post #1854255

The Avtomat Kalashnikova, also designated the AK-47, is a Soviet assault rifle chambered in the 7.62x39mm intermediate cartridge. Designed after World War 2 to fit the need of an automatic weapon for riflemen, it took design elements from the German Sturmgewehr 44. It was widely adopted by the USSR and its satellite states, and was exported around the world. The design was refined with the AKM, which largely phased out use of the AK-47, however stockpiles of AK-47s still exist in post-Soviet states and are used in conflicts around the globe.

See also

• kalashnikov
• ranged weapon
• assault rifle