The Gun

Informative and exhaustively written

On the face of it the AK47 is an enigma. Careful examination of one will reveal just how ingenious its simple design is, the return spring carrier serving as the top cover catch is just perfect. Firing one is a different matter, accuracy was obviously never the main concern. Had this gun been made in Belgium, no one would have ever heard of it. So how come just about everyone on the planet recognises an AK, why is it so famous? This book tells why.Stalin wanted an assault rifle. and boy did the Russians obey, they made them, and then made more. They gave the design away and they built more. Estimates 80 to 120 million, many of which found release in Africa, the Middle East and South America. And being tough as old boots they just keep on going, some will probably be around in the next Century.The AK47/AKM/AK74 and their clones are the most important rifle ever made, and probably ever will be, this book will tell you why.If you want to strip one down or tell a Type from Type 3 look elsewhere, buy something else - and then buy this book.The only let down, more pictures would have been nice.JoeF

This book is a truely tremendously good read. If you are even slightly interested in how the AK47 came about or the effect it has had on the whole world and how we live in the age of war, terrorism and state brutality then this is the book you should read.

This is a very good piece of industrial and military history.

Really quite boring

THIS BOOK! WOOOOOOOW!photo accreditation: http://defendingrussia.ru/