[varmintman]

Sorry, I don’t picture anybody, least of all Russians needing a muzzle brake on a 22cal rifle and the thing doesn’t look at all like any muzzle brake I’ve ever seen, it’s almost certainly one or the new dog whistle type silencers meant to reduce noise levels to non-dangerous levels, the Russians got tired of everybody being hard of hearing after their stints in the military.

[Trod Upon]

It is 100% a muzzle brake. I am on friendly terms with the 74. While the 5.45 isn't a fire-breathing monster of a cartridge, the ak series is prone to muzzle climb, and that brake is an effective one in full auto fire. If you look at the picture you can see the lower rib below the vents more clearly than the one on top. That's because it is nearly twice as wide as the one above, directing muzzle blast upward and to the sides. In addition, if you look at the little ports farther back, one points 90 degrees to the right, one is up higher and points up and right, while there is one a little farther back still (not seen in picture) that points up and left. It's not about reducing felt recoil on this rifle but rather control and staying on target in full auto.

It's no coincidence the design is from 1974; they watched the NVA and VC get chewed up by the M16 and were duly impressed by what small rounds can do in numbers on target. That rifle is all about delivering accurate full auto fire in quantity. Great in the jungle or urban environs, but out in Assholestan they have the same range issue as the 5.56 does. If you want to see one in action, here is a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPht6vZo-zQ
Watch the smoke and you can see it working.