the best of my knowledge they are random and possibly from separate sub-suppliers with no correlation to age or specific usage. Here are 4 different styles from my collection. All 4 are bayonets from the Tula Arsenal. 1. Small edge ridge and fine checkering. 2. Circular grooves/ridges. 3. Coarse checkering with points DOWN (v). 4. Coarse checkering with points UP (^). And, No..... The last two are not an optical illusion, they are molded differently. M.