The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Moral Authority — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 18:16:48 GMT

yeah for human inventions!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Jack, Scottsdale, AZ — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:02:09 GMT

Uh, the Russians refer to the "motherland" as in "Mouther Russia," not "fatherland." Witness the giant statue of Mother Russia urging on their forces that commemorates WWII. Fatherland is what the Germans traditionally used.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Mike Lermontov, Washington DC — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:09:12 GMT

Beat that!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Leon Ponetta — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:11:03 GMT

I'm not bothered by the AK-47, nor does the nuclear capabilities that Moscow exports to the 3rd world. Go Moscow, keep exporting your weapons of mass destruction, it's only fair.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Mike, Yorktown, VA — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:12:43 GMT

that's Russian Motherland, not Fatherland.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Steve K. — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:24:21 GMT

Too bad the author did not mention that it was copied off of the German STG44

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

M.Case, Chatham, Canada — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:26:38 GMT

It's sad that a weapon such as this is being celebrated but also a technological revolution as well. With most of the newer weapons being developed by German and Belgian engineers, this weapon will ring throughout the ages and future conflicts.

As with all inventions, the come as a leap forward for the country they are developed in, and a celebrated leap at that. Here's to future weapons systems that do not kill and maim.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

John D. — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:34:07 GMT

There is no question that the prevalence of guns in the world contributes to violent deaths. Guns are efficient and impersonal. But, the bulk of the blame anti-gun proponents assess is misplaced because killing is generated from the heart of the killer and not from the gun. Take Rwanda as an example and we see 2 million died at the hands of murderous tribal opposition and they weren't wielding AK-47's. They used machetes and muscle power to hack their opponents to death. They'd have used guns, but they couldn't afford them or the bullets they shoot. The black heart inside a killer is no different regardless of the weapon being used. Man has a very long way to go.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Jon D, Nagano, Japan — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:37:46 GMT

You have done no one a favor by printing this tripe. In fact, I am appalled the MSNBC has the nerve to allow this garbage on their website.
Who knows, maybe next you will print Mein Kampf and glorify it as well.
I suppose I will have to be more selective in which websites I choose for news in the future since you seem to have little credibility now.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

john florida — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:40:39 GMT

A great weapon be a very smart practical man. dependable at all times in all sorts of conditions. A weapon that never killed anyone the people holding them did.weapons are also defencive.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Scott A. South Carolina — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:47:41 GMT

Hello,

Russia has been ripping off the Nazi's weapon for 60 years now. At the end of WW2 in 1944, The Third Reich invented a weapon designated for urban combat knowing that Berlin would soon fall. The weapon as a MP44. If you hold them up side to side, you can tell where Mr.Kalishnikov stole his idea from. He is a fraud and it is strange that he would use the word "fatherland" in describing his weapon.

Regards

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Brian Colorado Springs — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:48:43 GMT

Most reliable rifle ever made. Throw the thing in mud, sand anything gun operates perfect

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Triviagoon — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:48:49 GMT

You should probably know this already. The Russians call their country the motherland. It's the Germans that call(ed) their country the fatherland.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Firearms truth — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:55:10 GMT

Probably wouldn't hurt to mention that this firearm's existence is owned by the German Sturmgewehr (Stg) 44; the world's first assault rifle.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

remrafdn,mayville,nd — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:01:55 GMT

If it ain't gonna shoot back I want a pre-64 Winchester Model 70 but if it is I want an AK-47. Ugly but effective.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

C.R. Hill — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:02:10 GMT

I have personally owned several of Mr. Kalashnikov's fine weapons and I must say that I was very pleased with them all. I am licensed by the BATF to possess Automatic weapons for experimentation and collection purposes. all people who own exotic firearms are not violent killers, most of us just enjoy the target shooting sport. I say Happy birthday to the AK 47 and many more... Thank you Mr.Kalasnikov For a well made firearm and many hours of fun at the shooting range

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Muqtada Al Sadr, Karbala Iraq — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:04:34 GMT

Because of its ease of use and maintenance, the AK 47 should be every child's first weapon!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Bill somewhere in Kansas — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:09:15 GMT

Kalashnikov has always maintained that it was not a knock off. However it was designed around the mid-range or short cartridge that was first seen in the German weapon previously mentioned.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Bob, San Diego, CA — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:11:59 GMT

I carried an AK47 for two years in Viet Nam because you could not trust the M16. You still can not trust the M16 or its varients (numerious examples coming out of Iraq) yet it still is the main weapon of the US. Russia made a mistake thinking that the US knew what it was doing with the 5.56 cal M16 when they started producing AK47s in 5.56 cal vice 7.62.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Da Bomb — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:13:05 GMT

Hmm... why would Kalashnikov need to copy Stg44 when Russians already made an assault rifle in 1915 - Avtomat Fedorova?
Stg 44 was, actually, modeled after the 1915 Russian weapon.
I think it's time for all of the self-proclaimed history-of-weapons experts here to go back to school!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Damian G — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:13:10 GMT

It is a Constitutional right of any American citizen to bear arms. One should rejoice at the prevalence of any pride in a well-crafted, celebrated firearm. First and foremost, secure the protection of your family and your nation-- you aren't going to accomplish this with butterknives and soap operas. Liberal news outlets would love nothing more than a defanged populace relying on their every word for a sense of security. Stop forwarding their message of self-abnegation, and be glad there are still great men revolutionizing the art of protection.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Riz, NYC — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:15:38 GMT

Contrary to what others are claiming, the StG44 only bears a superficial resemblance to the AK-47. The concept is the same, but the two differ in their design details. A simple internet search will reveal this.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Uzi Beretta — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:16:19 GMT

The comment re. appropriateness of "fatherland" vs. " motherland" in Russian: in fact, both are used. "Otechestvo" means "fatherland" and Rodina means " motherland".

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Geroy, Minneapolis — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:16:29 GMT

Actually Maschinenpistole 43 (MP43) was developed before STG44.

AK47 is very similar to those strom rifles in disign, but mechanically it's totally different. It is very simple and reliable and can be taken apart and reassembled with no tools - that's what made it a "mechanical" revolution.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Mike G — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:17:53 GMT

Kalashnikov claims he designed the rifle by taking the best attributes of the Stg 44 and the American M-1. He did this because he fought the Germans in the Second World War and understood all too well the superiority of their weapons. The result may be one of the most important hand held weapons in human history. Like the longbow in the middle ages, the AK 47 put a lot of power in the hands of common people. I'm not saying that was good or bad, but you have to give the man credit.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Jonny — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:18:41 GMT

As Jeremy Clarkson said, you could hang the AK-47 on your wall with a frame around it, and everyone would understand it is art.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Alexander, NY, NY — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:19:25 GMT

People mentioning STG44 clearly have no idea what they are talking about. While the guns look similar, they are completly different internaly. I suggest you do a little research before commenting on the matters you are not really familiar with. Furthermore, STG44 was not "world's first assault rifle", as it was predated by similar designs, such as Cei-Rigotti and Avtomat Fedorova. Unfortunatly, playing WWII-themed computer games does not make one a firearm expert.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Mike, Boston, MA — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:19:40 GMT

To those who keep correcting on the "fatherland" thing, you're both right and wrong. There is a word "otyechestva" which refers to the Russian homeland - the word "otyetz" means "father", so if Kalashnikov used the word "otyechestva", it would be natural to translate it as "fatherland". I'm not sure if that's a more archaic usage (it's used in the old Soviet national anthem - "Slavsa otyechestva", Slavic fatherland), but the article isn't necessarily wrong to use that term.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

VYTAS STROPUS — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:19:41 GMT

The ak-47 never killed anyone. The persons pulling the trigger did. Remember, guns cant kill, people do. Another thing, if you had to die would you like to be hacked up with a dull machete or quickly die by automatic fire? The ak is an excellent firearm and we celebrate the engineering. Happy Birthday ak-47!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Common Census — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:21:26 GMT

Guns don't kill people. People kill people and if your country had been invaded by Nazi Germany, any gun to defend your family and yourself would be a blessing. It is sad that we as free citizens need guns to defend ourselves, but it is a fact of life. When the AK was developed, it was at a time of extreme crisis in Russia. The German army had machine guns and the vast majority of the Russian
soldiers were packing ancient bolt-action rifles. They were very brave just to face the German military machine. To rip off a German assault weapon to arm your own military in order to survive was a smart and natural move. The U.S. copied German technology to create the atom bomb, the modern rocket motor, the jet engine, etc, etc, etc. I personally prefer the AR-15/M-16 platform, but that's simply my choice. The AK-47 is a marvel of bare bones engineering and although I don't celebrate any weapon as a wonderful device, I certainly respect it and the man who conceived it.
Some day when the terrorists are blowing up buildings in your neighborhood, I bet you'll want an AK at your side. The U.S. is the largest exporter of violence in recent modern history and if you really think that this will not have repercussions, you have your head buried in the sand. I hope and pray we don't see this turn of events, but like my daddy always says - boy, live for today, but prepare
for tomorrow.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Courtland Crocker, Austin, Texas — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:24:19 GMT

Fatherland-Motherland, AK-47 - MP-44! Picky Picky Picky! It's still a great weapon!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

David Wright — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:24:41 GMT

Russia has no right to claim rights to this weapon. Clearly the germans invented it. One was captured and mr kalashkinov disassembled it and copied all the important things.
But since germany lost the war their will be no copyright infringement lawsuit. What invention has Russia ever given to modern society? Vodka? Seriously, they don't have the collective brain to do anything but copy and steal from others.
Sorry if that sounds harsh but it's pretty much true.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

charles wilmington nc — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:25:42 GMT

The ak-47 WAS NOT a copy of the sturmgewahre 44 they are very different, the stg44 was a high cyclic, short stroke, open bolt design. where the ak is low cyclic rate, long stroke closed bolt design. realistically aside from looking somewhat similar (maybe if you squint) there are very few similarities between them. admittedly the german weapon did pioneer the lower power cartridge, but don't forget the ak was based on the 7.62x39 which was already in use in the sks. so if you call it copying because both had a conspicuous magazine and prominent pistol grip then so be it. otherwise maybe you should check your facts before you accuse you dumb@$$es

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Dan Klos, Ann Arbor MI — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:30:57 GMT

Yes, the Stg44 was the first assault rifle. However, Kalashnikov only improved upon the assualt rifle concept--he didn't steal it. Much the same as Eugene Stoner did with the M16, Kalashnikov innovated and improved upon the assault rifle concept of the Stg44, as the AK-47 is completely different internally, despite having its likeliness in appearance.

So please, get your facts straight and stop taking cheap shots. If you're going to, you may as well bash Eugene Stoner for making the M16, or Edward Hammer for stealing Thomas Edison's idea when he IMPROVED upon the idea with the compact fluorescent lamp.

And Jon D from Japan - how did MSNBC damage their credibility by printing a story whose content is very relavent to a topic that has largely shaped the world? You can go to another website, but you will find even cheaper garbage in the form of latest Paris Hilton scandle.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

R Bowers fairbanks alaska — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:34:16 GMT

Very good article. I have to say im not the only one who noticed that Mr K copied his creation from the German MP44,an excellent weapon, but like most of Germany's new wonder weapons, came to late to make a difference. They were certainly ahead of their time.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

W.B. Taylor, Georgia — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:34:22 GMT

kudos to c.r. hill...he's right, not all of us are right wing republican war mongers...some of us simply appreciate a fine weapon, enjoy the shooting sports, and are very realistic (unlike certain idealistic gun-grabbers) when it comes to being prepared to defend ourselves in the very real world of the future...happy birthday Mr.AK...

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Ivan Borishnov, Washington DC — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:36:34 GMT

to those that say the AK is the same as the STG44 - wrong! It may have been inspired by, but are totally different weapons.

Also, it is motherland(Rodina), not fatherland - so much for accuracy in the media

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

rg — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:38:49 GMT

Russians do use the word Fatherland - "Otechestvo".

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

William Rigby, Elizabethtown, KY — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:41:09 GMT

Thank you for this report--it makes me think I should go buy a couple of U.S.-legal AK's, since you report there are 100 million of them, but only 12 million M-16's. There are usually good reasons for things like that. I have two M-16's--they're okay guns, but maybe I need to rethink. I purchased a Volkswagen Beetle in 1971 upon learning that there had been more VW-Bugs made than Model-T Fords. Best and most fun car I ever had--got 200,000 miles on it and grieved when it finally died. So, off to googling for AK's--thanks again. mailcat8

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

JR, Chicago IL — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:44:49 GMT

The AK 47 is also immortalized in Mexican narco-corridos as the "cuerno de chivo" or goats horn, a reference to its curved cartridge.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Steve, Philadelphia, PA — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:45:08 GMT

Wherever there's genocide, there's a Kalashnikov, solid contribution to the world... Lets Celebrate!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Christian, Seattle WA — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:45:27 GMT

Obviously the author is quoting what Mikhail Kalashnikov said when he said "fatherland". I had to take a double take myself. But if you look closely it reads "All he did, he says, was create a weapon to defend the Russian fatherland."

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Gregg Tucson, AZ. — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:45:28 GMT

The proof is in the pudding. I collect them and like each and everyone for their slight differences. To be an idealist and and condemn people who fire and collect these is naive. No one wants to kill. There is a right to defend. The fact is we all live in a violent world I doubt that will change even if all weapons are destroyed.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Ivan Ivanovich — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:46:04 GMT

I've fired several hundred rounds through these and they are uber reliable. ...as most GERMAN designs are! You'd expect this kind of behavior from Bolsheviks! Always the opportunists...

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

James, Charlotte, CN — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:50:26 GMT

"Can you bring me the gun of Rambo?"

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Jay W. Brown — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:52:11 GMT

My time in Viet Nam in 1968 - 1969 was spent dodging the bullets from this weapon. Our M 16's couldn't compete with the firepower and reliability of this gun. Towards the end of my tour, a lot of my buddies carried the AK 47 just to compete with the enemy.

J. Brown

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

mike — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:52:51 GMT

Hooray for Communism, Totalitarianism, dissedent government paramilitary organizations, insurgents, and Al-Queda! Hazaar!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Gary R. Central Point Oregon — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:55:54 GMT

I see we have a few know it all weapons designers! Jack in Scottsdale and Scott in S. Carolina need to do their homework a little better. The AK only "looks" like a STG44/45. And guys, look to the HK 91/93 series of rifles if you want to know what the "inside" of the STG44/45 looks like.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

MM Ramsey — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:59:14 GMT

Ditto Mr. C. R. Hill!!!! PEOPLE kill people, not guns!!!!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Doenitz — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:59:23 GMT

Hey everybody ripped off the Germans. Anybody remember Werner von Braun?

Anyway, regarding the STG-44, the general outline of the design is similar, as are the sights and the ammunition concept (shorter casing, normal rifle caliber round). Same holds true for the gas operated mechanism is similar but so are 90% of all assault rifles since the end of WWII.

The bolt action of the STG 44 more strongly resembles the Anglo-Belgian SLR design where the bolt locks to the chamber via a "linkage" design. Similarly, the M16 uses the same mechanism as the AK-47 where the bolt locks to the chamber by a "bolt rotating" action.

In short, the AK 47 is visually very similar but I prefer to say that the STG 44 has impacted a lot of different designs after WWII which could also be called "copies".

In the end, the customer is always right. How many STG 44s were sold last year or since WWII?

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Dan Mahmudi, ElginIL — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:00:07 GMT

Veing cheaper may have made it more popular thruout the gun toting world but not neceserally better. M-16 over AK$& any day.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

James Lath, Oklahoma City — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:01:31 GMT

What a nice world this could be without these two war-mongers.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

dave — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:04:38 GMT

Steve,

Sorry buddy the AK-47 was not a cpoy of the STG-44 the two weapons are so completely different you would be amazed. They sure look alike though....

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

john doe — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:04:43 GMT

Ha, no one got upset when the inventor of the M-16 Mr Stoner was featured meeting kalashnikov. Talk about double American standards. And whats this crap about the'Motherland", the Nazis have thier Fatherland, and the other master of illegal invasions now have thier "homeland". Hmmmm...seems to be some pattern here. Anyway, The AK-47 is one of the main weapons that defeated the Americans both in Vietnam and Iraq so no wonder you are quick to belittle what has to be the most effective weapon of all time.

Happy birthday Micheal :)

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

John Durham, Dallas, TX — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:06:00 GMT

Re: Jack from Scottsdale. You are correct in that Russia has traditionally referred to itself as "the Motherland." But since the fascist Putin took power it has been increasingly been called The Fatherland, with Putin himself starting this trend.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Boris Badinoff, Russia — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:07:43 GMT

Funny how all you Yanks know what the Russians call their country. Guess what: you are all wrong. It is fatherland.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

DAVE MINNESOTA — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:08:58 GMT

IT WAS EASY TO COPY FINE GERMAN ENGINEERING

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Tim J, St.Cloud, Mn. — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:09:02 GMT

To the sadly misinformed: While the AK-47 to the untrained eye looks very similar to the German STG44, it operates and is made VERY differently.The Germans may have come up with the idea of a "medium" caliber weapon, Kalasnikov perfected it.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Jeremy Stalls, Ft Bragg, NC — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:09:11 GMT

John D, a closer look at home would also reveal the truth about the faith of the American Indian. Our own beloved and civilized ancesters massacared and almost totally wiped out this race from the face of the earth.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Raul H. Diaz , Langley, Washington — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:10:53 GMT

Kalashnikov, Enrico Fermi, John Oppenheimer, Albert Einstein, Werner Von Brawn John Moses Browning, Samuel Colt, Alfred Nobel, all geniuses with inventive minds that have given the world magnicifent inventions that have revolutionized mankind. It is up to the individual as to how best to utilize these tools for the benefit of all civilizations on our planet. Unfortunately ,politicians have taken advantage of many of these inventions to further their personal ambitions of power and delusions of grandeur.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Jerry Zink, Baltimore, MD — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:11:45 GMT

The AK47 is not the problem. The problem is that the U.S., Russia, Germany and other 'civilized' countries make such huge profits from selling death and destruction all over the world.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Fernando, Texas — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:16:44 GMT

why a message about weapons and not about the scape goating of illegal immigration?

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

john chaney, winfield, IA — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:24:10 GMT

while all the anti-gunners get their panties in a bunch over an article that doesn't completely demonize one of those "assault weapons" that are just jumping off tables to kill and mame, keep in mind that AK-47 rifles have killed a very small percentage of our combat troops, or Iraqi citizens.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Dmitri, Chicago IL — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:30:29 GMT

The Soviet National anthem refers to Russia as the fatherland. So the article is correct.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

I was never here, bethesda, md — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:33:38 GMT

Well done, Mr. Kalashnikov. I've fired an AK at a demonstration range - reasonably light gun, easy to handle, accurate. Don't need anything like an AK myself; for my purposes (target shooting, home defense) I prefer the stopping power - and intimidation factor, should it come to that - of a Remington 870. But, for its intended purpose, the AK is one of the best.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Phil, New York — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:40:14 GMT

For those of you saying that Kalashnikov ripped of the German designs of WW2... Kalashnikov admitted that. It just hasn't been printed in this blog. I read the full article a couple of days ago on some website, I forget where now, but he admitted that he designed the AK-47 after seeing a German Stg44 and an American M1 carbine. Those were the bases of his design.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Kevin L. Marble Apalachin, N.Y. — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:50:08 GMT

Way better than any other "Assault Rifle" ever designed!! May not be the most accurate or the lightest, but it's the most dependable/easiest to use.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

S. L. Stern, Irvine CA — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:53:19 GMT

Whether or not you like firearms, this is a story with major historical significance. The very fact that the AK-47, originally intended to defend the Russian motherland (as opposed to the German fatherland), has become the weapon of choice for 3rd world despots, ragtag militias and terrorists (probably including Chechen separatists), and is now a major source of hard currency for the successor to the former Socialist Workers' Paradise, says it all.

Incidentally, copying other countries' weapons is as American as Apple Pie: the famed U S. 1903 Springfield bolt action rifle was ripped off by the U.S. Ordnance folks from Paul Mauser's design, and the U.S. actually paid royalties to the Germans for the pointed "Spitzer" bullet that became the famed 30-06.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

NR — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:56:43 GMT

Hi, the reference to the IRGC and Hezbollah emblem is wrong, those are German G-3 (HK) not AK-47.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

J.P., Albuquerque, NM — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:56:50 GMT

I think it is stupid to talk about guns killing people. Guns are just a tool that people use to kill each other-it has no mind of its own.
Also, the whole purpose of projectiles in the first place(bullets, arrows, crossbow bolts, darts, rocks, etc.)is to be used defensively in a quick, efficient way.
I have shot an AK47, and I agree that it is quite a fine rifle.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Pete Smith — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:59:56 GMT

MR K was once quoted as saying that while he slept well at night he wished he had gone down in history for having invented something useful like the lawn mower...He invented it to defend the motherland against the Nazi agressors...the germans actually developed the first "assult rifle" , a weapon like a submachine gun but shooting a compact rifle caliber round. Made not for profit by a state arsenal, like our equally excellent M1 Garand, and M-14 ...Mcmanara closed down the goverment Springfield arsenal that made these rifles and turned over weapons production to private industry; as a result for the last 40+ yrs we have sent our people to war with the delicate, jam prone M16...it developed into a nice little .223 target rifle for the range but maybe not so good for dirt and sand...or less than perfect ammunition... We won WWll because we sent our troops to battle with the best rifle it was possible to make regardless of the cost...while the dictatorships sent expendable soldiers to battle with rifles from the last century...made by for profit companies....

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

M.R Johnson ,Minneapolis,Mn — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 23:05:26 GMT

It's a hell of a gun but it's not authentic

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Brian, Hawaii — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 23:13:58 GMT

Definitely a reliable rifle but the M16 is more accurate and balanced. Vietnam 1970 200 yard standoff. Guess who had the winning shot? the M16.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

alex w — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 23:16:58 GMT

to steve k: the AK-47 was not a copy of the STG44, the design concept of an assult rifle comes from the STG44, but anyone who really knows weapons knows that the STG44 and the AK-47 are considerably different mechanically

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Caddie Dubhghlas, Scotland, U.K. — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 23:26:48 GMT

Humans have an ability for creating and destroying. Both are fascinating. Death is horrible and scary. Does the process of destroying actually set the stage for new creation. No matter destructive or creative, humans tend to celebrate all their devices and inventions as marvels. Many of the modern automatic weapons we posses today are in fact modeled or developed from the ideas of the Facist German Army of World War II. As for Kalashnikov, he is just a man, who copied a weapon, found ways to make it cheaper, yet still operate effectively. Let's not blame him, let's blame the reason that necessitated him to create such a horribly perfect weapon.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Robadob, Birmingham, Al — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 23:32:03 GMT

Kalashnikov once had a coversation with Eugene Stoner, who was the engineer who developed the AR-15 rifle that led to the M-16. He told Stoner that "For making my rifle, I received medals from country as my reward.". "For your rifle, you rewarded with wealth.". "I would have rather received the money.". The motive behind any such invention will always boil down to the dollars.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Dan, Fayetteville, AR — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 23:32:47 GMT

C.R. Hill has an excellent point and for those who are interested in researching it furthur it seems that the vast majority of gun deaths in the U.S. are cheap .380 handguns- full-automatic weapons account for less than 5% of gun deaths, Jerry Bruckheimer be damned. John D. also has a point, HOWEVER we need work ALOT harder so events like VA Tech don't happen. I also happen to be a gun owner, think people should be able to own automatic weapons BATF approval + and regulation and criminals should not have ANY guns.
That's my rant :-)

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Adam, Washington DC — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:00:02 GMT

Metal & wood has never killed anyone. to blame the death's of people on objects is absurd. To show arrogance to the weapon b/c it's not made by us would be naive. The weapon system is just that a system. it's the people who employ it and the reason they employ it for is to be looked at. did mass number of casualities not happen from a sword so is the sword bad now did people not die from a cars... so are the cars bad too. get a hold of your self before blaming technology. We created the A bomb did people not die from it. Surely they did but it surved a greater purpose with no WORLD WAR for over 60 yrs i think that was a feat of inovation.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

mark, ardmore, pa — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:05:03 GMT

to all the idiots who think that russians don't use the term "fatherland"

they call ww2 the "great fatherland war"
it is, by far, the most important event in the collective national psyche

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Jessica, Seattle, WA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:06:27 GMT

I don't know if we should be celebrating one of the most deadly weapons ever made. To me, something is sick about being happy that the weapons you invented is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths. Instead, we must remember that today national boundaries no longer define our world. We face common problems and must work together as a world community to fight them. The United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals, which call for cutting world hunger in half by 2015 and eliminating it altogether by 2025, are a good place to start thinking and acting with a global mindset. It is estimated that the expenditure of a mere $19 billion would eliminate starvation and malnutrition worldwide. In a time when the United States’ current defense budget is $522 billion, the goal of eradicating world hunger is clearly well within reach if we act together as one world.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

John Doe — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:12:19 GMT

Good luck to anyone carrying one into battle. Can't beat a MIRV carrying 3-12 warheads at 10 kilotons a piece.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

H. THOMAS PORTLAND OR USA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:15:16 GMT

Happy Birthday Mr. Kalashnakov.

As a few slightly informed people have mentioned; the Avatomat Kalashnikova is not a copy of any German Weapon. This technology of a small,close combat PDF or personal defense firearm was well into development several years prior to WWII. Mikhail Kalashnikov was the engineer with superior intellect and intuition.

I would like to inform the readers of your site that,the main reason for the Kalashnikov's sucsess is the fact that it can be manufactured with a minimum 0f "hard metal machining". This reduces cost and increases it's attractiveness to developing military forces.
However this is at a great price to the foot soldier.
This "Battle Rifle" is amoung the least accurate of all combat field rifles. It is truly only effective when it is firing rapidly so as the shooter can guage their aim by the spray of bullets. A better choice in my view is the Simonov Karabina 56.(A close cousin of the AK-47)HABU2007@VERIZON.NET

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

maxie Brooklyn, NY — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:19:00 GMT

Well, if the germans hhad a problem with Mr. Kalashnikov stealing the idea of the stg44, im sure they would have done something already by now? Just because it looks similar does not mean the idea was stolen.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

GQ Orlando FL — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:38:42 GMT

I notice allot of wining about the sale of this weapon and no one notice that the US sells more weapons then anyone. Must be BUSH syndrome IF YOUR NOT WITH US YOUR AGAINST US! DO AS I SAY NOT DO AS I DO! Get over it and solve some real problem like illegal immagration or preventive health care for everyone.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Rex Nielson, Gilbert, AZ — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:52:23 GMT

Violence is the whore of the Helpless. Viva the NRA! Weapons don't kill People, People kill. Bare hands, Knifes, Guns, & WMD's. Aren't we awful creatures. I wonder how far we are from Armageddon? Leave Kalashnikov alone, and Russia should be left alone for celbrating one of their genius's.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Jean Manson, Durango, Colorado — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:56:32 GMT

Matches commit arson. Cars and trucks start themselves and drive drunk and high. Road side bombs plant themselves and detonate. Guns reload them selves and aim...then pull their own trigger and kill everything. Vest bombs capture people and wrap themselves about them and then pick the target and force the human being to the target and then it detonates itself....People kill people, no matter the utility...butcher knife.....or a bath tub...rope...etc. So PLEASE keep it in proper perspective...and yes, it IS Mother Russia. Also quite right...It IS a copy of a German weapon...slightly enhanced.....smile. Combat Vet.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Dale Upton, Kentucky — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:56:59 GMT

Lets call a Spade , a Spade. This weapon is so much better than our M16,
Doe's not jam, but our Generals would not ever admit it. But they all know it is better than what our troops carry. I wonder where all our expertise & ingenuity has gone.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Alexander Shaumyan — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 01:28:33 GMT

Russians have two words for one's country of birth -- родина (a feminine noun, which means a place of one's birth) and отчизна (or отечество -- a land of one's father or fatherland). However, the names of most countries in Russian are feminine in gender, so it's natural to personify Russia as Mother Russia.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

FZA, Pacifica, CA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 01:29:49 GMT

The AK-47 concept came from the German STG44. It's an adequate assault rifle but I think Kalashnikov gets too much credit. Stoner's M-16 is a revolutionary design and a better rifle in the hands of a trained shooter.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Adi, Singapore — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 01:30:02 GMT

Guns don't kill people, people kill people .. enuf said

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Jack D. Ripper — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 01:39:55 GMT

If the AK is so dang swell, why then does the Russian Honor Guard march with rifles designed by Tokorev? The venerable SKS? Maybe because it's designed better..?

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Johnny Quest — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 01:44:31 GMT

The troops that hopefully one day soon protect our southern borders get to carry the AK-47....

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Vlad, Anaheim, CA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 01:50:01 GMT

Russians were using for centuries in hard times both expressions: Homeland which is close by meaning to russian word "Rodina" and Fatherland which is close to russian "Otechestvo". Both are very meaningful for Russians and were used when people were raising up to defend their own country from invaiders. And what is expecially imazing about Mr. Kalashnikov is that he didn't get any high education. Just emagine what he could have invented if he did got it too. Great mind indeed.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

RAMBO — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 02:03:03 GMT

while the ak 47 has been mass produce and killed many people around the word, we in the west done it with less but with better quality and a little more class, happy birthday commy.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Louis M Porterville California — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 02:27:24 GMT

The message was about an enduring legend. No matter how he came to produce the AK47 it is still effective. And it bears his name.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Christian Townsend 15, Portales, New Mexico — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 02:30:53 GMT

Why is everyone so mad about an article that cronicles an invention that has made name for itself in every way? It was made from stolen engineering, has killed countless lives, changed nations, has and will continue to symbolize 3rd world violence for years, and has earned it's inventors billions! This may be cliche, but this weapon didn't kill billions, the people holding them did. Besides, throughout history there has always been a brutally effective weapon that became so ubiquitous in its own time that everyone either loved or hated. The Ak is no different.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Chris, TN — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 02:34:35 GMT

Hey just for clarification, the STG44 is most similar to the G3 assault rifle. The russians definatly stole the idea for the M43 7.62x39 intermediate power round that the AK-47 uses. It was based off the revolutionary german 7.92x33 Kurtz that the STG44 was chambered for.

The Russians came back again in 1974 and borrowed our idea for a small caliber, high velocity cartridge- the 5.45x39, fired from the AK-74.

anyway, who cares about any of this because it sucks to be shot at no matter what they are shooting at you with.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Lloyd Johnson. Sacramento Ca. — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 02:41:58 GMT

Bush calls America HomeLand Iran,Is the axis of evil, shock & Awe.Heil Bush.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Eugene, Calgary, Canada — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 02:41:58 GMT

It's no big news that all good things get copied or stolen everywhere.....since when...?

Regarding the choice of the word FATHERLAND may be we could use a minor correction.

Those who lived in the Soviet Union know that the WWII in all texbooks and media was more commonly referred to as The Great Patriotic War 1941-1945(You can check the meaning of the word PATRIOTIC with the Merriam-Webster Dictionary "PATER = FATHER").

Since the beginning of the German invasion in the Soviet Union in June 1941 both terms, i.e. Motherland and Patria (not Faterland as it is a German word) have been in use by the meadia calling the Soviet People to defend it and after the war to commemorate the victory.

The method of using highly emotional text to mobilze everybody for an all-out effort is not new either.

Many people believe that it is not a gizmo or a method which is a good or a bad thing in itself.

What really matters is what political purpose the thing serves eventually.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Roy Jaruk, Patterson, NY — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 02:49:09 GMT

A couple of observations:

1. Mikhail Kalashnikov bristles when the calumny that the AK-47 is a rip-off of the StG44 is mentioned. The AK has little in common with the SturmGewehr. The principal similarity was the concept of necking down the case and accepting the reduced range of the standard .30 caliber-class bullet in order to increase firepower. Mechanically, the two are very different.

2. Kalashnikov designed his weapon with the same guiding principles the US Army used for the Garand, the M-1 Carbine and the M-14 battle rifle. It had to function in crummy conditions with minimal maintenance because soldiers incombat don't have time to stop and clean their weapons every 5 minutes. This puts the AK-47 light-years ahead of the M-16 Poodle Shooter.

3. The reason the AK-47, its copies and its derivatives (e.g., the AK-74 and the Galil) are so popular is that, unlike the M-16, they always work. They may not have the tack-driving accuracy of the Garand or its successor, the M-14; but if you are fighting in primitive conditions you'll settle for reliability over pinpoint accuracy. That's the strong point of Kalashnikov's design.

4. When it comes to great military weapons designers of the 20th Century, there are really only three: John Moses Browning, John C. Garand and Mihail Kalashnikov. Their influence continues to be felt to this day. I wish General Kalashnikov well. He deserves his honors, even if our enemies use his weapon. It's not his fault the armed forces of the United States are saddled with a gilded turd of a battle rifle.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Helen — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 03:01:59 GMT

What happened to Motherland Russia?

During WWII all Russian soldiers who were not armed and fed as well as German soldier and as they were suffering or dying spoke out that its for Mother Russia regardless of the politics of the day which realy meant nothing to them. They were fighting for their land that was referred to as Mother.

Considering how much blood was lost and the outcome, perhaps the Russia of today remember Mother Russia.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Sam Adams, Boston, MA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 03:25:12 GMT

For starters that only thing defeated in Iraq is that hope that Iraqi's will stand-up and build their own country. John Chaney is right hardly anyone gets shot in Iraq. They are killed far more cowardly with bombs on timers.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

S.Faust, Sydney, ApaiedA Zulu Tribal Zone, — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 03:34:16 GMT

Re: The use of the term "fatherland".

If Russia acts as Father to other lands, perhaps surrogate, says much about how they have had to act beyond the borders of their own fertility in response to the movements of external forces.

IMO.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Tony B, Shoreline, WA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 03:47:57 GMT

As a survivor of the Vietnam war, I did hear a lot of good stuff about this riffle. However, let put it to an end of this mass killing weapon and alike. There are more serious global issues to worry about. Get along, defense ourselves against the climate change.

Chao,

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Paul, California, USA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 04:10:16 GMT

As an expert-gunner formerly with Soviet Special Forces, I know the value of the AK (mine was AKS-74U). Trusty "shorty" saved my life in the Afghani mountains in 80's, but was no match to brutal power of AKM (7.62 mm "classic" caliber). Reliability and simplicity were a keys to AK's success. Quit the blame, "Guns don't kill, POLITICIANS do"...
Thank you, Comrade Major-General Kalashnikov, for your dedication and patriotism!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

RC — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 04:14:50 GMT

Guns/Weapons don't kill people, people kill people.

Mankind is guilty no matter the country for mass murder.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Grimm Reality, Springfield, IL — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 04:17:09 GMT

Actually, after 1947, Kalashnikov had little, if anything to do with the gun. The piece in the picture is the standard model, which entered service in 1957 with the fixed wooden butt that is a far cry from the experimental version he helped develop 10 years earlier. True,it was originally a German design(STG-44), but it has also evolved over the years. It was also manufactured for example in Poland,Hungary(AKM-63), and China(as the Type 56 Assault Rifle, it comes with an integral folding bayonet). Many of the versions on the market today are chambered in 5.45, as opposed to the original 7.62. The Red Army was in the process of completing the transition from the original models when the invasion of Afghanistan happened. The reason for popularity beside ease of operation is it's low cost to stamp them out. They are cheaper to manufacture than Western Weapons, and from my experience with them, much better performing.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Grandma Ann, Georgetown,CO — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 04:18:43 GMT

What a bunch of garbage----it's killing all kinds of people all over the world===I don't idoloze it==maybe it's a fine weapon but it's killing lots of innocent kids etc===I don't think it desereves "Reverence"-- JUST my opinion--Grandma Ann

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Mark Terka, Houston, TX — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 04:22:56 GMT

If I was being sent to hell - or to another planet - the AK-47 is the weapon I would choose to carry. Its that good! The fact that it doesn't jam and is easy to clean (if you ever bother to clean it) is a bonus!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Roi Zhong, PA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 04:35:05 GMT

AK-47 is reliable. And it is cheap. The cost to produce a chinese version AK-47 (tyep 56) is 70 RMB which is less than 10$. So it is so easy to arm a whole army with AK-47. How much for a M-16?

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Gleb Yasnogorsky, Santa Fe, NM — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 04:44:50 GMT

The AK-47 is beautifully designed and made to do its job supremely well under the nasty conditions in which a combat weapon must function. May occasions for its use decrease rapidly! But until they do, it holds its place of honor among those who must use it, in and outside of its fatherland, also known as Mother Russia. (Lands are mothers, states fathers; so it has always been.)

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Zug — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 04:56:58 GMT

Junk, but, when it comes to unskilled, non-educated soldiers, the AK rules. It is a tough weapon, and can spray bullets with the best of them. Too bad they failed to mention the fact that the AK was a rip off of a German weapon, but that's what you get when you have somebody with no clue writing about weapons.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

bob j, rural southern oregon — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 05:06:35 GMT

now if the american indians would have had AK 47's things would have turned out differently ,and we whites might all be living in teepees, selling tax free cigaretes and operating casinos! not a bad deal!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

John McCarthy — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 05:14:21 GMT

And now Amerika has adopted "Homeland" and "New World Order" right on the heels of Hitler's propaganda in WWII before which Prescott Bush, W's grandpa, was a business associate of Hitler until Congress passed the 'trading with the enemy act'...nice work, Bushies. And how about that "Patriot Act", damn near verbatim for the 1933 "Enabling Act" after the Reichstag Fire, the "911" of it's time....how original! Terror, fear, BS, preemptive wars, insanity Texas style.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

bob j, rural southern oregon — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 05:23:42 GMT

and then if custer would have had AK's instead of those clumsey akward springfield single shot 45-70's,
he and his men might have lived to fight another day.
the Ak is dependable,a fine rural home defense gun,scourge of home invaders,but i wouldnt trust an ar15/m16 as far as i could throw it.we lost many fine soldiers in vietnam due to this piece of **** malfunctioning.and ive had a few and none were what i'd call dependable ,,but have never had an ak jam or break.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

john doe, somewhere, someplace — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 05:25:05 GMT

Sure, its not the gun but what is in the heart of a person that kills. But AK-47 made killing even easier because it is lighther to carry, does not jam and easy to manufacture.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

fedor — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 05:31:29 GMT

To all the people saying the AK was copied of the STG44: DO YOUR RESEARCH! The only thing they have in common is looks, and similar-sized rounds, and that is where the similarities end

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Venkat — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 06:06:54 GMT

Whoever are shouting loud over the issue of guns, in one comment, the reader threatens MSN that he will not read it anymore, Americans are more to be blamed, for advanced weaponry all over the world. Afghans were once supplied more weapons by America than anybody. Then their intention was to fight USSR. But that backfired and WTC was brought down into pieces, with it, all american pride.

How present Americans can forget the Native Americans' massacre by their very ancestors? Now the issue of immigration, its not your country. Ethically you do not stand any right to claim that's your land or to kill thousands of mexicans along southern border who try to come to US of A only to find livelyhood. You better be atleast nice to immigrants, offering brotherhood, supporting them as your friends in need, who are coming to the land just like your ancestors a few generations ago.

Vote for liberal immigration supporting parties, atleast know your past and sympathise with the rest of the world. I found several americans with in the country who cared for little anything outside their country, try to give them the knowledge atleast one such fellow.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

dE Chicago — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 06:42:21 GMT

Reliable fraud!!! Compare any USSR mother?land products and see how fast they sink…1947 invention means years of tortchure of disciplined German engineers after the WWII…

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

James Hedeen, Saratoga,WY — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 06:46:43 GMT

I would agree with John Chaney, the majority of US combat troops are being killed by what are called IED's, or improvised explosive devices. It is also misleading in the article to describe the United States as the most prolific arms "dealer" in the world. The United States sells more weapons by dollar value, for example: we sell F-15 fighters to Israel at millions of dollars a peice. However, each fighters kills relatively few people. Russia, China, Slovakia, and Romania all sell more weapons in terms of human lives lost. These are some of the countries that make and sell the AK-47's, RPG's, mortars, and plastic explosives used by the world's terrorists, facist regimes, and all around bad guys.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Ahsan Rafique, Gujranwala, Pakistan — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 07:46:12 GMT

USA invented and used Atomic Bomb so why not the then USSR people were allowed prepare such a small but fatal arm. It is very widely used in Pakistan.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Jeff, Sacramento — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 08:36:13 GMT

It's just a well made tool for what it is intended for; killing people. Don't hate the man because he made something that was asked of him. Oh yeah, I would get shot by an AK-47 over getting hit by a nuke or even an IED any day.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Kabbani Hassan , Beirut, Lebanon — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 09:02:22 GMT

I wish as my country was torn by a long civil war that all nations will say farwell to arms and do so.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Mike, Vancouver Canada — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 09:09:57 GMT

This guy should be ashamed. Alfred Nobel thought he did a service to humanity when he stabalized TNT. He felt so ashamed of the pain and destruction caused by his discovery, he donated his fortune (setting up the prize in his name)

This a****** intentionally engineered these weapons. . . and he's proud of himself. What a jerk.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Dave Wall, Missoula, MT — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 09:17:55 GMT

I've owned a Kalashnikov in the past, and enjoyed it very much. So I can't very well be called some radical, anti-gun, liberal who's going to take all your guns away. Yet I do wonder how many lives have been cut short, or otherwise damaged by this ubiquitous weapon. Are we as a whole better off with or without them? As far as I can tell, mine will never hurt anyone, but what about the other 100 million? I dare say that the AK-47's potential lethality is still much greater than that of those with machetes, which is something of a dubious honor. Yet I still respect the machine, regardless of how honorable or despicable the handler is.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Tango — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 09:39:01 GMT

As a tchnology the better production must be appriciated. Using it justfiably or ortherwise is the matter to be taken care of. How a soldier can resist possessing such a wonderful weapon. It kills and may be protects more once the other side know about a sure kill b the posssesser or a weapon like AK 47.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Paul Newark NJ — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 10:07:25 GMT

No its motherland at least when the Nazi's invaded in June 41 thats what the commie propagandists called it. One would assume that you would fight for your mom much more than Stalin, Lenin and any other Red you can name. RE: scapegoating illegal immigrants, just build the fence before they use AK's on us.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Kerry Cushing, Holiday, FL and Cesme, Turkiye — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:22:33 GMT

There is no another sound in the world like the AK-47.. In RVN you could tell the good guys from the bad by the weapons sound... off in the jungle.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Femi Olufadi — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:31:30 GMT

Evil is known to reside in man's mind. If not how do you describe the invention of AK-47 rifle. It is simply a weapon of mass destruction! We don't need more of it in Africa.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Dilip Patel, Johannesburg, South Africa — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:44:43 GMT

GUNS ...... GUNS ...... GUNS ......
Makes FEW countries rich and a lot more poor.
Kills thousands of innocent people.
Imagine living without it.
But we are only HUMAN and we lack the imagination.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Scott, Eugene, OR — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:59:39 GMT

To Steve in Phila. A slight correction. Where there's genocide there is a Kalashnikov, but only on ONE side. Defend your right to defend yourself.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

No worries, Seattle Wash — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:06:06 GMT

I love how msn.com finds this sentence ok...

"The 87-year-old Kalashnikov said he was excited to greet what he called his "first-born," but also said he loves all versions of the Kalashnikov equally – the way a mother loves all her children."

if this was an American, they [the American Media] would call him a war monger

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Antonin Dvorcek — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:06:14 GMT

Did anyone mention the Ak-47 is a rip off of a German rifle? Did anyone notice that fatherland and motherland were used? If you did, stick your thumb up yer rear and congratulate yourself on being a nit-picking idiot. The article is about the rifle, not your needle-nosed detail files.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Kyle B — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:24:32 GMT

It is an effective weapon, I will give it that. But call me ignorant, I just call myself a Patriot, I can not bring myself to celebrate this gun too much. This weapon is the prime choice among our enemies. I want to celebrate guns like the B.A.R (Browning Automatic Rifle), the M1 Carbine and the M14. You want to talk about knock down power. Fire one of the three I mentioned. I can't believe our military went to a smaller caliber.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Robert, Houston, TX — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:44:36 GMT

I think many who obviously feel very strongly about war and weapons have misconstrued the point of this article. The AK-47 and it varients are wonders of engineering, especially at the time they were developed. Having personally fired the AK-47 when my own M-4 (a U.S. carbine version of the M-16) had jammed during contact in Afghanistan, I can appreciate the simplicity and reliability of its design and engineering.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Amused, the Sub-Continent — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:48:29 GMT

Why do people (mostly Americans, I think) keep insisting that the AK-47 was copied off the earlier German STg44, even after several e-mails that disabuse such absurd claims?

Is this stubborn 'ostrich mode' the result of several years of self conditioning? ("Russian engineers are communists, so they can't be good engineers","Russian engineers are communists, so they can't be good engineers","Russian....")

Can any of the 'AK47-is-copied-from-Germans' gang elucidate that peice od droll nonsense? And also throw respond to the charges that USA has copied its share of designs?

Oh, I know..."What, me copy?!" eh?

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Ian, t-hawk wisconsin — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:58:25 GMT

I love my ak-47. There is nothing like the feeling of that warm barrel on a cold day. If the ak-47 didn't come out i wouldn't have my second favorite weapon the sks.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Josh, ATL — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 13:01:38 GMT

funny all you tree huggers that preach "guns are bad!" and "guns kill people!" are too stupid to realize alot of people died with guns defending your right of freedom of speech and little freedoms like that?

Lets ban all guns! then only the criminals and military will have guns! That way when you get out of line the gov can pop a cap in that a$$ !

Also once we strip you of your right to defend yourself, let's take away freedom of speech and press... then some more rights after that because you can't do anything about it!

Great Thinking Grean Peace, Bongers 4 life with no real purpose in life hippies!

(Rifles were made a little bit before the time of the AK-47 morons, if the AK-47 was never made another weapon of choice would replace it. That's like blaming the Ford Model T for freaking global warming...) GENIUS!!!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

T. Cherry Diamond Bar, CA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 13:32:50 GMT

To the folks that give credit to some German design....I don't know if the weapon has anything to do with German designs, but one thing that is factual, is that the German's copied Russian tank designs when developing their advanced Panzers because the Russian tanks (T-42's ?) were far superior during frequent tank battles. Almost all military weaponry is upgrades and improvements on prior designs. The U.S. arsenal has also copied many foreign designs, inventions, etc.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Ronald Reagan — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 13:35:41 GMT

What in the world are we doing being friendly with Russia and China, when they still conspire to destroy us? Putin is KGB and a threat to our security as is China. Wake up, America! I can't come back to save you. John Paul and I are dead and Maggie is retired.

Oh and by the way, I am so sorry for ever listening to Ted Kennedy on that immigration bill. Wake up!!!!
You are all being led to the slaughterhouse!!
Please Lord, let them hear me!!!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Nick, Boston — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 13:39:15 GMT

I love my AK47, it is the single must have weapon for any collector. And no it is not a copy of the 44, they obviously look the same to the lay person but are not that similar, regardless who really cares? When all else fails, the AK fires like the first day it was made, and will be in use for as long as 7.62 ammo is around. Quick note- AK47 was never chambered for 5.56mm rounds, the AK74 was chambered for a 5.45mm round, the Russian copy of a NATO round.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

William — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 13:49:34 GMT

All you impotent hags have nothing but guns to make up for you lack of manhood. If everyone who had problems would put on a nice set of boxing gloves in stead of ending beautiful life the world would be a much better place. You all have alot to learn. Make love not war you morons.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Sam, Canton, Michigan — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 13:54:55 GMT

The AK series rifles are NOT copies of any German weapon! The SKS rifle is the Russian copy of the
StG 44 automatic rifle. The original AK-47 is not a very common weapon. The AKM is a later version that was much more popular in Vietnam, and still is in use in multiple countries. Any original AK-47 would be at least 50 years old, and after all that time in the hands of poorly trained guerrillas and revolutionaries... reliable as it is, all guns need depot-level maintenance after firing x amount of bullets. I really doubt that the users of AK-47's had access to the tools and spare parts needed for that.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

sorenov — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 13:57:56 GMT

As usual, Americans turn out to be the most misinformed... Give the devil his due. A 100 mmillion can't be sold just like that. Another thing - if the AK-47 is a copy, so are umpteen other American guns. Why moan? It's sad to see that it has turned out to be the terrorist's weapon of choice.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Idris Faro, Lagos, Nigeria — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 13:58:44 GMT

I give credit to the not well educated inventor, Kalashnikov for his invention.It is a fillip for all genuine freedom fighters all over the world.He is a great guy.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Steve K — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:02:53 GMT

The liberal news media will continute to demonize firearms right up until the attack on the First Ammendment begins. The day the press fails to embrace Hillery and Teddy.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Herman,Kansas — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:06:52 GMT

What an amazing series of Blogs concerning this article! The amount of contradictory information revolving around the simplest, least important factoids, those being the origin of the AK-47 and the fatherland/motherland issue, points up the problems related to getting accurate information on anything. Small wonder there is so much confusion on so many issues. There are so many "experts" arguing about how many angels can dance on the head of a pin that the sane, rational, logical messages are lost in the din of one-upmansship. On a different note, I am so very tired of hearing that, "people kill people, not guns", while we blissfully provide nearly half the world's weapons. This statementabout weapons, while true but certainly not accurate, is an echo of previous statements meant to evade responsibility for otherwise inexcuseable, irresponsible actions.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Jeremy, Lexington Indiana — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:18:31 GMT

Happy Birthday to the AK-47! Well engineered for its purpose and has served and will serve friend and foe alike for long to come. And Scott from Eugene, God Bless you! I agree, "Defend your right to defend yourself!" How can a man be FREE if he is not allowed to defend himself and his loved ones by any means neccesary? But on another note, forget the AK-47, bring back the M-14!!!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Nick, Russia — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:27:11 GMT

There's no surprise that we celebrate the jubilee of AK-47. If anything similar had been invented in the USA, there wound have been no doubt whether celebrate it or not. To that poorly educated man, who was bold enough to say here that the Russains cannot invent anything except of vodka, I'd like remind about our MiG-31 which defend our frontiers for 25 years and no American plane has tried to compete with it yet. The best cross-country vehicles defend our polar frontiers. The best ejection seats are used in our planes. (If that American space shuttle in 1985 had had anything similar, all the poor astronauts would have remained alive.) And many other technical (unfortunately, mostly military) inventions.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

J.Vankovsky,seattle Wa — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:30:01 GMT

Any modern weapon is sure technical marvel...
but it is hard to understund ,with our inteligence,our knowledge ,our intelect,and our image of civilized world , criminal leaders of this beautiful planet support idea of killing...every drop of water,every piece of dirt is more important..

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Robert D. — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:39:49 GMT

Blaming a Weapon for killing people is like blaming a hammer for beating someone to death. Remember, War is what happens when politics fail.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

hillbillyhoward — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 15:21:24 GMT

after reading all this i see why i dont see a buncha white guys jumping up and down waving a ak-47 on liberal news-or do i?

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Stan, chicago — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:17:25 GMT

As far as "Guns don't kill people, people kill people..." I'd rather have a person tryin to kill me with their bare hands instead of with an AK-47, but that's just my preference

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Maddog, Cut n Shoot Texas — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 17:22:13 GMT

The Assault rifle was invented by the Germans (the Sturmgewehr 43,German for Assault Rifle). Assault weapons were invented by liberal democrats, Al Gore and Bill Clinton. Regardless of your personal preference for what you like to be killed with, man has been killing man since we used our bare hands for it. Possesion of a weapon means you can use it to defend yourself. Making them illegal means that law abiding citizens cannot use them to defend themselves. Weapons themselves are not inherently evil. They are tools of survival. The Germans also invented Gun Control. Nazi Germany(Hitler) and the first country to follow after was the USSR (Stalin. And for the record the AK is not a copy of the STG 43 or the later MP44, K did borrow a lot of design features.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Alex, Houston, TX — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 17:27:09 GMT

Face it, folks. The AK-47 is one of the most successful inventions of its time. Like it or not, it deserves due credit.

For those of you who complain that it is ripped off from another design... despite all the technical posts that state otherwise... nothing short of a gun that shoots ultralithium gamma rays is going to satisfy you, so I am not even going to try.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Demosthenes, USA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 18:20:37 GMT

Great for the Kalashnikov.... I wonder if people in the 1300's celebrated the crossbow's 100th year anniversary as well?? now that is a classic piece of personal artillery.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Jim Bob — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 18:31:58 GMT

Personally I own a few. I will never turn them in and still have 10 I am building. The AWB will be passed again and will be permanant. So buy guns and ammo now you don't know what will happen in 2008. By the way the 7.62x 39 is cool but considering the real 5.45x 39 WASP ammo is available it is cool too. We will know after the next city riot....

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Luke, Fargo, ND — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 18:36:11 GMT

Kabbani Hassan, it's unfortunate that your country has lost lives on account of a civil war. Getting rid of firearms will not prevent that, there were wars long before there were firearms and taking them away will not end violence or the differences that would cause a civil war.

Mike from Vancouver, Canada, you are a moron. Kalashnikov created the AK-47 as a means to protect his country. The fact that it has been used by bad men to kill people is not his fault. If Kalashnikov had not created this weapon do you think that the world would be all rainbows and love?

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Mike, Montgomery, Texas — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 19:02:26 GMT

There seems to be quite a debate over this little piece of technology that has really reshaped the globe over the years it has been in existence. Comparing it to another weapon is not the issue that the original message had intended nor is there a significance over the debate of "fatherland" vs "motherland". The original message was to mark the anniversary of a weapon's design. I don't condone honoring him but, as the inventer, he is signifcant and will be in the history books despite what is said in all of these blogs. I see that there are a few liberal, left-wing zealots that insist that President Bush is the world's biggest problem and they fail to see that the Democratic Congress they put in place is not doing the job that the are supposed to be doing and that's legislate the government. There are more importnat domestic issues they are ignoring because they are trying to tell the president how to run the country. As for the pro-immigration bloggers, You seem to fail to see the big picture. Nobody is trying to keep you from coming here. What they object to is coming here without going through the legal process to get here. It doesn't matter whether you are a good lettuce or fruit picker. what matters is that you broke the law and you think that because you are a good worker you should be given legal rights and citizenship. As for the person talking about our ancestors, most of them went through the legal process despite how long it took and was granted the rights to the land of the free. Congress doesn't need to change anything as far as immigration is concerned. That would be a slap in the face making it easy for some when others had to endure more to be an American citizen. Back to the original message. I will keep my guns until they pry my cold, dead fingers off of them. No birthday wishes or congratulations to a weapon that is trying to bring the world to its knees under the guise of a religion that has been construed as if you are not with us than you are agaist us.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

jonnyreb, Houston, TX — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 19:03:19 GMT

Jessica from Seattle, WA, wrote:
"I don't know if we should be celebrating one of the most deadly weapons ever made. To me, something is sick about being happy that the weapons you invented is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths. Instead, we must remember that today national boundaries no longer define our world. We face common problems and must work together as a world community to fight them. The United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals, which call for cutting world hunger in half by 2015 and eliminating it altogether by 2025, are a good place to start thinking and acting with a global mindset. It is estimated that the expenditure of a mere $19 billion would eliminate starvation and malnutrition worldwide. In a time when the United States’ current defense budget is $522 billion, the goal of eradicating world hunger is clearly well within reach if we act together as one world."

Dear heart, while I applaude your idealism and purity of heart, please understand that world hunger is not somehow mutually exclusive of armed conflict and the use of the AK-47 or any other small arm. Please investigate the problems anywhere on the African Continent. These people are dying from a hunger fostered by there own countrymen. The malnourished make for easy subjects. Those who lack the most basic of subsistence submit easily to tyranny as it is their only hope for survival. Arming and training these populaces with not only weapons but also with knowledge and technology so as to defeat their human as well as natural oppressors is the only way to truly export prosperity to any of these less fortunate people. Give them fish...no! Rather, teach them to fish, that they can write their own destinies. The only trick is, as with those in Iraq, they must be willing to embrace the opportunity.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

jonnyreb, Houston, TX — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 19:17:58 GMT

RE: Venkat's comments
You and the rest of those who have this universalistic viewpoint regarding the possession of land, this is a sovereign nation built on the rule of law, just as are many other nations around the world, including those in Latin America. And like those in Latin America, we did subdue the indigenous people who were here before. That is the unfortunate price of progress. Standing on the track of an oncoming train only serves to get one run over. This is my country and I will defend her against all enemies, foreign (invaders from any direction) and domestic (the sorry SOB's who live in the greatest country on the face of the Earth and for whatever reason want to diminish her greatness because it's not fair that all countries don't have the same freedoms nor enjoy the same prosperity), and I intend to do so WITH my AK variant, as it is what it is, the most efficient and reliable tool for dispatching two-legged vermin within normal skirmish ranges. Given the luxury of distance, an "archaic" bolt action rifle with a telescopic sight is much more efficient. (I personally prefer those which the AK was designed to replace.)

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Mikhail Kalashnikov, Moscow, Russia — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 19:18:58 GMT

I would like to thank all who own my little baby......

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

jonnyreb, Houston, TX — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 19:26:47 GMT

Sorry, guys, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with improving on an observed concept. This is not stealing, but rather opportunism. Otherwise every automaker would have to start by designing it's own version of the wheel. Col. Kalishnakov had the common sense to recognize a good idea and adapt it to the needs of his country, and for that he should be applauded. Anything else would have been both derelict and nigh unto treasonous.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

ACI, North Carolina — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 19:56:00 GMT

I'm for keeping and arming bears!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Helen — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:49:09 GMT

Mother Russia's genetic logic lesson:

In the Russian language all the words that end with a letter A are of female gender.

EXAMPLE: Russia = female gender, country (in Russian - Strana= female gender, etc.

The Russian word "otchestvo" as another writer pointed out the second name.

What happened to the famous Russian logic?

Remember Mr. Putin that the Fatherland lost and the Motherland won!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Lee Thomas, Dallas, Texas — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:21:11 GMT

Maxim, Browning or Stoner he's not. But none the less his weapon will span the ages.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

George Ulicny, Maui, Hawaii — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:23:35 GMT

I recently asked the young SEAL who lives next door, and is currently in Iraq, which of the many weapons that he's trained on did he like the best ? His reply was the AK-47 - that he found it very accurate.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

johnathan NZ — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:47:50 GMT

An interesting fact. In every war or conflict that America has fought where the óther side''had AK-47s, it lost.

nuff said

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Terry Buffalo New York — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:55:51 GMT

This message is to David Wright! Boy, you don't read much! What have the Russians developed? How about laser surgery to correct vision. That was developed over 20 years ago in RUSSIA and took us all that time to accept the fact the Russians beat us to it! The procedure was used on many Russian citizens. It was accepted in Canada first--then we grudgingly saw what excellent results were obtained from it. How about the rockets that powered our space program? We did not develop them! We could not get ours to work as well. They were finally completed under Brezhnev, but he was so disgusted with all the trials and failures, he demanded that the scientists destroy them. He refused to believe they would work--thank heaven!! They hid them for 20 YEARS!! Then their scientists surreptitiously contacted NASA and offered them to us. Bill Clinton was instrumental in buying them & getting them here, along with their scientists, who could finally watch and enjoy the result of all their sacrifice. What a jerk you are, David!! Do you think we are the only people on earth with brains?

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Jerry Parker, Richmond, VA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:59:11 GMT

Regarding the success of the AK-47. In an interview with its creator a few years ago, he stated clearly that great accuracy was never intended in as it was designed for close-quarters shooting where one does not have time to take close aim. And as for its resistance to jamming, he stated that he designed its moving parts tolerances to be 'loose' rather than 'tight' as with most other automatic arms...and that 'looseness' of fit is the feature (plus ease of cleaning" is the feature that enable its great resistance to 'jamming.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Jim ,St Pete Florida — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:37:35 GMT

fatherland, motherland..who gives a rats rear end..world peace or death..that is life..but the AK 47 is a fantastic weapon..own one and will not give it up to anyone except from my dead hands..besides..I would rather have a rifle than an axe or arrow or rock..go figure..

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

W. K. Port St. Lucie, Fla. — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:48:59 GMT

As for the comments of the ak vs. the stg 44, who really knows, but Mr. K himself. Yes the stg. 44 came out first, and yes I believe mr. K was influenced by it. As for being copycats, if it is better than what you have, so what, go for it. It is called improvement. We copied parts of the mg 34, and 42, for our own m 60. Personally, I would prefer to have the mg 34. It was very accurate, and had a rate of fire, that didn't use up so much ammo, as the mg 42 did. Both were extremely easy to change barrels, when they heated up. I like the ak, and would use it over the m16 any day. The bullet penetrates brush, better, and holds it's energy better. The new small caliber ak is a mistake. In Vietnam, the LRP's (long range patrols) would switch their m16's for m1 carbines, because they just worked so much better, and were far superior in reliability.
Why the U.S left the m14, and similar actions, (m1, m1 garands, ect.) And went to the m16 is just typical, of the Military, and politcal bull crap the permeates each. Just look, at Billy Mitchell, and a guy named Christenson, who invented the Christie, suspension system, which is still used in modern tanks, today. He made tanks, and amphibious crafts, that were far superior to the Military, in the mid thirties. He had a battle tank, that the us turned, down, because he imbarassed them, at the tank obstacle course. The military's tank got hung up on the row of stumps, and Christensens tank, pushed them off of the stumps, and then went on the complete the course, and come back through it, only to see the big brass leaving, and refusing to talk to him. However, Germany said they were very interested in his design, and they bought it. Well it knocked the snot out of our tanks. Only by sheer numbers were we ever able to defeat their tanks. One on one, the sherman had no chance what so ever. The tank crews called them steel coffins.
W.K. Florida

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Seth L. McPhie, Brigham City, Utah — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:53:44 GMT

Those who esteem the AK-47 should remember how reliable the M-1, M-2 and M-14 rifles were. I carried the M-14 for 18 months in Viet Nam and it never failed me no matter what it did to me.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

JOE WILSON,SHADY SPRING,WVA — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:07:09 GMT

BEST ASSAULT RIFLE EVER MADE ----PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:03:28 GMT

I used this superb and durable weapon in various World conflicts( Including Iraq) and say no more- "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE CREATOR!"

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Helen — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:58:56 GMT

To: Aleander Shaumyan

The word, otchestvo, is a second name and ends with a letter O, therefore is is of neutral gender and can by used by either male or female.

Speaking of situations where so much is lost in translation, its no wonder we have wars.

Elena

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Nick, Russia — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 05:12:10 GMT

BTW, AFAIK Kalashikov did his best to stop another talented constructor -- Nikonov. Avtomat Nikonova is better because it has no recoil. As a result of this activity of Kalashnikov, Nikonov died about 5 years ago (of many stresses), though he was younger than Kalashnikov.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Battle Scarred — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 06:54:25 GMT

So?..what if it looks like the stg44? ..think we could have put a man on the moon without Werner von Braun? ..he was German nicht wahr?.Mikhail's country was under attack in WWII .so if he saw something in the enemy's arsenal that he could use all power to him. I've used them all:AK47,HK,SLR,Galil ..and they are all different. In wartime you don't have time to dream up something new. You take an existing idea and improve on it. The tommy gun (Al Capone variant) and the Russian PP shah ...which came first.
Congrats Mikhail your weapon was tops ..... pity that it is now the symbol of terror .. but that's not your fault.

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

KSU Dude, Northeast, KS — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:19:42 GMT

I own several of the Kalashnikov variants and love them. Never had a problem a little WD-40 wouldn't handle. Cheap ammunition, who could ask for anything more?????

All the "anti-everything" people can keep harping all they want. This great country was formed by gunfire and the right of the common man to own whatever gun he wanted. When it comes down to it, anyone who owns a gun should know enough to use it sensibly. But we'll never weed out the small number of people who lack any and all common sense or respect for the rest of humanity.

Happy Birthday!!!!!

The Kalashnikov celebrates 60 years

Scott — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 21:02:45 GMT

We took ours out to the range last weekend just to celebrate.

Not very accurate but it never skips a beat, great machine and a whole lotta fun!