The Kalashnikov AK-47 is the most ubiquitous assault rifle in the world,
with more AK-47s and its variants in use than any other individual small
arm. Created by Senior Sergeant Mikhail Kalashnikov, and first adopted
by the USSR soon after World War II (1939-1945), its production
continues to this day, with an estimated 75 million produced worldwide.
It is the longest serving post-World War II military weapon and its ease
of use, durability and low production costs ensure that its use will
continue for generations to come.
This book takes a look at the complete history of the weapon, discussing
its design, development, and usage, taking its story from the great
armies of the Soviet Union to the insurgents and criminal gangs that
often employ the weapon today.