Russian automatic assault rifle, AK stands for Avtomat Kalashnikov after its designer Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov. Eventually replaced by the AK-74 and the AKM.

The original Kalashnikov assault rifle, developed in 1943. (the 47 refers to the year when it was adopted in the Soviet army). This rifle is a gas-operated, selective-fire (both full auto and semi-auto modes of fire) firearm. It uses Soviet 7.62 x 39 mm rounds, which are fed from 30 round clip style magazine. The AK-47 has two versions- with fixed wooden stock (and detachable bayonet) and with folding metal stock (and no bayonet). A next generation model, AKM weighs about two pounds less (9 versus 11 pounds) thanks to the use of lighter components. Other improvements include better rate-of-fire control and modernized detachable bayonet. The AKM also has a folding stock version. The AK-47 has an effective range of about 300 m.

7.63 x 39 Kalashnikov automatic rifle. The most common assault weapon in the world.