Kalashnikov AK-47

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	Weapon: Kalashnikov AK-47 Type: Assault Rifle Country of Origin: USSR Year Adopted: 1949 Caliber: 7.62x39mm Action: Select Fire Overall Length (mm): 880.0 Overall Length (in): 34.65 Weight (kg): 4.00 Weight (pounds): 8.82 Effective Range (m): 350 m Effective Range (yards): 382.76

The Kalashnikov AK-47 is one of the most iconic and widely recognized firearms in history. Developed by Soviet engineer Mikhail Kalashnikov in the late 1940s, the AK-47 was designed to be a reliable, simple, and effective automatic rifle for Soviet infantry. Officially adopted by the Soviet military in 1949, the AK-47 (Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947) was a response to the need for a rugged, mass-producible weapon that could withstand harsh conditions while providing ample firepower. Chambered in the 7.62x39mm intermediate cartridge, the AK-47 was capable of both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire, making it highly versatile. Its gas-operated, rotating bolt mechanism contributed to its famous durability, allowing it to function effectively in extreme climates, from deserts to jungles.

The AK-47 was widely adopted by Soviet and Warsaw Pact forces during the Cold War, and it quickly became the standard-issue weapon for communist and revolutionary forces worldwide. Its simplicity made it easy to manufacture, maintain, and operate, which was a key reason for its proliferation. The AK-47 became synonymous with guerrilla warfare, anti-colonial struggles, and insurgencies in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The rifle's success was further cemented by the Soviet Union's policy of providing military aid to allied nations and revolutionary movements, resulting in the AK-47 being used in conflicts such as the Vietnam War, the Cuban Revolution, and numerous wars of independence throughout the developing world. Its reliability in harsh conditions made it the preferred choice for poorly equipped fighters, and it was seen as a symbol of resistance against colonialism and imperialism.

The AK-47's notoriety extends far beyond the battlefield. Its rugged design, cheap production, and widespread availability have made it the weapon of choice for both legitimate military forces and criminal groups, including paramilitaries, militias, and terrorist organizations. The silhouette of the AK-47 has become a symbol of revolution and armed struggle, appearing on national flags and emblems, such as those of Mozambique and Hezbollah. Despite the development of more modern assault rifles, the AK-47 remains in use around the world, both in combat and as a cultural icon. Its legacy is unmatched in terms of the sheer number of rifles produced-estimated in the hundreds of millions-and its enduring influence on modern military firearms design.

AK47 Basics