[Obadiah]

What does the “M” variation represent?

[Trailerpark Badass]

AK-74 with plastic side-folding buttstock and scope mount rail on left side of receiver.

[C19fan]

M = Modernizirovanniy or Modernized in English. For most ubiquitous version of the AK-47 is the AKM-47 introduced in 1959.

[smokingfrog]

In 1991 the Izhmash factory in the city of Izhevsk began full scale production of a modernized variant of the AK-74—the AK-74M (M—Russian: Модернизированный; Modernizirovanniy or "modernized") assault rifle that offers more versatility compared to its predecessor. Apart from several minor production improvements, such as a lightened bolt and carrier assembly, the rifle features a new synthetic stock made from a black, glass-filled polyamide that is shaped like the AK-74 fixed stock, but also side-folds like in the AKS-74. Additionally the AK-74M features an improved muzzle device, a reinforced smooth dust cover and a redesigned guide rod return spring retainer that allows firing the GP-25, GP-30 and GP-34 under-slung grenade launchers without having to use the previously necessary additional receiver cover fastener. Each AK-74M is fitted with a side-rail bracket for mounting optics. The AK-74M would have been adopted by the Soviet Union as the standard service rifle, and has been accepted as the new service rifle of the Russian Federation with some AK-74Ms featuring a Picatinny rail for easier mounting of optics.