AK-47: The History and Curiosities of the World’s Most Famous Rifle

The AK-47, also known as the Kalashnikov, is one of the most iconic and widely used assault rifles in the world.

Created by Soviet engineer Mikhail Kalashnikov, the rifle became a symbol of resistance and revolutions, adopted by armies, guerrilla fighters, and security forces in over 100 countries.

+ Video: The first prototype of the 7.62mm Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle

The development of the AK-47 began in the 1940s during World War II when the Soviet Union sought a compact, durable, and easy-to-maintain weapon to replace the Mosin-Nagant and PPSh-41 rifles. In 1947, Kalashnikov’s design was selected as the winner of a military competition and entered production in 1949 as the “Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947.”

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Its simplicity, robustness, and reliability were key factors in its success. The AK-47 was designed to operate in various harsh conditions, including mud, sand, and extreme temperatures, without compromising performance.

• The AK-47 is the most produced firearm in the world, with over 100 million units manufactured.
• Its reliability is so high that it can fire even when dirty or submerged in water.
• The rifle appears on the flag of Mozambique, symbolizing the struggle for independence.
• Countries such as China and Egypt have manufactured their own versions of the AK-47 under a Soviet license.
• It is widely used by armed forces and insurgent groups due to its low cost and ease of use.
• Mikhail Kalashnikov, its creator, never received royalties for the rifle’s design.

The AK-47 is one of the most iconic weapons in video games, appearing in numerous shooting and action titles. Its popularity in games reflects its real-world reputation, often depicted as a reliable and powerful weapon. Some of the major games featuring the AK-47 include:

• Counter-Strike – One of the most popular weapons in the franchise, the AK-47 is known for its high damage and first-shot accuracy.
• Call of Duty – The rifle appears in multiple editions of the series, with variations in damage, accuracy, and customization.
• Battlefield – The AK-47 and its variants are widely used in versions set in modern and historical conflicts.
• PUBG – Known in the game as “Beryl M762” and “AKM,” the rifle is valued for its high damage and versatility.
• Far Cry – In various editions of the series, the AK-47 is one of the basic weapons available from the early stages of the game.

Technical Specifications

• Caliber: 7.62x39mm
• Weight: Approximately 4.3 kg (with a full magazine)
• Length: 870 mm
• Barrel length: 415 mm
• Firing mode: Automatic and semi-automatic
• Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
• Effective range: About 400 meters
• Rate of fire: Approximately 600 rounds per minute

The legacy of the AK-47 remains alive, influencing generations of modern firearms and maintaining its reputation as one of the most efficient rifles in military history.

Even decades after its launch, it continues to be one of the most recognized and widely used firearms in the world.

Source and images: Telegram @kalashnikovnews. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.