AK-47

{{split-apart|AK-47|AKM|discuss={{TALKPAGENAME}}#AKM_break-off|date=December 2007}}

{{Infobox Weapon
|name=AK-47<ref>Table data are for AK-47 with Type 2/3 receiver.</ref>
|image=[[Image:AK-47 type II Part DM-ST-89-01131.jpg|300px|A "second model" AK-47. This was the first machined receiver variation.]]
|caption=A Type 2 AK-47, the first machined receiver variation.
|origin={{flagcountry|Soviet Union}}
|type=[[Assault rifle]]
|is_ranged=yes
|service=1949–present
|used_by=[[Warsaw Pact]], [[Post-Soviet states]], many others
|designer=[[Mikhail Kalashnikov]]
|design_date=1947
|manufacturer=Izhevsk Mechanical Works
|production_date=
|number=approx. 100 million<ref>Gorshkov, Nikolai. "Russian producer wins Kalashnikov rights." BBC News — World Edition. Internet, available from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2021173.stm. Accessed 07/19/2006.</ref>
|variants=See variants
|weight={{kg to lb| 3.8|abbr=on|precision=1|wiki=yes}} empty,</br> {{kg to lb| 4.3|abbr=on|precision=1|wiki=yes}}loaded
|length= {{mm to in| 870|abbr=on|precision=1|wiki=yes}}
|part_length={{mm to in| 415|abbr=on|precision=1|wiki=yes}}

|cartridge=[[7.62x39mm|7.62x39mm M43]]
|action=[[Gas-operated reloading|Gas-operated]], [[rotating bolt]]
|rate=600 rounds/min
|velocity={{convert| 710|m/s|0|lk=on|sp=us|abbr=on}}
|range=300 [[Metre|m]] (330 [[Yard|yd]])
|feed=30-round detachable box magazine; compatible w/ [[RPK]] 40-round box, 75-round [[drum magazine]].
|sights= Adjustable [[iron sights]], optional mount required for optical sights
}}
The '''AK-47''' (short for {{lang-ru |Автомат Калашникова образца 1947 года|Avtomat Kalashnikova obraztsa 1947 goda}}; Kalashnikov model automatic rifle of 1947) is a gas operated [[assault rifle]] which was used in most [[Eastern bloc]] countries during the [[Cold War]].

Adopted and standardized in 1947, it was designed by [[Mikhail Kalashnikov]] and originally produced by [[Soviet]] manufacturer [[Izhevsk Mechanical Works]].<ref name="poyer">Poyer, Joe. The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations (Paperback). North Cape Publications. 2004. pp1.</ref> Compared with most auto-loading [[rifle]]s of [[World War II]], the AK-47 is compact, of comparative range, moderate power, and capable of [[selective fire]]. It was one of the first true assault rifles and, due to its durability and ease of use, remains the most widely used assault rifle. More AK-type rifles have been produced than any other assault rifle type.<ref name="poyer"/>

==History==
===Design background===
During [[World War II]], the [[Germans]] developed the [[assault rifle]] concept, based upon research that showed that most firefights happen at close range, within 300 [[meter]]s. The power and range of contemporary rifle cartridges was excessive for most small arms firefights. As a result, armies sought a cartridge and rifle combining [[submachine gun]] features (large-capacity magazine, selective-fire) with an intermediate-power cartridge effective to 300 meters. To reduce manufacturing costs, the [[7.92x57mm Mauser]] cartridge case was shortened, the result of which was the lighter [[7.92x33mm Kurz]] (German: Short).

The resultant rifle, the [[Sturmgewehr 44]] (StG44) was not the first with these features; its predecessors were the [[Italy|Italian]] [[Cei-Rigotti]] and the [[Imperial Russia|Russia]]n [[Fedorov Avtomat]] design rifles. The Germans, however, were the first to produce and field sufficient numbers of this assault rifle to properly evaluate its combat utility. Towards the end of the war, they fielded the weapon against the Soviets; the experience deeply influenced Soviet military doctrine in the post-war years.

[[Mikhail Kalashnikov]] began imagining his assault rifle while in hospital after being wounded in the [[Battle of Bryansk]].<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,288456,00.html AK-47 Inventor Doesn't Lose Sleep Over Havoc Wrought With His Invention</ref> A frequent topic of conversation among the patients was the lack of an automatic rifle to match those of the Germans. After tinkering with designs, he entered a competition that had been launched for a new weapon that would take the 7.62x41mm cartridge developed by Elisarov and Semin in 1943. (The 7.62x41mm cartridge predated the current 7.62x39mm). A particular requirement of the competition was the reliability of the firearm in the muddy, wet, and frozen conditions of the Soviet frontline. Influenced by the simplicity of the design of [[Aleksei Sudaev]]'s [[PPS-43 submachine gun]], Kalashnikov produced his "Mikhtim" (derived from his first name and [[patronymic]]) and won the competition after it was dragged through mud, sand, and dust and was still able to fire without jamming. The "Mikhtim" was the prototype for the development of a family of firearms which culminated in the AK-47 in 1947.<ref>Kalashnikov, Mikhail, "How and Why I Produced My Submachine Gun", in ''Sputnik: A Digest of Soviet Press'', Novosti Press Agency, Moscow, June 1983, pp 70–75.</ref>

===Design concept===
Mikhail Kalashnikov denies his assault rifle was ''based'' on the German StG44 assault rifle despite [[circumstantial evidence]] to the contrary. The AK-47 is best described as a hybrid of previous rifle technology innovations: the double locking lugs and unlocking raceway of the [[M1 Garand rifle|M1 Garand]]/[[M1 carbine]], <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ak-47.net/ak47/galil.html|title=www.ak-47.net/ak47/galil.html|accessdate=2007-06-01}}</ref> the trigger and safety mechanism of the [[John Browning]] designed [[Remington Arms|Remington]] Model 8 rifle,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.remington.com/library/history/firearm_models/centerfire/model_8.asp|title=www.remington.com/library/history/firearm_models/centerfire/model_8.asp|accessdate=2007-06-01}}</ref> and the gas system and layout of the StG44. The main advantages of the Kalashnikov rifle are simple design and adaptation to [[mass production]]; it is a fusion of the best the Garand, Browning, and [[Sturmgewehr 44|StG44]] had to offer. Kalashnikov's team had access to all of these weapons and had no need to reinvent the wheel.<ref>Ezell, Edward Clinton (1986). The AK-47 Story: Evolution of the Kalashnikov Weapons. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books. ISBN 0-8117-0916-7.</ref>

===Receiver development history===
[[Image:AKMS and AK-47 DD-ST-85-01270.jpg|right|thumb|AKS-47 on a Type 4B receiver (top), with a Type 2A.]]

There were many difficulties during the initial phase of production. The first production models had stamped sheet metal [[receiver (firearms)|receivers]]. Difficulties were encountered in welding the guide and ejector rails, causing high rejection rates.<ref>Poyer, 8</ref> Instead of halting production, a heavy machined receiver was substituted for the sheet metal receiver.<ref>Poyer, 9</ref> This was a more costly process, but the use of machined receivers accelerated production as tooling and labor for the earlier [[Mosin-Nagant]] rifle's machined receiver 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.<ref>Poyer, 9</ref>

Once manufacturing difficulties had been overcome, a redesigned version designated the AKM (''M'' for ''modernized'' or ''upgraded''—in Russian: Автомат Калашникова Модернизированный ''Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizirovanniy'') was introduced in 1959.<ref>Ezell, 36</ref> This new model used a stamped sheet metal receiver and featured a slanted [[muzzle brake]] on the end of the [[gun barrel|barrel]] to compensate for [[Muzzle (firearm)|muzzle]] rise under recoil. In addition, a hammer retarder was added to prevent the weapon from firing out of battery (without the bolt being fully closed), during rapid or automatic fire.<ref>Poyer, 11</ref> This is also sometimes referred to as a "cyclic rate reducer", or simply "rate reducer", as it also has the effect of reducing the number of rounds fired per minute during automatic fire. It was also lighter than the previous model, at roughly one-third lighter.<ref>Ezell, 36</ref> 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. This model is the most commonly encountered, having been produced in much greater quantities. All rifles based on the Kalashnikov design are frequently referred to as AK-47s in the West, although this is only correct when applied to rifles based on the original 3 receiver types.<ref>Poyer, 2</ref> In most former Eastern Bloc countries, the weapon is known simply as the "Kalashnikov". The photo above at right illustrates the differences between the Type 2 milled receiver and the Type 4 stamped, including the use of rivets rather than welds on the stamped receiver, as well as the placement of a small dimple above the magazine well for stabilization of the magazine.

In 1978, the Soviet Union began replacing their AK-47 and AKM rifles with a newer design, the [[AK-74]]. This new rifle and cartridge had only started being exported to eastern European nations when the Soviet Union collapsed, drastically slowing production of this and other weapons of the former Soviet bloc.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left" align="center" border="0" name=Receiver type classifications
! Receiver type
! Description
|-
! Type 1A/B
| Original stamped receiver for AK-47. -1B modified for folding stock. A large hole is present on each side to accommodate the hardware for the underfolding stock.
(this naming convention continues with all types)
|-
! Type 2A/B
| Milled from steel forging.
|-
! Type 3A/B
| "Final" version of the milled receiver, from steel bar stock. The most ubiquitous example of the milled-receiver AK-47.
|-
! Type 4A/B
| Stamped AKM receiver. Overall, the most-used design in the construction of the AK-series rifles.
|-
|}

==Features==
The AK is simple, inexpensive to manufacture and easy to clean and maintain. Its ruggedness and reliability are legendary.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strategypage.com/dls/articles/20030423.asp|title=www.strategypage.com/dls/articles/20030423.asp|accessdate=2007-06-01}}{{dead link|date=November 2007}}</ref><ref name="reuters">{{cite web | url=http://today.reuters.com/misc/genImage.aspx?uri=2007-10-20T210417Z_01_MGA02_RTRIDSP_2_NICARAGUA.jpg&resize=full | title=Special force unit soldiers take part in a military training exercise at a military base near Managua. | first=Oswaldo | last=Rivas | publisher=[[Reuters]] | format=JPEG | datepublished=2007-10-20 | accessdate=2007-10-22}}</ref> The large gas piston, generous clearances between moving parts, and tapered cartridge case design allow the gun to endure large amounts of foreign matter and fouling without failing to cycle. This reliability comes at the cost of accuracy, as the looser tolerances do not allow the precision and consistency that are required of more accurate firearms. Reflecting Soviet infantry doctrine of its time, the rifle is meant to be part of massed infantry fire, not long range engagements.

The notched rear tangent iron sight is adjustable, and is calibrated in hundreds of meters. The front sight is a post adjustable for elevation in the field. [[Windage]] adjustment is done by the armory before issue. The battle setting places the round within a few [[centimeter]]s above or below the point of aim out to about 250 meters (275 yd). This "[[point-blank range]]" setting allows the shooter to fire the gun at any close target without adjusting the sights. Longer settings are intended for area suppression. These settings mirror the [[Mosin-Nagant]] and [[SKS]] rifles which the AK-47 replaced. This eased transition and simplified training.

The prototype of the AK-47, the AK-46, had a separate fire selector and safety.<ref name="popeneker">Popeneker, Maxim & Williams, Anthony. ''Assault Rifle'' The Crowood Press Ltd. (2005) ISBN 1-86126-700-2.</ref> These were later combined in the production version to simplify the design. The fire selector acts as a dust cover for the ejection port when placed on safe. This makes it easier to carry the AK-47 through difficult terrain because the operator only has to safe the firearm, and does not have to remember to close another latch to protect the operating mechanism.

The [[caliber|bore]] and [[Chamber (weaponry)|chamber]], as well as the gas piston and the interior of the [[pneumatic cylinder|gas cylinder]], are generally [[chromium]]-plated. This plating dramatically increases the life of these parts by resisting corrosion and wear. This is particularly important, as most military-production ammunition during the 20th century contained corrosive mercuric salts in the primers, which mandated frequent and thorough cleaning in order to prevent damage. Chrome plating of critical parts is now common on many modern military weapons.

===Operating cycle===
To fire, the operator inserts a loaded [[magazine (firearm)|magazine]], moves the selector lever to the lowest position, pulls back and releases the charging handle, aims, and then pulls the [[trigger (firearms)|trigger]]. In this setting, the firearm fires only once (semi-automatic), requiring the trigger to be released and depressed again for the next shot. With the selector in the middle position (full-automatic), the rifle continues to fire, automatically cycling fresh rounds into the chamber, until the magazine is exhausted or pressure is released from the trigger. As each bullet travels through the barrel, a portion of the gases expanding behind it is diverted into the gas tube above the barrel, where it impacts the gas piston. The piston, in turn, is driven backward, pushing the bolt carrier, which causes the bolt to move backwards, ejecting the spent round, and chambering a new round when the recoil spring pushes it back.<ref name="army">Department of the Army. Operators Manual for AK-47 Assault Rifle. 203d Military Intelligence Battalion</ref>

===Disassembly===
Dismantling the rifle involves the operator depressing the magazine catch and removing the magazine. The charging handle is pulled to the rear and the operator inspects the chamber to verify the weapon is unloaded. The operator presses forward on the retainer button at the rear of the receiver cover while simultaneously lifting up on the rear of the cover to remove it. The operator then pushes the spring assembly forward and lifts it from its raceway, withdrawing it out of the bolt carrier and to the rear. The operator must then pull the carrier assembly all the way to the rear, lift it, and then pull it away. The operator removes the bolt by pushing it to the rear of the bolt carrier; rotating the bolt so the camming lug clears the raceway on the underside of the bolt carrier and then pulls it forward and free. When cleaning, the operator will pay special attention to the barrel, bolt face, and gas piston, then oil lightly and reassemble.<ref name="army"/>

===Ballistics===
The standard AK-47 or AKM fires a [[7.62x39mm]] [[cartridge (weaponry)|round]] with a muzzle velocity of 710 [[metres per second]] (2,329 [[Feet per second|ft/s]]). Muzzle energy is 2,010 [[joule]]s (1,467 [[foot-pound force|ft·lbf]]). Cartridge case length is 38.6 millimetres (1.5 [[Inch|in]]), weight is 18.21 [[gram]]s (281.0 gr). Projectile weight is normally 8 grams (123 [[Grain (measure)|gr]]). The AK-47 and AKM, with the 7.62x39mm cartridge, have a maximum effective range of around 300–400 meters.

==Variants==

Kalashnikov variants include:
[[Image:AK 47.JPG|thumb|right|1952 AK-47]]
*'''AK-47 1948–51, 7.62x39mm''' — The very earliest models, with the Type 1 stamped sheet metal receiver, are now very rare.
*'''AK-47 1952, 7.62x39mm''' — Has a milled receiver and wooden [[Stock (firearm)|buttstock]] and handguard. Barrel and chamber are chrome plated to resist corrosion. Rifle weight is {{kg to lb| 4.2|abbr=on|precision=1|wiki=yes}}.
*'''AKS-47''' — Featured a downward-folding metal stock similar to that of the German [[MP40]], for use in the restricted space in the [[BMP-1|BMP]] infantry combat vehicle.
*'''[[RPK]], 7.62x39mm''' — Squad automatic rifle version with longer barrel and [[bipod]].
*'''AKM, 7.62x39mm''' — A simplified, lighter version of the AK-47; Type 4 receiver is made from stamped and riveted sheet metal (see schematic above). A slanted muzzle device was added to counter climb in automatic fire. Rifle weight is {{kg to lb| 3.61|abbr=on|precision=1|wiki=yes}} due to the lighter receiver.
*'''AKMS, 7.62x39mm''' — Folding-stock version of the AKM intended for [[airborne forces|airborne]] troops. Stock may be either side- or under-folding
*'''[[AK-74]] series, [[5.45x39mm]]''' – See [[AK-74|main article]] for details.
*'''[[AK-101]]''' series
*'''[[AK-103]]/[[AK-104]]''' series
*'''[[AK-107|AK-107/AK-108]]''' series

===Production outside of the Soviet Union/Russia===
[[Image:Rifle AK MON.jpg|right|thumb|Polish kbk AK/pmK with Type 3A receiver. The red markings are used by the [[Polish Armed Forces]] to mark weapons used for training purposes.]]
[[Image:LCpl Cheema on the AK-47.JPG|right|thumb|East German-made MPiKMS-72, a folding [[Stock (firearm)|stock]] variant of the AKM, being used by a [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marine]].]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
Military variants only.
|-
! Country !! Variant(s)
|-
! rowspan="2" |[[Albania]]
| Unknown.Others
|-
| Tip C (Type C) Sniper Rifle
|-
|-
! rowspan="9" |[[Bulgaria]]
| AKK (Type 3 AK-47), AKKS (Type 3 with side-folding buttstock)
|-
| AKKMS (AKMS) AKKN-47 (fittings for NPSU night sights)
|-
| AK-47M1 (Type 3 with black polymer furniture)
|-
| AK-47MA1/AR-M1 (same as -M1, but in 5.56 mm NATO)
|-
| AKS-47M1 (AKMS in [[5.56x45mm NATO]]), AKS-47MA1 (same as AKS-47M1, but semi-automatic only)
|-
| AKS-47S (AK-47M1, short version, with East German folding stock, laser aiming device)
|-
| AKS-47UF (short version of -M1, Russian folding stock), AR-SF (same as -47UF, but 5.56 mm NATO)
|-
| AKS-93SM6 (similar to -47M1, cannot use grenade launcher)
|-
| [[RPK|RKKS]], AKT-47 (.22 rimfire training rifle)
|-
![[People's Republic of China|China]]
| [[Type 56|Type 56 Rifle]] (''not'' [[Chinese Type 56 Carbine|Carbine]])
|-
! [[Finland]]
| [[Rk 62]]
|-
! [[East Germany|German Democratic Republic]]
| MPi-K (AK-47), MPi-KS (AKS), MPi-KM (AKM), MPi-KMS72 (AKMS);
|-
! [[Egypt]]
| AK-47, [[MISR (firearm)|MISR 7.62]] (AKM), Maadi
|-
! [[Hungary]]
| AK-63D/E, [[AKM-63]], [[AMD-65]], AMD-65M, AMMSZ, AMP, NGM 5.56
|-
! rowspan="2"|[[Iraq]]
| [[Tabuk (firearm)|Tabuk]] (M70B1, and M70AB2)
|-
| Tabuk sniper rifle (M70B1 with 23.6-inch barrel, optics, different stock)
|-
! [[India]]
| India's Ordnance Factory Board made a clone of the AK-47, known as the AK-7
|-
! [[Iran]]
| KLS (AK-47), KLF (AKS), KLT (AKMS)
|-
! [[Morocco]]
| AK-47, [[MISR (firearm)|MISR 7.62]] (AKM), Maadi
|-
! [[North Korea]]
| Type 58A (Type 3 AK-47), Type 58B (stamped steel folding stock), Type 68A (AKM-47) [[Type 68 (North Korea)|Type 68B]] (AKMS)
|-
![[Pakistan]]
| [[Reverse_Engineering|Reverse engineered]] by hand and machine in Pakistan's semi-autonomous tribal areas
|-
![[Poland]]
| pmK/kbk AK (name has changed from pmK - "pistolet maszynowy Kałasznikowa" to the kbk AK - "karabinek AK" in mid 1960s) (AK-47), pmK/kbk AK (it is not a mistake, AKS was also called kbk AK in Poland) (AKS), [[kbkg wz. 1960]] ("kbk Ak PNG60" is a false name, a common mistake), kbk AKM (AKM), kbk AKMS (AKMS), [[kbk wz. 1988 Tantal]] (Tantal has nothing in common with the Russian AK-74, it was based on the 7.62mm [[AKMS wz. 1981|kbk AKMS wz. 81]]), [[kbs wz. 1996 Beryl]] (Beryl is based on 5.56mm kbk wz. 91, the Tantal designed to the 5.56x45mm cartridge)
|-
![[Romania]]
| AI (AK-47), AIS (AKS), [[AIM (rifle)|AIM, AIMS]] (AKM, AKMS), AIR
|-
![[SFRY|Yugoslavia]] and [[Serbia]]
| M59, M64 (AK-47 with longer barrel), M64A (grenade launcher)
M64B (M64 w/ folding stock), M66, [[Zastava M70|M70]], M70A, M70B, M76 (sniper rifle),[[Zastava M77|M77]], M92, [[Zastava M21|M21]]
|-
![[USA]]
| Civilian versions of the AK-47 are being produced in the US
|-
![[Vietnam]]
| Chinese Type-56; VPA special forces use AK-74 variant
|-
![[Venezuela]]
| AK-103 variant produced under license
|-
|-
|}

Certainly more have been produced elsewhere; but the above list represents known producers and is limited to only military variants. An updated AKM design is still produced in Russia.

===Derivatives===
[[Image:AK-47 and Type 56 DD-ST-85-01269.jpg|thumb|right|[[Type 56]] and AK-47]]
The basic design of the AK-47 has been used as the basis for other successful rifle designs such as the [[Finland|Finnish]] [[Rk 62|Valmet 62/76]] and [[Rk 95 TP|Sako Rk 95 TP]], the [[Israel]]i [[Galil]], the [[India]]n [[INSAS rifle|INSAS]] and the Yugoslav [[Zastava M76]] and M77/82 (not to be confused with the [[M82 Barrett rifle|Barrett M82]]) rifles. Several [[bullpup]] designs have surfaced such as the Chinese [[Norinco Type 86S]], although none have been produced in quantity. Bullpup conversions are also available commercially. For a complete list, see the [[List of weapons influenced by the Kalashnikov design]].

===Licensing===
Russia has repeatedly claimed that the majority of manufacturers produce AK-47 without a proper [[license]] from [[IZH]].<ref>"Восточная Европа захватила рынок продаж автоматов Калашникова". Lenta.Ru. Internet, available from http://www.lenta.ru/news/2006/06/13/rifles/. Accessed 07/19/2006.</ref><ref>
"'Ижмаш' подсчитал контрафактные автоматы Калашникова". Lenta.Ru. Internet, available from http://lenta.ru/news/2006/04/15/fake. Accessed 07/19/2006.
</ref> The [[Izhevsk]] Machine Tool Factory acquired a patent in 1999, making manufacture of the Kalashnikov rifle system by anyone other than themselves illegal.<ref>Poyer, 2</ref> However, nearly one million AK-47 assault rifles are manufactured illegally each year.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,288456,00.html AK-47 Inventor Doesn't Lose Sleep Over Havoc Wrought With His Invention </ref>

==Illicit trade==
Throughout the world, the AK and variants are among the commonly smuggled small arms sold to governments, rebels, criminals, and civilians alike, with little international oversight. This trade ensures a ready supply of inexpensive weapons to a number of conflicts, including the [[Balkans]], [[Iraq]], [[Afghanistan]], and [[Somalia]]. In some countries that are recovering from war or that are at war, prices for AKs are very low. In [[Somalia]], [[Rwanda]], [[Mozambique]], [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo]] and [[Ethiopia]], among others, prices are between $30–$125.<ref>"The AK-47: The World's Favourite Killing Machine." ControlArms Briefing Note. Internet, available from http://www.controlarms.org/find_out_more/reports/AK_47.pdf, accessed 07/28/2006.</ref>
After the Soviet retreat from [[Afghanistan]], the Soviet Army left huge quantities of weapons including AKs which were used in its civil war between [[Taliban]] and [[Northern Alliance]] and were also exported to [[Pakistan]]. It is now also made in [[Pakistan|Pakistan's]] semi-autonomous areas. It is widely used by tribes in Africa like the [[Hamer people|Hamar]], amongst others.

==Legal status==
{{main|AK-47 legal status}}
The [[AK-47 legal status|legal status of the AK-47]] varies in different localities.

==Cultural influence==
[[Image:Coat of arms of Mozambique.png|thumb|right|[[Coat of arms of Mozambique]], showing an AK-47.]]

During the [[Cold War]], the Soviet Union, Communist China and the United States supplied arms and technical knowledge to numerous client-state countries and rebel forces. This period saw the export, sometimes free of charge, of AK-47s by the Soviet Union and Communist China to pro-communist countries and groups such as the [[Nicaragua]]n [[Sandinistas]] and [[Vietcong]]. The AK design was spread to over 55 national armies.

The proliferation of this weapon is reflected by more than just numbers. The AK is included in the [[flag of Mozambique]] and its [[coat of arms]]. It is also found in the coat of arms of [[Zimbabwe]] and [[East Timor]], the revolution era [[coat of arms of Burkina Faso]], the [[flag of Hezbollah]], and the logo of the [[Iran]]ian [[Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps]]. "Kalash", a shortened form of "Kalashnikov", is used as a name for boys in some African countries.

In the United States, movie makers often arm criminals, gang members and terrorist characters with AKs. In 2006, Colombian musician and peace activist [[Cesar Lopez|César López]] devised the ''[[escopetarra]]'', an AK converted into a guitar. One sold for US$17,000 in a fundraiser held to benefit the victims of [[anti-personnel mines]], while another was exhibited at the United Nations' [[Conference on Disarmament]].<ref name="BBC">{{cite news|title=Escopetarras: disparando música|last=Latorre|first=Héctor|date=2006-01-24|accessdate=2007-01-31|publisher=BBC World|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/misc/newsid_4644000/4644028.stm}}</ref>

==Kalashnikov Museum==

The Kalashnikov Museum<ref>http://www.ak47-guide.com/ Offical website</ref> (also called the AK-47 Museum) opened November 4, 2004 in Izhevsk, a city in the Ural Mountains of Russia. The museum has focused backward in time it chronicles the official biography of General Kalashnikov, from his childhood to proletarian hero. The Museum Complex of Small Arms of M. T. Kalashnikov, a series of halls and multimedia exhibitions devoted to the AK-47 assault rifle and its offspring. The museum complex has been drawing on average 10,000 visitors a month. The museum serves as Russia's monument to an infantry weapon and to the workers who have made it for almost 60 years. {{cquote|It presents the guns and their history with civic pride and a revived sense of national confidence. Think of Izhesvk as the Detroit of Slavic small arms. The exhibitions, ranging from static displays of weapons to plasma-screen video presentations showing the guns' use in recent decades, reflect a laborer's affection for what has long flowed from nearby foundries and assembly lines. Much of the material is also viewed through the life of Gen. Mikhail T. Kalashnikov, the man credited with designing the weapon in secret trials in 1947, and who still lives a few blocks away. Were you to substitute automobiles for firearms and add a bit of military décor, this might be a museum celebrating Henry Ford.<ref>Chivers, C.J. http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/02/18/travel/18heads.html The New York Times 2007-2-18</ref>}}
“We emphasize the peaceful side of this story,” said Nadezhda Vechtomova, the museum director. “We are trying to separate the weapon as a weapon of murder from the people who are producing it and to tell its history in our country.”

==See also==
* [[AK-47 variants]]
* [[Comparison of the AK-47 and M16]]
* [[List of Russian Weaponry]]
* [[List of weapons influenced by the Kalashnikov design]]

==Notes==

{{reflist|2}}

==References and further reading==
<div class="references-small">

* Cutshaw, Charlie; Shilin, Valery. ''Legends and Reality of the AK: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the History, Design, and Impact of the Kalashnikov Family of Weapons''. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press, 2000 (paperback, ISBN 1-58160-069-0).
* {{cite book
| last = Ezell
| first = Edward Clinton
| year = 1986
| title = The AK-47 Story: Evolution of the Kalashnikov Weapons
| location = Mechanicsburg, PA
| publisher = Stackpole Books
| id = ISBN 0-8117-0916-7
}} (Before his death, Ezell was the curator of military history at the [[Smithsonian Museum]].)
* {{cite book
| last = Ezell
| first = Edward Clinton
| coauthors = R. Blake Stevens
| year = 2001
| title = Kalashnikov: The Arms and the Man
| location = Cobourg, ON
| publisher = Collector Grade Publications
| id = ISBN 0-88935-267-4
}}
* {{cite book
| title = [[Guinness Book of Records|Guinness World Records 2005]]
| id = ISBN 1-892051-22-2
}}
* Hodges, Michael. ''AK47: the Story of the People's Gun''. London: Sceptre, 2007 (hardcover, ISBN 0340921048).
* Kahaner, Larry. ''AK-47: The Weapon that Changed the Face of War''. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2006 (hardcover, ISBN 0-471-72641-9).
* Kalashnikov, Mikhail. ''The Gun that Changed the World''. Cambridge: Polity Press, 2006 (hardcover, ISBN 0-7456-3691-8; paperback, ISBN 0-7456-3692-6).
* Long, Duncan. ''AK47: The Complete Kalashnikov Family Of Assault Rifles''. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press, 1888 (paperback, ISBN 0-87364-477-8).
*{{cite book
| last = Poyer
| first = Joe
| year = 2004
| title=The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations (Paperback)
| location = Tustin, CA
| publisher = North Cape Publications
| id = ISBN 1-882391-33-0
}}
*{{cite book
|title = Small Arms of the World
|id = ISBN 0-88029-601-1
}}
* Walter, John. ''Kalashnikov (Greenhill Military Manuals)''. London: Greenhill Books, 1999 (Hardcover, ISBN 1-85367-364-1).
</div>

==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
{{commons|AK-47}}










* [http://www.izhmash.ru/eng Manufacturer's official site]
* [http://kalashnikov.guns.ru/ AK Site – Kalashnikov Home Page]
* [http://www.pbase.com/the_kampfer/image/47449546 Animation of an AK-47 action in operation]

===Manual===
*[http://www.nazarian.no/images/wep/284_US_Army_AK47.pdf Nazarian's Gun's Recognition Guide (MANUAL) AK 47 Manual (.pdf)]
*[[s:AK-47 Operator's Manual|US Army Operator's Manual for the AK-47 Assault Rifle]]

{{featured article}}
{{AK47 derivatives}}

[[Category:7.62 mm firearms]]
[[Category:Assault rifles]]
[[Category:Cold War infantry weapons]]
[[Category:Cold War weapons of the Soviet Union]]
[[Category:Weapons of Russia]]
[[Category:1947 introductions]]
[[Category:Military equipment of Yugoslavia]]
[[Category:Kalashnikov derivatives]]

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