How AK-47 Emerged As 'Weapon Of The Century'

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The AK-47 assault rifle is known for its simplicity, reliability, and effectiveness in combat situations

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Mikhail Kalashnikov, a Red Army tank mechanic, designed the AK-47 after witnessing WWII firearm limitations

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Official trials in 1947 led to the AK-47's adoption by the Soviet military in 1949

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The AK-47 features a 7.62-mm caliber, 9.4 pounds weight, and 990 feet effective range

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The weapon's affordability and ease of use made it popular among rebel groups and militaries alike

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During the Cold War, the Soviet Union distributed AK-47s to allies, fueling proxy conflicts globally

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The Vietnam War highlighted the AK-47's effectiveness in guerrilla warfare against complex American M16 rifles

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Economic factors and mass production techniques ensured the AK-47's widespread availability and low cost

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The Soviet Union licensed AK-47 production to Eastern Bloc nations, expanding the weapon's global reach

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Mikhail Kalashnikov expressed moral anguish over the deaths caused by his invention before his death in 2013

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