The AK-47 is a a selective-fire, gas-operated 7.62x39mm assault rifle, first developed in the Soviet Union by military engineer, Mikhail Kalashnikov. It is also known as Kalashnikov, AK, or in the Russian slang as Kalash.

Design work on the AK-47 began in 1945. After the war, in 1946, the AK-47 was presented for official military trials. In 1948, the fixed-stock version was introduced into active service with selected units of the Soviet Army. An early development of the design was the AKS (folding), which was equipped with an under folding metal shoulder stock. In 1949, the AK-47 was officially accepted by the Soviet Armed Forces and used by most communist countries and leftist forces worldwide.

The weapon was known for outstanding reliability on the battlefield. This assault rifle can withstand any misuse and abuse that a grunt can throw at it. It isn't very accurate, but will still operate in dusty, hot, wet, or cold weather conditions.

This weapon has a great advantage of simplicity. It is simple in design, is made of common materials and uses readily available machining technology. The parts can be manufactured with less precision. From an engineering opinion, its a low-tech weapon. Production of these rifles can be established at any steel factory. No wonder the Kalashnikov assault rifles are being produced all over the world. Also it needs only simple maintenance.

Compared with the M16 rifle, it has simplicity and unmatched reliability. However, the M16 beats it in terms of range and accuracy.

The AK-47’s substantial reliability even under worst conditions, low production costs compared to similar Western weapons, availability in virtually every inhabited region and ease of use have made it wildly popular. The AK-47 has been manufactured in many countries and has seen service with military forces as well as irregular forces worldwide, and was the basis for developing many other types of firearms. More AK-type rifles have been produced than all other assault rifles combined in the world.