What can be said about the AK-47 that has not already been said? I doubt there is much, so I will try to be brief here.
The AK-47 was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, and his often uncredited team, during the mid-1940s for a round of military trials that were instated to field an assault rifle chambered for the new M1943 cartridge, better known as the 7.62x39mm. Its designation, the AK-47, stands for Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947, or “the Automatic by Kalashnikov.” Obviously, after several trials, submissions and redesigns, the AK-47 won outright and was officially adopted by the Soviet Armed Forces in 1949. Of course, the conditions surroundings the trials and design of the firearm were much more complicated than what is presented here, but for the sake of brevity we can leave it at that.
In a design that is best described as an amalgam of existing technology, the AK-47 combined elements of the M1 Garand, the Remington Model 8 and the Sturmgewehr 44 to create a new rifle known for its durability and reliability. The military trials the rifle was subjected to stipulated that the winning rifle must be durable and reliable – able to withstand the harsh conditions of the Soviet landscape. In keeping with the stipulation, Kalashnikov designed the rifle with large, loose-fitting moving parts (gas piston, bolt carrier), which made fouling and any introduction of foreign substances (dirt, sand, saltwater etc.) practically negligible and provided the reliability demanded by the Soviet Armed Forces.
I would love to delve into the cultural impact associated with the AK-47, but much like its history and design, there is just too much there. From its inclusion on the flags and coats of arms of many nations and groups to its association with terrorists, revolutionaries and more, the cultural impact of the AK-47 is further reaching than you would imagine. I highly recommend doing some research to satisfy your curiosities.
Now, on to the specifications of our Russian-style milled AK-47. First off, the receiver on this AK-47 is milled, not stamped – meaning it was cut from a block of steel and is more “correct” than a stamped receiver. The rifle measures approximately 34 inches long, with a 16.3-inch barrel. The AK-47 comes equipped with adjustable iron sights and boasts an effective range of 400m. It is also compatible with 10, 20, 30, 40 or 75-round detachable box and drum style magazines.
If you’re looking for a reliable rifle that is both durable and reasonably accurate, look no further than our Russian-style milled AK-47. Consider the AK-47 for:
- Collections
- Reenactments
- Sport shooting
- Match shooting
- Self-defense
- Much more…