The AK-47: Kalashnikov-series assault rifles

Osprey Weapons #8

by Gordon L. Rottman

A detailed, fully illustrated study of the most recognizable assault rifle ever produced.

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, its production continues to this day, with an estimated 75 million produced worldwide.

Supported by photographs and original artwork, 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.

Genres: Military Fiction, History, Military History, Russia, Nonfiction

148 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Gordon L Rottman served for 26 years in the US Army in Special Forces, airborne infantry, long-range reconnaissance patrol, and military intelligence assignments in the Regular Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve. He has worked as a Special Operations Forces scenario writer for 14 years at the Army' s Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk , Louisiana where he developed training exercises for Special Forces.
Gordon began writing military history books in 1984 and is currently a full-time author. He has written 50 books for Osprey.He is married with four children and lives in Cypress, Texas.

Reviews

[Steve Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Terribly repetitive at times. Rottman mentions three times in a span of a half dozen pages that the AK and SKS rifles served side by side for a period of time. Got it the first time, Gordon, thanks.

It has some useful information, though when combined with CJ Chivers “The Gun” and other books, a reader can get a grasp on the impact this weapon had on the world...and still does.

[Sleepy Boy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good study of the AK and its variants. Some neat photos coupled with excellent artwork and text make this a great introductory piece to the AK-47.

[nicholas kreiling · Rating 4 out of 5]

History of a weapon that changed and is changing the world.

Very well written with the basic history plus a lot of little tidbits of extra information. The AK 47 is a truly timeless weapon that changed the world when it came out, and will no doubt continue to change the world for generations to come.

[Cody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as detailed as other options, but still worth a look for anyone curious about the AK platform.

[Lucius18 H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nice one, recommend it