The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Crime & Justice›Firearm›AK-47
Crime & Justice • Firearm

AK-47

The AK-47 is a Soviet-designed assault rifle associated with Mikhail Kalashnikov and first developed in 1947.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The AK-47 is a Soviet-designed assault rifle, a type of Weapons, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1947. It was adopted by the Soviet Army in 1949 and became one of the most widely produced and recognized firearms in the world. The name is commonly used for the original model and for related Kalashnikov-pattern rifles.

History

The AK-47 was developed in the Soviet Union after World War II as a reliable infantry rifle. Mikhail Kalashnikov designed it in 1947, and the Soviet Army accepted it in 1949.

Design and operation

The AK-47 is a gas-operated, selective-fire rifle built around the 7.62×39mm cartridge. It is known for its durability, simplicity, and detachable box magazine design.

Variants and naming

The original AK-47 was followed by many Kalashnikov-family rifles, including later Soviet models. In common use, 'AK-47' is often applied to the wider family, though technically it can include different models.

Global use and influence

The AK-47 became one of the most recognizable firearms in the world, alongside other iconic weapons such as the M1911 and MP7. It has been used by many military and non-state armed groups, and its global spread made it an enduring symbol in conflicts and political imagery.

Key facts

  • The AK-47 was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1947 and accepted by the Soviet Army in 1949.
  • AK is short for Avtomat Kalashnikova, meaning 'Kalashnikov's automatic' in Russian.
  • The rifle is widely regarded as one of the most widely used shoulder-fired weapons in the world.
  • The AK-47 is chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge.
  • The term 'AK-47' is often used loosely for later Kalashnikov-pattern rifles, not only the original model.
🍁
Canadian context

AK-pattern rifles are relevant to Canadian firearms regulation, public safety debates, and reporting on crime and border enforcement; the AK-47 is also widely recognized in Canadian media and education as a historically significant military firearm.

Frequently asked questions

What does AK-47 stand for?
AK comes from the Russian phrase Avtomat Kalashnikova, meaning 'Kalashnikov's automatic.' The '47' refers to the year 1947, when the design was developed.
Who designed the AK-47?
It was designed by Soviet engineer Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov.
When was the AK-47 adopted?
The Soviet Army accepted the rifle in 1949.
What cartridge does the AK-47 use?
The AK-47 is chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge.
Is 'AK-47' the correct name for all Kalashnikov rifles?
No. The term is often used generically, but it originally referred to the 1947 design and is sometimes used more broadly for later Kalashnikov-pattern rifles.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/technology/AK-47
    Supports: Designer, meaning of AK, origin, and broad historical significance.
  2. Smithsonian Institution — https://www.si.edu/object/ak-47-automatic-rifle:nmah_439260
    Supports: Design by Mikhail Kalashnikov and Soviet Army acceptance in 1949.
  3. Wikipedia — https://www.wikiwikipedia.org/wiki/AK-47
    Supports: Effective firing range and basic specification details.
  4. Military.com — https://www.military.com/off-duty/ak-47-all-about.html
    Supports: Widespread use, global reputation, and general historical context.
  5. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/AK-47
    Supports: 1947 design date and later Soviet service context.
  6. The Globalist — https://www.theglobalist.com/20-facts-mikhail-kalashnikov-ak-47/
    Supports: Approximate worldwide production and broad global spread claims.