Hard to believe that just a few short years ago that friendly Russian gent represented one of the USA's bitterest enemies,the USSR.:grr:
Thank you President Reagan!:thumbsup:
Bob

I have some very mixed feelings about his invention, of course he was just the designer of the weapon, he would have no control over where they went or who used them.

I fully respect the feelings of any Combat Infantryman who had to face this weapon.
But, if you look at the context of his time, he invented the AK while recuperating from wounds in WW2. People forget that the Soviet Union lost more citizens than any other country in WW2, somewhere in the 10 MILLION range, (we lost around 1/2 Million). They had just been invaded right up to the gates of Moscow and this was a young man trying to help his country through his invention.

Blame expansionist Soviet politicians for the misuse and widespread distribution of the AK. It is a tool, just like any other weapon. Kalashnikov received little monetary gain for his work. He lived in a tiny Moscow apartment and was famous as a Hero of the Soviet Union, but not much else right up until Soviet liberation in 1989. Any money he makes today is through speaking tours and foreign invitations.
Helpful hint...If you really want to piss him off, tell him he simply ripped off the MP44 series of weapons!

All my faux protos exhibit 'artistic license', to suit my taste... ;)

The XM607 fake has a 16" barrel; the 'moderator' is a 1" round steel bar drilled & tapped 1/2" x 28tpi...It does nothing...(The barrel screws into the 'moderator' for its full length)... :p

I'm currently modifying 'bubba-ized' Enfield No 4 and No 1 rifles into faux 'Jungle Carbines'...Just because I can... :D

Taste is great! This modification did make Lee Enfield's appearance much fancier!

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Curious, any special reason for that muzzle device?? Usually only see that on machine guns... to reduce muzzle flash ??

The Enfield "Jungle Carbine" was originally issued with this flash hider, due to the shorter barrel!

I carried a XM 177 in RVN, 68-70. We only had 20 rd mags.

Doug,
its great to meet someone else who has been to Reed Knight's "library" In the past I've tried to describe to others the extensive collection that Knight has on display, but my words always seem to fall short.

To have been there with General Kalashnikov!........ all I can say is WOW

Thanks, James!
It is awe inspiring when you are inches from a wall containing examples of M16, AR 10 or Stoner serial numbers 1,2,3,4,5,., etc. etc. which you can actually hold with permission. The actual prototype for the 1921 Thompson Submachinegun was a surprise as well.

It was quite a group I was privileged to join. Among the participants were SEAL Team 6 Founding Member Denny Chalker, Gun Author Charlie Cutshaw, SEAL Historian Kevin Dockery, Phil Dater of Gemtech, Taurus President Bob Morrison, Gaston Glock and a number of other luminaries from the gun world. As nothing more than an enthusiast, I was very lucky to be included. I have few photos,as most participants preferred not to be photographed.
As exciting was the night shoot set up by Reed for the group. Using the latest Gen3/4 night vision attached to Reed's M110, M249s, M240s, M60s, etc. This range was out by the Bunkers that once stored rocket fuel and engines.


Denny Chalker and his then girlfriend. Behind is Navy SEAL author Kevin Dockery, on the bus waiting to go to Reeds