I've read elsewhere that the M1 influenced the design of the AK, which point was probably misinterpreted by the author. Others have suggested that Kalashnikov borrowed from multiple previous designs (including the Remington Model 8 and the M1), which probably wasn't a bad idea...
Sure. But, at the time, the goal was tighter and tighter tolerances.Kalashnikov engineered some slop into his rifle. Probably much of the reason for its’ success. Ease of manufacture, ease of operation, and being “soldier proof” are huge factors.