Developed in the Soviet Union by Russian small-arms designer Mikhail Kalashnikov, it is the originating firearm of the Kalashnikov (or 'AK') family of rifles. 'Kalashnikov's automatic ' also known as the Kalashnikov or just AK), is a gas-operated assault rifle that is chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge. The AK-47, officially known as the Avtomat Kalashnikova (Russian: Автомат Калашникова, lit. Specifications (AK-47 with Type 3 receiver)Ĩ75 mm (34.4 in) (folding stock extended)Ģ0-round, 30-round detachable box magazine ,Ĥ0-round, 75-round drum magazines also available ≈ 75 million AK-47s, 100 million Kalashnikov-family weapons. Kalashnikov Concern and various others including Norinco