Mikhail Kalashnikov, designer of the iconic assault rifle that bears his name, has died in his home city of Izhevsk. The AK-47, as it’s popularly known, is now believed to be in use in more than 100 countries. And it’s been listed among the "outstanding inventions" of the 20th Century.
It is the tool and often the symbol of revolution. An AK-47 rifle, in the hands of a rebel fighter.
Monday its creator, Mikhail Kalashnikov, died in the same Russian city where the first AK-47s were built in the years immediately after World War 2. He was 94.
Mikhail Kalashnikov, the designer of the assault rifle AK-47, has died
at the age of 94.
Known commonly as the AK -for Automatic Kalashnikov- it is a simple, rugged weapon, designed to operate in adverse conditions without jamming.
"I know every part of them. My hands turned callous. They were always dirty from work，" he said.
As the Cold War progressed, the Soviet union would license the design to countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.
During the U.S. war in Vietnam, U.S. soldiers were known to take AK-47s from Viet Cong guerrillas and north Vietnamese soldiers when their U.S.-made M-16s jammed in the harsh jungle environment.
They would be used by rebel and insurgent groups around the world. The rifle adorns the flag or coat of arms of Mozambique, East Timor and Zimbabwe.
It’s also depicted on the flag of Hezbollah and would be taken up by terrorist groups and criminals worldwide, something that worried Kalashnikov.
"any weapon is deadly if it’s misused and you have to take care, to make sure it stays in the army, in steady hands so it’s not transferred and sold on the streets," he said.
Osama Bin Laden was often seen with a battered AK. His personal weapon now sits on display in a CIA museum.
In the United States, a new AK-47 can be bought for about 400 dollars.
"I didn’t really have any type of rifle that I could use to protect myself and the people I love. The AK is great for home defense. It really is," said Matt Livingston, gun enthusiast.
65 plus years after its creation, it is the most popular assault rifle in the world.
Kalashnikov said he was never bothered that so many people were killed by his creation over the years, saying "I sleep soundly. It’s the politicians who are to blame.
