The Soviet AK47/AKM assault rifle (meaning literally "Kalashnikov's automatic rifle model of year 1947") is a selective fire, gas operated 7.62mm assault rifle developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov. Over sixty years later, the AK-47 and its variants and derivatives remain in service throughout the world. It has been manufactured in numerous countries and has seen service with regular armed forces as well as irregular, revolutionary and terrorist organizations throughout the world. It was one of the first true assault rifles and, due to its durability, low production cost and ease of use, the weapon and its numerous variants remain the most widely used assault rifles in the world-so much so that more AK-type rifles have been produced than all other assault rifles combined. This guide brings together the complete family of AK47 variants, detailing specifications, operations, design, development and full illustrations of all such variants to provide a comprehensive history of this unique weapon. About the Author Duncan Long is an internationally recognised nonfiction and fiction writer of countless books and magazine articles on weapons and warfare.
He is a best-selling Paladin author, with more than 20 firearms manuals in print.