• SUBSCRIBE TO MAGAZINES
Athlon Outdoors Supersite
Tactical Life Website
Ballistic Website
Personal Defense World Website
Skillsetmag Website
  • Guns
    • Handguns
      • Semi-Automatic Handguns
      • Revolvers
    • Rifles
      • Semi-Automatic Rifles
      • Lever Action
      • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
    • Custom Guns
      • Handgun Build
      • Rifle Build
      • Shotgun Build
    • Specialty Guns
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
  • Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Shooting Rests
    • Targets
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
      • 10mm
    • Rifle Ammo
      • .223
    • Shotgun Ammo
      • 12 Gauge
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
      • Ears
      • Eyes
        • Thermal Vision
        • Night Vision
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
      • Body Armor
    • Knives
      • Tactical Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
      • Self-Defense
      • Hand to Hand Combat
    • Home Defense
    • Sport Shooting
      • Hunting
      • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
      • Shooting 101
    • Survival
      • First Aid
    • Tactical & LE
    • Pop Culture
      • People
      • Rides
      • History
      • Military
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Gun Facts & Laws
    • Police News
    • Military News
    • Politics
  • VIDEOS
No Result
View All Result
Athlon Outdoors
  • Guns
    • Handguns
      • Semi-Automatic Handguns
      • Revolvers
    • Rifles
      • Semi-Automatic Rifles
      • Lever Action
      • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
    • Custom Guns
      • Handgun Build
      • Rifle Build
      • Shotgun Build
    • Specialty Guns
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
  • Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Shooting Rests
    • Targets
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
      • 10mm
    • Rifle Ammo
      • .223
    • Shotgun Ammo
      • 12 Gauge
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
      • Ears
      • Eyes
        • Thermal Vision
        • Night Vision
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
      • Body Armor
    • Knives
      • Tactical Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
      • Self-Defense
      • Hand to Hand Combat
    • Home Defense
    • Sport Shooting
      • Hunting
      • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
      • Shooting 101
    • Survival
      • First Aid
    • Tactical & LE
    • Pop Culture
      • People
      • Rides
      • History
      • Military
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Gun Facts & Laws
    • Police News
    • Military News
    • Politics
  • VIDEOS
No Result
View All Result
Athlon Outdoors Super Site
No Result
View All Result
  • TL
  • PDW
  • BM
  • Skillset
 
YOU MUST BE A VIP - WELCOME TO THE NEW ATHLON OUTDOORS SUPERSITE! We are excited you are here!!

The AK Architect: Mikhail Kalashnikov

ShareTweetPin
Mikhail Tomofeyevich Kalashnikov Mikhail Kalashnikov lead

Mikhail Tomofeyevich Kalashnikov was easily one of the most influential small arms designers in history, and his loss was felt around the world.

Maxim PopenkerbyMaxim Popenker
March 5, 2015
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Mikhail Tomofeyevich Kalashnikov was easily one of the most influential small arms designers in history, and his loss was felt around the world.
Mikhail Kalashnikov tank
Kalashnikov’s signature creation, the AK, spawned an entire family of Soviet small arms that served during the Cold War and beyond.

I was born in the Soviet Union in 1973, a year before the adoption of the AK-74. I cannot remember when or where I first heard the name Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov, but by age 14 I was already quite familiar with his most famous creation, the “Avtomat Kalashnikova,” (AK for short) courtesy of the Soviet Union’s education system.

  • RELATED: Birth of the AK: A History of the Avtomat Kalashnikova
  • RELATED: AK Upgrades: 14 Top Optics, Sights & Lasers

When I heard of his unfortunate passing at age 94 on December 23, 2013, I began to reflect upon the influence both he and his signature weapon have had on the world.

During Soviet times, every schoolboy in 9th or 10th (final) grade in high school had to attend mandatory “beginners military training” lessons two hours a week. These lessons included basics of military insignia and uniforms, regulations, marching drills, small unit tactics and, last but not least, small arms training with a standard military rifle.

I still can remember the heft of the well-worn, demilled “training” AK that was used during our lessons to explain the function and use of the gun, as well as its disassembly, reassembly and, finally, shooting positions. Like every other boy in my grade, I first shot an AKM in 1988 (during my 9th grade) and an AK-74 the next year. For the skinny, 120-pound schoolboy that I was at the time, I found the AKM’s 7.62mm recoil almost punishing (especially when firing in a prone position). The AK-74 was almost a pleasure to fire when compared to its predecessor. It was even more pleasing to see perforated bullseyes on a standard military “chest target,” which were much easier to achieve with 5.45mm AK-74.

By this time I already had an interest in firearms, but my knowledge about Mikhail Kalashnikov was limited to his name and the designation of the famous weapons that bear his name—AK rifles, RPK squad automatics and PK universal machine guns. Only much later did I learn about the life and works of this unique man, who eventually achieved fame and a kind of cult of personality well beyond any other Soviet small arms designer.

Was this fame and reputation deserved? Undeniably. Despite the fact that most of the weapons that bear Kalashnikov’s name were synergetic products of many different people and organizations, it was Mikhail Timofeyevich who was the intellect and the driving force behind these creations. According to Soviet practice, some design bureaus and their products were allowed to bear the name of their first (founding) chief designers, and some not. For example, all aviation design bureaus were named after their founding fathers (Tupolev, Antonov, Sukhoi, Mikoyan and Gurevich, etc.), but automotive and tank design bureaus, for example, usually had some generic, non-descriptive names. General issue small arms followed the aviation pattern, however, in being named after their chief designer or designers. And despite the fact that the AK rifle is infinitely simpler and cheaper than Tupolev’s strategic bomber or Sukhoi’s supersonic interceptor, it ultimately played a more important role than those big, sleek and super-expensive jets.

Soviet Icon

The AK became the weapon of the people; first of the people of the Soviet Union, and later from the Soviet perspective of almost any people who fought for freedom and independence. Of course, sooner or later, AKs fell into the wrong hands or became weapons of oppression (like in Hungary in 1956). Nonetheless, it soon became the most popular and widespread weapon for use around the world.

So, what was the role of the Mikhail Kalashnikov in the grand scheme of things? Kalashnikov became a symbol of a self-made man in the collectivistic Soviet Union, one rising from the status of a humble sergeant with a backcountry peasant background to a rank of lieutenant general, doctor of sciences and an honorable member of many organizations and societies. He had drive and engineering talent, and he learned on the go. He always strived to find perfection in simplicity, to incorporate the best ideas and to produce the most reliable weapons possible under existing circumstances. In a way, he also was an ideal Soviet citizen—hardworking, humble and forgiving of the state for the hardships it placed on its citizens through mistakes or bad policies.

Finally, Kalashnikov was responsible for some of the most successful weapon designs of the 20th century.All Kalashnikov creations are simple, robust and, most important of all, work anywhere, everywhere and every time. His most famous design, the AK, is as iconic as a gun can be, but his other designs were no less successful.

For example, Kalashnikov’s PK machine gun is one of the lightest and most reliable weapons in its class, despite serious limitations that come from the obsolete, rimmed 7.62x54R round. In terms of simplicity and reliability, in my opinion it beat American designs such as the M60 universal and M73 tank machine guns. It is a rarely known fact that during the 1970s, the U.S. Army studied the Kalashnikov PKT tank machine gun as an inspiration for a possible replacement for the ill-fated M73 tank machine gun of U.S. design. In a report dated 1975, experts from the Rock Island Arsenal concluded that the “PKT machine gun is essentially a rugged, reliable weapon” and that it can be used as a basis for an improved U.S.-made tank machine gun.

In another report, dated 1974 and issued by the U.S Army Foreign Science And Technology Center, the Kalashnikov PKM machine gun was described as “fundamentally reliable, easily maintained and dependable under adverse environmental conditions,” and “accuracy of the PKM machine gun is consistent with that of most contemporary automatic weapons of its class.” This is a very high praise from people who could hardly be described as fans of anything Soviet, and the same basic description can be applied to most military small arms that bear Kalashnikov’s name.

Shaping The Future

The genius of Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov was in seeing the exact balance of existing ideas, parts and technologies that would produce the necessary result with a minimum of parts. His main motto, reflected in the title of his last memoir, was “Everything necessary is simple” (the full version of this phrase, which he often shared, was “Everything complicated is unnecessary, everything necessary is simple.”). He set the mark for following generations of small arms designers in terms of simplicity, reliability and in the effectiveness of his weapons. His influence will be felt well beyond his years here on earth. Rest in peace, Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov.         

Didn't find what you were looking for?

MOST POPULAR

All the best new handguns seen at SHOT Show 2023.

New for 2023: The 21 Best New Handguns Seen at SHOT Show

10 of the greatest pistol trainers and gunfighters

TOP 10: The Best Shooting Instructors & Gunfighters of All-Time

Police Sidearms, police duty pistols, Handguns, America's Largest Police Departments 2018

Police Sidearms: The Handguns of America’s 10 Largest Departments

Ruger LC Charger Left

NEW for 2023: Ruger LC Charger Brings 5.7x28mm to Pistol Line

TRENDING

Alien Gear OWB Cloak Belt Holster, on body

Alien Gear Cloak Holster Line Adds Much-Anticipated OWB Holster

Kel-Tec Pocket Powerhouses

SHOT Show 2018 Ballistic Innovation

Ballistic’s Guide to the Coolest Innovation at SHOT Show 2018

Kitanica American Hoodie, kitanica, kitanica american, kitanica hoodie, american hoodie

Kitanica’s American Hoodie: Perfect For The Outdoors

BROWSE BY BRAND

Skillset-Logo_yellow-153x47png
Ballistic_LOGO-217x47
CH-Logo_blue-153x47
T-L-SS-stack life-47x140
PDW_CCH_LOGO-300x101
PDW-2022-Sidebyside-logo 160x30-blk
GOW LOGO x101
AF_LOGO-184x47

SPOTLIGHT

Weatherby Model 307 action and rifles.

Weatherby Model 307: First New Weatherby Action in 50+ Years

Big news out of Weatherby with the announcement of the company's first new centerfire rifle action in more than...

RELATED POSTS

The new Springfield Armory Saint Victor in tungsten grey finish.

Springfield Armory Adds SAINT Victor 5.56 in Tungsten Grey Finish

...

ZEV Technologies OZ9 V2 Elite pistols

ZEV Technologies OZ9 V2 Elite: Pistol Modularity Redefined

...

The Meridian Defense PMC Rifle.

The Meridian Defense PMC Rifle Offers the AK-47 Your Way

...

Load More

MOST POPULAR

All the best new handguns seen at SHOT Show 2023.

New for 2023: The 21 Best New Handguns Seen at SHOT Show

10 of the greatest pistol trainers and gunfighters

TOP 10: The Best Shooting Instructors & Gunfighters of All-Time

Police Sidearms, police duty pistols, Handguns, America's Largest Police Departments 2018

Police Sidearms: The Handguns of America’s 10 Largest Departments

TRENDING

All the best new handguns seen at SHOT Show 2023.

New for 2023: The 21 Best New Handguns Seen at SHOT Show

The Mossberg MC2sc semi-auto pistol.

12 Best Micro-Compact Handguns for Concealed Carry [2022]

300 Blackout vs 308, rifles, ammunition

300 Blackout vs 308 Win: Which Round Reigns Supreme in AR-15s?

LONG RANGE PRECISION VIDEO SERIES

MORE VIDEOS

The Uzi and its long history in Hollywood movies.

Lights, Camera, Uzis: The History of Hollywood’s Uzi Love Affair

R. Lee Ermey as Gunnery Sgt. Hartman.

In His Own Words: How R. Lee Ermey Became Gunnery Sgt. Hartman

HANDGUNS

ZEV Technologies OZ9 V2 Elite pistols

ZEV Technologies OZ9 V2 Elite: Pistol Modularity Redefined

The Beretta 92XI SAO.

Beretta Expands Its Popular 92 Line with the 92XI SAO

Ruger LC Charger Left

NEW for 2023: Ruger LC Charger Brings 5.7x28mm to Pistol Line

The CZ DWX Compact.

First Look: CZ DWX Compact Comes in a Concealed Carry Size

Otto Kron’s WWI Mauser HSc.

History: The Mauser HSc Recovered After a War Criminal’s Capture

America's first high-capacity autoloader, the Savage Model 1907.

Savage Model 1907: America’s First High-Capacity Autoloader

RIFLES - click to see all

Weatherby Model 307 action and rifles.

Weatherby Model 307: First New Weatherby Action in 50+ Years

The new Springfield Armory Saint Victor in tungsten grey finish.

Springfield Armory Adds SAINT Victor 5.56 in Tungsten Grey Finish

ZEV Technologies OZ9 V2 Elite pistols

ZEV Technologies OZ9 V2 Elite: Pistol Modularity Redefined

Wisconsin To Get a New Firearms Training Center, Mission94, in Early 2024.

Mission94 Firearms Education Center to Open in Early 2024

AMMO - click to see all

Testing the effective range of the .410 for hunting and survival.

So Just How Far is the Effective .410 Range for Hunting & Survival?

Two new Henry lever-action rifles chamber the Remington 360 Buckhammer.

360 Buckhammer: Core-Lokt Ammo, Henry Levers & the BFR

Arsenal SAM7SF lead AK evergreen

Top 20 AK Rifles & Soviet Weapons

A collection of .45-70 loads for lever-action rifles.

Magnificent 7: Testing Seven of the Best .45-70 Cartridges

Back when the west was wild, coach guns were your best bet against unwanted threats.

Best Coach Guns: the Stow-N-Go Defenders You Want Riding Shotgun [2023]

We tested the performance on eight of the best 9mm defensive loads.

Top Dog 9s: We Tested 8 of the Best 9mm Self-Defense Rounds

Magazines Available Now! Subscribe today for Home Delivery!
FREE NEWSLETTERS! Subscribe!
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TERMS OF USE
  • CORPORATE
  • ADVERTISE
  • EDIT DESK
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • Handguns
      • Semi-Automatic Handguns
      • Revolvers
    • Rifles
      • Semi-Automatic Rifles
      • Lever Action
      • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
    • Custom Guns
      • Handgun Build
      • Rifle Build
      • Shotgun Build
    • Specialty Guns
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
  • Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Shooting Rests
    • Targets
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
      • 10mm
    • Rifle Ammo
      • .223
    • Shotgun Ammo
      • 12 Gauge
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
      • Ears
      • Eyes
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
      • Body Armor
    • Knives
      • Tactical Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
      • Self-Defense
      • Hand to Hand Combat
    • Home Defense
    • Sport Shooting
      • Hunting
      • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
      • Shooting 101
    • Survival
      • First Aid
    • Tactical & LE
    • Pop Culture
      • People
      • Rides
      • History
      • Military
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Gun Facts & Laws
    • Police News
    • Military News
    • Politics
  • VIDEOS

© 2023 Athlon Outdoors - Premium Firearm product and industry news, reviews and magazines" .