Kalashnikov Turns 90

[audihenry]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g9tphEADS_KEd6Qo54sAqM7w7KqQ

"I created a weapon to defend the fatherland's borders. It's not my fault that it was sometimes used where it shouldn't have been. This is the fault of politicians," he said during an award ceremony at the Kremlin.

"Of course, like anyone else, there are things to regret.... But I can say one thing: I would not have chosen to lead my life any other way if I had had the opportunity."

[norcal77]

dupe thread..but very worth it, this guy made the best weapon ever. nothing beats an AK.

[bigstick61]

Is that the original AK in the picture?

[lavgrunt]

.....I hope I look that healthy when I'm 90 !!!

...Must be all the vodka........

[paratroop]

interesting "fatherland", isnt that typically used when refering to germany, while "motherland is used forr russia?

[Big O]

interesting "fatherland", isnt that typically used when refering to germany, while "motherland is used forr russia?

No, it's pretty much the same thing to him.

[Mitch]

interesting "fatherland", isnt that typically used when refering to germany, while "motherland is used forr russia?

It sure looks like a typo to me.

Another name for Russia is "Rodina," which mean "Motherland."

[hoozaru]

I always wonder what would have happened on the eastern front if he invented AK design 7 years earlier.

[Big O]

I always wonder what would have happened on the eastern front if he invented AK design 7 years earlier.

I think his design was largely based on the German Sturmgewehr 44, also known as STG 44 or MP 44, with an emphasis on simplicity in operation as well as production, as well as a loose enough fit to allow cycling with dirt and gunk. The question really is what would have happened if the Sturmgewehr came into service earlier. It's scary to think if all the kraut technologies entered service earlier (Sturmgewehr, ME 262, etc), what would have happened. Here's a Wiki pic:

[hoozaru]

STG 44 is an intermediate assault rifle, not the final product.
IIRC, STG44 is Germany's answer to PPSH, while AK is like Russia's answer to STG 44.
Is the Sturmgewehr really as reliable as the AKs, and cheap to make??

[Dr Rockso]

I think his design was largely based on the German Sturmgewehr 44, also known as STG 44 or MP 44, with an emphasis on simplicity in operation as well as production, as well as a loose enough fit to allow cycling with dirt and gunk. The question really is what would have happened if the Sturmgewehr came into service earlier. It's scary to think if all the kraut technologies entered service earlier (Sturmgewehr, ME 262, etc), what would have happened. Here's a Wiki pic:

The cartridge and overall layout are similar, but the AK has more in common mechanically with a Garand than the StG.

[Mitch]

The cartridge and overall layout are similar, but the AK has more in common mechanically with a Garand than the StG.

The "AK was copied from the STG 44" myth has more traction on the interwebs than the "racking the shotgun makes the bad guys run away screaming" myth.

[69Mach1]

Happy Birthday General Kalashnikov.......and many more.

[fearmonger]

STG 44 is an intermediate assault rifle, not the final product.
IIRC, STG44 is Germany's answer to PPSH, while AK is like Russia's answer to STG 44.
Is the Sturmgewehr really as reliable as the AKs, and cheap to make??

[acolytes]

I love using the ppsh in call of duty!!