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Further Reading

Avtomat Kalashnikov AK-47

The AK-47 is the most commonly encountered assault rifle on the planet. The AK-47 was first fielded with Russian troops in 1949, 13 years before the US issued its true first assault rifle (the AR-15) to the USAF and 18 years before the AR-15/M16 is adopted by the US Army. Estimates are that at least 9 million and possibly up to 100 million AK's have been produced. By one estimate, as of 1990, more than 70 million Kalashnikov automatic rifles of various designs had been produced. Anyone who has ever watched a conflict over the last half century should be familiar with the unmistakable image of the AK-47, and anyone who has ever fought in a war over the last half century is familiar with the easily recognized ak, ak, ak of an AK-47.

In addition 12 versions of the Kalashnikov weapon were adopted with the Armed Forces - AKM, AKMS assault rifles (1959), light machine gun (1959), PK, PKS machine guns (1961), PKT, PKM machine guns (1962), AK-74, AKS-74 assault rifles (1974) and AKS-74U assault rifle (1979). Many difficulties were encountered during the initial phase of production. The first production models had stamped sheet metal receivers, and problems were encountered in welding the guide and ejector rails, causing high rejection rates. Rather than halting production, a heavy machined receiver was substituted for the sheet metal receiver. This was a more costly process, but the machined receivers accelerated production since tooling and workers used in the machined receiver of the earlier Mosin-Nagant rifle were easily adapted. Partly because of these problems, the Soviets were not able to distribute large numbers of the new rifle to soldiers until 1956. During this time, production of the interim SKS rifle continued.

Both licensed and unlicensed production of the Kalashnikov weapons abroad were almost exclusively of the AKM variant, partially due to the much easier production of the stamped receiver. Once manufacturing difficulties had been overcome, the redesigned version designated the AKM (M for "modernized" or "upgraded" - in Russian: Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizirovanniy) was introduced in 1959. This new model used a stamped sheet metal receiver and featured a slanted muzzle brake on the end of the barrel to compensate for muzzle rise under recoil. The AKM Kalashnikov modernized assault rifle, cal. 7.62mm is an individual weapon intended to neutralize the enemy manpower. The assault rifle is equipped with the knife-bayonet to engage the enemy manpower in hand-to-hand fighting. The assault rifle is capable of delivering both automatic and sing le-shot fire. Automatic fire is the main method of firing: fire may be delivered in short bursts (up to 5 shots), in long bursts (up to 10 shots), and continuously. Cartridge to be used: with steel-core bullet, with tracer bullet, with increased penetration bullet. The assault rifle features a stamped and riveted receiver, a cycle retarder increasing th e fire accuracy.

AKMS Kalashnikov modernized assault rifle with a folding butt, cal. 7.6 2mm is an individual weapon intended for airborne troops to neutralize the enemy manpower. It features a folding butt. The design of the moving parts does not differ from that one of the AKM assault rifle.The assault rifle is equipped with the knife-bayonet to engage the enemy manpower in hand-to-hand fighting. The assault rifle is capable of delivering bo th automatic and single-shot fire. Automatic fire is the main method of firing: fire may be delivered in short bursts (up to 5 shots), in long bursts (up to 10 shots), and continuously. Cartridge to be used: with steel-core bullet, with tracer bullet, with increased penetration bullet. The assault rifle features a stamped and riveted receiver, a cycle retarder increasing the fire accuracy.

At present the Kalashnikov weapon, or the weapon developed from the Kalashnikov's design are in service with the Armed Forces of more than 50 countries. That fact that six countries carry its image on their national seals is the best to show respect for its creator. Nothing else even comes close to the AK dominance in geography of its spreading and level of its production. In 1963 new modifications of the AK-47 were put into production: the AKM, AKMS (with a folding butt) assault rifles, the RPK, RPKS light machine guns and their versions with a night vision sight. Development and production of new series of Kalashnikov weapon, caliber 5.45 mm, AK-74, AKS-74, RPK-74, RPKS-74 and their modifications with night vision sight are dated from 1974. In 1979 the AKS-74U (short), caliber 5.45 mm and its modifications with night vision sight was designed and put into production.

The AK-47 has come to symbolize armed struggle and national liberation, and insurrection and political violence. The AK-47 Russian assault rifle was used by the Viet Cong. The many variations of the Kalashnikov (AK-47, AK-74, AKM, etc.) represent the most recognizable weapons in the world. People call it ''The African Credit Card" and the ''Ten Dollar Weapon of Mass Destruction," and it is memorialized and idolized by the soldiers, terrorists, insurgents, and even children that hold it high in the face of wars of rebellion and religion, for everyday protection and to just survive.

In Afghanistan, most Afghan civilians carry military weapons. Similarly, following cessation of formal combat operations in Iraq (May 1, 2003), private Iraqi citizens were permitted to retain Kalashnikov AK-47 or AK-74 select fire weapons in their homes for personal protection. Iraqi citizens can own an AK-47 assault rifle as long as it's registered, but it's not legal for Iraqis to maintain an armory full of bombs, sniper rifles, and other deadly items that terrorists could used. Legally, its OK to have one AK-47 and one full magazine per household. Iraqi civilians who want to own an AK-47 are required to register it with the local Iraqi police. They need to bring their personal identification documents and weapon to their local police station so the serial number can be recorded and matched to the identity of the owner.

AK-47, The Weapon That Changed the Face of War, tells the story of modern warfare's arguably most vicious and effective killing machine, the Avtomat Kalashnikov 1947. The author, Larry Kahaner, accounts the history of the AK-47 from its humble beginnings in Russia to its influence in almost every war, conflict or rebellion at every corner of the earth.